In the Nest...
What's happening inside Upper Dublin School District?
What's happening inside the walls of Upper Dublin? Find out by reading the NEW internal newsletter ~ Inside the Nest! We hope this newsletter becomes a place to learn about district activities and events, share information, and highlight our amazing staff. Please take a moment to read the articles below. After reading, click below to complete a very brief feedback survey and enter to win a prize!
Congratulations to Dr. Daniel Ortiz, this year's Outstanding Educator!
We are very proud to announce that Dr. Daniel Ortiz, Sandy Run Middle School Principal, has been selected as this year's UD Medals Outstanding Educator. The Selection Committee chooses one full-time teacher or administrator currently employed by Upper Dublin School District who has made a significant contribution to the educational process. The individual possesses the ability to communicate, motivate, and relate to students toward educational achievement; has a high degree of expertise; and demonstrates a willingness to share ideas, talents and experiences both in school and through community activities. Congratulations Dr. Ortiz!
April 8 @ Transportation Facility (8:45 - 9:30 am)
April 17 @ Sandy Run MS (11:15 - 2:15 pm)
April 19 @ Jarrettown (8:20 - 11:30 am)
April 24 @ UD High School (7:10 - 10:40 am)
Thank you to the staff at Maple Glen, Fort Washington, and Thomas Fitzwater for visiting with me. I truly appreciated getting to know each of you more and hearing your thoughts and concerns. It is apparent that school pride is thriving everywhere!
Education Committee - April 3 @ 6:00 PM
- Part Two of our Data Presentations
Policy Committee - April 3 @ 7:00 PM or immediately following the Education Committee
Finance Committee - April 17 @ 6:00 PM
- First look at Expenditures for the 2024-2025 budget, including staffing proposals
**All meetings are held in the Cardinal Room at UDHS.
Due to the upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8th, the Upper Dublin School District will be operating on an early dismissal schedule on Monday, April 8, 2024. The day’s schedule will follow our typical dismissal times on early dismissal days.
To learn more about the eclipse including timeline and safety precautions, visit NASA: 2024 Total Solar Eclipse or the PA Department of Education website. We have also created an Eclipse Reference Page with additional details, eye safety information, simulations and live feed links, as well as additional reference sites. Teachers are encouraged to capitalize on this momentous event within their classroom instruction and to share safety information with their students.
An early dismissal of this nature prompts questions regarding expectations for staff during the afternoon. Please see below for information pertaining to various employee groups.
- Professional Staff, Educational Assistants, and Staff Nurses may leave 30 minutes after student dismissal at each respective level.
- All other staff will work their regularly scheduled hours.
Mr. Shea Creamer was hired as the Upper Dublin School District Safety Coordinator in September of 2023. He comes to us after retiring with 26 years of experience as a Police Supervisor with the Upper Dublin Police Department. He and his wife, Michele, have been married 31 years, have two children, and recently became grandparents! During his time with UDPD he served as a first line supervisor on Patrol, lead instructor of de-escalation, and the Deputy Commander of Montgomery County SWAT - East Region. Prior to his time with UDPD he served with the Special Operations Command in the US Army for 5 years and followed that service with 10 years in the PA National Guard. Mr. Creamer is an avid reader and loves to travel. He is committed to the safety and security of our students and staff and we are thrilled to have him join our team!
Hello Upper Dublin Cardinals!
I have thoroughly enjoyed my first month here in Upper Dublin! I can't thank you all enough for the warm welcome! I am excited to be here!
Over the last month, I've had the opportunity to spend time in buildings getting to know you and your students! I've had the chance to spend time with building leaders, special education supervisors, and our team of related service providers. It has been a wonderful experience and I have learned so much.
Before starting in Upper Dublin, I had the opportunity to serve 19 years as an educator in Pennridge School District and Central Bucks School District as a special education teacher, ESY head teacher, program specialist for low incidence populations, supervisor of special education, and Director of Pupil Services. I also work as an adjunct instructor with Delaware Valley University and teach graduate classes in their Autism and SEL Endorsement Certification Programs.
Outside of "school" - I'm spending every minute with my family! I live in Chalfont with my husband Matt, sons Andrew (12) and Jack (8), and beagles Lily and Mabel.
Thank you so much for making my first month incredible! I'm very lucky to be here and look forward to working alongside you to support and empower your students!
The School Board approved the District Calendar for next school year. Click the image to see the details. Act 56 of 2023, formerly House Bill 1507, was recently passed and implemented. The Act changes the instructional time requirement from 180 days to either 180 days or 990 secondary hours and 900 elementary hours. The previous law required schools to provide 180 days of instruction per school year, with the exception of Act 80 day (Professional Development days) and ensure a minimum of 990 hours for secondary students and a minimum of 900 hours for elementary students.
Our District has created the 2024-2025 instructional calendar in a similar fashion as previous years. The implications of Act 56 may be taken into consideration in the development of future year calendars.
Please see this flyer for information about the process and timeline. The deadline is May 1, 2024. We'd love to see grant submissions from each building. If you'd like to talk through a grant idea, please reach out to Mr. Hoffman. We are so lucky to have such a supportive education foundation with generous donors!
