#ThisIsCheltenham
Sunday, April 26, 2020
In this week's edition of #ThisIsCheltenham, Wyncote fourth grader spends shutdown in "A Galaxy Far, Far Away," CHS Problem Solvers qualify for state bowl, and a video of Elkins Park celebrating Spirit Day. "Need to Know Info" includes this week's update from Superintendent Dr. Wagner Marseille, important information from the College Board, NCAA and PIAA, board committee summaries and numerous other coronavirus-related items. "Upcoming Meetings/Events" features information about the next round of virtual board committee and legislative meetings.
Wyncote Fourth Grader Spends Shutdown Time in "A Galaxy Far, Far Away ... "
Wyncote fourth grader David Brookes and his friend Sarah Grubb (Clone Commander 2D-avi and Sa-rah Opress, respectively) have spent COVID-19 shutdown time working hard launching the podcast and companion website "STAR WARS: Weird but True."
In four episodes ("Clone Commotion," "Wonders of Anakin," "Mysteries of Maul" and "The Weird Galaxy"), Brookes, who participates in Wyncote's WE TV program, has shared his vast knowledge of little known "Star Wars" facts. The podcast pair intends to "discuss really cool, and TOTALLY INSANE facts about STAR WARS. They search the galaxy for strange items, people, creatures, places and much, much more."
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CHS Future Problem Solving Teams Qualify for States
Two Cheltenham High School teams of Future Problem Solvers qualified for the Pennsylvania Future Problem Solving Bowl, previously scheduled for Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25 in Harrisburg. The state bowl was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, though both teams will receive certificates for their accomplishments at the state level.
“We look forward to next year and the opportunity to compete in person in Harrisburg and possibly move on to the International level under better circumstances,” said coach Sarah Putterman. Read more>
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Elkins Park Spirit Day - Coronavirus Edition
Coronavirus Updates
Families and staff interested in the latest school district updates regarding coronavirus should visit www.cheltenham.org/coronavirus. The page is updated on a regular basis with information from the continuity of education plan and grab-n-go meal bag distribution information to social-emotional health information and updates from the superintendent and office of education. Read more>
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CSD Coronavirus Update from Superintendent Dr. Wagner Marseille
Dear Cheltenham Families and Staff,
I hope this message finds you in a good physical and emotional space. This week, Governor Wolf shared Friday, May 8 as the date Pennsylvania will begin a phased reopening. Some took this announcement as a positive sign about easing restrictions, while others were reminded of the long journey ahead we must share in our return to “normal.”
Nelson Mandela once stated, “May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears,” a statement that has long resonated with me. I try to live free of fear and hope many of us can view our pandemic environment through the lens of hope and better days. At the same time, I won’t forget the steep price paid by those who have lost so much, and the physical, emotional, and spiritual pain of our family members, loved ones or neighbors.
One of the choices I’m happy to announce is the implementation of a twice-weekly synchronous check in with our staff and students. I must acknowledge the support of our staff and my appreciation of the families who communicated this need.
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Important AP Testing Information
CHS AP coordinators Lori Felgoise and Lori Cohen have prepared a document offering the most up-to-date information regarding AP testing. Please take the time to read it, as the information is critical to your student's success on their AP test. Contact Lori Felgoise or Lori Cohen with any questions. Read the letter>
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Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Issues FAQs
This week, the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) issued an FAQs document covering topics including additional years of eligibility and seasons, and non-school participation, among others. Read the FAQs>
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NCAA Eligibility Center COVID-19 Response FAQs
Given the unprecedented events during spring/summer 2020 due to COVID-19, the NCAA Eligibility Center has partnered with the NCAA membership to identify adjustments to the initial-eligibility certification process. Click through to read the FAQs>
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Grab-n-Go Meal Bag Distribution
The Cheltenham School District is proud of its commitment to assisting its most in-need families and will continue its distribution of grab-n-go meal bags on Wednesday, April 29 from 10 a.m. - noon at the Administration Building (2000 Ashbourne Rd., Elkins Park). All grab-n-go meal bags contain enough food for several days. The district has partnered with its food services sub-contractor Chartwells to pack the bags (while maintaining proper social distance), and so far, almost 10,500 meals have been distributed. To those wishing to contribute gift cards to the effort, thank you in advance. Please connect with director of student services Dr. Cheryl Horsey. For families facing food insecurity, see the MontCo Anti-Hunger Network's list of food pantries>
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Technology Updates
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Stay Informed: April Facilities Committee Meeting
With co-chair David Cohen presiding via Zoom, the Facilities Committee convened on Tuesday, April 14. The agenda included updates on COVID-19-related facilities and maintenance updates, facilities building updates, facilities condition assessment and project works. Committee members were briefed about the Elkins Park School air conditioning upgrades, which will include adding power to support installing window AC units throughout the building, and the need for this work to be approved to continue during the government-mandated COVID-19 school shutdown. The committee meets next on Tuesday, May 5. View the presentation>
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Stay Informed: April Finance Committee Meeting
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Stay Informed: April Policy Committee Meeting
The district hosted its April 22 Policy Committee meeting in a Zoom seminar room. Co-chairs Dan Schultz and Julie Haywood, committee members Joel Fishbein, Tyrone Scott and Charles Burdell-Williams, superintendent, administrators and solicitor were in attendance. Six items from that meeting will move forward for action at the Tuesday, April 28 legislative board meeting. The next Policy Committee meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 27 at 8 a.m. Read more> | View the presentation>
Virtual Legislative Board Meeting
The monthly legislative board meeting will be virtual. Join the meeting at www.cheltenham.org/zoom. Meeting will also be available at Cheltenham.org/stream, Comcast Ch. 42 and Verizon Ch. 1960.
Agenda review begins at 6:30 p.m.; meeting at 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Apr 28, 2020, 07:00 PM
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Virtual Facilities and Finance Committee Meetings
The monthly facilities and finance committee meetings will be virtual. Join the meeting at www.cheltenham.org/zoom. Meeting will also be available at Cheltenham.org/stream, Comcast Ch. 42 and Verizon Ch. 1960.
Tuesday, May 5, 2020, 07:00 PM
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Montgomery County Recruitment Outreach (MCRO) Virtual Education Career Fair
Thursday, May 7, 2020, 12:00 PM
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Special Education Alliance of Cheltenham (SEAC) Virtual Meeting
Agenda:
- Elect officers for 2020-21 school year
- Vote on bylaws
Getting involved with SEAC provides the opportunity to meet and connect with other parents of children who receive, or may be in need of, special education services. Whether you are new to the special education arena, or a seasoned veteran, all parents and caregivers are welcome! Join us as we learn from each other, help plan events that educate others, and work together to advocate for our children. For more information and a full calendar of SEAC meetings and events, visit our Facebook page.