#ThisIsCheltenham
Friday, Feb. 16
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 | Wyncote Elementary School
In light of this week's 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., at Wyncote Elementary School (333 Rices Mill Road, Wyncote) with district, township and county officials. The agenda will include a review of the district’s safety and security measures, precautions, protocols and school-wide drills. CSD will be solidifying plans for the meeting at its monthly Districtwide Safety Committee Meeting on Tuesday.
Cheltenham High School Students of the Month
Congratulations to the nine Cheltenham High School students recognized for achievement in science and social studies on Thursday, Feb. 15.
Freshmen: Gabrielle Carty (Biology) and Noah Cruz (World Cultures)
Sophomores: Laura Darling (U.S. Government & Politics), Isaiah Cooper (World History) and Nancy Sohlberg (Honors Chemistry)
Juniors: Thuy Lan Dinh (Chemistry) and Lionel Smoller-Schatz (AP U.S. History)
Seniors: Kathy Chung (AP Biology) and Khyla Jackson (Sociology)
Sophomore Cellist Maintains District’s First Chair Position
After an intense re-audition, CHS sophomore Naomi Aires maintained her position as first chair cellist at District 11 Orchestra Festival Feb. 8-10. By maintaining her seat, Aires advances to the Region VI Orchestra Festival at New Hope-Solebury High School March 22 - 24.
Myers Machines Compete at Regional FIRST Competition
Members of the Myers Machines FIRST Lego League robotics team displayed excellent “coopertition and gracious professionalism,” according to Myers Challenge Consultant Mimi Rubin, at this past weekend’s regional competition at Penn. As the tournament’s youngest entrant, the team competed against 12-14-year-olds in four presentations: Hydro Dynamics Solution Project, Core Values, Robot Design and Robot Missions. Read more>
CHS Junior Competing at Fencing Junior Olympic National Championships
CHS junior fencer Afwé Griffin will participate in her second consecutive Junior Olympics this weekend at the Memphis Cook Convention Center in Memphis, Tennessee. Representing the Fencing Academy of Philadelphia North, Griffin competes Sunday against 178 others in the cadet women’s sabre event.
Valentine's Day Singing Telegram For Coach Nase
A yearly Cheltenham High School tradition, Valentine's Day singing telegrams were delivered throughout the school on Wednesday. CHS football coach Ryan Nase receive his telegram from members of the CHS Choir.
Glenside Celebrates 100th Day of School
San Diego State Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Aaron Bruce Visit CSD
San Diego State University Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Aaron Bruce spoke with the EP Leadership Academy Friday, Feb. 9 about multicultural understanding, social justice, diversity and inclusion. The young men furthered the discussion with excellent questions about traveling abroad, entrepreneurship and education.
Dr. Bruce also met with Keziah La Torre's Freshman Seminar students to lead an informative seminar on global citizenship. After providing a college-based experience, Dr. Bruce assigned students a global citizenship essay in which one female and one male leader will each win $1000. The students accepted the challenge and are working on their essays through an interdisciplinary project in FS English, FS Social Studies and Freshman Seminar.
"Start with Hello" Week
Cheltenham joined hundreds of schools and youth organizations across the nation by participating in “Start With Hello” week February 5 – 9. Students learned skills related to reaching out to and including those who may be dealing with chronic social isolation in order to create a culture of inclusion and connectedness. “Start with Hello” week fits into the District’s strategic plan’s Holistic Experiences Pathway and included counselor-led classroom conversations and grade-level assembly discussions; “Start with Hello” walls in school lobbies dotted with post-it notes saying “hello” to visitors (Glenside's is pictured); students learning how to say “hello” in more than 20 languages; and a "Green Out” day to promote awareness.
EP’s Lise Marlowe to Lecture about Cheltenham and the Underground Railroad
Join Elkins Park School teacher Lise Marlowe for free presentation about Cheltenham’s involvement in the Underground Railroad; Camp William Penn, the federal government’s first training camp for black soldiers in the Civil War; and local Lucretia Mott, who fought to end slavery. Marlowe’s book Frederick Douglass’ Dream: The story of the United States Colored Troops will be available for purchase. Thursday, March 1, 7 p.m., La Mott Community Center
Senate Bill 2 Update
The Board of School Directors of Cheltenham School District passed a resolution on Tuesday, Feb. 13 in opposition to Senate Bill 2 (Education Savings Account Vouchers). Read the resolution>
Watch the Annual Alumnae Basketball Game Online
With the mission of supporting those fighting cancer, and raising funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society’s Coaches vs. Cancer program, the Lady Panthers raised $2,000 through January's fifth annual alumnae basketball game . Prior to tip-off, future Lady Panthers had the chance to learn hoops skills at a free youth clinic, and meet some of the Lady Panthers from the 2000 and 2007 Pennsylvania state championship teams. Watch>
Cheltenham High School alumnus David Light (Class of '91) was featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer in a story about Disney Channel's Zombies, a "High School Musical"-meets-"iZombie" movie premiering Friday. A graduate of Columbia University, Light wrote the teleplay with his writing partner Joseph Raso. Light's interest in storytelling blossomed as a student at Cheltenham where he was a finalist in the Philadelphia Young Playwrights competition. Read more>
Upcoming School Closing and Early Dismissal
Schools and administrative offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 19 in observance of Presidents’ Day.
Schools will dismiss early on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at the following times:
Elementary schools - 2:45 p.m.
Elkins Park School - 2:37 p.m.
Cedarbrook - 2:03 p.m.
CHS - 1:25 p.m.
Special Interest Select-A-Session Workshops
CHS counselors are hosting a “select-a-session” workshop for families on Thursday, Feb. 22 from 7 - 8:30 p.m. The 30-minute, expert-facilitated workshop topics include “Learn How to Send Your Kids to College Without Going Broke,” “Financial Aid Overview,” “NCAA Eligibility,” Gap Year Options,” “Young Adult Mental Health & Stress Management,” and “PSAT, SAT & AP Exams Explained.” Email Supervisor of Counseling Dr. Raymond Realdine with any questions. RSVP for up to two sessions>
Kindergarten Registration
AP Registration Open through March 7
AP test registration is online this year and now available. Registration deadline is March 7. There is no late registration this year. Call Ms. Brett at 215-517-3782 if you have any questions.
CTAS Registration Open
Exercise, Asian street food or learning German - these courses and more are available this spring at the Cheltenham Township Adult School. The spring semester begins the week of February 26. For registration information, download the catalogue or call 215 887-1720.
Conversation about the Opioid Crisis
Talk with your elected representatives and experts about combatting the opioid and addiction crisis in our neighborhoods and all across Pennsylvania. Presentations will be followed by Q&A and additional discussion. Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, Saturday, Feb. 17 from 1 – 2:30 p.m. RSVP>
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>