Dear Abington School District Community,

Our theme for the opening of schools for 2023-2024 was "One Mission. One Vision. One ASD." This theme has especially resonated with me over the past several months and weeks as we work as a collective community to support the now more than 8,600 students of Abington School District.

In the last Highlights & Happenings newsletter, I expressed how our youth are facing many challenges and need support, not only from members of our Abington School District staff, but also from their families, neighbors, and the community at large. I am hopeful we can come together to benefit our Abington and Rockledge students this school year.

I continue to be appreciative of our educators and staff for all of their efforts to start the 2023-2024 school year off strong, and the contributions of our family and community members focused on the ASD students. Together, we embody the "One Mission. One Vision. One ASD." motto.

Regards,

Jeffrey S. Fecher, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

New for this school year, all of our students are signing the Abington Pledge of Character in their classrooms. The pledge highlights 10 character traits that we would like our students to embody in our collective efforts to build and maintain supportive school communities:

1. Inclusion
2. Respect
3. Responsibility
4. Gratitude
5. Helpfulness
6. Kindness
7. Encouragement
8. Pride
9. Mindfulness
10. Honesty

These traits will all serve as monthly themes across the District through the end of the school year to promote good character. We also invite our parent and guardian community to sign a digital version to show support of this initiative. In addition, the pledge has been shared with community organizations and their leaders as we work together as a community to support our students.

Returning for the start of the 2023-2024 school year was the Link Crew at Abington Senior High School, and the WEB team (Where Everybody Belongs) at Abington Middle School. Each program is built on the belief that students can help one another succeed. Hundreds of student mentors from the upper grades at each school were trained over the summer to lead activities and serve as positive role models for the younger students. On the first day, they welcomed incoming students with cheers, informative assemblies, and get-to-know-you activities to help them feel a part of their school communities.

Mental health and bullying prevention expert, Tom Thelen, presented to parents and guardians on Thursday, September 14th at Abington Senior High School. He provided an overview of his student program, which he presented to grades 6-7 and 9-10 earlier in the day about how to identify bullying, how to respond with respect, how to have positive self-esteem in any situation, and when to "be the change" at their school. Students in other grade levels districtwide also participated in kick-off events at the start of the school year that tied to school climate and bullying prevention.

At the September 26, 2023, meeting of the Board of School Directors, Dr. Jeffrey Fecher provided opening remarks related to school safety in light of recent events at Abington Senior High School. He outlined several approaches to addressing these incidents of violence, and preventing future occurrences, including: (1) Continuing issuing strict consequences to address unacceptable behaviors, particularly for repeat offenders, and communicating the severity of these offenses to our students; (2) Increasing anti-violence prevention efforts across the District from K-12; (3) Continuing to work with community partners to address these behaviors that are manifested throughout the community, even during hours beyond the school day; (4) Continually increasing safety measures across the District to ensure proper personnel are in place to contain any of these situations swiftly, and provide essential and sound emergency responses; (5) Maintaining a strong relationship with the Abington Township Police Department, which is a result of decades of working together; and (6) Continuing to work with families to lend support, particularly to parents/guardians who are struggling.

Additionally, Assistant Superintendent Dr. James Melchor, Director of Pupil Services Dr. Robert Rosenthal, and Abington Township Chief of Police Patrick Molloy presented a joint orientation on safety and security, with a focus on violence prevention.

On August 29th, a special Board meeting was held to review the Abington School District Facilities Feasibility Study. Representatives from ICS, a consulting group contracted by the District, and SchraderGroup, an architectural and engineering design firm, presented a review of the Abington School District Facilities Feasibility Study. The presentation included an overview of the assessment of the District’s facilities and conditions; a study of the future enrollment and building capacities; and, a specific look at Abington Middle School’s educational program as it relates to the building layout. The Board expects to begin its review of formal options for a facilities plan after a process that will include gathering data to develop possible solutions, and collecting input from staff, parents/guardians, students, and the community to create the best possible plan for the District’s schools. Visit the following links to view the presentation and the study. In addition, a two-page Fast Facts sheet is available here.

As our student population increases, so does our need for additional teachers and staff! In August we welcomed more than two dozen new teachers to join our team of 1,200+ educators and support staff. We also continue to recruit and hire new employees throughout the school year. Visit our website for a full list of open positions, including Principal of Abington Senior High School, Property Services Coordinator, administrative assistants, plumbers, tech analysts, aides and paraprofessionals.

During the 2023-2024 School Year, all schools participating in the School Breakfast Program are to provide free breakfasts for all enrolled students. Additionally, students identified as eligible for reduced-price lunches through the National School Lunch Program will not be charged for their meals. Click here for more information, including eligibility criteria and how to apply.

With school back in session, it is important to remember the importance of traffic safety, particularly with student walkers going to/from bus stops and/or school buildings. Please use caution when traveling along Abington Township or Borough of Rockledge roads, and when going through intersections.

• Monday, Oct. 2 - ASD Elementary Instrumental Recruiting Meeting, Auditorium at Abington Senior High, 7:30 p.m.
  
• Tuesday, Oct. 3 - Districtwide Math Night for Grades K-5, 7-8 p.m., Copper Beech
• Saturday, Oct. 6 - Flu/COVID Vaccine Clinic in partnership with Eric's Rx Shoppe, 3-6 p.m., Cafeteria C at Abington Senior High
• Monday, Oct. 9 - Special Education Parent Advisory Council Meeting, 6 p.m., Copper Beech
  
• Tuesday, Oct. 10 - Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. 16 - Gifted Education Parent Advisory Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Copper Beech
• Tuesday, Oct. 24 - Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
  
• Thursday, Nov. 2 - Arts in ASD Parent Group Meeting, 7 p.m., Cafeteria C at Abington Senior High
• Monday, Nov. 6 - Gifted Education Parent Advisory Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Copper Beech
• Tuesday, Nov. 7 - Election Day (professional development day; no classes)
• Wednesday, Nov. 8 - Elementary Track and Field Meet, Schwarzman Stadium (rain date Nov. 15)
• Monday, Nov. 13 - Special Education Parent Advisory Council Meeting, 6 p.m., Copper Beech
• Tuesday, Nov. 14 - Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
• Monday, Nov. 20-Tuesday, Nov. 21 - Early Dismissal (elementary schools and middle school ONLY)
• Wednesday, Nov. 22 - Early Dismissal (ALL schools)
  
• Thursday, Nov. 23-Friday, Nov. 24 - Thanksgiving (schools and offices closed)
  
• Tuesday, Nov. 28 - Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.