From the Desk of the Superintendent

Summer has arrived, and with it not only a fairly significant heat wave, but also time with family and friends, exploration of the great outdoors and vacation spots around the country and beyond, and hopefully, some much needed and deserved rest and relaxation. I am grateful to our staff and families for your efforts this year to work together in support of our students, who learned and grown in so many ways this year.

It was a pleasure to share in the celebration of our students transitioning from one building to another earlier this month, and especially our Class of 2024! We congratulate all of our students for their efforts throughout the 2023-2024 school year, and look forward to seeing everyone again in the fall. THANK YOU, staff, families and students for all you have done to help us to make this year a success!

Our staff, including our teachers, instructional assistants, nurses, specialists, bus drivers and monitors, administrative assistants, maintenance crew, technology team, custodians, food service workers, lunch and recess aides and administrators have all strived to deliver high quality services and supports to our students this year. We are so grateful to our exceptional team of educators and support personnel for their ability to pursue the impossible with vigor!

Throughout the summer our administrative team and building/department offices will be open Monday-Thursday from 7:30-4:15 p.m. Please contact us with any questions or concerns and we will do our best to respond promptly. Thank you!

Email: maryjo_yannacone@sdst.org
Website: sdst.org
Location: 1901 Paper Mill Road, Oreland, PA, USA
Phone: 2152336000
Twitter: @SDSTSchools

There is so much to share and celebrate as we begin the summer months!

In this edition, you will find information to help prepare for the opening of school in September

• Summer Resource Guide for Families (includes summer reading lists!)
• Family Education Series Resources
• How to register your child
  
• How to register for free or reduced lunch for your child
• Health Services: Required Vaccinations
  
• School calendar (including all activities and events) for 2024-2025
  
• Report card dates for 2024-2025
  
• Fall athletics newsletter for STHS and STMS

2023-2024 Highlights and Features

• District Themes and Goals Report
• Celebration of our Retirees
• Educational Updates

• Achievement Data review
• Equity Action Plan progress
• Technology acquisitions
• Facilities improvements
• 2024-2025 Final Budget
• Hiring opportunities
  
• How to participate in/attend a school board meeting

A Look Ahead to 2024-2025

• Fall Flu Shot Clinic
• SDST Goes Gold in September
• Relay for Life at STHS

We hope you find this newsletter helpful to you!

The Office of Support Services is pleased to present the Summer 2024 Family Resources newsletter. This publication is filled with information about local and community resources that you and your family can access this summer. From local library programming to food banks, counseling supports, academic resources, and more, we hope you find the information helpful!

This year we committed to expanding and enhancing our programming for families. The following events are just some of those held throughout the school year. If you missed a session and would like to learn more, simply select a link below:

• Grief and Loss (Folder with Slides and Handouts and SMORE)

• Be Part of the Conversation: Alcohol: A Rite of Passage? (YouTube Link)

• Be Part of the Conversation: Clearing the Air: Vaping, Nicotine, Cannabis (You Tube Link)

• Be SMART (Be Smart Presentation)

• Social Media Awareness (Social Media Presentation and SMORE)

• Be Part of the Conversation: Preparing Your Child to Launch (YouTube Link)

• Question, Persuade, Refer Training (SMORE)

As we close out the 2023-2024 school year, we look forward to next year and the many changes that it will bring. If you have a change in your living arrangements, please make sure that you update your child's enrollment records prior to the beginning of the new school year.

SWITCHING SCHOOLS?

If your child is NOT returning to SDST and will be attending another school in the Fall, please complete the Withdrawal Form, and submit it to the Administration Building.

• Via email at withdraw@sdst.org

• Drop off or mail to 1901 E. Paper Mill Rd, Oreland PA, 19075

MOVING WITHIN SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP?

If your child is returning to SDST in the Fall, and you have moved or will be moving within the School District of Springfield Township, please complete the Change of Address Form, and submit it along with all required residency documentation to the Administration Building.

• Drop off only at 1901 E. Paper Mill Rd, Oreland PA 19075

MOVING OUT OF SPRINGFIELD TOWNSHIP?

If you have moved out of or are moving out of the School District of Springfield Township, please note that your child is no longer eligible to attend school in SDST. If you have questions about continuing to attend SDST schools, please contact our school social workers. Otherwise, please complete the Withdrawal Form and submit it to the Administration Building.

• Via email at withdraw@sdst.org

• Drop off or mail to 1901 E. Paper Mill Rd, Oreland PA, 19075

We would appreciate notice of address and/or school change by August 1st, if possible.

If you have any questions, please contact registrar@sdst.org or call 215-233-6000

Thank you and have a wonderful summer!

Reminder: Families will need to complete a new Free & Reduced Lunch application for the 2024-2025 school year. Please see the link below to complete an application beginning Monday, August 5th.

Free & Reduced Price Meal Application | Food Service (sdst.org)

School Meal Prices

• Elementary Breakfast $1.50, Reduced Price $0.30
• Elementary Lunch $2.75, Reduced Price $0.40
• Secondary Breakfast $1.50, Reduced Price $0.30
• Secondary Lunch $3.00, Reduced Price $0.40

The next three years of school calendars were approved this winter by the Board of School Directors, and may be found on the main page of the district website under the Calendar tab within Quick Links.

While building-specific events will be communicated through our school Principals on a weekly basis beginning in late August, we have created a districtwide calendar of events and activities for your information and reference. While the calendar is subject to change next year, we intend to do our best to adhere to these selected dates. Within the calendar tab, select the schools on the left and you will find a listing of all scheduled events to date.

We have also established the report card dates for next year.

It is our hope that sharing this information with you now will assist families in planning your busy calendars for next year!

The 2023-2024 school year provided opportunities to continue to grow and advance as a district in our core mission to educate and develop all students as learners and citizens who are high-achieving, resilient and responsible in a changing global community. We set our intentions as a team with our entire staff at our opening Convocation when we declared our theme for the year, Pursue the Impossible! We committed to three areas of focus:

SDST aspires to be a community of growth and caring rooted in equitable practices. In order to create an environment where everyone is valued, respected and belongs we will:

• Commit to creating and sustaining systems that support achievement of all students
• Build upon our shared understanding of authentic learning opportunities for students and staff
• Adopt and implement innovative systems and programs supported by a strong financial foundation

Points of Pride

Achievement of All Students

• 100% on-time graduation for the Class of 2024
• Belonging survey results demonstrating over 90% of all students at all levels feel safe, supported, and connected in SDST schools
• Continued growth in both local and state benchmark assessment results
• Addition of elementary orchestra program serving students in grades 3-5
• Regular meetings and activities of student affinity groups at STMS and STHS
• Professional development focused on rigor and engagement of all students in classroom instruction
• Implementation and refinement of new supervision and evaluation system to enhance quality feedback to staff

Authentic Learning

• Alignment of curricular program to our Profile of a Graduate
• Completion of self-assessment on Profile of a Graduate skills by students in transitional grades
• Selection of K-6 ELA program that brings interdisciplinary focus to core skill development

Innovation

• Phase One implementation of our new Student Information System (SIS)
• Training of core users on our new Learning Management System (LMS)
• Implementation of our new Supervision and Evaluation System (PA-ETEP and COMPLY)
• Achievement of Township approvals for STMS renovation/addition project ahead of schedule
• Publication of SDST Guidelines and Recommendations for AI in Education
• Continued progress on schedule for the STMS Renovation/Addition Project

Goal 1 (Raising student achievement for all/Authentic learning): Students will demonstrate and apply understanding and knowledge of skills identified in the Profile of a Graduate through selected projects and experiences at each grade level.

Results for Goal 1: Target Achieved

• We created a document which reflected the K-12 Cornerstone Activities currently in place in our district in Fall 2023.
• Using the transfer goals (created in 22-23), we then developed three versions of a self-assessment and administered them in grades 2, 5, 8 and 11 in Spring 2024.
• In the final days of professional learning, faculty at STMS and STHS used these data to explore possible patterns/trends worthy of continued focus.
• As we continue curriculum revision, using the focus on these skills will aid in creating a cycle of exploration of instructional practice, student learning targets, success criteria, and further building and deepening of skills.

Goal 2 (Equity, Sense of Belonging, Achievement for All): We will review available student standardized assessment performance by building and across the district, with a focus on disaggregated academic growth and achievement data and create a targeted plan of action that supports equitable achievement of all students, the results of which will be communicated to the school community.

Results for Goal 2: Target Achieved to Date

This year, we focused on the performance of our students not only holistically, but by using our data warehousing and analytics platform, to explore the ways in which subgroups of students are experiencing success as measured by academic performance and achievement.

• Over the summer as end-of-year data reports on standardized assessments become available we will work to disaggregate and study performance trends.
  
• While questions remain on the alignment between benchmark assessment and performance on standardized measures, our work to ensure consistent administration and analysis is beginning to demonstrate results in providing targeted support into the core program and for interventions.

Goal 3 (High Quality Instruction):In conjunction with the Comprehensive Plan, create alignment between observational components in the Danielson domains and professional learning opportunities for faculty based on identified individual instructional areas for growth. Demonstrate improvement in identified areas of need using district evaluation data for 2023-2024, as compared to 2022-2023.

Results for Goal 3: Target Achieved

• We engaged in sustained learning using a book study model, reading Vintage Innovation.
  
• We created a map of learning experiences and problems of practice, engaging leaders in cognitively challenging learning tasks.
• Using observation and evidence data from PA-ETEP, we worked to examine where our team is aligned and where growth opportunities exist in targeted areas this year.
• We increased visibility in classrooms and in paired walkthroughs with building leaders examining implementation of instructional focus practices.

Goal 4 (Communication and Innovation): In order to increase efficiency and enhance communication among students, staff and families, we will successfully implement four new district wide data systems to improve student information, classroom instruction, and teacher evaluation.

Results for Goal 4: Target Achieved to Date

• Staff training provided on the new teacher supervision and evaluation system (PA-ETEP) in August 2023 and utilized throughout the 2023-2024 school year at all levels of the organization.
• Staff, administrative assistant, and administrative training and infrastructure completed and transition underway and on schedule to PowerSchool from ESchool for use as the student information system.
• Schoology training and infrastructure completed for optional use as the learning management system in grades 6-12 beginning in September 2024.
• Changes to the new systems communicated to families in the spring Superintendent Newsletter.
• We will share information again later in Summer 2024 to assist families in using the new systems.
• We will provide informational sessions to students in grades 6-12 in using the new systems.

Goal 5 (Financial and Facilities Improvements):We will work to address long-term capital and financial planning to support ongoing required facilities improvements to support the transportation department and the Middle School addition/renovation project. Our plans will explore sustainability in systems and materials and be communicated broadly to staff and the community through committee meetings, newsletters and board meetings.

Results for Goal 5: Target Achieved

• We selected D'Huy Engineering for Construction Management and The Schrader Group for Architectural services through the competitive bid process for the Middle School addition/renovation project in the Fall of 2023.

• We continue to coordinate with D'Huy and Schrader to design the Middle School addition/renovation.

• We have surveyed and met on multiple occasions with key Middle School stakeholders.

• We meet twice monthly for design review/progress meetings.

• We are actively engaged in the exploration of sustainability in systems and materials for incorporation into design.

• We have presented the Middle School addition/renovation design to Property Committee.

• We have evaluated the Bus Garage report and begun short-term capital projects.

• We continue to explore options for long-term solutions for the bus garage that support sustainable systems, but have been met with a number of roadblocks in this area, as discussed at Property Committee meetings this year.

• We have worked with financial advisors to align financing with the Middle School addition/renovation and bus garage projects, and we have presented the financial plan to the Finance Committee.

At the August 20th public meeting of the Board of School Directors, I will present the 2024-2025 district themes and goals.

On June 18th, the Board of School Directors and Administration celebrated and recognized our retirees. They are:

Betty Amero, Non-Instructional Assistant

Denise Buchanan, Administrative Assistant

Lou Cristaldi, Transportation Nancy Eisele, Instructional Assistant Maryellen Flynn, Instructional Assistant LaRon Kent, Transportation

Janet Luxton, Instructional Assistant

Flavia Movessian, Instructional Assistant

Lori Pinelli, Math Teacher

Kristen Sharer, Special Education Teacher

Craig Thorne, Director of Operations

Susan Wazyniak, Food Services

Ginny Wexler, Network Administrator

We are very grateful to each of our retirees for their service to the district and commitment to our students, staff and families. We wish them a happy retirement!

In February, Dr. Johnston and our building principals shared an update with the Academic Affairs Committee on our midyear data and progress towards goals. The link to that presentation may be found here.

We have begun to review the preliminary reports from PDE on our PSSA performance in May 2024. While a deeper dive will be conducted in the summer, and a formal report presented to the Board this fall, there are several notes to share at this time:

• For the second year in a row, we observed significant cohort growth in ELA achievement in grades 4 and 7, and consistent performance in grades 5, 6 and 8. We also observed improved proficiency in grade 3.
• In Math we observed significant growth in achievement in grade 7, a small drop in grade 5, and steady performance in grades 3, 4, 6 and 8.
• In Science we observed consistent performance in grades 4 and 8.
• Keystone results are not yet available, and will be included in our fall report.

To access a video of our 2023-2024 Academic Affairs meetings, or any Board committee meeting, visit our website page focused on the School Board.

District Equity Statement

Recognizing the diversity of our community, The School District of Springfield Township is committed to and accountable for advancing equity and excellence for all of our students. We, in the School District of Springfield Township, endeavor to provide equitable opportunities for high level, meaningful, and engaging learning experiences for each and every student, regardless of racial/ethnic background, economic condition or other dimension of identity or difference.

We recognize that in order to achieve Educational Equity we must apply principles of fairness and justice in the allocation of resources and work toward the elimination of institutional barriers to access and opportunity. We aim to ensure that funding, policies, practices, and initiatives will enable every student to receive what they need to maximize their success. In order to foster growth toward equity, we must engage in continuous reflection and ongoing measurement of our efforts.

Year 3 of the Equity Action Plan is halfway done and the committee continues to engage in meaningful work to support the Springfield Township Equity goals. For the most current updates on our Plan and progress, please visit the Equity Initiative page of our website or check out the Summer 2024 Equitable Practices Newsletter.

This summer we will be busy bringing new technology to the District to support our students and staff. Included in this year's efforts to provide the latest instructional technology are:

• New iPads for students in grades K-2
• Upgraded network switches and access points across the district
• New laptops for instructional staff
• Upgrade or replacement of the firewall in August/September

We will also continue to implement new cybersecurity measures across the district to support a safe, effective, and responsible network to support all hardware and software systems. The measures include:

• Security Awareness Training
• Internal and External Network Compromised Assessments
• Device End-Point Protection
• Multi Factor Authentication for Staff
• System Security Updates and Secure Data Backup for internal data

In response to the rising use of artificial intelligence in educational settings, we provided training and support around artificial intelligence for staff. In December we surveyed all staff on their current knowledge and use of AI in the classroom. We created a committee in January and met regularly to review and discuss trends, proposed guidelines, and training needs for the district staff in the use of AI. In March we provided training to staff in each building and in May, we adopted a pilot program on two AI tools broadly supported by the AI committee for use by our staff, MagicSchool and Brisk Teaching. Our committee will continue its work to assess the safe and appropriate use of artificial intelligence in schools this fall, and begin to engage our students and families through existing advisory groups, as well as participation in a countywide committee focused on this important topic.

Mr. Charles Wattley and our Operations team are very busy throughout the year, but they move into another gear during the summer months! Many projects are underway to improve our facilities, and here is a short list of some of them:

• New roof over a portion of the main building at STHS
• New security fencing, gates and accessibility ramp at Erdenheim Elementary
• New digital timing system for Track and Field installed at Spartan Stadium
• Interior painting in A-Plex and Main Office areas of STHS
  
• Gymnasium floors refinished at STMS and STHS
  
• Classroom floors stripped and waxed across the district
• Deep cleaning of all schools across the district
• Landscaping improvements at Enfield Elementary

Our goal this year was to develop a 2024-2025 budget that will:

• Accurately reflect revenue growth and ensure millage capacity without exceeding a tax rate increase above the Act 1 Index
• Collaboratively develop departmental/building budgets to accurately reflect the alignment of financial and educational resources
• Collaboratively support personalized and flexible learning for students and staff
• Support district and community wide equitable practices
• Include 3-5 year budget projections including capital projects

We are very proud that the proposed final budget falls well under the Act I index, retaining an extremely healthy fund balance, while allowing for additions in the following areas that directly impact students:

• Update and enhance student devices for students in grades K-2
  
• Increase counseling services at the high school by adding one position
• Add an orchestra program at STMS to expand our music program

• K-8 Math extension for Envision

• Add a K-5 Health/PE teacher to meet state standards

• Maintain two special education teachers and two math specialists hired and supported through ESSR funds during the pandemic at the elementary level to accommodate our diverse population of learners

• Add an emotional support teacher at Enfield (1) and Erdenheim (1)

• Add a transportation supervisor to support the staffing shortage of drivers and refine our scheduling system

• Shift a confidential network administrator role to a supervisor level position to support cybersecurity and infrastructure needs

• Enhance the large group instruction classroom at STHS to provide broader use

• Upgrade to Zoom phones and replace teacher laptops across the district

The final budget presentation may be viewed here.

Our District continues to be eager to identify strong candidates to join us in SDST. We are currently searching to fill positions across the district. For more information on becoming a member of our team, please visit the district website.

Kelly Educational Staffing (KES), our substitute staffing partner, has instituted a referral program. You could earn a $100 referral bonus, from KES, each time you refer someone who ends up working a full five days of work for Kelly Services. Consider referring candidates to substitute for our district by filling out the Kelly Services Referral Form.

We are especially seeking bus drivers for the 2024-2025 school year! If interested, please visit the district website and apply today! For more information, contact Director of Transportation, Nate Bray, at nathan_bray@sdst.org!

The Board of School Directors will meet for their regular business meeting on August 20th prior to the opening of school on September 3rd. Community members may choose to attend in person in the STMS Audion or virtually by registering through the home page of our website. Meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. and public comment on agenda items occurs near the beginning of the meeting, while public comment on non-agenda items is available at the end of the meeting. The agenda is posted several days prior to the meeting, and may be found on our website under the School Board tab. To contact our Board President, Mr. Jeff Bedard, please email him at jeff_bedard@sdst.org. To contact the full Board, please email them at school_board@sdst.org.

On September 27, 2024, Springfield Township is going gold to support Childhood Cancer Awareness. Need your 2024 Gold Shirt? Check out The MIP Foundation website to purchase your shirt today!

On October 22 (Enfield and Middle School) and October 23 (Erdenheim and High School) the School District of Springfield Township's Health Team will provide a school-based, no-cost flu shot clinic for students across the district through a partnership with Health Hero. Forms will be sent home with your child at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year and must be returned by October 16, 2024 in order to participate.