As we move through another exciting school year, we are thrilled to share some highlights from across the District in this issue. This issue highlights the incredible work happening across the District. You will find updates on classroom projects, school events, and initiatives that showcase the creativity and collaboration of our students and staff. These moments reflect the energy and enthusiasm present in our schools and the strong partnerships we have with our families and community.

Thank you for your ongoing support of Marple Newtown schools. Wishing you a joyful and restful holiday season!

Sincerely,

Tina M. Kane, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

I am immensely grateful, humble, and proud to be named Pennsylvania Superintendent of the Year. This honor reflects not only my personal journey, but the entire Marple Newtown School District’s commitment to excellence.

We have earned our tiger stripes as a team with perseverance, dedication, and a shared vision of our students’ success.

This award belongs to the MNSD team of educators, staff, students, families, and the Board of School Directors who consistently uphold the District’s objectives and vision.

Every achievement we have reached has come about through the collaboration of dedicated teachers who nurture students with passion, administrators who lead with purpose, families who partner with us to guide their children, and support staff who care for the diverse needs of our school community. All of us working together to provide an excellent learning experience.

I also want to acknowledge my colleagues across Pennsylvania, especially those within Delaware County, whose commitment to providing our students with the best possible education is truly inspiring. We are a community of leaders who constantly support each other to innovate, grow, and improve.

This award is as much a recognition of the collaborative spirit within our network of school leaders as it is of my personal journey. When I reflect on the path that led to this moment, I am reminded of the challenges we have faced and overcome together. From navigating unprecedented times during the pandemic to addressing new educational challenges, we have demonstrated resilience and a deep commitment to doing what is best for our students. Through every difficulty,

we stayed grounded in our mission to provide quality education for all.

We have embraced change, welcomed ideas, and stayed steadfast in our pursuit of innovation in the classroom and beyond. This award symbolizes not just what we have achieved, but the spirit of perseverance, adaptability, and courage that defines MNSD.

No journey is taken alone, and I want to express my deepest gratitude to my family. Their love, patience, and constant support have been the foundation upon which my career has been built. They have stood by me through long hours, tough decisions, and the demands of leadership, always

encouraging me to strive for the best. This award belongs to them as much as it does to me. Their belief in my work fuels my passion and commitment to serving our students and community.

While I am deeply honored by this recognition, I am even more inspired by the work that lies ahead. This award strengthens my resolve to continue advocating for our students, staff, and community.

Education is a journey of continuous improvement, and I remain committed to ensuring that every child in MNSD has access to the opportunities they deserve.

This moment is not just a celebration of our past accomplishments but a motivation for the future. As I accept this award, I do so with the understanding that our work is never done. We will continue to challenge ourselves, ask difficult questions, and embrace the changes necessary to meet the evolving needs of our students.

Thank you to the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators for this prestigious recognition, and to all of my peers who have supported and guided me along this journey.

My deepest appreciation goes to the members of the Marple Newtown school community, who inspire me daily with their dedication, hard work, and belief in the power of education.

Thank you again for this incredible honor.

Culbertson's annual Fall Book Fair, which took place last month, was a wonderful event that brought excitement and joy to both students and families. The fair provided students with the opportunity to explore a wide selection of new books, allowing them to choose titles that sparked their interest and would accompany them on new reading adventures.

A highlight of the event was family night. It was a special evening where families came together to celebrate reading and share the joy of selecting books for their children. The atmosphere was energetic, with parents and children alike discussing their selections, sharing recommendations, and enjoying each other’s company.

The Culbertson Fall Book Fair proved to be a delightful and enriching experience for everyone involved, promoting a love for reading and bringing the school community closer together.

As we warmly embrace the winter season, the Culbertson community reflects on all that has been achieved this fall. While students have been academically learning and growing, they have also made time to celebrate school spirit, with events such as Dress to Impress Spirit Day, Halloween pumpkin decorating, and the exciting "Benergy: Be The 1 who is kind to all" assembly, which brings autism advocacy to the school community, with a fun, energetic, and educational approach. A special thank you to the Culbertson PTO for generously donating the pumpkins that made the fall festivities even more memorable as well as sponsoring the exciting Benergy assembly!

Last spring, MN Best Buddies worked on the No Place For Hate project and earned Marple Newtown High School the designation of a No Place For Hate School from the Anti-Defamation League. Last month, the banner was received and displayed for all to see.

Members of MN Best Buddies presented several school-wide events focused on inclusion and inclusive practices to earn this designation.

Additionally, MN Best Buddies is participating in the Polar Plunge, which takes place at Citizens Bank Park on January 31, 2025. This event involves team members raising money for the Special Olympics and jumping into a pool of water outside the ballpark on the day of the event. So far, our team is the number one team in the Philadelphia region, having raised $4,565.00.

Each year, our Superintendent celebrates the remarkable talents of our student artists and their art teachers from November to April. Each month, one of our six schools is highlighted. Our fall events kicked off on November 6th, showcasing the incredible work of our high school students, followed by a display of the talents of Paxon Hollow Middle School students on December 4th. Students and their families enjoyed a small reception with our Superintendent, Dr. Tina Kane. During the event, our artists had the opportunity to discuss their work and engage in conversations with the Superintendent, art teachers, and their families. They shared their ideas and thought processes on their respective pieces, fostering a deeper appreciation for the creative journey behind each work. We are very proud of our student artists!

Who doesn’t love snuggling up in cozy pajamas with a great bedtime story? At Loomis Elementary, we believe every child deserves this comfort. For the 17th consecutive year, Loomis hosted its annual Pajama Drive in partnership with the Pajama Program, collecting pajamas and books to support those in need in our community.

With a yearly goal of 500 new pajamas and books, our Loomis students and families exceeded expectations by collecting over 2,062 pajamas and 800 books this year! These donations will be shared with local families, local shelters, domestic violence shelters, and an elementary school in Kensington, ensuring that our contributions make a meaningful impact.

This year’s success was celebrated with a special visit from Jennaphr Frederick of Fox 29, who joined Mrs. Meehan, our dedicated school counselor and event organizer, to unveil the record-breaking totals. Donations of new pajamas and books are always welcome, especially during November. Thank you for helping us spread warmth and kindness to those who need it most!

Click here to watch the Fox 29 broadcast of this event.

This year, Loomis students in Grades 1-5 participated in the annual Tiger Trot, a beloved Loomis Elementary tradition where students run laps to raise funds for our school and PTO. In addition to competing for the most laps and funds raised, the school united around a special challenge: securing donations from all 50 states! Principal Smyth displayed a giant hallway map, coloring in each state as donations came in. Thanks to our school community's efforts, we achieved contributions from 28 states - an impressive accomplishment!

Parent volunteers tracked student laps, while the Loomis PTO provided support through fundraising goals and exciting incentives. Special thanks go to Mrs. McCarthy, our physical education teacher, for designing a thrilling obstacle course for the Kinder Trot and collaborating with the Marple Newtown Operations Department to create a large outdoor track for students in Grades 1-5.

The Tiger Trot exemplifies the spirit of teamwork and enthusiasm at Loomis Elementary and remains an event we eagerly anticipate each year!

On November 12th, the Marple Newtown School District celebrated the grand opening of the newly renovated Marple Newtown High School Library with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. During the event, School Board President Matt Bilker addressed the crowd with a few remarks:

"Good afternoon everyone. It is a pleasure to be here today to celebrate a special moment in the life of Marple Newtown High School, the debut of our new library. Libraries are more than just a space to study, they are symbols of growth, opportunity, achievement and a bright future.

Our Board hopes that this new and updated library will be more than just a place to learn, but where curiosity and knowledge are cultivated. We hope our kids will have not just the resources they need, but a place to imagine, dream and grow.

We are pleased to acknowledge Pereira Construction, the General Contractor; Goldhorn Electric and Rob Fuhs, who did the electrical work; Ryan and Chris Diioa of County Carpet and JT Benner from the John Benner Company who painted. All of these contractors are either graduates of our District or live in our District.

Thank you to our administrators from Marple Newtown who helped make this project a reality, especially Jake Gallagher, our Facilities Director, for overseeing the project, our Superintendent, Tina Kane, our high school principal, John Beltrante, the three of whom designed the space, and our assistant principals, Stephanie McDevitt, Christian Jaspersen, and Don Tabar.

The Board of School Directors of the Marple Newtown School District is proud of this project and hope that it helps inspire current and future students in their pursuit of academic excellence."

On Veterans Day, our Russell Elementary students performed a heartfelt vocal concert to honor the men and women who have served in our country's military. The young performers stood proudly on stage dressed in red, white, and blue, with their voices united in patriotic song. The students expressed deep respect for veterans and the sacrifices they have made for the country. The event served as a beautiful reminder of the importance of community, remembrance, and honoring those who have served in the armed forces.

Worrall students have the opportunity each winter to put their engineering, physics, and math principles into action by designing a fun Mini-Mini Golf Course. In Design Thinking, taught by Mr. McCullough as one of our Unified Arts rotation classes, Fourth Grade students brainstorm a theme, create a detailed plan, work collaboratively with peers, and utilize found/recycled materials to create a working model of a mini-golf course. Once the projects are completed, Worrall holds an event where students and their families can come play the courses with teeny, tiny clubs and balls. It’s a fun challenge to make and play these courses, and we are proud of our students’ ingenuity!

Worrall’s PTO facilitates a Holiday Shoppe every year, giving students a chance to purchase something special for their loved ones. The students take great pride in choosing and buying gifts themselves independently. This year, the PTO has greatly expanded the Holiday Shoppe by bringing in local vendors for a spectacular evening event. Many local artisans had a chance to sell their wares and share their talent. In turn, Worrall families had the perfect opportunity to buy local. When students needed a break from shopping, Marple Civic Youth members ran crafts and entertained kids in a separate location. Thanks to all our community members who contributed to this fun new event!

From November through January, Worrall students and staff members keep the community in mind and contribute to a variety of collections. Our first one is right on the heels of Halloween, with students donating candy to local shelters. The students were very generous parting with their candy, as you can see in the photo! Worrall staff members also personally sponsor anonymous families from our school in need by purchasing items from children’s wish lists. Our biggest collection of the year is Worrall’s new toy drive, with a huge variety of toys donated to a local Delaware County liaison for families in need. We are all so proud of how Worrall gives back and thinks of others!

This November, Paxon Hollow Middle School embraced the theme of service, a value that is deeply woven into the fabric of our community. Throughout the month, students were encouraged to reflect on the individuals who have made a positive impact on their lives and think about ways they could give back to others. The school’s focus on service not only honored those who have shaped our lives but also encouraged students to actively contribute to the community.

The month began with a focus on the people who have selflessly contributed to our students’ growth—teachers, coaches, family members, and even peers. These individuals play pivotal roles in shaping who we are, helping us grow, and guiding us toward becoming better versions of ourselves. To express gratitude, students wrote heartfelt letters during their Tiger Time classes to the people who have made a difference in their lives. It was truly heartwarming to see how much our students valued the support, kindness, and guidance they have received.

In November, the Paxon Hollow Marching Band proudly participated Media’s Annual Veterans Day Parade. After weeks of rigorous practice refining their performance, the band marched through the streets of Media with great pride. Their dedication and hard work were on full display as they represented Paxon Hollow in this meaningful community event. It was a moment of great pride for the school, showcasing the deep commitment of our students to honor and celebrate the service of our veterans.

Beyond the parade, our students found additional meaningful ways to express their gratitude. In their Tiger Time classes, they wrote heartfelt letters to local veterans, thanking them for their service and sacrifices. These letters, collected by our Service Squad members, were delivered to veterans at the local VFW, showing them how much we appreciate their bravery and dedication. It was an emotional moment as the veterans received these notes of thanks, reminding them that their sacrifices are not forgotten.

To close out the month of service, PHMS celebrated our annual Talent Show. Students and staff gathered to cheer on our talented performers, wrapping up a month of gratitude and reflection with laughter, music, and fun. The Talent Show was a wonderful reminder of the diverse talents and spirit of our students and school community.

The Marple Newtown Music Department had a busy start to the school year. The Tiger Marching Band finished their season strong taking 5th place at the USBands National Championships. The color guard and percussion came in 2nd. View their final performance of the season here (Video Link). They also had the amazing opportunity to perform LIVE on 6ABC (Video Link). The Concert Band, Concert Choir and Orchestra had a successful first concert of the year on November 6th. Their Holiday Concert is December 18th at MNHS at 7pm (ITS FREE!) and will feature the Select Choir, Percussion Ensemble and Jazz Band. There will also be a concert on January 22nd featuring the Concert Band, Concert Choir and Orchestra. The indoor marching ensembles, Winter Guard and Indoor Percussion, have already started up and are looking forward to a great competitive season starting in January. For more information on performances or volunteering/donating visit the MN Band Parent Website or the MNHS Music Website

Congratulations to the students who were chosen to participate in the PMEA District 12 Band, Orchestra and Choir!Over 700 students from Delaware, Chester and Philadelphia Counties auditioned this weekend to be a part of these advanced ensembles.

Congrats to Jack Rutledge, Lianna Noll, Carlo Nicolis, Robert Schaub, and Noah Saal (not pictured) for making District Band. Congrats to Jack Rutledge for making District Orchestra and Congrats to Emily Dobbins, Kayden Braegger, and Sabrina Devenney for making District Choir!

The Kan Jam Tournament is an exciting annual event that blends community service with school spirit. First organized in November 2016 by Student Council advisors, the tournament was designed to motivate students to contribute to a food drive by collecting canned goods for donation. The event has grown into a school tradition, showcasing both friendly competition and a commitment to helping the community.

Tournament Structure

• Teams: 64 teams of two students each compete.
• Format: The tournament begins with round-robin play, after which the top 16 teams advance to a winner-take-all bracket.
• Finals: The day culminates in the Final Four and championship matches, which the entire school attends.

History and Evolution

• Initially held as an afternoon event, the tournament's overwhelming success led to its morning scheduling in 2018, allowing classes to attend. To watch, students must bring two canned goods as admission.
• Over the years, the event has supported causes like WMMR's Camp Out for Hunger and local food banks. This year, donations will benefit the Rotary Club.

Highlight Events

• After the championship, the winning student team competes against a faculty team, creating a thrilling conclusion to the event.
• The Kan Jam Tournament is more than a competition—it's a celebration of community, teamwork, and giving back, bringing together students and faculty to make a meaningful impact.

Click below to watch the Fox 29 coverage of the MNHS Kan Jam Event!

The 2024 volleyball season was a record-breaking one. We had the first player in MNVB history to achieve 1,000 career digs. Heidi Reller ended the season making history with 1,301 career digs. For the first time in over 40 years, we finished the season with a .500 record. We beat three teams for the first time in over 9 years. At the end of the season, three players received All-Central League awards: Heidi Reller (1st Team), Sophia Thiboutot (2nd Team), and Gabrielle Sheridan (Honorable Mention). Several players finished in the top 3 in three separate categories for the Central League: Gabrielle Sheridan ranked 2nd in the CAL for assists this season, Sophia Thiboutot ranked 3rd in the CAL for kills, and Heidi Reller ranked 2nd in the CAL with the highest digs per set percentage for the season.

Finished 8-4 this year winning another playoff game and losing to Springfield in the quarterfinals. This is the 10th straight year in the playoffs. Seniors leave with 24 wins in 3 years which is 3rd all time in MNHS history behind last year (25) and 28 from the class of 2018. They picked us to be 8th in the CAL and we improved so much as the year went on. ALL CAL and ALL Delco football are not out yet.

Congrats to our ALL CAL players: Brett Wolski 1st team RB, Lou Diluzio HM H back, Aidin Curran HM H back, Brian Box 1st team WR, Jack Dean HM WR, Luke Volpi 1st team OL, Matt Hopson HM OL, CJ Hasson HM OL, Sean Grogan HM TE, Jude Jelus HM QB, Brett Cowan HM C, Eric Janda DL 2nd team DL, Luke Moyer HM DL, Lou Diluzio 1st team LB, Aidin Curran HM LB, Bobby Knapp HM LB, Brett Wolski 2nd team DB, Brian Box HM DB, Ryder Palubinski 1st team K, Kyan Chisnall HM P.

At the Marple Newtown School Board Reorganization Meeting on December 2nd, Matthew J. Bilker was elected as School Board President, and Nicholas V. Siano was elected to the role of Vice President. Together, they are prepared to lead the board with a shared vision for the District's future as well as build upon the positive momentum driving our District to success.

As January marks School Board Recognition Month, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the members of the Marple Newtown School Board for their dedication and commitment to our students, staff, and community. Their leadership and vision play a vital role in shaping the future of our District, and we are grateful for their efforts. Thank you for your continued support and service to the Marple Newtown School District!

Marple Newtown School District is proud to be a part of the GIANT Feeding School Kids initiative. From January 1 – March 31, 2025, you can round up at the register to support our school district’s efforts working to eliminate childhood hunger.

Through this initiative, the Marple Newtown School District can use funds to support meal programs to expand food distribution programs, create on-campus food pantries and gardens, supply extra weekend meals, and eliminate outstanding student meal debt.

Join us as we round up to fight hunger within MNSD!

Click here for a full list of Marple Newtown School District employment opportunities.