Haverford Happenings

Our district is conducting surveys and focus groups for Strategic Planning to gather input for setting goals that will guide our work over the next 3-5 years. We invite families and community members to participate by completing surveys (linked below) and attending focus group meetings, available both in-person and via Zoom. If you have children in multiple district schools, you may complete separate surveys for each school or skip questions as needed. Please respond by November 15.

Haverford Parents/Guardians Grades K-2 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/V6HVTBQ

Haverford Parents/Guardians Grades 3-5 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VZFPB92

Haverford Parents/Guardians MS https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LPBLHWY

Haverford Parents/Guardians HS https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L6JTSZ3

Haverford Community (residents currently without children in the schools) https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LCBS3ND

Focus Group Dates:

December 2nd

• 7:00 PM: K-12 Parent/Guardian Focus Group - HMS Library

December 4th

• 9:00 AM: K-12 Parent/Guardian Focus Group - HHS Auditorium Lobby
• 7:00 PM: K-12 Parent/Guardian Focus Group - This meeting will be held via Zoom

For more information about Strategic Planning, please visit our website here.

All stakeholders of the School District of Haverford Township are invited to share their valuable input. An online survey seeks your input to provide valuable information regarding the type of leader the district will need to successfully educate students and prepare them for their bright futures. The School District of Haverford Township voice is very important in this process.

The community survey is now available and will remain open until November 15th.

We invite you to participate in this SURVEY, designed to help develop a leadership profile that will guide the selection of the next superintendent. Completing this survey should take at most ten minutes.

The DCIU is also holding targeted focus groups as part of the community and stakeholder engagement strategy for gathering input on the desired qualities and attributes for the next superintendent. Various stakeholders, including administration, professional staff, support staff, parents, guardians, community members, and students, are invited to participate in scheduled sessions to ensure comprehensive feedback.

School District of Haverford Township Parents, Guardians, and Community Members Focus Groups:

• In-Person: November 9, 2024, at 9:00 AM, Haverford Middle School Library
• Virtual: November 12, 2024, at 9:00 AM, https://dciu-org.zoom.us/j/99906494200
• Virtual: November 14, 2024, at 6:30 PM, https://dciu-org.zoom.us/j/95932429138
• Virtual: November 19, 2024, at 7:00 PM, https://dciu-org.zoom.us/j/93309235285

More information and regular updates can be found here.

This year, your student will engage in the English language arts curriculum resource, Wit & Wisdom®. This program is designed to challenge students in a positive and productive way, helping them build knowledge about the world while developing essential English language arts skills. Students explore a wide range of award-winning fiction and nonfiction texts, famous artworks, videos, photographs, and more, all chosen to awaken and deepen their curiosity.

Throughout the year, students delve into engaging topics such as the five senses, outer space, the Great Depression, and more. Through these topics and diverse texts, students practice reading challenging material and enhancing their writing and speaking skills, making them clearer, more logical, and effective communicators. At Haverford, students find interactive activities such as story stones, gallery walks, and Socratic seminars particularly engaging, adding dynamic layers to their learning experience.

To support families and caregivers, Wit & Wisdom offers downloadable Family Tip Sheets for each module or unit of study. Each tip sheet provides an overview of what students are currently exploring and includes practical ideas for extending learning outside of school. This curriculum resource equips students not only for success in English language arts but also with skills that benefit them across all areas of study and beyond.

You can find more information about Wit and Wisdom on our website under the Curriculum Guides.

Please look for an upcoming information session for parents and guardians coming soon.

The 7th and 8th grades came together to offer a variety of wellness-focused activities on October 31, emphasizing social-emotional wellness by providing students with choices that promote physical activity and teamwork, such as jogging through Havertown, biking the Pensy Trail, and playing soccer with the YMCA. In addition to these options, traditional activities like mindful coloring, silent reading, and art projects encourage self-expression and relaxation. Meanwhile, 6th graders will participate in four rotations of student-chosen activities—coloring, puzzles, Kahoot, knockout, and nature walks—fostering connection and collaboration among peers. This engaging experience will also include a fun science demonstration by a professor from Princeton University, further enhancing curiosity and community. These activities create a supportive environment that nurtures students’ emotional well-being and interpersonal skills.

The Haverford Science Academy and Science National Honor Society are again hosting DISCOVER Day at Haverford High School on Saturday, November 2nd, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. We are proud to share that our high schoolers are designing, planning, and organizing a record number of new activities—there's guaranteed to be something for everyone!

High school clubs offer numerous benefits for students. They help develop essential skills like leadership, communication, and time management while allowing students to explore interests in areas such as art, science, or coding. Clubs foster social connections, providing a sense of community and confidence. Participation can enhance college applications, especially through leadership roles, and offer networking opportunities with mentors and professionals. Additionally, balancing club involvement with academics teaches time management, and club activities promote creativity and problem-solving. Haverford HS offers over 90 clubs to students.

During the week of November 11-15th, the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and schools across the United States will mark National School Psychology Week (NSPW). This week celebrates the contributions of school psychologists and the important role they play in schools and communities. NSPW is an annual opportunity to recognize school psychologists' work to help children thrive in school, at home, and in life. This year’s theme, “Spark Discovery,” recognizes the work that school psychologists do to help their communities seek out new ideas, effect change, and expand horizons for children and youth. Join us by taking this week to embark on a journey of discovery, explore how each person can celebrate the work of school psychologists, and learn how school psychologists help students, families, and communities every day.

American Education Week (AEW) is an annual event in the United States that occurs during the week leading up to Thanksgiving. This week celebrates public education and recognizes the contributions of individuals who make a difference in students' lives. Established in 1921 by the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Legion, AEW aims to highlight the importance of education and encourage community support for schools. We take this time to honor the dedicated team of individuals working tirelessly in our public schools, including bus drivers, classroom teachers, cafeteria workers, administrative staff, and many others who contribute to the success of our students and communities.

The Pennsylvania Art Education Association (PAEA) is proud to recognize the School District of Haverford Township for the fourth consecutive year for its dedication to visual arts education. The district has earned the endorsement of Outstanding Visual Arts Community 2024. PAEA empowers its members to transform their practices and enhance the art education culture within their communities.

Districts receiving this endorsement demonstrate the significance of their visual arts programs through:

- Rigorous and Inclusive Programs: Arts programs uphold high standards by using a curriculum that is both challenging and inclusive, taught at every educational level by qualified and certified art educators.

- Highly Accessible Programs: Art programs are available to all students at every level of education, supported by a sustainable budget for the visual arts.

- Highly Visible Programs: Schools and districts showcase their achievements in visual arts through their websites and social media, highlighting program accomplishments, curriculum details, art staff, mission statements, and arts events.

National Native American Heritage Month

• We observe Native American Heritage Month in November to recognize the achievements and contributions of Native Americans.
• Take a look at the virtual library of books for this month.

Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead): November 1 & 2

• Day of the Dead combines the ancient Aztec custom of celebrating ancestors with All Souls' Day, a holiday Spanish invaders brought to Mexico starting in the early 1500s.

Diwali

• Diwali is an important religious festival originating in India. Diwali takes place annually and lasts for five days, marking the start of the Hindu New Year. The exact dates change each year and are determined by the position of the moon – but it usually falls between October and November.

The School District of Haverford Township utilizes BoardDocs, an online, paperless resource for all school board meetings. Here, you can find the agenda, meeting minutes, video replay, and board policies. The meetings are live-streamed on YouTube.

Regular and Committee Board Meetings will be held at the Oakmont Administration Building.

*NOTE TIMES FOR COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Upcoming Meetings:

• November 7: Regular School Board Meeting
• November 14: Curriculum & Pupil Services at 6:30 PM
• November 21: Regular School Board Meeting

All presentations and videos can be found on BoardDocs.

Performances are November 14-16 at 7:00 PM and November 16 at 2:00 PM.

Stay tuned for the date of the sensory performance to experience a live performance that will be absent of any loud, abrupt noises, drastic lighting changes, and completely dark auditorium.

Nov 2: Discover Day at Haverford HS

Nov. 5: Teacher In-service Day (no school for students)

Nov. 25,26,27: Middle School parent conferences (early dismissal for middle school students)
Nov. 25,26,27: Elementary School parent conferences (early dismissal for elementary school students)

Nov. 27: Teacher In-service Day (early dismissal for high school students)
Nov. 28, 29: Thanksgiving Holiday (schools & offices closed)

2024-2025 Calendar (At a Glance)

2025-2026 Calendar (At a Glance)

Join our team! Click the link to view available positions across the District and how to apply.

The mission of the School District of Haverford Township is to educate and to inspire a community of lifelong learners who become well-rounded global citizens.

Website: https://www.haverford.k12.pa.us/
Location: 50 East Eagle Road, Havertown, PA, USA
Phone: 610-853-5900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haverfordsd.net
Twitter: @haverfordsd