District News

On March 15th, all six schools opened their doors for all students to return to in-person instruction. The opportunity to bring all students back was a result of modifications to the Chester County Health Department's social distance guidance from no less than 6 feet to no less than 3 feet. There are many layered safety mitigation measures in place at our schools that keep students and staff safe from COVID-19. These measures, combined with the exceptional efforts of our staff, students, and community have made this return to school possible! It has been wonderful seeing our schools filled with our amazing students!

For more information on our health and safety plan and the steps UCFSD is taking to keep everyone safe, please visit our Staying Safe Together website.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation recently announced that 13 Unionville High School students have been named National Merit Scholarship Finalists. This year, all of the UHS semifinalists were selected as finalists.

“We are so proud of the 13 students who have been recognized as National Merit Finalists,” stated Dr. Jimmy Conley, UHS Principal. “Through their efforts over the past four years, these young men and women have distinguished themselves as leaders in the classroom, as well as in all facets of life at Unionville High School. These talented 13 Seniors are a great example of the kind, hard-working, and dedicated young people which comprise the Class of 2021.”

From approximately 1.6 million students who entered the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program, only about 16,000 were named Semifinalists. They were designated on a state representational basis, in proportion to each state’s percentage of the national total of graduating high school seniors. In order to advance in the competition and be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, a Semifinalist had to become a Finalist by fulfilling several requirements that included submitting a detailed scholarship application and presenting a record of very high academic performance.

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships in which students are entered by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) - one that serves as an initial screen of approximately 1.5 million entrants each year.

Finalists typically represent 1% of the total initial entrants and are chosen based on their test scores, academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, and honors and awards received.

Congratulations to all of this year’s Finalists:

Ansh Abbaraju

Jacob Gottesman

Manav Gundecha

Madalon Hammell

Kaeli Kaymak-Loveless

Addison Liu

Gayathri Mannem

Shaaz Nadeem

Aarohi Nadkarni

Nikhil Pisolkar

Naman Razdan

Daniel Sage

Leah Walter

On March 15, 2021, the Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board approved a contract with Dr. John Sanville to serve as Superintendent of Schools for an additional five years effective January 2022. In June, Dr. Sanville will have completed his tenth year as Superintendent of Unionville-Chadds Ford School District (UCFSD). An achievement in itself as the average tenure for superintendents in PA is four years.

“It is rare to retain such an outstanding superintendent for this length of time,” stated Jeff Hellrung, School Board President. “We are certainly pleased that Dr. Sanville continues to want to serve the students and community of UCFSD and we could not be more confident that he continues to be the best person for the job.”

During negotiations, the Board’s goal included retaining Dr. Sanville, rewarding his outstanding

performance, and being fair to the community by being fiscally responsible.

Highlights of the contract include a five-year term effective January 24, 2022, a pay freeze for the 2022-23 school year, pay increases in the final four years of the contract at the Act 1 Index if his performance is rated at proficient or above, and retention of the benefits in his current contract. The contract agreement with Dr. Sanville is posted on BoardDocs for public review.

“By approving this contract, we are accomplishing our most important and most impactful responsibility which is attracting and retaining an outstanding Superintendent,” stated Hellrung. “We look forward to five more years of empowering our students to succeed in life and contribute to society under Dr. Sanville's leadership.”

Dr. Sanville’s strong leadership can be felt throughout the community, county, and state from his many efforts to provide an exceptional educational experience for UCFSD students to his work on campaigns such as school start time and most recently his response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Sanville has led the way to position UCFSD as a premier school district in the state with UCFSD schools consistently earning top performance ratings for academic achievement. Additionally, he was nominated for Superintendent of the Year in PA this school year and was selected as runner-up by the PA Association of School Administrators.

Based on annual performance reviews, Dr. Sanville has served UCFSD students, staff and the community as Superintendent with great distinction since September 1, 2011, earning an exemplary rating throughout his tenure.

In Dr. Sanville’s most recent evaluation, School Board Directors noted that Dr. Sanville has established himself as a leader amongst his peers through his mentorship of newly appointed superintendents and his appointments to various state-level boards and committees. They added, his forward-thinking and readiness for the pandemic response led to a seamless transition to virtual instruction and the development of several health and safety plans that were used as examples throughout the state.

Additionally, the Board noted that the maneuvering required this school year due to COVID-19 was tremendous and Dr. Sanville could foresee the District’s requirements so that the District was never placed in a difficult financial decision-making position. They commended Dr. Sanville for completely revising the budget with a 0% tax increase at a very late point in the budget timetable with no impact on the education delivery or financial credit rating.

“It has been my distinct honor to serve this incredible school district as superintendent for the past ten years,” stated Sanville. “I appreciate the School Board’s confidence and I look forward to continuing to provide consistent, results-driven leadership to the staff, students, and community of UCFSD for an additional five years. I would also like to thank my bride Debbie, who makes me better every day and whose unwavering support is at the center of all my success.”

This year the Chadds Ford Art Show will be a Virtual Online Auction! Founded in 1949 by Betsy Wyeth as a fundraiser for Chadds Ford Elementary School, the popular art show will include more than 60 artists from the Brandywine Valley and beyond. Artists showcase a variety of works that satisfy every taste and budget.

AUCTION PREVIEW:

March 17, 2021 (8AM) to March 18, 2021(6PM)

LIVE AUCTION:

March 18, 2021 (6PM) to March 21, 2021 (6PM)

WEBSITE:

https://www.32auctions.com/cfeartshow

VIEW ARTISTS • LEARN MORE • VIEW EVENT ON FACEBOOK

Addison Liu Named Scholar in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021

Society for Science (the Society) recently announced that Addison Liu, a student at Unionville High School, was among the top 300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Addison Liu will receive a $2,000 scholarship and Unionville High School will receive $2,000.

The Regeneron Science Talent Search scholars were selected from 1,760 applications received from 611 high schools across 45 states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and 10 countries. Scholars were chosen based on their exceptional research skills, commitment to academics, innovative thinking, and promise as scientists, and hail from 198 American and international high schools in 37 states, Puerto Rico, Chinese Taipei, and Singapore.

“Addison Liu is a highly talented, well-rounded, and goal-oriented scholar who consistently demonstrates a deep level of respect for others, a determination to succeed, and a willingness to go beyond expectations. She is persistent and detailed in her approach to solving problems and makes complex connections easily,” said Mrs. Sandy Litvin, Unionville High School Biology teacher.

“The Unionville High School Family is so proud of Addison and her outstanding research experiences. Addison is a self-motivated, determined, and passionate student with a clear sense of purpose and direction. An important foundation of Addison’s quest for further knowledge is her passion for research. Addison is someone who will positively impact our world in the future and is truly destined for success,“ said Jimmy Conley, Unionville High School Principal.

Addison Liu is a senior at Unionville High School. Her winning project was titled: Simulation and Analysis on the Self-Foldability of the Origami Hyperbolic Paraboloid.

The full list of scholars can be viewed here: https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/2021-scholars/

The Regeneron Science Talent Search provides students with a national stage to present original research and celebrates the hard work and discoveries of young scientists who are bringing a fresh perspective to significant global challenges. This year, research projects cover topics from bioinformatics to public health and energy efficiency.

“The remarkable drive, creativity, and intellectual curiosity that each one of these scholars possesses represent a hopeful outlook for our future and our collective wellbeing,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science, Publisher of Science News and 1985 Science Talent Search alum. “At a time when many students’ educational experiences are being disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, I am incredibly humbled to see gifted young scientists and engineers eager to contribute fresh insights to solving the world’s most intractable problems.”

“An exceptional group of student leaders and innovators comprise this year’s Regeneron Science Talent Search scholars, with an array of projects that demonstrate the power of science,” said Hala Mirza, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Citizenship at Regeneron. “We are honored to celebrate the next generation of young scientists and inventors who can elevate the STEM community and our broader society through their high-quality research and novel discoveries. These are the inspiring problem solvers who will help address the current and future challenges facing our world.”

On January 21, 40 of the 300 scholars were named Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists. From March 10-17, all 40 finalists will compete for more than $1.8 million in awards provided by Regeneron.

LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS!

At the start of the 2020 school year, acknowledging the need for an effective way to communicate important health and safety information, the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District created Staying Safe Together - a campaign designed to keep our community informed and encourage a culture of responsibility during the COVID-19 pandemic. The campaign uses a variety of engaging communication initiatives to provide consistent and accurate information to parents, students, staff, and the community. We would like your feedback on the effectiveness of these initiatives so that we may get a sense of what is going well and where we may need to improve.

Please take a few minutes to complete the brief survey below. Your responses will help us measure the success of the Staying Safe Together campaign and the District's ongoing communication efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. We appreciate your feedback!

The survey will be open through March 21, 2021.

Are you a graduate of Unionville High School or a former student of any Unionville-Chadds Ford School District school? The District wants to keep in touch with you and also help you remain connected to your classmates!

If you are an alumnus of UCFSD, please take a moment to register your information by clicking the button below, and feel free to share with anyone you are still in touch with. The form also includes a section for those interested in taking on a leadership role with the association. Please let us know if this is you!

The District is looking for individuals to join our team of amazing Personal Care Assistants! A One-to-One Student Aide/Personal Care Assistant will be with their assigned student for the full school day to assist with access to the educational environment as well as peer interactions. A PCA can have a lasting impact on their student's life!

The District provides a variety of excellent training for our PCAs. This position is also eligible for medical benefits! Recently, a new hire incentive was established for new PCA as outline below:

Hiring incentive for new hires:

• $500 after one month of employment

• $500 after six months of employment

• $500 after 12 months of employment

• $500 after 24 months of employment

To learn more about the qualifications and responsibilities, please view the job posting here and watch the video below.

A school bus driver is an important part of our students' school day! They are often the first and last person a student sees each day - and can make a lasting impact on the lives of students!

The District is looking for individuals to join our transportation team! No experience necessary. CDL training provided and a $250 stipend paid after successful completion of the test. The District is also offering a new hire incentive as outlined below:

• $500 after one month of successful bus driving service

• $500 after six months of successful bus driving service

• $500 after 12 months of successful bus driving service

• $500 after 24 months of successful bus driving service

RETIREES looking for part-time work are encouraged to apply!

STAY AT HOME PARENTS – bring your child to work -- save the cost of daycare!

• Summers and holidays off.

• No nights or weekends unless you want the extra hours!

• Opportunity to earn extra money during the school year and over the summer.

• Referral incentive offered.

• Monthly Attendance incentive offered.

To learn more about the qualifications and responsibilities of a UCFSD Bus Driver, please view the job posting here and watch the video below.

The Unionville-Chadds Ford (UCF) Education Foundation's mission is to supplement funding for innovative education programs and projects in our schools that support performing and applied arts, health and life skills, the environment, community partnerships, science and technology. 2020 and 2021 have burdened our community, district staff, and students with the extraordinary impacts of COVID-19 and efforts to remain healthy while still supporting educational growth.

The foundation provided four $500 grants, one to each elementary school and a $1,000 grant to both Unionville High School and Patton Middle School in recognition of their superior resolve to engage students and families during this pandemic. The principal for each school will decide on the manner in which to utilize their school's grant. Principals may choose to bring in a socially distanced staff lunch or snack to brighten a day, a specific speaker, desired new equipment that impacts staff or students, have a game day, etc.

The Ed Foundation hopes that these grants serve as a token of their appreciation and recognition for the outstanding performances and compassion that the district staff are demonstrating in these incredibly stressful times.

For more information on the UCF Ed Foundation, please visit their website here.

Pocopson students spent some time coloring & painting their Safety Superhero friend, Reggie the Raccoon, in Ms. Hage's Art class! You too can color Reggie! Choose from the available coloring pages on the Staying Safe Together website or download & print his entire coloring page collection by clicking here!

Patton Middle School students spent an afternoon creating Kindness Rocks and then spreading them outside as part of the Kindness Project!

AGENDA | VIDEO

Based on decreasing COVID-19 numbers, the District revised Health and Safety Plan to invite all students to return for in-person instruction on March 15. The Board approved the revised plan based on new guidelines from the Chester County Health Department allowing schools to reduce social distancing from no less than 6 feet to no less than 3 feet.

During the Superintendent’s report, six retirees were recognized for their years of service at UCFSD. Watch the retiree recognition video here.

A Math and Reading Academy was approved for Summer 2020. The academy will be offered to students who are in need of remediation due to the challenging school year.

The Board approved the rental of several tents, which will be used at each of our schools to provide safe outside areas for lunch and other educational opportunities.

The 6th grade sports club was added to the offerings at Patton Middle School. This club is designed to provide an intro to athletics while providing an opportunity for physical activity outdoors.

Dr. Sanville’s contract was renewed for an additional five years. Highlights of the contract include a five-year term effective January 24, 2022, a pay freeze for the 2022-23 school year, pay increases in the final four years of the contract at the Act 1 Index if his performance is rated at proficient or above, and retention of the benefits in his current contract. The contract agreement with Dr. Sanville is posted on BoardDocs for public review.

The Board also announced their intention to promote Mr. Tim Hoffman, current Director of Curriculum and Instruction, to Assistant Superintendent. Mr. Hoffman is slated to take over for Mr. Nolen who will be retiring at the end of June. The Board will vote on Mr. Hoffman’s appointment during the April Board Meeting.

AGENDA | VIDEO

The school calendar was approved for the 2021-2022 school year. The calendar includes a change to the first week of school. The Friday before Labor Day will not be a day off for students and staff in 2021 - it will now be a regular school day. Additionally, five Flexible Instructional Days are once again in place for anticipated inclement weather days. Click here to view the calendar.

Antigen testing was approved to begin in our schools. The District is implementing school-based COVID-19 assurance testing through Project: ACE-IT. Project: ACE-IT aims to reduce the risk of in-school COVID-19 transmission and bolster confidence that safe, in-person learning is possible when testing is performed regularly. Click here to learn more about Project ACE-IT. Currently, the testing is for staff on a voluntary basis. Assurance testing is another mitigation measure to have in place to help keep staff and students safe.

The administration presented the most recent Achievement Report, highlighting academic data from 2019 and 2020. Much of the data presented was positive, with indications of where improvement is needed. They provided insight as to the effects of the pandemic on students’ performance. Click here to review the achievement report on the UCFSD Dashboard.

The Board revisited the Winter Sports Health and Safety Plan and made an adjustment to transition wrestling to phase 3 - which allowed the team to resume league competition for the remainder of the season. The Spring Sports Health and Safety Plan was also approved to allow for a full season to begin in March under strict mitigation measures.

In February, the District adjusted the Health and Safety plan to align with the Chester County Health Department. This meant that the District would no longer follow the PA Department of Health attestation that was in place since November 30. The District would now work with the Chester County Health Department in determining when schools should close based on case numbers.

AGENDA | VIDEO

In January, the School Board approved the new Unionville High School Mascot - the Unionville Longhorns. The new iconography was revealed and the Mascot selection committee shared details about the decision-making process. Visit the UHS Mascot website to learn more about the process and see the high school's new logo.

The Board also approved a return to hybrid for secondary students. In November, the MS and HS reverted back to virtual learning due to the rising COVID-19 metrics. The numbers improved, and by January 19 secondary students were allowed to return to in-person instruction for a few days a week as part of the District’s hybrid learning model.

The 2020 District audit was also shared with the Board.

Email: ucfsdcommunications@ucfsd.net
Website: https://www.ucfsd.org/
Location: 740 Unionville Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA
Phone: 610-347-0970
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UCFSD
Twitter: @UCFSD