#ThisIsCheltenham
Friday, May 4
Welcome to the CSD weekly News Share — a District recap of the recent week's top stories, updates, initiatives and NEED TO KNOW INFORMATION. Do you know a community member who would like to receive this directly? Invite them to visit cheltenham.org and click on the eNEWS icon on the front page to register. #thisischeltenham
Kindergarten Registration Opens Monday
Kindergarten registration and readiness screenings for this coming school year start Monday, May 7 and run through Thursday, May 24. Register your child from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Administration Building (2000 Ashbourne Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027). There are no appointments on Friday, May 11 or 18 or Tuesday, May 15 due to staff professional development. Prior to making an appointment, complete and submit an online application. You must be a Cheltenham Township resident to register. To make your readiness screening appointment, please contact Ms. Kate Shevlin at 215-881-6322 or Ms. Dominique Peters at 215-881-6330. After May 24, 2018, kindergarten registration will be done during the summer registration session, which will include all new K-12 students. Those dates and times will be posted when available. Visit the registration hub>
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College Decision Daze
On Tuesday, May 1, CHS students participated in Decision Day by wearing gear announcing where they’ve decided to attend college. Along with popular schools like Temple, La Salle, St. Joseph’s, Villanova, Drexel, West Chester, Penn State, Pitt and Delaware, students donned t-shirts and sweatshirts bearing the logos of Princeton, Columbia, Miami, Alvernia, Vermont, Spelman, Dartmouth, Drew, High Point, American, Penn, North Carolina A&T, Maryland Institute College of Art and Fordham and MIT.
The next day, almost 50 Cheltenham seniors made the trip down Broad Street to Temple’s Liacouras Center to join 8,000 other college-bound seniors to participate in National Signing Day. Sponsored in part by Reach Higher, Better Make Room and the School District of Philadelphia, the event featured a number of celebrities, including Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper, Nick Cannon, Zendaya and Rebel Wilson and a keynote address from former First Lady Michelle Obama. College Signing Day celebrates high school seniors choosing to pursue higher education at a professional training program, community college, four-year college or university or military. Started by Michelle Obama during her time at the White House, Reach Higher continues its college access and completion work at Civic Nation, a non-profit focused on innovative engagement and awareness initiatives. This work includes Reach Higher's Better Make Room campaign, which aims to inspire every student in America to take charge of their future by completing their education past high school.
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Lady Panthers Earn Multiple Titles at 124th Penn Relays
The Cheltenham girls track team ran away with two relay titles this past weekend at the 124th running of the Penn Relays, the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States. Juniors Bria Barnes and Ciani Fleming and seniors Alexis Crosby and Ni'Asia Williams won the 4x100-meter Tri-State relay in 47.39 seconds, besting Union Catholic of Scotch Plains, New Jersey, by less than 0.2 of a second. Cheltenham, which has won this event four consecutive years, set the meet record in 2017. Read more>
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9th Annual Michael Brecker Benefit Concert
The Cheltenham High School Jazz Big Band will honor one of the school’s most successful alumni at the annual Michael Brecker Benefit Concert at the High School’s Little Theatre on Friday, May 11 at 6:30 p.m. A 1967 graduate, Brecker, a saxophonist, had a tremendous impact on jazz and pop music for decades, earning 15 Grammy Awards and 28 Grammy Award nominations throughout his career. The Brecker Benefit Concert supports student scholarships, the band program and funding research for myelodysplastic syndrome, which claimed Brecker’s life in 2007. Appetizers and light fare will be served. Tickets are available at the door and are $15. Any other questions can be directed to Daniel Reitz or Matt Berntsen. Read more>
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Elementary Students Represent Cheltenham in Harrisburg
Myers and Wyncote Elementary students participated in the Pennsylvania Association for Educational Communications and Technology (PAECT) 27th annual Student Technology Showcase in the east rotunda of the Capitol Building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on Monday, April 30. The event presents legislators and the public with the opportunity to learn how teachers and students are integrating technology into K-12 classrooms across the Commonwealth. Myers students showcased the “Myers FAB Lab,” an ever-evolving endeavor where students come to ask, imagine, create and innovate from construction and coding to 3-D printing and robotics and more. Wyncote showcased its WETV production studio club with a “pop-up” studio and demonstrated how television production can enhance writing, listening and speaking skills. Read more>
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Students Work on Documentary as CSD Celebrates Mindful May
Glenside third graders worked with CHS seniors prior to the launch of the District’s third annual Mindful May to create a mindfulness documentary for their peers. The students have been practicing mindfulness for most of the school year. They wrote and starred in their own film that will show other children how easy and helpful a little mindfulness can be. The film is being edited with intention of having a preview by the end of this month. An annual tradition that has become deeply ingrained in the District’s culture, Mindful May offers students and staff many ways to embed non-judgmental awareness and mindful practices into their daily lives. The District is proud that CSD is at the forefront of enhancing the holistic experience of students, staff and families. Students in grades K-6 are participating in Mindful Bingo, which offers 23 mindful activities to do alone or with their family members. Staff has been offered a mindful calendar with 31 practices guaranteed to bring peace and calm into their lives. Learn more about mindfulness>
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Students Attend Penn Intercultural Greek Council College Panel
Cheltenham High School students attended an Intercultural Greek Council (IGC) College Panel at the University of Pennsylvania this past weekend. Members of Penn’s IGC spoke to the students about applying to college, transitioning from high school and what an integral role Greek life can play in a college experience. The Intercultural Greek Council (IGC) at the University of Pennsylvania is the umbrella organization for the historically African American, Latino and Asian Greek letter organizations. The panel was the culminating activity of Penn Relay weekend events sponsored by the IGC. Chaperoned by High School Climate and Culture Administrator Robert Curry, CHS students were invited as a part of the district's ongoing mentoring initiative in collaboration with Dr. Brian Peterson, Penn’s Director of the Makuu Black Cultural Center.
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Congratulations to CBK’s Reading Olympians
Fourteen Cedarbrook students made the Wildcats proud at 2018 Montgomery County Intermediate Unit’s Middle School Reading Olympics, Tuesday, May 1. Competing against other teams from Montgomery County, CBK scored 59 points to take home a blue ribbon, the highest prize. Reading Olympics aims to increase students’ reading for enjoyment and increase reading skills. Students collaborate with their teammates to read 40 to 50 books selected by a committee of librarians, reading specialists and classroom teachers. These professionals read the books and write questions which student teams answer.
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CBK Duo Takes Third Place at North American School Scrabble Championship
This past weekend, seventh graders Jesse Packel and Miles Copping finished 6-2 and in third place in the Challenge Division of the 2018 North American School Scrabble Championship at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Overall, five teams of Elkins Park and Cedarbrook students competed against 53 other teams in Challenge Division, the lower of the two divisions (and the one recommended for first-time players). The teams outperformed the expectations they set for themselves, all finishing in the top quarter of tournament. G-R-E-A-T J-O-B, C-S-D (24 points, depending on placement).
Results:
Jesse Packel (CBK) and Miles Copping (CBK) finished 6-2 and in third place
Addison Lee (EP) and Emmaline Schadel (EP) finished 5-3 and in 14th place
Ben Appel (CBK) and Sophia Woodcock (EP) finished 5-3 and in 15th place
Betsy Cooper (EP) and Isabella Lynn (EP) finished 5-3 record and in 21st place
Dylan Rix (EP) and Dathan Lang (EP) finished 4-4 and in 23rd place
Calendar Reminders
Inclement weather on Wednesday, March 21 forced the cancellation of an early dismissal/faculty meeting. Recognizing the importance of the time faculty spends together, the Cheltenham School District has rescheduled that January date for Monday, May 14. The professional development day for teachers and staff scheduled for Tuesday, May 15 and early dismissal on Wednesday, May 16 will still occur as scheduled.
Early dismissal times for May 14 and 16 are as follows:
CHS - 1:25 p.m.
Cedarbrook - 2:03 p.m.
Elkins Park School - 2:37 p.m.
K-4 Schools - 2:45 p.m.
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It's Official: Final Student Day June 20
Under the authority of Section 1504 of the "Pennsylvania Public School Code of 1949," the Department of Education has approved the District’s petition to increase its 2017-2018 Act 80 days by two, meaning the final student day will remain as scheduled on June 20, 2018.
See below for a rundown of important end-of-school dates:
June 14: High School Commencement
June 19: K-4 4th Grade Move up Day
June 20: Last student day
June 20: Elkins Park Move Up Assembly
June 20: CBK 8th Grade Promotion
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Start of School Year Reminder
Please note, Cheltenham School District kicks off its 2018-19 school year before Labor Day. First day of classes is Monday, Aug. 27, 2018. View Calendar>.
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Premium Reserved Graduation Seats up for Auction
Each graduating Cheltenham senior will receive six tickets to this year’s ceremony at La Salle University on June 14. For families who’d like to avoid the crowds, the bleacher climb and seats without backs, another option exists. Six premium reserved seats are being auctioned, and the winning bid will go to support the 2018 Post Prom Party. Organized and funded entirely by the parents of the graduating class, the post prom party gives CHS seniors and their dates a safe place to continue their prom night celebration. The CHS Post Prom party tradition dates to 1962. All are invited, regardless of whether they attend prom. Auction closes Friday, May 11 at 8 p.m. Click through to place a bid>
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Run the bases with the Cub Club at Baseball's Annual Marathon Game
Kindergarten through fourth grade students are invited to Cheltenham’s Cub Club event at the CHS Baseball team’s annual Marathon Game on May 19 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the High School. While the varsity and junior varsity squads play their 100-inning game, Cub Club members will have a meet and greet with the CHS baseball players and coaches, as well as have the opportunity to run the bases in between games. For more information about Cub Club, contact Terri Kelly or Brandi Millis. Register online for the Cub Club event>
The family-friendly marathon game includes music, featuring CHS graduate DJ Dee-Square, bounce house and ballpark concessions. All proceeds support the CHS baseball program. Make a contribution>
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Volunteers Needed for Unified Track Meet
Cheltenham hosts Souderton, Abington and Spring-Ford for its third annual unified track meet Friday, May 11 at 3:30 p.m., and seeks volunteers to officiate, keep time and perform pre-game setups, among other tasks. The day is filled with fun, joy and excitement and volunteers will get back more than they give when interacting with the unified student athletes and partners. If you are interested in volunteering, contact John Creighton or Kimberly Slaninko in the CHS Athletic Department.
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Stay Informed | Ed Affairs
During the April 24, 2018 Educational Affairs Committee meeting there were two presentations, PA Department of Education Chapter 339, and credit recovery. Presentation (A) explains PA Department of Education chapter 339 and shares the District's plan for developing and implementing a comprehensive program of K-12 guidance services aligned to the Career Education and Work (CEW) standards and integrating those standards into the curriculum. Presentation (B) includes current student data surrounding undercredited students and the district's plan to support these students through better communication and use of the Montgomery County Virtual Program (MVP) with onsite support at CHS during summer school in order to facilitate credit recovery. See full presentations>
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Keystone Testing Schedule
With Keystone Testing approaching rapidly, we wanted to share the testing schedule. May 17-18 and 21-24 are designated as Keystone Testing days. On the first four days, school will operate on a 3-hour delay schedule. On their respective testing days, students will report to school at the regular arrival time (7:27 a.m.). The chart below identifies days your student will be testing and what time to report to school on days they are not testing.
Make Up Testing
If a student is scheduled to take a Keystone Exam and is absent on that testing day, he/she will make up the missed exam on one of the following days: May 18, 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25. Please direct any questions to District Assessment Coordinator Dr. Ray Realdine at 215-881-6335.
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Foundation Offers Innovation Grants for Cheltenham Teachers and Staff
Cheltenham teachers and staff are encouraged to submit applications for Cheltenham School District Foundation’s innovation grants by the Tuesday, June 12 deadline. This year, the Foundation looks to disperse more than $23,000 to make innovative and creative instructional programs designed to enhance and enrich the educational experiences of the students and staff in the Cheltenham community come to life. The multi-faceted Foundation grants initiative provides diverse program support, integrating and supplementing CSD’s regular instructional programs. Many of these programs provide unique approaches to learning, some are offered outside of school hours and are separate from the curriculum and academic program. Apply now>
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Sports Physicals for 2018-2019
Athletics physicals for the 2018-2019 school year should be completed on or after June 1, 2018, and will be effective, regardless of when performed through May 31, 2019. Students must submit their physical forms as soon as possible after May 31, preferable by August 1 if they want to participate in any fall sports. On the day the physical is completed, ask the physician to stamp Section 6 of the PIAA physical form. We will only accept the completed PIAA physical forms for participation in after-school athletic programs. Download physical form>
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Vaccination Clinic for Rising 7th and 12th Graders
The Office of Student Services has arranged through Detweiler Family Medicine and Associates of Lansdale to conduct a free vaccine clinic at Cheltenham High School for rising seventh and 12th graders on Monday, June 4 from 3 to 6 p.m. for students who may still be in need of particular vaccinations. Register your child online> | Read more>