Greetings, Hatboro-Horsham Students and Families,

We head into March, another month of events and celebrations that enrich our educational experience.

March is National Reading Month, and we're thrilled to join the Read Across America initiative, fostering a love for reading and emphasizing the vital role of literacy in shaping our students' future. Throughout the month, our schools will be hosting various activities, reading challenges, and engaging events to inspire a passion for books and storytelling.

Additionally, March marks Women's History Month. Our schools will spotlight remarkable women who have shaped society, science, literature, and more. We hope that our engaging activities will inspire our students to dream big, regardless of gender.

Together, let's celebrate reading and honor the achievements of women, reinforcing our commitment to education, diversity, and equality.

Enjoy this March edition of The Hatter Chatter!

Scott Eveslage, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

The newsletter may be easier to view via the link: https://www.smore.com/08bcr

The Hatboro-Horsham School District family is grieving the recent loss of one of our own, Mr. Justin Hager. Beyond being a dedicated member of our school community, he was a cherished friend to many. His enduring presence brought warmth, humor, and kindness to all who had the privilege of knowing him. Over the course of 19 years, Mr. Hager served the Hatboro-Horsham School District with distinction, imparting his knowledge in Health, Physical Education, Driver’s Education, and Adaptive PE at the High School. His influence extended beyond the classroom, as a caring teacher and dedicated coach who left an indelible mark on students, both academically and personally. As we mourn his passing, we remember Mr. Hager not just for his professional contributions but also for the compassionate spirit he brought to the District and our community.

School Calendar

March 8 (Friday) - Early Dismissal for Students

March 25 - April 1 - Schools Closed (Spring Break)

Click HERE to access the 2023-2024 District Calendar

School Board Meetings (7:00 pm, HHHS Auditorium)

March 4 (Monday) - Work Session and Committees Meeting

March 18 (Monday) - Legislative Action Meeting

Click HERE to access the School Board Meeting Recap for February

*On Monday, February 26, the Board approved the 2024-2025 District Calendar. Click here to view.

Mrs. Salevsky's 5th-grade class at Simmons Elementary embarked on a project to spread kindness by writing heartfelt letters to businesses that positively impacted their lives. The initiative not only taught the students about letter writing but also instilled a lesson in gratitude and positivity. They carefully selected businesses, local or national, and after sending out the letters, the students were content, knowing they had brightened someone's day.

The impact surpassed expectations when two students received a thoughtful response and a gift card, emphasizing the ripple effect of kindness. The students expressed eagerness to repeat the project, valuing the simple act of expressing gratitude as its own reward. In a world often dominated by negative news, their story serves as a reminder that small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference.

In February, our District came together in a vibrant celebration of Black History Month, highlighting the rich contributions of African Americans to our shared history and culture. Our HHHS Black Student Union took an inspiring initiative by visiting each elementary school and engaging young minds through captivating readings of books by prominent African American authors. This interactive approach brought literature to life, fostering a love for learning and an appreciation for diverse voices among our students.

The celebration continued as each elementary school hosted an African American Read-In day, creating a space for students to explore the works of influential writers. Keith Valley embraced the artistic spirit by adorning its doors with decorations that honored the achievements of African Americans in the arts. The math department in 6th grade turned equations into narratives, with students undertaking projects that delved into the lives of notable African Americans who made significant contributions to the field of mathematics. Meanwhile, the high school buzzed with excitement during Spirit Week, and students showcased their pride through various activities. The morning announcements were infused with facts about important African American figures. Our schools were adorned with vibrant artwork, creating an inspiring environment that celebrated the legacy and impact of African Americans throughout history. Through these initiatives, our District fostered a sense of unity, understanding, and appreciation for the diverse tapestry of Black contributions.

Our District's Black History Month celebrations reached a crescendo with the Hatboro-Horsham Educational Foundation's (HHEF) sponsored concert featuring the phenomenal opera singer Michelle Johnson. In a night of soul-stirring performances, Johnson's powerful vocals took center stage, providing a unique perspective on African American excellence in the arts. The concert added a harmonious note to our festivities, emphasizing the vast and impactful contributions of African Americans to the world of music and the arts.

The HH Academic Team has transitioned from being an exclusive Enrichment seminar for students in the Gifted program to an official club this academic year. The transformation was spearheaded by senior Brendan Seka, who navigated the club approval process. This year marks the team's participation in four competitions, with the first and last being online tournaments called 3-2-1. In the fall, the team achieved a commendable 56th place out of 112 teams in the high school division. On February 10th, four team members showcased their academic prowess at Kutztown University during the inaugural Keystone Cup, securing a spot in the championship bracket and finishing in the top half among the 50-plus participating teams.

The third competition took a different form at the MCIU Regional Academic Competition, where six team members competed against squads from Montgomery County. Although the result fell short of expectations, the team is optimistic about refining their performance at the upcoming Spring 3-2-1 in March. The club's regular meetings are scheduled during Learn 2 on Mondays, attracting a robust attendance ranging from 15 to 25 participants eager to engage in academic pursuits and competitions. The establishment of the academic team as an official club reflects a positive shift in fostering intellectual curiosity and competitive spirit within the high school community.

On a night filled with musical splendor, the Hatboro-Horsham School District hosted the renowned Montgomery County Honors Band Concert. This spectacular ensemble brought together approximately 140 exceptionally talented high school musicians, creating a harmonious blend of musical prowess from Hatboro-Horsham, Upper Moreland, Upper Dublin, Springfield Township, Wissahickon, Plymouth Whitemarsh, and Abington.

But the excitement didn't stop there! Our very own Superintendent, Dr. Eveslage, added a special touch to the evening as he graced the stage to showcase his (admittedly limited) musical talents. Stepping into the role of conductor, Dr. Eveslage led the ensemble in a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, setting the perfect tone for the extraordinary event.

A heartfelt shoutout goes to the dedicated students, teachers, and organizers who worked tirelessly to make the Montgomery County Honors Band Concert an unforgettable experience. Special thanks to HHHS band director Ms. Erica Westcott, who served as the host and organizer. Their collective efforts created an enchanting night that celebrated the extraordinary musical talent within our school district and across Montgomery County.

In a remarkable display of talent and determination, the Hatboro-Horsham High School Girls' Swim Team secured an impressive 2nd place in the District 1 Championship. The star of the meet was undeniably Annie Jia, recognized as the AAA Swimmer of the Meet for her outstanding performances. Adding to the team's success, Sarah Parker claimed a noteworthy 2nd place in the fiercely competitive 100 freestyle. The highlight of the day came with the 400 freestyle relay, where Emily Erikson, Megan Luddecke, Anna Jia, and Sarah Parker not only clinched first place but also set a new meet record, showcasing the team's exceptional skill and teamwork. Overall, the Hatboro-Horsham High School Girls' Swim Team left an indelible mark on the District 1 Championship, celebrating their achievements in style.

Hatboro-Horsham Wrestling secured an impressive 2nd place at the PIAA District 1 Section South tournament at HHHS, a significant improvement from last year's 5th place. Despite a narrow defeat to Ridley, the team, graduating only one senior, looks forward to a strong lineup in 2025. The squad advanced 7 qualifiers to Regionals, tying a record from 2008. The highlight was the historic triple crown of District Champions: freshman Dominick Morrison, sophomore Benny Staub, and senior Chris Staub. Notably, Chris and Benny became the first brothers in HH Wrestling history to win District titles in the same year. With stellar performances and the support of dedicated athletes and volunteers, Hatboro-Horsham Wrestling shone on the mat and hosted a successful event.

Regionals was also a resounding success, with Chris Staub securing a notable second-place finish. Adding to the triumph, Dominick Morrison took first place and earned the prestigious title of the 2024 Southeast Region's Outstanding Wrestler, marking only the second time since 2008 that an HH wrestler has claimed this award. Their outstanding performances have solidified their spots at States in Hershey.

The future looks bright for HH Wrestling, with a growing girls' team and talented additions on the horizon.

As a school district, we truly believe that ALL ARE WELCOME HERE and are constantly looking for opportunities to be more inclusive, build awareness, and develop our cultural competence to be more equitable in supporting and serving our students, staff, and community. This monthly inclusive newsletter will serve as a resource for our staff and families to learn more about the diverse cultures and members of our community.

Experience the excitement at the 6th Hatters Hold 'Em, presented by the HHEF! Join us for a vibrant night of casino games, all aimed at enhancing extraordinary learning experiences for Hatboro-Horsham students. Every win at the tables translates into raffle tickets, giving you the chance to score fabulous prizes!

This engaging community affair is brought to you in collaboration with the Borough of Hatboro and Horsham Township. Immerse yourself in the evening by rubbing shoulders with local officials, Hatboro-Horsham educators, your neighbors, and celebrity dealers from our vibrant community and the Hatboro-Horsham School District. Don't miss out on the festivities that promise a perfect blend of entertainment and support for a great cause!

Information about Power School, Canvas, lunch menus, attendance forms, and much more can be found our website here: https://www.hatboro-horsham.org/domain/20

Website: https://www.hatboro-horsham.org/
Location: 229 Meetinghouse Road, Horsham, Pa 19044
Phone: 215-420-5000
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HHSDK12/
Twitter: @HH_Schools