ASD Highlights & Happenings
Spring 2024 Edition
Dear Abington School District Community,
It's hard to believe that spring is here, and the end of the school year is on the horizon. It has been a busy start to 2024, and I have loved getting to go around to our school buildings to see our students learning and engaging in meaningful activities.
In the month of March alone I had the opportunity to: read to students in celebration of Read Across America Month; celebrate World Down Syndrome Day; attend performances of our schools' annual spring musical productions; and observe many of our students participating in charitable fundraising events, raising tens of thousands of dollars that go directly back to organizations in our area.
Also occurring in March, the District's team of home and school visitors partnered with High Focus Treatment Centers in Montgomery County to bring a Health & Wellness Fair to Abington Senior High School for the first time ever. The event ran in conjunction with the annual College and Career Fair hosted by the Counseling Department, though it was open to all ASD families. We thank the approximately 25 vendors and community partners who attended, representing services such as behavioral health, addiction treatment, crisis planning, and health/wellness. If you could not attend the event but would like tools and resources on how to speak with your student on topics such as consent, feelings and stress, please visit SafeSecureKids.org.
As we look ahead to the coming months, I remind you that we will continue to have information to share regarding our facilities planning process, and we intend to host a community open house toward the end of the school year with additional opportunities for input. Please read our One ASD, One Future section further down in this newsletter, and visit our website for additional updates and timing.
Regards,
Dr. Jeffrey Fecher
Superintendent of Schools
What's Happening
One ASD One Future Update: Shared Priorities for Facility Improvements
At the heart of Abington Township and Rockledge Borough lies a deep commitment to educational excellence. As Abington School District moves to the next phase of our long-term facilities planning process, we must not lose sight of the principles guiding our efforts. We will continue to prioritize the well-being and success of our students, recognizing that quality education is foundational to a thriving community where people want to live, work, and raise their families.
Abington School District has invested in our school buildings to improve education and support our students, teachers, and staff. For example, the recent renovation of Abington Senior High School and the addition of 9th-grade students as part of the districtwide grade span reconfiguration demonstrated the positive impact these kinds of investments have.
Now, the District is turning our attention to our aging elementary schools and the middle school, the oldest building in the district that has significant infrastructure and classroom needs.
As part of this process, we have conducted a comprehensive assessment of our school buildings, two community surveys, and stakeholder input sessions with teachers and staff, students, Abington Community Task Force Members, and parents and guardians, including those who are PTO/PTA board members.
Among many insights shared by these groups, we have heard a consistent theme: our community recognizes the importance of investing in our schools to provide a quality learning environment.
The District firmly believes that investments in our local schools benefit our students and strengthen our entire community. The next step in our long-term facilities planning process is to develop options that support a comprehensive plan to address the needs of the middle school and improve elementary school infrastructure.
Our goal is clear: find a plan that delivers the best long-term value for students, staff, and the community.
Visit OneASDOneFuture.org/resources to find more information on the facilities feasibility study and feedback the District received from the two community surveys and stakeholder input sessions.
As we move forward, community engagement will remain central to our decision-making. Visit OneASDOneFuture.org to stay informed and engaged in shaping the best plan for our schools, and use the Connect form to submit any questions or feedback.
Abington Pledge of Character
March: Encouragement
For the March theme of "Encouragement" students at Roslyn Elementary School took the slogan "Roslyn Rocks!" to heart, giving shout-outs to their classmates for acts of kindness, compassion, respect, or empathy. Students showed an overwhelming amount of love and support for one another!
February: Kindness
For the month of February, and in celebration of Black History Month, Copper Beech 5th graders from Ms. Fields' class created a "Masterpeace" bulletin board tied to the character trait of "Kindness". The theme blossomed through the month as students added flowers with kind messages to others!
January: Helpfulness
Sixth graders at Abington Middle School participated in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Sock Roll Challenge in conjunction with local nonprofit, The Giving Tree. They collected crackers, granola bars, and socks in their English Language Arts classes to make over 300 sock rolls for the homeless community!
In Case You Missed It
The Arts Take Center Stage this Spring
Congratulations to the many students who were part of the casts and crews of the various musicals and theater productions across the District this spring! Additionally, we congratulate our many talented visual artists who have had their works displayed in exhibits outside the District in recent months.
Fiddler on the Roof
Abington Senior High School
Raise Your Voice!
Abington Middle School
Beauty & The Beast Jr.
Copper Beech Elementary School
PAEA Youth Art Month Virtual Exhibit
Twenty-four Abington Senior High School students participated in the Pennsylvania Art Education Association's 2024 Youth Art Month Virtual Exhibition! Reynold Cowdery, grade 12, won first place in the Photography Division. His work will be on display in the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg, PA.
PSEA "Touch the Future" Exhibit
Welcome, Dr. Swift!
After a meet-and-greet event with Abington Senior High School families at the end of January, Dr. Alice Swift officially began her position as the new Principal of Abington Senior High School! Since then she has been working closely with her administrative team, and has already formed both a student advisory committee and a faculty advisory committee to get feedback and useful insights as she implements new projects and initiatives across the building.
Elementary Schools Celebrate Read Across America Month
At Overlook and Rydal elementary schools, guest readers came to classrooms in early March to read to students as part of the One School, One Book program.
Overlook Elementary School
Rydal Elementary School
Central Administration Department Updates
Community Relations: How to Stay Informed
What is the quickest way for you to receive information in the event of an emergency? Depending on the situation, Abington School District may utilize any number of the following methods of contacting you:
- Parent/Guardian Email - Abington School District now utilizes Thrillshare to send District-wide emails. These emails will be sent to your address listed in Skyward, and will be sent from ASDinfo@abington.k12.pa.us.
- Text Message - These messages will come from our ASD shortcode, 98900; only mobile numbers listed in Skyward are eligible to receive District text messages. Reply STOP if you wish to unsubscribe.
- Phone Call - You may receive an automated voice call at your primary phone number listed in Skyward. If you do not answer the phone, the system will leave a voicemail.
- ASD Website and/or Social Media Channels - In addition to www.abingtonsd.org, you can follow us on Facebook (@AbingtonSD), or Instagram (@AbingtonSD).
- Mobile App - The Live Feed of the app is a great source for up-to-the-minute information on your mobile device. Subscribe to your student’s school and the District, and enable push notifications, which may be utilized for specific announcements. Download it in the App Store or Google Play.
Human Resources - Part-time Work Available!
Interested in part-time or flexible work in the Abington School District? Consider joining our team as a substitute or a part-time staff member! We currently have openings for substitute teachers, substitute paraeducators, substitute administrative assistants, as well as part time positions assisting in providing cafeteria and recess supervision. To learn more, please visit our Careers page!
Human Resources - New Volunteer Procedures
Interested in serving as a school volunteer? Visit our dedicated volunteer webpage for directions on how to obtain, or update, your clearances.
ASD in the News
Good to Know
Click the Graphic Above for More Information on Our Website.
Upcoming Key Dates
- Wednesday, March 27 - Early Dismissal (Senior High - 11 a.m.; Middle School - 11:30 a.m..; Elementary Schools - 12:20 p.m.)
- Thursday, March 28 - Monday, April 1 - Spring Recess
- Wednesday, April 10 - Eid
- Monday, April 15 - Arts in ASD Parent/Guardian Group Meeting, 7:00 p.m., Little Theater at Abington Middle School
- Tuesday, April 16 - Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, April 23 - Professional Development Day (No Classes)
- Tuesday, April 30 - Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 14 - Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 21 - 5th Grade Community Day, 10 a.m.
- Thursday, May 23 - Early Dismissal (Senior High - 12:35 p.m.)
- Friday, May 24 - Early Dismissal (Senior High - 11 a.m.; Middle School - 11:30 a.m..; Elementary Schools - 12:20 p.m.)
- Monday, May 27 - Memorial Day (Schools and Offices Closed)
- Tuesday, May 28 - Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, June 5 - Commencement, 6:00 p.m., Schwarzman Stadium at Abington Senior High School (Rain Dates - June 6 and 10)
Abington School District is committed to complying fully with all Federal and state laws banning discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or religion with regard to instructional programs, extracurricular activities, and employment practices. For more information, see the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act at the following: PHRC Website.
Any person who believes they are a victim of discrimination by the school district should refer the matter to the attention of the building principal and/or area supervisor. If the matter is not resolved satisfactorily, it should be brought to the attention of the Superintendent of Schools. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies:
Director of Human Resources; 970 Highland Avenue, Abington, PA 19001; 215-881-2509; hr@abington.k12.pa.us
Director of Pupil Services; 970 Highland Avenue, Abington, PA 19001; 215-881-2505; studentservices@abington.k12.pa.us