Jill Palladino, Principal
3001 State Road
Drexel Hill, PA 19026
(610) 853-4580 - Main Office
(610)-853 4585 - Fax
https://www.upperdarbysd.org/dhms
DHMS STAFF DIRECTORY
District Colors: Purple and Gold
DISTRICT MASCOT: Royals
SCHOOL WEBSITE: DHMS School Website - Click here!
DISTRICT AND SCHOOL INFORMATION PAGE
Upper Darby School District
8201 N. Lansdowne Avenue
Drexel Hill PA 19026
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION
Dr. Daniel P. McGarry, Superintendent of Schools
Dr. John Council, Assistant Superintendent of Personnel and Equity
Ed Marshaleck, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services
Kelley Simone, Director of Secondary Education
Brian Ursone, Director of Pupil Services
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Hello and welcome to Drexel Hill Middle School! Thank you for taking the time to review our Student and Family Handbook. This handbook operates as a guide to help with the many questions that you may have over the course of the year. This handbook is interactive, as it provides direct links to useful information and resources. In the event that you cannot find the information that you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact us at the school.
Drexel Hill Middle School operates around grade-level centers. Each child has the support of a dedicated guidance counselor, a student support specialist, a social worker, and an assistant principal. These centers stay with each cohort of students, following them from sixth grade through eighth grade. The relationships and connections they forge with our children and our families is critical to the positive climate and environment of support offered here at Drexel Hill.
As the building principal, I am honored to lead each of the grade-level centers, in addition to working with all of our children and families in each grade. I look forward to getting to know each of you over the next few months. If you ever need anything from me, feel free to email, call the office, or my cell phone at 610-389-5008.
Middle School is a special place in the life of a student. While our children depend so greatly on adult guidance and direction Kindergarten through fifth grade, middle schoolers begin to make independent decisions, or at least have some participation in the decisions that are made. It is our goal at the middle school level to support all of our students in their academic and emotional growth. The 2024 - 2025 school year kicks off on August 26, 2024. Please stay connected through our Wednesday message to receive important news and announcements each week.
All the best,
Mrs. Palladino
PURPOSE OF THE SCHOOL FAMILY HANDBOOK
The purpose of the School Family Handbook is to provide important information concerning rules and general expectations, policies, and procedures for the safe and orderly operation of school. The handbook is reviewed annually. It is the responsibility of each student and parents/guardians to become familiar with the Student Handbook.
UDSD FAMILY HANDBOOK
The Upper Darby School District Family Handbook has been developed to provide general information about the Upper Darby School District’s programs, services, and policies. Upper Darby School District values the partnership and spirit of collaboration of our families. Your support has allowed us to continue in our efforts to promote Opportunity, Unity and Excellence in all of our schools. Click HERE to view the Upper Darby School District Family Handbook.
MISSION STATEMENT
Drexel Hill Middle School is dedicated to providing a quality education that enables our students to communicate with others, make intelligent choices, assume responsibility, and deal appropriately with the challenges of life. It is through quality education that students can develop a lifelong love for learning and can grow into mature adults who have something of value to offer an ever-changing society.
DISTRICT AND SCHOOL COMPREHENSIVE GOALS
Upper Darby School District Administration presented the District's 2024-2027 Comprehensive Plan at the February 27, 2024 Education and Pupil Services School Board Committee meeting. The presentation included a review of the process used to develop the plan, the determined strengths and challenges, the action plan for reaching the district’s goals and the professional development plan to be implemented. The plan was posted for public review and comments for 28 days as per Chapter 4 of the PA School Code and was approved at the August board meeting
DISTRICT EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION PLAN
The UDSD Emergency Communications Plan provides guidelines on what emergency/serious incident and school closing(s) information will be shared, with whom that information will be shared, how that information will be shared and when that information will be shared during all phases of an unexpected occurrence that requires immediate action. The Plan also includes information on procedures for emergency school closings (i.e. snow days, etc.). Click HERE to review the plan.
24-25 Calendar of Events
AUGUST 2024
8/21/2024: 6th Grade Ice Cream Social @ 4:00 PM-5:00 PM
8/26/2024: First Day of School for all Students 11:50 AM Dismissal
8/26/2024-8/29/2024: 11:50 AM Dismissal
8/30/2024: Schools/Offices Closed
SEPTEMBER 2024
9/02/2024: Schools/Offices Closed
9/05/2024: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
9/11/2024: Hero's Assembly @ 9:00 AM
9/12/2024: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - NO ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
9/12/2024: Fall Open House Night @ 5:00 PM-7:00 PM
9/16-9/17/2024: MAP Testing All School: 2 HOUR LATE START SCHEDULE
9/18/2024: MAP Testing Makeup
9/19/24-9/20/24: MAP Conferences
9/19/2024: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
9/26/2024: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
9/27/2024: Royal’s Spirit Day
OCTOBER 2024
10/01/2024: Student of the Month Assemblies
10/03/2024: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
10/10/2024: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - NO ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
10/14/2024: Indigenous Peoples Day- School Closed/Offices Open
10/16/2024: PBIS Movie Night Incentive (Invitation Only)
10/17/2024: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
10/18/2024: Home and School Sponsored 6th Grade Social 6:00 PM
10/24/2024: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
10/25/2024: Royal Academics at UDHS 10AM-12PM
10/29/2024-10/30/2024: Musical Auditions
10/31/2024: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
NOVEMBER 2024
11/01/2024: End of 1st Marking Period
11/05/2024: No School for Students - Teacher PD
11/06/2024: Student of the Month Assemblies
11/07/2024: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
11/14/2024: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - NO ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
11/15/2024: Home and School Sponsored 7th Grade Social @ 6:00 PM
11/21/2024: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
11/25/2024: Middle School Conferences (Afternoon Only): Early Dismissal @ 12:15 PM
11/26/2024: Middle School Conferences (Afternoon and Evening): Early Dismissal @ 12:15 PM
11/27/2024: Turkey Trot @ 9:00 AM
11/27/2024: Early Dismissal @ 11:50 AM
11/28/2024-11/29/2024: Thanksgiving Holiday Schools/Offices Closed
DECEMBER 2024
12/03/2024: Student of the Month Assemblies
12/05/2024: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
12/09/2024: Winter Concert at DHMS @ 7:00 PM
12/12/2024: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - NO ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
12/13/2024: Royals Spirit Day
12/19/2024: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
12/23/2024-1/1/2025: Winter Break Schools/Offices Closed
JANUARY 2025
1/02/2025: School Resumes for Staff and Students
1/02/2025: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
1/07/2025: Student of the Month Assemblies
1/09/2025: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
1/16/2025: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - NO ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
1/17/2025: End of 2nd Marking Period
1/20/2025: MLK Holiday - Schools/Offices Closed
1/21-1/22/2025: MAP Testing All School 2 HOUR LATE START SCHEDULE
1/23/2025: MAP Testing Makeup
1/24/25 and 1/27/25: MAP Conferences
1/23/2025: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
1/30/2025: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
FEBRUARY 2025
2/04/2025: Student of the Month Assemblies
2/06/2025: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
2/07/2025: Student Administration Day
2/07/2025: Royals Spirit Day
2/12/2025: Black History Month Assembly
2/13/2025: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - NO ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
2/14/2025: No School for Students-Teacher PD
2/17/2025: President’s Day - Schools/Offices Closed
2/18/2025: DHMS Speak Up! Event at 5:30 PM
2/19/2025: 8th Grade Course Selection Assembly w/ UDHS
2/20/2025: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
2/26/2025: NJHS Induction @ 9:00 AM
2/27/2025: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
MARCH 2024
3/04/2025: Student of the Month Assemblies
3/06/2025: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
3/13/2025: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - NO ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
3/20/2025: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
3/20/2025-3/22/2025: Spring Musical @ 7:00 PM
3/19/2024: Spring Picture Day & 8th Grade Group Picture Day
3/27/2025: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
3/28/2025: End of 3rd Marking Period
APRIL 2025
4/01/2025: Student of the Month Assemblies
4/03/2025: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
4/04/2025: Jazz Fest (tentative) @ 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
4/10/2025: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
4/11/2025: Royals Spirit Day
4/14/2025-4/18/2025: Spring Break - Schools/Offices Closed
4/21/2025: School Resumes
4/22/2025-4/24/2025: PSSA Testing - English Language Arts
4/24/2025: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
4/28/2025-4/29/2025: PSSA Testing - Mathematics
4/30/2025: PSSA Testing - Science (8th grade only)
MAY 2025
5/01/2025: PSSA Testing - Science (8th grade only)
5/01/2025: UDSD Relay Carnival at DHMS
5/06/2025: Student of the Month Assemblies
5/07/2025: Choral Concert at DHMS @ 7:00PM
5/08/2025: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
5/08/2025: UDSD Relay Carnival at DHMS (Rain Date)
5/12/2025-5/13/2025: Keystone Testing (Algebra)
5/23/2025: Instrumental Concert at @ 7:00 PM
5/15/2025: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - NO ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
5/19/2025: MAP Testing ALL School: 2 Hour Late Start Schedule
5/20/2025: Pennsylvania Primaries - Schools Closed/Office Open
5/21/2025: MAP Testing All School: 2 Hour Late Start Schedule
5/22/2025: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
5/22/2023: MAP Testing Make-Ups
5/23/2025: No School for Students - Contract In-Service/Teacher PD
5/26/2025: Memorial Day Holiday - Schools/Offices Closed
5/27/2025-5/28/2025: MAP Conferences
5/29/2025: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
5/29/2025: 5th - 6th Grade Parent Information Night @ 6:00 PM
JUNE 2025
6/03/2025: Student of the Month Assemblies
6/04/2025: 8th Grade Awards @ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
6/05/2025: Early Dismissal @ 1:30 PM - ASYNCHRONOUS WORK REQUIRED
6/06/2025: 8th Grade Dinner Dance @ 7:00 PM
6/11/2025: End of 4th Marking Period
6/10/2025: Promotion Assemblies @ 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM
6/11/2025: Last Day of School/Early Dismissal @ 11:50 AM
6/24/2025: First Day of Summer Program
DHMS Home and School Association
The Drexel Hill Home and School Association is organized by and consists of parents and guardians who donate their time and talents to support our Drexel Hill Middle School children. Our volunteers plan events and activities for our children and help support our teachers. They provide important visibility to show that our families are involved and care about their school.
The Drexel Hill Home and School Associations only continues with YOUR support. Families are encouraged to engage in meetings, plan events and activities, and/or volunteer your time. Please help continue to enhance the education of our children. We cannot do it without you. We invite you to attend our monthly meetings either in-person or virtually. Meetings are held monthly, but please check out our calendar for exact dates.
Drexel Hill Home and School Association sponsored events include but are not limited to:
6th Grade Fall Social, 7th Grade Dance, 8th Grade Dinner Dance, Teacher Appreciation Week Luncheon, Monthly and Year Long Fundraisers
Communications
The Upper Darby School District believes that strong communication and a positive home-school connection are critical to the success of our students and our schools. Drexel Hill Middle School administration, teachers and staff know that good communication with parents is an important part of keeping families connected to school. We are committed to communicating with parents/guardians through a variety of tools. Please note the ways we stay connected with families and stay engaged!
UDSD Website - The District website is used to communicate District and school news and information to parents and the school community. The District website also contains information related to each Department, the District’s master calendar, Board policies and other District and District news and announcements.
UDSD Social Media - The District uses a variety of social media tools to post information on emergency school closings, pictures of students and teachers working together, pictures from events and activities in schools across the District, and information about upcoming meetings and events.
Drexel Hill Middle School webpage- The school webpage contains each of our week-at-a-glance calendar, access to the Principal’s webpage, the school’s monthly newsletter and other important information.
Weekly “Wednesday” Electronic Folder (ParentLink) from the Principal
Weekly information, updates, resources will be shared via email. It is necessary to provide an accurate email address to stay informed. If there are any changes to your email, please update your information in Home Access Center (HAC) or by contacting the Drexel Hill Middle School Main Office if you need assistance. If your information is not up-to-date, you will miss out on important “happenings” and information.
Home Access Center (HAC) Portal - Access for K-12 registrations, access to email, K-12 class schedules, homeroom assignments, transportation information, and district updates. It is important that you keep your email address up-to-date to access this important information. See the Home Access Center Guide for information on how to access HAC. You may send an email to parentportal@upperdarbysd.org from the email address on file to have your log-in credentials sent to you.
Schoology - Teachers can send a Schoology message to parents of members in their course(s) or group(s) about course updates and reminders.
Community Bulletin Board - Please remember to check out our electronic Community Bulletin Board every week for community, Township, and County resources and events! The Community Bulletin Board will be linked in each Wednesday folder. If you know of any neighbors who would like to stay informed on community events, encourage them to register at https://pa02209738.schoolwires.net/Page/6798 to receive district and school updates.
Principal ParentLinks - From time to time, the Principal will send out communications to families about important school events or information. Please check your email regularly for updates. Voice message ParentLinks are reserved for emergency notifications only. Please keep your contact information up to date in HAC.
Mobile App - Download the Upper Darby School District app on your mobile device today to view the top stories for the district, check out the district and school calendars, district social media and to receive push notifications with the latest news and updates from the district. Install the Upper Darby School District mobile app today!
Blackboard Reach - Blackboard Reach lets teachers have a two-way conversation with parents. Conversations can be used to give feedback, information on upcoming assignments or required paperwork due dates, and class information and events. Blackboard Reach allows families to view messages that teachers post to the entire class and to also privately message teachers. Click here for instructions on using the messaging dashboard.
School Board Meetings & Committee Meetings - These meetings empower parents to stay informed about policy and to observe and become familiar with the policy-making process.
School Website and Calendar
Weekly updates, teachers’ webpages, principal’s webpage, and monthly school newsletters can be accessed from the school website.
Crisis Go
As part of the District's emergency preparedness plan, CrisisGo allows parents to receive emergency school safety alerts throughout the course of a lock-in, lock-out and lockdown with teachers and staff. This year, we will transition to sending lock-in, lock-out and lockdown notifications and updates to parents via the CrisisGo mobile app. Parents will need to self-register in order to receive these alerts.
The CrisisGo mobile app allows UDSD parents to connect with safety message groups from our school district and individual school buildings. UDSD parents can download the CrisisGo app on their mobile device and create a free account. Parents will then need to subscribe to the school and district groups via the ID numbers provided by the District. Click on the flier to learn how to subscribe: UDSD Parents - CrisisGo Subscription Flyer.
Please review the following to learn more about the safety terminology we will be using in our emergency communications: Lock-In, Lock-Out, Lockdown FAQS for Families. Please note that the District will continue to communicate emergency lock-in, lock-out and lockdown alerts and updates through ParentLink emails and social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram).
Phone Calls/Emails
Please ensure the district has updated and accurate phone numbers and emails for parents and guardians
Community Bulletin Board - https://www.upperdarbysd.org/communitybulletinboard
UDSD Mobile App
Emergency Preparedness
The safety of our students, staff and visitors is our top priority. Emergencies can happen at any time, and when they happen at school, we want to ensure that everyone is prepared to handle them safely and effectively.
School-level Comprehensive Disaster Response and Emergency Preparedness Plan (link your school’s doc)
CrisisGo - Parents and guardians will now be kept in the loop with school safety news. CrisisGo’s app allows you to connect with safety message groups from our school district and school buildings. If an emergency occurs, you will be able to receive updates from the school. Principals sent out information on how to subscribe to the CrisisGo mobile app in their summer letters. Please reach out to the Principal if you would like a copy of this flyer.
Fire Drills - Each school building is required to hold a fire drill at least once a month during the school year to instruct and familiarize staff and students with the use of fire escapes, fire extinguishers and exits. Each fire drill includes the complete removal of students, staff and visitors in an expeditious manner to a place of safety on the grounds outside.
Bus Evacuation Drills - When the District uses its own buses or contracts for busing to transport district students, it must conduct at least two (2) bus evacuation drills to instruct students and practice the location, use and operation of emergency exit doors, fire extinguishers, and proper evacuation of buses in the event of fire or accidents. Bus evacuation drills will be conducted on school grounds. The first bus drill will be conducted during the first week of the school term, and the second will be conducted during the month of March. The Supervisor of Transportation may conduct additional drills at other times of the year when necessary. The district will provide bus operators with proper training and instructions to enable them to carry out the necessary procedures for bus evacuation and may require drivers to attend classes and drills.
Emergency Drills - Emergency drills can include drills involving severe weather storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, bomb threats, lockdowns and evacuations. The Director of Public Safety, in consultation with the Superintendent, will determine if and when an emergency drill is necessary.
UDSD Parent Resources
Early Literacy Tutorial Parent Videos - A collection of video tutorials from Upper Darby School District teachers and administrators to help students with various concepts and topics surrounding early literacy.
Math Tutorial Parent Videos - A collection of video tutorials from Upper Darby School District teachers and administrators to help students with various math concepts and topics.
Student Emotional/Social Support Resources - A collection of video resources from Upper Darby School District counselors, social workers and administrators to help students with social-emotional learning.
Tech Support - A collection of step-by-step solutions to various technology issues you may have questions about technology resources and tools.
ATTENDANCE
Student Absences
Consistent school attendance is necessary for successful learning. The spirit of the learning process, exciting ideas, and group discussions can never be made up after an absence. Holidays, vacations and early dismissal days are clearly noted on the school calendar. When a student is absent but is able to do homework, a parent may request to pick up books and assignments. Most, if not all, materials can also be found on Schoology. Please communicate directly with your child’s teacher with any questions.
The Board considers the following conditions to constitute reasonable cause for absence from school or an excused absence:
Illness
Quarantine
Family emergency
Recovery from accident
Death in family
Family educational travel, upon written request from parents/guardians with prior written approval from the building principal. No educational travel will be approved for students required to take PSSA, Keystone or other state-mandated testing, during mandatory testing periods.
It is the policy of the Upper Darby School District to excuse pupils from school if their religious affiliation requires them to observe a holiday. Legal excusal will be granted on written request from the parent or guardian of the pupil involved.
When a child is absent from school, an explanation of absence email must be sent to:
dhms-attendance@upperdarbysd.org. Children who do not send a valid explanation of absence email within three days will be marked truant. Three truancies will be reported to the Attendance Team for further review. Following the third truancy, a family meeting will be scheduled to create a School Attendance Improvement Plan.
Drexel Hill's attendance policy is in accordance with UDSD (Policy 204) and PA Dept. of Education Attendance policies. All Students who are absent for ten days or more, for any reason, in the current school year will be notified of their excessive absences. District policies and forms can be found at: https://go.boarddocs.com/pa/udar/Board.nsf/Public?open&id=policies#. Please check with the grade-level assistant principal or school nurse for assistance with ongoing illnesses that affect school attendance.
Late to School
Any student arriving past 8:30 AM will be considered late to school. Lates will only be excused if the child was at a medical appointment and a doctor’s note is supplied to accompany the appointment. Starting at 8:31 AM, any student that arrives at school must check in at the main lobby with a Grade Level Administrator or designee to be marked accordingly. Interventions for lates will be applied based on the Upper Darby Middle School Code of Character.
Early Dismissal
A student may be dismissed before the close of the school day only for urgent reasons, such as medical and dental treatments, or other reasons for the welfare of the student. However, the principal or designee has the discretion to determine which are special and justifiable requests and has the authority to act accordingly.[10][15]
PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW WHEN REQUESTING AN EARLY DISMISSAL
Send a note to school. The student will need to turn the note into their 1st period teacher during attendance. The note must include the student’s full name and time of the early dismissal. This will place the child on the attendance list and give them permission to leave class without being called down.
Communicate with your child. The student will need to be responsible to keep an eye on the clock and report to the main office at the designated time. The child will raise their hand and ask to be dismissed from class.
Meet your child in the Lobby and sign them out. Please try to be on time.
If your child is being picked up by someone other than their parent / primary guardian you must provide permission in WRITING. The note must specifically state the person’s name that is picking up the child and the person must be at least 18 years old. Proof of ID must be provided.
No student will be permitted to leave the school unless permission is first received through direct communication with the parent / guardian who has registered the student.
VISITOR/SAFETY PROCEDURES
All visitors are required to check in at the front desk to receive a visitor sticker before proceeding to any classroom or activity. Visitors will be asked to produce a valid state ID to be scanned by our RAPTOR System. Raptor instantly screens out registered sex offenders while managing custody issues, visitors, students, faculty and volunteers. No one is to go directly to a classroom for any reason. All visitors must use the main school entrance. Due to student safety and confidentiality, visitors are not permitted to remain in classrooms during instructional periods for extended periods of time. Please refer to UDSD Policy 907 regarding school visits.
If a parent or guardian needs to drop an item(s) off to a student during the school day, all visitors must check the item in at the front desk. All items must be labeled with the students name and grade. No visitors will be allowed to enter the building.
The building will not allow deliveries from outside locations such as Uber Eats, Door Dash or GrubHub. If a student receives a delivery, it will remain in the main office until dismissal. This includes food that is intended to be a student’s lunch. Appropriate consequences will apply for violations of this policy.
VOLUNTEERS/CHAPERONES
All regulate school volunteers and Field Trip chaperones are required to hold current Child Abuse, Criminal Background Checks, and FBI Finger Print Screenings. Information about volunteer clearances are available on our website. Due to student safety and confidentiality, visitors are not permitted to remain in classrooms during instructional periods for extended periods of time. Please refer to UDSD Policy 916 regarding school visits.
Upper Darby School District Volunteers are required to submit the PA Criminal Background Check, the FBI Criminal Clearance and the PA Child Abuse History Clearance along with their school district Volunteer Application. Click HERE to submit your application today!
LUNCH AND BREAKFAST PROGRAM
The school district has been approved for the Community Eligibility Provision through the PA Department of Education. This means that ALL students in grades K-12 are automatically eligible to receive breakfast and lunch at no charge to families every day, beginning the first full day of school. Families do not have to fill out an application. Free breakfast and free lunch will be provided automatically to any student who would like it. Monthly Lunch Menus will be included in the Wednesday Electronic Folder.
PBIS
Our award-winning work around Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program involves reinforcing the 3 Bs every day and in everything we do. We want students to Be Safe, Be Responsible and Be Respectful. We work tirelessly to keep our school a safe and orderly place for all students. We are very proud of the success we are experiencing in implementing Positive Behavior Support (PBIS) in our school.
Our goal is to provide support to students in every setting in the school building, on school grounds and while traveling to and from school. To that end, we strive to implement this comprehensive approach to building positive school culture with the goal of teaching students skills that will support their efforts to be safe, responsible and respectful throughout the school day.
Having a coherent, school-wide plan is essential and has several benefits:
It fosters a positive school climate.
It focuses staff & student attention on appropriate behaviors and success and on students who are trying their best to meet our expectations rather than on any undesired behaviors. In this way, the school staff establishes what is important in our school as opposed to allowing students who are struggling implementing our expectations to do so.
It increases the chance that desired behaviors are repeated.
It reduces the time spent correcting misbehaviors and redirecting students. Any teacher can tell you about the academic cost of disciplining students, as significant loss of instructional time impacts student achievement tremendously.
Include as appropriate:
Classroom
Transitions
Cafeteria
Playground
Behavior on school campus during arrival to and departure from school
YOUTH COURT
Youth Court provides an alternative to the mainstream student discipline and system
Youth Court is about students helping students make better decisions, transforming school environment and student empowerment. The program was piloted in 2021 in two elementary schools and has been fully implemented at the middle school and high school level. The District will be expanding the program to include more elementary schools over the next several years. Learn more about Youth Court:
RESTORATIVE PRACTICES
Restorative practices is an emerging social science that studies how to strengthen relationships between individuals as well as social connections within communities. The overarching goal of Restorative Practices is the improvement of school climate and culture by decreasing unsafe behavior and increasing prosocial interaction. Click to learn more about the District’s Restorative Practices initiative.
SPEAK UP
SpeakUp! is a nonprofit public charity dedicated to helping teens develop supportive relationships with the adults in their lives. The organization enables teens to talk openly, honestly and without judgment about difficult topics and reach out for support within their homes and schools. Upper Darby School District has partnered with SpeakUp! to provide this service to our parents and students. Teachers, counselors, social workers, and other Upper Darby School District professionals are participating along with trained professionals from SpeakUp! to provide this chance for courageous conversations to take place between our students and the important adults in their lives.
SpeakUp! focuses on the fact that no matter what the problem is – stress, drugs, alcohol, depression, anxiety, suicide, relationships, social media or others – the solution always begins with realizing you are not alone and having the courage to speak up and ask for help. All teens benefit from learning how to have courageous conversations with important adults in their lives.
The registration for the middle and high school SpeakUp! events will be shared regularly throughout the school year. To learn more about SpeakUp! and to view upcoming events, visit here.
DHMS Building Expectations
- Students will be permitted to use the bathroom one at a time. Students will carry a specific bathroom pass. A bathroom pass will allow you access to the bathroom ONLY.
- Students will not be issued bathroom passes during the first and last ten minutes of every class period.
- Students will use their assigned bathroom.
- Students will be dismissed from their seats, not from the door.
- Students will be allowed to eat in the classrooms up until 8:45 AM.**Unless a bus arrives late.
- All students will have an assigned seat in all classes.
- Students will be inside their classes by the time the bell rings.
- Students will not enter another classroom without permission.
- Students will not be permitted to have visible or use personal electronic devices, only school issued chromebooks.
- Students must have a pass from a teacher/administrator to leave the cafeteria during lunch.
- Students on a hall pass can only access administration, guidance, the nurse, and the social worker with a pass from their classroom teacher.
- Students will not be permitted to order food to be delivered to them.
- Students are not permitted to wear hats, hoods, bandanas, clothing that exposes the torso (crop tops, tube tops, see through etc.) or clothing that references drugs, alcohol, violence or offensive language.
- All students will be issued a locker that is accessible before and after school only.
TRANSFER AND ADDRESS CHANGES
As per Policy 200 Enrollment of Students, students are required to keep a current address on file with the school district at all times. If there is a change to the student’s address within or outside of the school district after initial registration with the school district, the parent/guardian is required to contact Central Registration immediately to update the student’s address.
Email addresses and phone numbers can be changed in the Home Access Center (HAC). See the Home Access Center Guide to learn how to make these updates.
Parents should notify the office at least 2 weeks in advance if their child will transfer to another school. All textbooks, library books, chromebooks and other school property must be returned prior to the child’s last day of school. Guardians are required to complete a withdrawal form with the Registrar at Drexel Hill Middle School. For questions, please contact 610-853-4580 ext. 5201. Withdrawals from School - click here!
If your address has changed and you still reside within the UDSD, you are required to notify the District within 48 hours and contact Central Registration to update your records. Intra-district change of address – contact Central Registration click here!
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
SAP
In 1986 Upper Darby School District joined the statewide effort to identify and address barriers to student success, which included alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs and mental health issues by establishing the Pa Commonwealth Student Assistance Program (SAP) in the secondary schools. The SAP Program also extends itself to the elementary level to help students and families. The District's SAP program follows the state guidelines and procedures of SAP.
The SAP is an integral part of the instructional program of Upper Darby School District. Through education and awareness programs targeting the dangers and risks associated with the use of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco we hope to eliminate a barrier to academic achievement and success. These programs contribute to the universal school-wide supports needed to build resilient schools in our district. Click HERE to learn more about SAP and its resources.
SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Upper Darby School District is committed to supporting all students in addressing their academic, behavioral, personal, social, and career development needs. Click here to learn more about school counseling services in schools. See the Staff Directory for contact information for our school’s counselor(s).
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER
Upper Darby School District School Social Workers meet with students in grades K through 12 to offer academic and social support. They work with families, providing resources and strengthening relationships with their children and with the school. School Social Workers also work with the school staff, including teachers, administrators, counselors, psychologists, and nurses to provide important resources, consultation and information about the students, families and outside resources. They are the liaison between the school, the family and the community. Click here to learn more about school counseling services in schools. See the Staff Directory for contact information for our school’s social worker(s).
For more information click here: Student Support Services
Click on the image to find more information about Safe2Say Something and to access the flyer in Arabic, Bengali, Punjabi, Spanish, Urdu and Vietnamese.
BULLYING AND HARASSMENT POLICIES
Title IX Information - Click Here!
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT
The Upper Darby School District is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or limited English proficiency in its activities, programs or employment practices as required by Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504. All concerns regarding discrimination should be directed to:
Kimisha Simpson
Title IX Coordinator
Supervisor of Human Resources
8201 N. Lansdowne
Drexel Hill, PA 19026
610-789-7200 ext. 3318
BEFORE SCHOOL PROCEDURES
Any student assigned to an Upper Darby School District bus will be required to use their student ID to ride their assigned bus. Students will swipe their student ID when they get on the bus. If a guardian has signed up for GPS alerts, they will receive a notification when the student swipes their ID card. Please be sure your contact information is up to date and valid in HAC (Home Access Center). For more information on the GPS app and Student Ridership system, please click belowGPS App and Ridership - Quick Start Guide_2023-5-2_Final.pdf
Students should arrive at school no earlier than 8:20 AM. All doors will open at 8:25 AM to allow students to safely enter the building under the guidance of their 1st period teacher. All students will swipe their issued student ID’s via School Pass to enter the building. Period 1 starts at 8:30 AM. Students that arrive after 8:30 AM are considered late to school.
No cars will be allowed to enter the bus loop in the morning from 7:45 AM-9:00 AM.
DREXEL HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL CLUB AND SPORTS INFORMATION
All spectators are required to to follow the UDSD Spectator Code of Conduct at all times. Spectators are subject to removal from the event in accordance with the policy. Students must also follow the Upper Darby Middle School Code of Character while in attendance.
Athletics: Registration via FamilyID
Dr. Physical required for participation in a sport: PIAA CIPPE Form
DHMS SPECTATOR CODE OF CHARACTER
Drexel Hill strives to promote good sportsmanship and a positive environment at all their athletic events. Inappropriate language or actions, racial or sexist comments or those meant to demean athletes, coaches, officials, event staff or other spectators is grounds for immediate dismissal. Please support both teams in a respectful manner.
The following behaviors are grounds for immediate dismissal from an event and possible suspension from future events
Use of foul language
Physical or verbal altercation with a student, staff member, official or other spectator
Throwing of any objects
Entering the field of play or court
Use of artificial noise makers
Negative or disrespectful cheers, chants or comments
MEDICATION
School personnel, including the nurse, may NOT dispense medication without a written note from a physician. Please have your doctor indicate on the note the name of the drug and the dosage. Also, the original container holding the medicine must be clearly labeled by a pharmacy with the child’s name, drug, and dosage. Students are not permitted to bring medicines to school to take during the day including prescription medications and over the counter medications. Please call the school nurse if you need more information.
Medication Distribution Information
LETTER TO PARENTS/GUARDIANS IN-SCHOOL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS AND OTHER CELEBRATIONS
UDSD MIDDLE SCHOOL SCHEDULE OVERVIEW
During the Spring of 2023, the UDSD Middle Schools made changes to student rostering and the building schedule. Please review the presentation in its entirety, linked HERE
A brief summary of the changes is listed below:
Each grade will consist of two heterogeneous Learning Communities per grade (named Purple and Gold)
An A/B day schedule has been established for electives, excluding full year electives, which means that students will rotate their electives every day.
DHMS will have an early dismissal every Thursday at 1:30 PM for teacher/staff planning time.
Time is included for professional development as outlined on the district calendar
Students will complete asynchronous work on non-professional development Thursday afternoons and will be required to answer an attendance question in their first period course. This attendance question will be collected through the use of a Google Form, which will be found on the Period 1 (from that letter day -A OR B-) Schoology page. Parents will be communicated with if the attendance question is not completed for that day.
Detailed information about assigned asynchronous requirements will be provided from the grade level learning community teachers.
A complete outline for the year and when asynchronous work will be assigned can be found on our school website and linked here.