#ThisIsCheltenham
Friday, March 23
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
District Receives $30,000 for SAT Prep Course
Cheltenham School District has received a combined $30,000 gift from Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church and Salem Baptist Church to offer select juniors a free SAT preparatory course. Above, Superintendent Dr. Wagner Marseille (center) and Dr. Ray Realdine (right), Supervisory of Counseling accept a check for $15,000 from Enon's Reverend Maria Lewis at the March legislative board meeting. Salem will make its presentation at a future meeting.
As part of the “student achievement” pathway of the strategic plan, the District has forged a partnership with TEACH, a test preparation and academic tutoring program which will deliver these juniors a 10-week SAT preparation course. Nearly 60 students have signed up to take advantage of this opportunity. The District held a program kick off at Glenside Hall on Monday, March 19 with more than 100 students and family members in attendance. The District is appreciative of Reverend Dr. Alyn E. Waller (Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church) and Reverend Marshall Paul Hughes Mitchell (Salem Baptist Church) and their commitment to support CSD students’ academic achievement.
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District Launches Mindfulness / Positive Psychology Web Portal
Through a collaboration with the Office of Student Services, Communications launched the district mindfulness / positive psychology web portal on Monday, March 19. The portal showcases the district’s ongoing work on the “Holistic Experiences” pathway of its strategic plan and provides resources for staff and families and the community who wish to try and/or adopt these strategies, among other features. After spring break, be on the lookout for a #mindfulmonday Facebook campaign highlighting tips and student and teacher mindfulness work.
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CHS Students Mark World Down Syndrome Day
Cheltenham High School Healthy Living and Unified physical education students recognized World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) on Friday, March 23 (rescheduled from March 21) by completing 21 reps of three sets of exercises to symbolize 3.21. People with DS have three copies of the 21st chromosome, while most people have two copies. By participating in World Down Syndrome Day, enthusiastic students like WDSD medalists Mariah Cedeno and Will Felix joined with people across the globe in the National Down Syndrome Society’s “virtual” race raising awareness and the abilities of individuals with Down Syndrome. For more information, visit https://www.ndss.org/play/national-inclusive-health-and-sports/
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Tickets on Sale for CHS Spring Production “Once on This Island”
The CHS spring musical “Once on this Island” is just a few weeks away! Scheduled for April 12 - 14, this show is coming straight to Cheltenham community courtesy of Cheltenham Musical Theatre directors, cast and crew! Recommended for ages 8 and above, the play is based upon Rosa Guy's novel My Love, My Love and tells the story of love’s triumph over prejudice and hate. Exciting items, including tickets to the current Broadway production, will be raffled. Get your show tickets today>.
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Social Studies Teacher Named to State Youth Court Advisory Board
High School Social Studies teacher Jennifer Pollack has been named to a Pennsylvania youth court-related advisory committee. The advisory committee is seeking to study the use and effects of youth courts in the education and juvenile justice systems and will make a "final report to include recommendations to implement necessary changes in state statutes, practices, policies and procedures relating to youth courts, including measures to increase the availability of youth courts and to develop awareness, education and other strategies to address issues relating to youth restorative justice programs," according to Senate Resolution 32. "I am really looking forward to working with other people across the state to find out more about youth courts, share what I've learned teaching youth court this year, and to learn more to bring back to the operation of Cheltenham High School's Youth Court," Pollack said of her 18-month appointment.
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High School English Teacher Publishes First Novel
High School English teacher Molly Lazer, M.F.A., has released her new first novel, Owl Eyes: A Fairy Tale and is hosting an on-campus reading and question and answer session about the writing and publication process on April 27. Fire & Ice YA is publishing the novel, which is available as an e-book at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, Kobo and iBooks. The print edition is available at Lulu.com. The book follows Nora, who knows three things: she is a servant, her parents are dead, and she lives in the kitchen house with her adoptive family. But her world is torn apart when she discovers that her birth father has always been right there, living in the house she serves. Lazer is a former associate editor at Marvel Comics, where she worked on projects featuring the Fantastic Four, Captain America, New Avengers and cult favorite comic book Spider-Girl. Her short stories have been featured in numerous literary magazines including Gone Lawn, LIT, and Silver Blade.
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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District Central Office during Spring Break
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2018 PSSA Schedule and Guide
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EP to Present “Trashion Show” to Recognize Earth Day
In recognition of Earth Day and in an attempt to remind students about the importance of recycling by engineering creative new uses for discarded items, Elkins Park is hosting its second annual “Trashion” show on Friday, April 20. The “Trashion Show” has just two rules: Each Science class will be responsible for finding its own materials; and all the resources must come from the trash. At the end of the week, following an environmental presentation by the science teachers, student models will “walk the runway” in Kircher Hall to display their “trashions.” If you wish to be a part of the fun at Elkins Park on Earth Day, contact Linda Jephson.
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Kindergarten Registration
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Township Offers FREE Spring Break Activities
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Township Spring and Summer Recreation Program Registration
A terrific lineup of classes, programs and special events is featured in the new Cheltenham Township Parks and Recreation Spring & Summer Brochure. Favorites include the Daddy Daughter Dance, Concerts in the Park and the Summer Teen Enrichment program. Beginning this year, the Pool program will begin on Memorial Day, Summer Playground program will offer “Before Care” starting at 8 a.m., Adult Softball has gone co-ed and kids and adults can broaden their culinary know-how in new specialty cooking camps. Registration for all programs is accepted at La Mott Community Center (215-635-3255) and Rowland Community Center (215-379-2233), Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - noon and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Evening hours are available.
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Once Upon a Playground Playground Fundraiser
Support repairs and maintenance to the Once Upon a Playground at Wall Park by purchasing a personalized, engraved fence picket. Donations are managed through the 501(c)3 Cheltenham Township Community Development Corporation. Download brochure> | Donate now>