School Board Monthly Update
August 2024
School Board of Directors' Monthly Update
How to Change the Monthly Update Language
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আপনার কি এই পৃষ্ঠাটি অন্য ভাষায় অনুবাদ করা দরকার? ডানদিকে পাওয়া অ্যাক্সেসিবিলিটি বোতামে (স্টিক-ফিগার) ক্লিক করুন এবং আপনার ভাষা নির্বাচন করুন।
کیا آپ کو اس صفحہ کا دوسری زبان میں ترجمہ درکار ہے؟ دائیں جانب موجود ایکسیسبیلٹی بٹن (اسٹک فگر) پر کلک کریں اور اپنی زبان منتخب کریں۔
هل تريد ترجمة هذه الصفحة إلى لغة أخرى؟ انقر فوق زر إمكانية الوصول (stick-figure) الموجود على اليمين وحدد لغتك.
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A Message from the School Board of Directors
As we prepare to dive into weeks of autumn beauty, we embrace the spirit of transformation and opportunities for growth that fall represents, both personally and within our community. We encourage everyone to participate in upcoming events and activities designed to strengthen our connections and celebrate our achievements. Let’s also take a moment to appreciate the vibrant colors around us, the crisp autumn air, and the support we provide each other. Wishing you all a fulfilling and inspiring Fall!
Warm regards,
The Board of School Directors
What are Monthly School Board of Directors Updates?
As part of the School Board of Directors' communication plan, monthly updates are provided to the school community. Monthly updates include highlights of school board of directors' community engagement and advocacy efforts, important dates, upcoming school district events, updates on any new policies or changes in policies, financial updates, and information on district resources. These updates aim to keep everyone informed and engaged with the school community. The information included in these briefs is not intended to be a complete recounting of Board meetings and do not replace official Board meeting minutes. Official meeting minutes, agendas, reports, and presentations are available at BoardDocs. Also, the Board meetings are live streamed to the District's Official UDSD Board & Board Committee Meetings YouTube Channel. We welcome you to follow the issues the School Board is considering and to attend meetings to stay informed. Thank you for taking the time each month to read the School Board of Directors Updates!
Advocacy Corner
What is the Advocacy Corner?
The Upper Darby School District School Board of Directors believes that all students, regardless of background, economic should have a quality public education and an equal opportunity for success. The Advocacy Corner provides information and resources for parents/guardians with the goal of ensuring that every child has access to the resources and support they deserve through equitable public school funding. Upper Darby School District has historically faced state underfunding while seeing the cost of educating students in Pennsylvania's public schools increasing steadily and an increase in unfunded mandates.
Please contact your State Representative to ask them to support this HB 2572!
HB 2572 is a House bill incentivizing educators to return to teaching. This bill would help those who wish to return to education complete their Act 48 professional development requirements in full from where they left off prior to leaving the profession by allowing certified, inactive educators the option of earning six (6) college credits at no cost or reduced cost. It was referred to House Education in the Pennsylvania General Assembly on September 19th. This bill would be helpful in mitigating the teacher shortage crisis.
Building Stronger School Communities Through Civil Discourse
Director Kimberly Glenn is registered to attend a 1-day conference sponsored by the Public School Board Association (PSBA) titled, Building Strong School Communities Through Civil Discourse, in Mechanicsburg, PA in February. She will join school district leaders from across the state for this insightful and interactive event dedicated to fostering stronger school communities through the power of civil discourse. Participants will learn practical strategies to lead responsibly and communicate clearly within their district and beyond; explore the core principles of civil discourse and practice applying them to real-world, school-related scenarios through role-playing exercises and group activities; and enhance your leadership skills and build a more respectful, empathetic and engaged school community. School Board Director Glenn is a member of the Educated Voters of PA, a PSBA Advocacy Engagement Program. Under PSBA's Advocacy Engagement Program, there are many ways school board directors can assist in educating legislators who have a positive impact on our public schools and students. This recognition program honors the advocacy work school board directors are doing every day.
In Your Community
What does "In Your Community" highlight?
"In Your Community" features board members' investment in stewardship and service and their efforts to engage with the community, participate in community events, listen to citizens, promote student achievement, and help community members understand how the school board works to advocate for students and families. Partnering with the community in volunteerism and in service of our community is important to us.
Director Glenn joins the Beverly Hills Middle School Home and School Association in celebrating
Mr. Remmey for National Principal Appreciation month
Director Warsavage enjoying the music, food, games, crafts, prizes and the costume party at the Highland Park Elementary School Fall Festival
President Fields with Mayor Ed Brown and State Rep. Gina Curry
at the annual Upper Darby Township International Festival
Board Member Highlight
What is the Board Member Highlight?
Board members are passionate about serving our students and the Upper Darby School District families and regularly engage in ways that enrich our community. The Board Member Highlight showcases the contributions, experiences, achievements, and insights of individual board members.
This Month's Board Member Highlight:
NEIL DESNOYERS
Neil Desnoyers was elected to the School Board of Directors for the Upper Darby School District in 2017. Neil and his wife (a public educator) have lived in the Highland Park section of Upper Darby since 1995. Neil is a product of public schools and believes strongly in the central role that public education serves in a thriving democracy. School Board Member Neil has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in the development and review of district policies, ensuring they align with both the evolving needs of students and the district's long-term goals. His careful, thoughtful approach to policy-making has led to the creation of frameworks that not only address immediate challenges but also promote equity, inclusivity, and academic excellence for all students. Neil’s ability to engage with diverse stakeholders—teachers, parents, administrators, and community members—has strengthened the district’s policy-making process, ensuring that decisions are well-informed and reflect the values of the entire community. Through his dedication and expertise, Neil has played a pivotal role in advancing policies that enhance student success and create a safe, supportive environment for learning.
District Highlights & Upcoming Events and Activities
Virtual Parent Information Night with Dr. Eran Magen
Topic: Supporting Your Upset Child
When: November 18th, 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Session Description: Trying to offer support when your child is experiencing strong emotions like stress, frustration, anxiety or anger can feel like tiptoeing through a minefield. In this interactive workshop, Dr. Magen will share parenting techniques to help you be more effective and more relaxed when supporting your child. Dr. Magen will review practical techniques for helping your child feel heard and cared for, so your child can feel better and think more clearly - all while strengthening your relationship.
CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO REGISTER FOR THE UPCOMING SESSION:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItfuiorzMpGtV0__fKiqJQBBiHaLNiDISr#/registration
CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO REGISTER FOR MORE SESSIONS:
UDSD and the Pennsylvania Academy of Ballet Society Present The Nutcracker
Enjoy a discount to the annual Nutcracker performances on November 22, 23 and 24! For all Upper Darby School district students, staff and families!
The UDSD discount is $2 off each ticket.
Both the previous and the current promo codes, UDSD-2OFF & UDSD-20OFF, will provide the UDSD FAMILIES DISCOUNT.
Annual Parent Volunteer Workshops 2024-2025
The Communications Team will host the annual Parent Volunteer Workshops for parents to learn more about the process for becoming a Parent Volunteer in the district and to receive hands-on support with completing the application steps. Light refreshments will be available.
WORKSHOP 1
Friday, November 22, 2:00-5:00 p.m.
WORKSHOP 2
Friday, February 28, 2:00-5:00 p.m.
LOCATION
Administration Building, 8201 Lansdowne Ave, Upper Darby 19802
Visit the website for more information:
RECOGNITION OF 25-YEARS-OF-SERVICE RECIPIENTS
The 25 Years of Service Recognition honors the remarkable dedication and contributions of teachers and school district staff who have devoted a quarter-century to supporting the success and well-being of students. Whether in the classroom, the library, the office, or in maintenance, transportation, registration, and support roles, these individuals have played a vital part in shaping the district's growth and fostering a positive, enriching environment for learning. This milestone reflects not only their longevity but their commitment to excellence, innovation, and the collective mission of the school community. Over the years, these staff members have made lasting impacts through their passion, expertise, and tireless efforts, enriching the lives of countless students, families, and colleagues. The 25 Years of Service Recognition is a celebration of their unwavering dedication, and a heartfelt thank you for the invaluable role they play in making the district a place of opportunity and success for all. We recognize and thank the following staff for achieving this amazing professional accomplishment:
AUGUST
JACQUELINE BALLA
KRISTIE COYLE
GINA DAVIS
ROSEMARY FARRELL
MICHELLINE HALLY
CHRISTINE PUCINO
LISA WILSON-ROBINSON
LISA THOMPSON
SEPTEMBER
NICOLE DOUGHERTY
DIANA IACOBUCCI
DEBBIE EVANS
CRAIG MESSICK
ERIN QUARTAPELLA
BRENDAN KIRCHNER
TARA MCGRORTY
STACEY ROSSER
SUSAN DWYER
EILEEN CARUSO
JOSEPH BAILEY
OCTOBER
ALICE SKUBACK
DENA KOSER-HANNA
CYNTHIA ANTHONY
Regular School Board & Committee Meetings Highlights
Weapons Detection System and Safety Update - Board Action Required
The Superintendent and the Director of Public Safety, Mr. Anthony Vaughn, provided a follow-up review and consideration of weapon detection systems for Upper Darby High School, Beverly Hills Middle School, and Drexel Hill Middle School. The review included costs, implementation timeline, additional personnel, scheduling considerations, potential number of searchers, and policy implications. The Board will provide next steps to the administration. The Board voted to move forward with this agenda item. Click the link below to view the presentation.
Proposal for Planned Instruction: Advanced Placement (AP) African-American Studies - Board Action Required
District administration proposed the addition of an Advanced Placement African American Studies for high school students in grades 10 -12. This elective will be a social studies course offered for students who want to explore the contributions, experiences, and challenges faced by African Americans throughout U.S. History. All district paperwork has been completed and is available in BoardDocs. This item requires board approval at the November meeting. Click on the link below to review the presentation.
Policy 237 Update: K-8 Cell Phone Use - Informational
District administration provided an update on policy 237-Electronic Communication Devices and the restriction of cell phone use in the kindergarten through grade 8 classrooms and schools. This item is informational only. Click on the link below to view the presentation.
2024 General Obligation Bond Update – Informational
District administration provided an update on the 2024 General Obligation Bond Issuance. Click on the link below to view the presentation.
Capital Projects Update – Informational
District Administration will provide an update on various capital projects completed during the summer of 2024. Additionally, we will provide an update on various projects that will be completed over the remainder of the school year and summer of 2025. Click on the links below to view the presentation and an update video.
Donations Report
- The Kids in Need Foundation
- State Representative Gina Curry
- Mr. Miles Peterson, Class of 2020
Click on the links below for the October Donations Report:
How to Register to Receive Board Monthly Updates and District Communications
If you know a community member who would like to sign up to receive these updates and other important messages from the District, please click HERE or share this link: https://www.upperdarbysd.org/Page/6798.
Upcoming Board Meetings
The regular School Board meetings and the School Board Committee Meetings are held in-person in the board room at 8201 Lansdowne Avenue in Upper Darby and livestreamed to the UDSD Board & Board Committee Meetings YouTube Channel.
Do you have a question or comment? Click HERE to learn how to participate.
Click HERE to review the meeting agendas 24 hours prior to the meetings.
Click HERE to view the 2024-2025 Regular School Board Meetings schedule.
Click HERE to view the 2024-2025 School Board Committee Meetings schedule. School Board Committee Meetings consist of the Education and Pupil Services meeting and the Finance and Operations meeting.
🟫 11/12, 7:30 p.m. — Regular School Board Meeting
🟫 11/26, 6:00 p.m. — School Board Committee Meetings
🟫 12/03, 7:30 p.m. — Regular School Board Meeting
🟫 12/17, 6:00 p.m. — School Board Committee Meetings
Master Calendar 2024-2025
The Upper Darby School District calendar includes events, activities and important deadlines for the school year. Updates may be made to this calendar as the year progresses, so please visit this page often to stay up-to-date. School buildings keep their own calendars of events on their webpages that include dates for school-related events. Please visit your school building website for more information. You can also access the district and school-level calendars on the Upper Darby School District mobile app. Visit your App Store to download it today!
Click on the image to the left to access the master calendar or click HERE.
For general calendar questions, please contact Aaronda Q. Beauford, Director of Communications, at abeauford@upperdarbysd.org.
2024-2025 STUDENT SERVICES MENTAL HEALTH COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE
VISIT THE DISTRICT'S JOB LISTINGS WEBSITE
CAREERS AT THE UPPER DARBY SCHOOL DISTRICT
GET YOUR ROYALS GEAR TDOAY!
Meet the School Board of Directors
School Board members are your neighbors and are public servants who make decisions that affect all students. Board members are volunteers and have a deep desire to serve children, a strong belief in the value of public education and a deep professional respect for the District staff who serve our children and their families every day. Serving as a School Board Director requires many dedicated hours of service to our community. Click HERE to learn more about how the School Board of Directors serves the Upper Darby School District community.
Email: udsdschoolboard@upperdarbysd.org
School Board of Directors' Webpage: https://pa02209738.schoolwires.net/domain/1733
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