May 2023 Superintendent's Update
May 2023
Happy May Upper Moreland Community!
This month has been filled with events honoring the accomplishments of our students and fun activities to celebrate a successful year of growth and learning across the district. From art shows and academic awards evenings to field days and trips to amusement parks, students, families, and staff have taken time to honor and recognize a year of learning.
In the remaining days of school–less than 6 but who’s counting–we will celebrate the transition of our fifth graders to middle school, our eighth graders to high school, and our senior graduating Class of 2023 to alumni status and the next chapter of their incredible lives and the amazing things they are going to accomplish. As Superintendent, I am very proud of our graduating class and look forward to celebrating them on June 6th at our commencement ceremony beginning at 7:00pm in the stadium. Please consider joining the event to honor our graduates.
I encourage you to enjoy these last few days of the 2022-2023 school year and take some time to reflect on all that we have accomplished as an Upper Moreland community for our students.
Go Bears!
Sincerely,
Dr. Susan Elliott
Superintendent of Schools
Board Approves Final 2023-2024 Budget
At the May 23, 2023 Board of School Directors meeting, the Board approved the Final 2023-2024 Budget. This budget is the result of the expert guidance of our District CFO, Mr. Lentz, and the collaborative work of the Administration. The budget represents sound fiscal planning which includes finding efficiencies in expenditures and fiscally responsible allocation of various revenue sources to meet the needs of the District.
This budget supports several goal areas of the District’s Comprehensive Plan through the following areas of focus:
Creating a safe and welcoming learning environment for all students
Enhancing special education and student services programming
Increasing access to mental and behavioral health supports
Providing access to quality academic and behavioral supports
To support these goals, this budget includes some additional staffing positions. These positions include the addition of an English Language Development teacher and a social worker. The additional positions also include several special education teachers and instructional assistants to support our students with IEPs.
For more information on the 2023-2024 Final Budget, please visit the Business Office page of our District website and download the 2023-2024 Budget Document.
Kindergarten Registration is Open for the 2023-2024 School Year
Registration is open for students of the Upper Moreland Class of 2036. Residents of Upper Moreland Township can register their child(ren) who will be age 5 on or before September 1, 2023. To register your child for kindergarten, please visit the Registration Section of our Website for more information.
We look forward to meeting our newest Golden Bears!
Dates to Remember
- Thursday, June 1: Senior Academic Awards Night
- Tuesday, June 6: Commencement 2023
- Wednesday, June 7: LAST DAY OF SCHOOL / Early Dismissal
- Primary School and Intermediate School dismissal at 11:45 am
- Middle School and High School dismissal at 11:00 am
- Tuesday, June 13: Committee of the Whole Meeting
- Including Policy, Programs, Budget & Finance, and Facilities
- Monday, June 19: DISTRICT CLOSED - Juneteenth
- Tuesday, June 20: Legislative Meeting
Upper Moreland May Highlights Video
Celebrating Our Student Artists
This spring our student artists showcased their work for families and the community. Through their art, the students represented their experiences, their learning, and their ideas. Here are some highlights of our Upper Moreland artists’ work.
Upper Moreland MS and IS Students Honor Our Nation at Phillies Game
On Sunday, May 7th musicians from the Upper Moreland Middle and Intermediate Schools performed the National Anthem at the Phillies’ game against the Boston Red Sox. Under the direction of Mr. Stahl and Ms. Brann, the students impressed the players, fans, and the Phanatic with their impressive performance. Way to go Bears! You were Phantastic!
2023 UMHS Lip Dub
Upper Moreland High School proudly presents the 2023 UMHS Lip Dub Video! The Lip Dub committee worked throughout the course of the school year to plan and create a video highlighting the students and staff who make the high school community a welcoming and positive place. Special thanks to Ms. Mazurek for her leadership with this project.
What’s So Cool about Manufacturing?
The UM MIddle School Global Innovations Team advanced to the state competition for “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing” video contest and represented their region on May 15, 2023 in Harrisburg. Our team finished in the top 2% of over 1,100 video submissions. Congratulations to this team of 7th and 8th graders for their teamwork and great representation at the state competition!
Upper Moreland Students Compete in Special Olympics
On Tuesday, May 23, 2023 students in grades three through twelve competed in the Lower Montgomery County Special Olympics at Hatboro-Horsham High School. The event began with opening ceremonies followed by a full day of competition. Our students competed in events such as the 50 Meter Run, Softball Throw, and Standing Long Jump. Our Upper Moreland students joined more than 300 students and 500 volunteers from 10 Montgomery County School Districts. It was an amazing day celebrating the accomplishments of incredible athletes!
UMHS Students of the Month
We are proud to recognize the following high school students who were named students of the month for May and June by the Rotary Club and the Eastern June student of the month.
May Student of the Month - Lukas Williamson
Lukas is a dedicated and hardworking student at Upper Moreland. He has succeeded academically taking many Advanced Placement classes to continually earn honor roll recognition and maintain a GPA of 4.1. In addition to a strong academic record, Lukas has represented the Class of 2023 as President for three years. He also serves as the Student Senate President. Lukas also has a seat on the Superintendent’s Advisory Council.
Lukas was nominated by teacher, Mr. Andrew Walton because of his leadership in UMHS. "Lukas has been the Class of 2023 Class President and leader for the past three years. Lukas is a hard-working student who cares about his fellow classmates and wants them to have the best possible high school experience".
During his Class President term, he advocated for bullying reform, held a free smoothie event, made a freshman assistance plan, helped to plan the proms, snowball dances, and fundraisers. Lukas helped to raise awareness for better communication between administration and students, for changes on senior final exemptions, and planning spirit week.
Lukas is a percussionist who is involved with the Marching Band, Jazz Band, Indoor Percussion, MontCo Honor Band, and Pop/Rock Band. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, and one of the anchors on the Morning Announcements show. Outside of school he volunteers for the JRA and at Food Pantries.
Congratulations Lukas!!
June Student of the Month - Isabella Luchsinger
Isabella has been involved in many activities in school throughout her 4 years. Her dedication to her academics can be seen through her involvement with the National Honor Society. Through her work with them she has tutored students struggling with various classes, and completed many service hours. She was a member of the varsity bowling team for 4 years. As a member of the marching band, she plays the trumpet and enjoys the competitive atmosphere and comradery with her fellow students.
As a two year leader in the UMatter group, she helps facilitate meetings and organizes the Bear Den, which is the high school based food pantry that allows students to grab snacks during the day or bring home canned food and dry goods. She was an integral part of the group's work toward implementing inclusion practices in the high school and promoting mental health awareness. Her work to help community members with food insecurities continues at the Willow Grove Baptist Church Food Pantry, which is a community based organization that is open multiple times throughout the week for those in need. They also maintain a website with items needed that can be dropped off 24/7 in their parking lot. In addition to her activities in and out of the school, she also maintains a part time job at the local Wawa.
Bella is a quiet leader who leads by example. She is always present in everything she does, committing herself fully, and seeing everything through to conclusion. Teachers describe her as being “a positive influence on her classmates; she is always encouraging those around her.” Next year, Isabella will attend Jefferson University as a pre-med major. Her goal is to become a developmental behavioral pediatrician, and help children with developmental and behavioral disorders.
Congratulations Isabella!
Brian Smith, Senior - June Student of the Month at Eastern
Brian Smith, an Upper Moreland High School senior, is the June 2023 Student of the Month at Eastern Center for Arts and Technology in Willow Grove. Brian is being recognized for his outstanding work in Eastern’s Exercise Science and Rehabilitation program. Brian has always known that a career in the medical field was in his future. When he was in tenth grade, he heard about the new Eastern program, Exercise Science and Rehabilitation, from his Upper Moreland High School Counselor, Ms. Susan Carney. Brian had a lot of friends in various programs throughout Eastern, and heard it was a great way to prepare for your future.
At Eastern, Brian was chosen by his Exercise Science and Rehabilitation Instructor, Ms. Shelley Helm, as a student presenter during Eastern’s 10th Grade Career Expo, an opportunity for 10th graders from the participating school districts to visit Eastern programs. He is a leader in the classroom who recently assisted his instructor in teaching the Knee Unit of the course, since he took Anatomy class last year and had good understanding of the topic.
At Upper Moreland High School, Brian is a member of the National Honor Society and has achieved Distinguished Honor Roll since 2019. Brian participates in volunteer work with the National Honor Society, such as food delivery to homeless shelters, cleaning and disinfecting books for the Cops and Kids program, and peer tutoring in science-related subjects. He is also a member of the Upper Moreland Baseball Team and recently moved from Catcher to Outfielder. “Brian has a passion for the field, and pushes himself to be his best,” said Ms. Helm, Eastern’s Exercise Science and Rehabilitation Instructor. “He genuinely wants to help people, which will make him an outstanding medical professional. I am immensely proud of all of his accomplishments and cannot wait to
see what his future hold.”
After Eastern and Upper Moreland High School, Brian will be attending University of Pittsburgh where he will pursue a major in Biology and minor in Kinesiology. After completing his undergraduate studies, he plans to attend medical school to become a doctor in physical medicine.
Congratulations Brian!
THANK YOU Upper Moreland Staff
Each May, as part of National Teacher Appreciation Week, we take the opportunity to honor and show our appreciation for all members of our Upper Moreland staff who make a difference for our kids every day. Every member of our staff is important to student success in school and the success of our Upper Moreland Community.
We are VERY #UMProud of the dedication, talent, and incredible work which our more than 500 staff give for our 3,400 students at Upper Moreland.
THANK YOU!
Celebrating 2023 Upper Moreland Retirees
This year, thirteen (13) valued Upper Moreland staff members have decided to retire and begin the next, well-deserved chapter of their lives. We are grateful for their years of service to our students and our school community. We wish them the best as they embark on life in retirement. They will always remain a Golden Bear!
- Deoraj Luchmi-Persad, Custodian, 5 Years
- Suzanne Morvin, Bus Driver, 10 Years
- Richard Price, Van Driver, 11 Years
- Susan Gaston, Instructional Paraprofessional, 25 Years
- Grace Brotman, Building Secretary, 24 Years
- Lorna Brown, 3rd Grade Teacher, 12 Years
- Marianne Direso, Attendance & Greeting Secretary, 24 Years
- Irene Ford, Instructional Paraprofessional, 39 Years
- Barbara Wright, Title I Math Teacher, 22 Years
- Karene Kenton, Instructional Paraprofessional, 11 Years
- Susan Powidzki, Librarian, 37 Years
- Carmen Ferrarello, English Teacher, 27 Years
- Valerie Adair, Special Education Supervisor, 15 Years
Eastern Center for Arts and Technology Awards Night
On Wednesday, May 24, 2023 Upper Moreland High School hosted the Eastern Tech School’s Awards Night. More than 200 awards were given to students honoring their achievements. Twenty-six (26) Upper Moreland students received recognition in areas of study including Automotive Technology; Design, Photography and Illustration; Exercise Science; Welding Technology; Cosmetology; Culinary Arts; and Networking and Cybersecurity. Congratulations to the following Upper Moreland Students who received recognition: (alpha by last name)
- Alex Alvarez, Grade 12 | Protective Services - Straight A
- Mason Brocke, Grade 11 | Veterinary Science - Straight A
- Austin Brown, Grade 12 | Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning - Grove Supply Inc. Award
- Niteyah Brown, Grade 12 | Culinary Arts - Culinary Arts Alumni Award
- Kevin Clarke, Grade 11 | Electrical Technology - Straight A
- Anthony Davis, Grade 12 | Automotive Technology - Automotive Technology Student Achievement Award
- Owen Davis, Grade 12 | Automotive Technology - Conicelli Automotive Award
- Max Direnzo, Grade 11 | Electrical Technology - Straight A
- Stephen Dixon, Grade 12 | Collision Repair Technology - Robert I. Morrison Memorial Award
- Zachery Donahue, Grade 12 | Culinary Arts - Culinary Arts Alumni Award
- Justin Drinkwater, Grade 12 | Welding Technology - Welding Technology OAC Achievement Award
- Nicholas Fiorino, Grade 12 | Electrical Technology - CSM Michael G. Garlanger Scholarship
- Hector Hernandez, Grade 12 | Construction Technology - Mr. P's Carpentry Award
- Andrew Kim, Grade 11 | Protective Services - Straight A
- Thomas Leahy, Grade 12 | Protective Services - Straight A
- Angelina Makris, Grade 12 | Design, Photography and Illustration - Design, Photography, and Illustration OAC Professionalism - Senior Award
- Justin Maldonado, Grade 12 | Automotive Technology - Automotive Technology Student Achievement Award
- Jay Moon, Grade 11 | Protective Services - Straight A
- Jacob Richards, Grade 11 | Welding Technology - Straight A
- Brian Smith, Grade 12 | Exercise Science and Rehabilitation - Exercise Science and Rehabilitation Senior Award
- Makiya Smith, Grade 12 | Cosmetology - Cosmetology Department Senior Award
- Jonathan Swider, Grade 12 | Robotics and Automated Technology - Demco Automation Innovation
- Shawn Townsend, Grade 12 | Welding Technology - Welding Technology Award
- James Weiss, Grade 12 | Protective Services - Straight A
- Sherry Zheng, Grade 11 | Networking and Cybersecurity - Networking and Cybersecurity Outstanding Junior Award
- Cindy Zhou, Grade 12 | Design, Photography and Illustration - Outstanding Senior Sketchbook Award
Seven UMHS Students Inducted into the Technical School Honor Society
Seven (7) Upper Moreland students were inducted into the Career and Technical Honor Society, the honor society for Career Technology, on May 10, 2023. The students earned this honor based on their skill development and academic achievement in their Career & Technical courses.
Congratulations to the new inductees of the National Technical Honor Society at EASTERN from the Upper Moreland High School:
Mason Brocke, Veterinary Science
Charles Cribb, Welding Technology
Jay Moon, Protective Services
Emily Peck, Culinary Arts
Jacob Richards, Welding Technology
Emma Weiss, Culinary Arts
Sherry Zheng, Networking and Cybersecurity
Since 1984, NTHS has been the honor society for CTE, serving high schools, career centers, community & technical colleges, and universities. Recognizing over 50,000 new members annually, NTHS exists to advocate for and empower all students to pursue the technical and academic skills needed to build their careers and a skilled global workforce.
Upper Moreland High School Spring Sports Achievements
Upper Moreland spring athletes have been active representing the Golden Bears on the baseball and softball fields, the lacrosse field, the tennis courts, and the track. We are proud of the teamwork and accomplishments of our student athletes this spring. Below is a list of their accomplishments during the 2023 Spring Sports season.
Skye Kramer, Senior, was named Univest Athlete of the Week in April.
Annalise Messina, Sophomore, reached 100 goals scored in Girls' Lacrosse.
Addison Hurley, Sophomore, reached 150 career saves in Girls' Lacrosse.
Eowyn Stainback, Junior, reached 100 strikeouts in Softball.
Brooke Lobban, Junior, is the Suburban One League Champion in Long Jump and Triple Jump.
Angela Manila, Sophomore, is the Suburban One League Champion in Discus and Javelin.
Morgan Fuller, Senior, is the Suburban One League Champion in the 400 M.
The 1600-Meter relay team of Seniors Morgan Fuller, Aniya Whitfield, Jada Fowler, and Junior Brooke Lobban, earned the title Suburban One League Champions.
Boys Varsity Lacrosse earned 8th seed in the PIAA District One Playoffs.
Varsity Baseball earned the title 2023 Suburban One League Freedom Division Champions.
Girls Varsity Lacrosse is the Suburban One League American Conference Champions, earned 3rd seed in the PIAA District One First Round Playoffs, and will compete in State Playoffs beginning next week.
Music Patrons Banquet
Upper Moreland musicians were honored at the annual Music Patrons Awards Banquet on Thursday, May 25, 2023. Music department faculty recognized students who participated in each extracurricular ensemble. Students earned awards for their achievements in the music program, and the Music Patrons gave each graduating senior a mug listing that student’s ensembles during their time at Upper Moreland.
Congratulations to all of our musicians for a successful year and thank you to the Music Patrons for your support of the program. Additionally, many thanks to our music staff for your continued support in strengthening the skills of Upper Moreland musicians.
Upper Moreland High School All Sports Awards
On Tuesday, May 30, 2023 student athletes, coaches, and families gathered in the stadium to celebrate the accomplishments of UM teams and athletes. Over 100 senior student athletes were recognized for their contributions to UM athletics, and the coaches recognized the MVP for each sport. Additionally, several students were presented with special athletic awards for their sportsmanship, teamwork, integrity, dedication, and exemplary athletic skills.
Special thanks to the Booster Club for their support of this event and for their continued commitment to Upper Moreland athletics.
Congratulations to all of the 2022-2023 Upper Moreland student athletes and their coaches on their successful seasons, team accomplishments, and individual successes.
May 23rd Board Meeting
On Tuesday, May 23, 2023, the Board of School Directors held their legislative meeting. Below are highlights of Board action taken during the meeting. To review the meeting agenda, please visit the School Board section of our website.
- The Board approved a the 2023-2024 Final Budget
- The Board approved a Memorandum of Understanding between Upper Moreland HIgh School and Special Olympics and Unified Sports League to bring a Unified Track Team to Upper Moreland High School.
- The Board approved services with Living Strong, LLC to provide equity training for the 2023-2024 School Year. This training will include professional development sessions and coaching with the administrative staff.
- The Board approved the following Policies for adoption: 351, 333, 341, 343, 347, 817, and 003.
- The Board repealed all active policies in the 400 and 500 sections. The newly revised 300 policies will now focus on all staff groups–administrative, professional, and classified. The 400 and 500 policies are no longer needed.
- The Board approved the resignation of Mr. A. Tom Hasani as Board member and treasurer effective June 21, 2023. After approving his resignation, the Board reached consensus on following the same process of accepting candidates and interviewing them at a Special Meeting to be held on Thursday, July 20, 2023. The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, June 16, 2023. For more information visit our website.