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News from the Nest

News from the Nest
  • Back to School Information
  • Student Schedules
  • Food Services
  • Transportation
  • Administrative Staff
  • Upcoming School Board Meetings
  • Upcoming Events
  • Now Hiring!

Welcome Back to School

Hello Cardinal students and families,


Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! The staff and administration and all of our employees are excited to kick off this year with all of you. We are anxiously awaiting the return of students on September 3, 2024. Please watch my short welcome message included below and review this edition of News from the Nest for back to school information. Enjoy the last few days of summer vacation!

Welcome Back Message 2024

Share your First Day of School Photos

The first day of school is an exciting day packed with so many emotions! Many of you may have first day traditions like making a big breakfast or snapping that picture as your child gets on the bus. Help us see and feel the excitement of our students by sharing your child's first day photo. Get as creative as you'd like... make signs, pose with friends and family, show your Cardinal pride! Photos will be used to create a video montage that will be released to our community. Please consider submitting your photo(s) by simply clicking the survey link below and uploading photos! Happy First Day Cardinals!

Back to School Information

Food Services Information

Our Food Services Department is looking forward to welcoming back our students! Check out our new video linked below where you will learn more about food services, our offerings and how to participate. Remember that all students in the district can get breakfast for free each school day. To learn more about this program, to see our breakfast and lunch menus or get any other food service related information, click the button below to visit our department website.
The School Cafeteria

Governor's Breakfast Champions

Last spring, the Governor's Breakfast Program challenged schools to increase student participation in universal free breakfast by using promotional strategies, identifying service methods that allowed for greater student access to breakfast, and incorporating hot breakfast items and foods that were locally sourced and lower in sugar. Recently we received notice from the Pennsylvania Department of Education that all six of our schools met the Challenge and are now named Governor’s Breakfast Champions! Only 37 schools in the Commonwealth finished the challenge, with Upper Dublin being the only district to have completed the challenge in all of its schools. We are very proud of this accomplishment and thankful for the efforts of Ms. Delle (Food Services Director), Mr. Picorelli (Asst. Director) and their team, along with our school leaders.

Transportation Information

Individual student transportation information was sent home on Thursday, August 15, 2024. Information included bus numbers, bus stop locations, and times.

Administrative Staff

Assistant Superintendent

Mrs. Julien Drennan has been appointed to serve as the District's Assistant Superintendent, primarily leading our Instructional Leadership Team and serving as a bridge between Student Services and Teaching & Learning. Mrs. Drennan brings 17 years of administrative experience, serving most recently as the Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development at a neighboring district. She's also been a school principal and started her career as a German teacher. Mrs. Drennan officially started on August 12, 2024 and has hit the ground running.

Director of Communications

Mrs. Stephanie Yoder will begin her tenure with our District on August 28, 2024 as our Director of Communications. The Director works closely with the Superintendent and members of administration to proactively and transparently communicate District information to students, staff, community, and stakeholders, on behalf of the District. Mrs. Yoder has experience as a public school Community Engagement and Public Engagement Manager, as well as a background in working with education foundations.

Director of Data & Strategic Partnerships

We are excited to announce the recommendation of Dr. Daniel Ortiz to serve as the District's Director of Data and Strategic Partnerships. This position emerged through restructuring of existing positions within the Teaching and Learning team. The Director is responsible for spearheading data analysis to drive strategic initiatives, systems, and partnerships that benefit all students while enhancing educational outcomes and a sense of belonging. Dr. Ortiz has most recently served Upper Dublin as the Principal at Sandy Run Middle School, but has also been a House Principal, teacher, and student within the District.

Upcoming School Board Meetings

Finance Committee - August 21, 2024 @ 6:00 PM

Policy Committee - August 21, 2024 @ 7:00 PM

Legislative Meeting - August 26, 2024 @ 7:00 PM

Education Committee - September 4, 2024 @ 6:00 PM

Policy Committee - September 4, 2024 @ 7:00 PM


**All meetings are held in the Cardinal Room at UDHS.

Upcoming Events

First Home Football Game

Thursday, August 29, 2024 @ 7:00 PM @ Cardinal Stadium

Staff First Day ~ Monday, August 26, 2024

All schools and offices will be closed from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm in order for our staff to participate in convocation activities and prepare for the upcoming school year.

First Day of School ~ Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Join the Cardinal Team

Upper Dublin School District is seeking motivated individuals to serve our students in various roles. Positions are available for custodians, food service workers, bus drivers, cafe/playground aides, educational assistants, coaches, and substitutes. Consider applying or sharing with someone else who may be interested. All available positions can be found by clicking the button below and applications can be submitted online at the same link.

Dr. Laurie Smith
Superintendent of Schools
Upper Dublin School District

lauriesmith@udsd.org