Superintendent's Newsletter

It is my pleasure to present the August edition of the Lower Moreland Township School District Superintendent’s Newsletter for the 2023-2024 school year. I hope this letter finds you and your family healthy and well, and I hope that you have had a restful and enjoyable summer.

Please join me in welcoming the District’s newest administrator, Mrs. Carla Pacitti, Supervisor of Curriculum & Community Engagement. Mrs. Pacitti has been actively transitioning and working on-site throughout July and August assisting with preparations to begin the 2023-2024 school year.

The District is excited to kick off the school year on Tuesday, September 5. LMTSD continues to be committed to providing a successful and joyous educational experience for our students and families. As such, the district has applied for multiple grants offered through this year’s state budget. These grants will continue to allow the district to invest in continued school safety efforts through technological hardware upgrades, the continuation of a Student Success Coordinator at the High School and Engagement Counselors at both Pine Road and Murray Avenue Schools. These positions have been integral in assisting students that are continuing to struggle with academic success and engagement in our school environments.

Be sure to follow our Student Documentarians as they update our school community on the new high school building’s final stages of construction. Click here to visit the Documentary Team’s website.

Lastly, please enjoy the 2022-2023 Annual Report titled Growing & Learning. We look forward to the start of the 2023-2024 school year for students on September 5!

Scott Davidheiser, Ed.D.

Superintendent

As per the provisions of the PA State Budget for the 2023/24 school year, all students will be entitled to a free breakfast. This extends the free breakfast program that was started last year in October of 2022. Additionally, for the 2023/24 school year, all students who are designated to receive “reduced” meals, will also be automatically qualified for free meals. There will be no reduced prices charged for the 2023/24 school year.

The District is strongly encouraging families to fill out the Free and Reduced Applications if you believe your family will qualify. Information on income qualifications and paper applications can be found at https://www.lmtsd.org/Page/482

We all realize the importance of students being properly fed and we look forward to serving your

student(s) in the upcoming year. If there are any questions, please feel free to contact our District Food Service Manager, Lance Leone at leone@lmtsd.org or at (215) 938-0270 ext 6214.

Professional staff returned this week and we are excited for the 2023-2024 school year! Teacher days in August are filled with professional learning and planning opportunities for the upcoming year. Energy is focused on preparing to meet the needs of all students with strategically crafted lessons, nuanced instruction, and the use of high-quality resources. Teachers, Administrators, Coaches, and Support Staff are on board and ready for a great year. Joining the district are 15 new teachers. We are fortunate to have found skilled and caring educators to join our teaching staff. Staff members are eagerly awaiting the arrival of our students next week. We look forward to welcoming them back and watching them thrive this year!

Art Teacher Award

Pine Road Art Teacher, Tara Drissel, is being honored with the 2023 Pennsylvania Art Education Association (PAEA) Outstanding Art in Special Education Award. PAEA, through a rigorous review process, has identified Tara as an outstanding leader in the field of art education. Formal recognition will be given at the 2023 PAEA Conference Awards Ceremony, which will take place on October 7th, 2023 during the PAEA annual conference.

US News & World Report Ranking

Every year, the US. News & World Report publication issues a ranking of the best high schools in America. The ranking was released on August 29, and, once again, Lower Moreland High School was on the list. Click here to read more about the ranking.

As the 2023-2024 school year begins, we're excited to delve into the next chapter of learning, growth, and technological exploration. The LMTSD Technology Department supports information technology systems and instructional technology programs and practices in the district. In an era where innovation is redefining the educational landscape, we want to share how technology is seamlessly integrated into our classrooms and the impact it has on our students' educational journeys. Each month, we highlight how our students and teachers engage in 21st Century learning activities. We also share updates on new initiatives and tips and tricks related to devices and technology tools used in the district.

In the last few years, our classrooms have undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into dynamic hubs of interactive learning. Recognizing that every student is unique, technology allows us to provide personalized learning experiences. The infusion of technology, from interactive projection systems that bring lessons to life to touchscreen Chromebooks and tablets that enrich the curriculum, creates an engaging environment where students can actively participate and connect with the subject matter.

Beyond the devices, digital literacy has emerged as a 21st Century essential. In our commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals, we emphasize digital responsibility. Students are guided to discern credible sources, practice online etiquette, and understand the nuances of digital communication, equipping them for success in an interconnected world. Adaptive learning platforms analyze individual progress and adapt teaching methods accordingly. This approach cultivates a sense of autonomy in students, empowering them to take charge of their education.

While technology enhances education, we remain dedicated to striking a balance. Our holistic approach emphasizes the importance of physical activities, creative expression, and collaborative projects. These experiences not only complement tech-based learning but also nurture crucial life skills beyond the digital realm. In an age where change is constant, our goal remains unwavering: to prepare our students for a future that demands adaptability and critical thinking. We extend our gratitude for entrusting us with your children's education and eagerly anticipate a year of exploration, growth, and shared achievements.

The McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Act ensures the immediate enrollment, school stability, and academic support needed to increase the educational success of homeless children and youths. It defines homeless children and youths to be those who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.

If you have school or preschool-aged children or you are a youth not in the custody of a parent/guardian and are experiencing homelessness, please contact one of the persons listed below for assistance:

Julie O’Malley

Lower Moreland Township School District Homeless Liaison

2551 Murray Avenue

Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006

jomalley@lmtsd.org

Michelle Connor

Region 8 Homeless Coordinator

(Bucks, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, and Northampton counties)

215-348-2940 ext 1361

mconnor@bucksiu.org

Storm Camara

State Coordinator Pennsylvania Department of Education

Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program

333 Market Street, 5th Floor

Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333

(717) 772-2066

scamara@pa.gov

http://www.education.pa.gov

Additional Resources

211 - 211 provides callers with information about and referrals to social services for every day needs and in times of crisis. Phone: 211, www.211.org

Foodfinder.us - a nonprofit website and app (for iOS or Android) that offers the location and contact information of more than 40,000 food pantries and similar food programs across the country.

Scott A. Davidheiser, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Email: sdavidheiser@lmtsd.org
Website: www.lmtsd.org
Location: 2551 Murray Avenue, Huntingdon Valley, PA, USA
Phone: 215-928-0272
Twitter: @LMTSD