#ThisIsCheltenham
Friday, March 2
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
Community Conversation on School Safety and Security | March 7 | Cheltenham High School
***PLEASE NOTE LOCATION CHANGE***
In light of the tragic events in Parkland, Florida, the community is invited to a panel discussion on CSD school safety and security measures on Wednesday, March 7, 7-8:30 p.m., in the Little Theater at Cheltenham High School (500 Rices Mill Road, Wyncote) with district, Cheltenham Township and Montgomery County officials. The agenda will include a review of the district’s safety and security measures, precautions, protocols and school-wide drills. If you'd like to submit questions for the panelists, please do so at schoolsafety@cheltenham.org.
It can be challenging to find the right words when talking to children about tragic events such as the one that occur in Parkland, Florida. Please take a moment to review the resources below that can be used when engaging in such conversations:
American Psychological Association How to Talk to Children About Difficult News
Department of Education Tips for Helping Students Recovering From Traumatic Events
National Association of School Psychologists Talking to Children About Violence
Substance Abuse and Mental Services Administration Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event: A Guide for Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers
CHS Student Voices Join the National Conversation at U.S. Senator Casey Town Hall
Cheltenham students presented thoughtful and pointed questions of Pennsylvania United States Senator Bob Casey at a town hall meeting focused on gun reform and student activism on Friday, March 2 at Cheltenham High School. Watch the town hall>
After addressing the capacity crowd in Stretton Hall, Casey opened the floor for questions. Cheltenham students questioned the senator on issues ranging from gun regulations to overcoming congressional gridlock.
In a packed Stretton Hall, junior Eve Glazier (pictured below) opened the event with an impassioned statement from her fellow student council members, imploring her classmates to carry the movement that has arisen as a result of the events more than two weeks ago in Parkland, Florida. She outlined student council's plan of action:
Sponsoring a letter writing campaign during lunches the week of March 12-16 for students to write to representatives expressing their opinions on the issues of safety and gun violence.
Fielding student concerns about safety and security, and working to provide a venue for students to voice these concerns with the administration.
Encouraging grassroots student activism, and imploring the student body to take initiative in fighting for change on this issue and others.
CBKTheatre Presents the Musical "James the Giant Peach"
When James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion that results in a tremendous peach... and launches a journey of enormous proportions. Suddenly, James finds himself in the center of the gigantic peach, among human-sized insects with equally oversized personalities, but after it falls from the tree and rolls into the ocean, the group faces hunger, sharks and plenty of disagreements. Thanks to James' quick wit and creative thinking, the residents learn to live and work together as a family. The dangerous voyage is a success, but the adventure takes a whole new twist once they land on the Empire State Building. Performances are March 15-17 at 7:30 p.m at the CHS Little Theater. All tickets are $10 and available through the district's online payment center or at the door on the evenings of the performances!
Elkins Park Named “Eco-School”
Thanks to the hard work of EP’s Green Ambassadors, the National Wildlife Federation recently designated the school as an “Eco-School.” Focusing on the "Consumption and Waste" pathway of project, the Green Ambassadors measured EP’s trash output, and made a concerted effort to recycle throughout the building, earning them the Bronze Award. Green Ambassadors led the project to encourage reduction in waste. In the process, EP recycled plastic wrap and plastic bags to be used to make Trex Decks and reduced trash by 210 pounds, the equivalent of more than 3,000 trees. Photo: Green Ambassador Tabitha Sterman holds EP's Eco-School Bronze Award. Read more>
Glenside Cultural Proficiency Team Presents "Black History Hallways of Fame"
Cheltenham Teams with NASA to Celebrate “Introduce a Girl to Engineering” Day
Cheltenham Elementary students celebrated “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day” on Feb. 22 by participating in an online event hosted by NASA female scientists and technical experts and learned about career options such as bioengineering, chemistry, software and rocket launcher design, and Mars landers. Fourth grader Jayla Martin, who wants to be an astronaut, was so excited from the event she arrived at school the next day wearing a NASA sweatshirt and said, “I found the presentation interesting because I learned how much hard work goes into preparing for space travel." Read more>
Cheltenham Gridders Earn Academic Honors
Junior Justin Grady (pictured) was one of 11 Cheltenham High School football players to be named to the Eastern Pennsylvania Football All-Academic team. To qualify, players had to have received a varsity letter by playing in at least 50 percent of all varsity games and recorded above a 3.0 GPA for the first marking period. Grady was named a Gold level honoree for recording at least a 3.7 GPA. Senior Jordan Gyabaah, juniors Will Felix, Dan Gaffin and Garrett Schmidt and freshman Zach Gaffin all qualified for Silver-level recognition for recording a GPA between 3.4 and 3.7. By recording a GPA between 3.0 and 3.3, seniors Shamar Browne, Myles Gaddy and Donovan Stevenson, junior Marcus Winfield and sophomore Jon-Marc Foreman were recognized with Bronze-level commendations.
CHS Alumna Dr. Imaani El-Burki Returns to Campus
CHS and Drexel alumna and Lehigh University professor Dr. Imaani El-Burki visited CHS on Friday, Feb. 23 and facilitated meaningful discussions with students in grades 9-12 English classes and addressed the Freshman Seminar with specific topics surrounding identity and leadership. While speaking to English students, Dr. El-Burki explored the social purpose of media, media framing of individual and collective identity, history of the Women’s Movement and feminism, and Afrofuturism. Dr. El-Burki is a media scholar whose research examines media representations of various social groups Based on the students' response and engagement, Dr. El-Burki has scheduled a return trip March 16 to lead classroom literary discussions.
Salus University Eye Institute Visits Cheltenham Elementary
Cheltenham School District has partnered with Salus University to provide vision screenings and eye exams to students. The Salus Vision Van will visit all CSD schools this spring, and Cheltenham Elementary was the first stop on Thursday, March 1.
Online AP Registration Closes March 7
This is the last week for online AP test registration. Registration deadline is March 7. There is no late registration this year. Call Ms. Brett at 215-517-3782 if you have any questions.
2018 PSSA Schedule and Guide
Montgomery County Annual Diversity Recruitment Fair
Cheltenham School District is proud to participate in Montgomery County's annual diversity recruitment fair. Teachers and administrators, college students majoring in education and other educational professionals are invited to speak with school district administrators about professional opportunities within our schools. The event will take place on Wednesday, March 21 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (2 West Lafayette Street, Norristown). All applicants should pre-register by at www.mciu.org. Email MCJobFair@mciu.org with any questions.
A Message from School Nurse Coordinator Ms. Alex Knab
Influenza activity continues to increase and is widespread across the United States. Below are helpful tips from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to help keep your family healthy:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid close contact with a person who has the flu
If you are ill with flu like symptoms, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone. Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
If you have flu, limit contact with other to keep from infecting them.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home or work, especially when a family is ill with the flu.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, as germs can be spread this way.
Please review The Flu: A Guide for Parents from the CDC for more information. Also, Montgomery County Health Department is still offering flu shots at no cost. View locations where you can go to get flu vaccine.
Kindergarten Registration
CHS Baseball Winter Workouts
CHS baseball optional workouts will be held at Sluggersville (9490 Blue Grass Rd., Philadelphia, PA 19114) on Mondays from 8-9 p.m. Rising freshmen are welcome and existing players are encouraged to attend. Lane rental is $10/player. Email chsbaseballpa@gmail.com for additional information.
ManuFest | March 10
Interested in learning about high-paying jobs available in manufacturing and the skills needed to obtain them? Attend ManuFest 2018 at William Tennent High School on Saturday, March 10, 2018, for demonstrations of products made in the region and opportunities to speak with leaders in various manufacturing areas. Register online>
UPG/CAAA Meeting
Movie Screening starts at 7:00 p.m.