Haverford Happenings

The School District of Haverford Township Board of School Directors is pleased to announce Dr. Matthew C. Hayes as the finalist candidate for the position of Superintendent of Schools.

You are invited to meet Dr. Hayes at a community forum on March 11th from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 PM in the Haverford Middle School auditorium. The Board thanks the community for its involvement in this important process.

Congratulations to Jacob An, Jack Carfrey, Samuel Graaf, Zhaohang Liu, Maxim Markiw, Maya Schmitt, and Jorge Tecedor who have been named National Merit Finalists.

This is the largest group of finalists that the high school has ever had!

A National Merit Finalist is a high school student who has advanced to the final stage of the National Merit Scholarship Program, a prestigious academic competition in the United States. This program recognizes and rewards students for their outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) taken during their junior year. Around 15,000 Semifinalists are chosen as Finalists based on their strong academic credentials and submitted materials.

The Board of School Directors has approved the school calendar for the 2026-2027 academic year, which will begin on September 1, 2026. Notably, this school year will start before Labor Day in 2026.

Don't forget to check the upcoming school year calendar! Stay informed about important dates like holidays, early dismissals, and special events. Planning ahead helps ensure a smooth and successful year for your child. Check the 2025-2026 Calendar now and mark your schedules!

Pennsylvania school districts are required to submit a Future Ready Comprehensive Plan to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The plan includes district goals and action items, with sections for new teacher induction, professional development and gifted education.

Planning for continuous improvement of leadership, teaching and learning is critically important to ensuring that all students have access to a world-class education that prepares them for college, career, and life. Pennsylvania’s cycle of improvement is grounded in evidence-based approaches that can both improve student outcomes and increase return on investment, as resources are spent on programs and practices likely to have a positive impact. Opportunities to create, assess, and adjust throughout the cycle empowers local education agencies and schools to engage all stakeholders in pursuit of a shared vision for student success.

Comprehensive Plan 2025-2028

You can view the School Board Video Presentation 02/20/25 here.

School Board PPT Presentation 02/20/25: Comprehensive Plan 2025-2028

Comment Form: 2025-2028 SDHT Comprehensive Plan Draft

The School District of Haverford Township proudly announces that Haverford High School science teacher Dr. Jeremy Tomaszewski has been named a 2021 Presidential Awardee for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST)—the highest honor bestowed by the United States government for K-12 STEM educators. demonstrate excellence in teaching science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Dr. Tomaszewski was one of three finalists selected from Pennsylvania and was ultimately chosen as the Presidential Awardee for Science. The PAEMST program, administered by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, honors teachers who exhibit deep content knowledge in their subject areas and inspire student success through innovative teaching practices.

You can read more about the award here.

We are thrilled to announce that Flag Football is being piloted this year as a varsity club sport, sponsored by the Philadelphia Eagles! Through their generous support, the Eagles have provided 25 Nike uniforms, flags, footballs, and a coaching stipend to help schools kickstart their programs.
Our Girls Flag Football coach, Jamar Cox, has been actively involved with HHS and HMS football over the past two years. As of July 1, the PIAA will officially recognize Flag Football as a sanctioned sport. Our goal is for SDHT to follow suit, acknowledging it with additional support.

On Saturday, February 22, Coach Cox and nine pioneering female student-athletes represented HHS at the Philadelphia Eagles Flag Football Combine. Our roster continues to grow daily with student-athletes who are either new to spring sports or participating in HHS athletics for the first time.
We are excited to celebrate Girls Flag Football as a milestone for Title IX, reinforcing our school and district's commitment to expanding opportunities for female student-athletes. This initiative also aligns with the Female Student-Athlete Symposium.

Our team will play eight games this season, with four home games scheduled at Haverford Reserve at 3:30 PM on the following dates: March 18, March 27, April 3, and April 10
Thank you for your continued support in growing girls' athletics at HHS!

This year’s theme for the Great Kindness Challenge at Chestnutwold Elementary School KINDNESS MOVES US. Just like bridges allow people and ideas to connect, they also help us move kindness to others. Through kindness, we can build stronger connections and make a positive difference in the lives of those around us.

As part of their community outreach efforts, students at were encouraged to write notes of gratitude and kindness for our dedicated Haverford Township community helpers. These include firefighters, police officers, township librarians, paramedics, and public works employees, who play vital roles in sanitation, snow removal, crosswalk maintenance, and more. This was a wonderful opportunity for students to express appreciation for those who keep our community safe and running smoothly!

This week, MARCH 2-8, 2025, we celebrate National School Social Work Week, a time to recognize and appreciate the profound impact our school social workers have on our school community. They tirelessly provide emotional support, guidance, and resources that enhance our students’ academic and personal growth. Whether it’s leading group sessions, one-on-one counseling, or developing strategies for overall student well-being, they are always there with a compassionate heart and expert advice.

Join us in expressing our deepest gratitude for their dedication and commitment. It’s through their efforts that we see the true spirit of Haverford shine—supportive, inclusive, and always striving for the best in each student. Thank you for being an essential part of our school family and for all the incredible work you do every day!

Lynnewood Elementary families came together for an unforgettable evening of cultural exploration and celebration at A Trip Around the World family festival night. The event was a vibrant showcase allowing everyone to learn about and appreciate different traditions while enjoying a night filled with fun and connection.

Throughout the night, attendees traveled through different cultural stations, each highlighting a unique country or region. They savored authentic foods from around the world, tasting flavors that told the stories of various traditions. Many tried their hand at new languages, practicing greetings and common phrases from different cultures. The air was alive with music as families moved to the rhythm of traditional dances, with live performances and interactive lessons getting everyone involved.

More than just an evening of fun, the festival was a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural understanding and appreciation. It brought families and communities closer together, fostering respect for the rich diversity of the world. Whether celebrating their own heritage or discovering something new, every family left with lasting memories and a deeper connection to the global community.

The night was truly a journey across the world—without ever leaving town!

Read Across America 2025 was a celebration of books, literacy, and the power of storytelling! This annual event, held in early March, brought together students, teachers, families, and communities to inspire a love for reading in children of all ages.

Schools across the district hosted special activities, including author visits, read-aloud sessions, and themed book events that encouraged kids to explore new stories and expand their imaginations. Volunteers, local athletes from Villanova University, and even special guest readers stepped in to share their favorite books, sparking excitement and curiosity in young minds.

As the event came to a close, the excitement for reading didn’t end—because every day is an opportunity to pick up a book and embark on a new adventure! 📚

The Haverford High School Unified bocce team are Delaware County Champions! Haverford competed against Ridley, Marple Newtown, Sun Valley, and Archbishop Carroll to secure the championship. There are currently 297 teams across Pennsylvania.

Unified bocce aligns with the Special Olympics’ mission of fostering inclusion and breaking down social barriers through sports. By encouraging athletes with and without disabilities to train and compete together, Unified Bocce promotes friendships, understanding, and mutual respect. It is played at local, national, and international Special Olympics events, offering athletes the opportunity to showcase their abilities while celebrating unity and diversity in sports.

Congratulations to our high school student-athletes, their families, coaches, and teachers who have supported them. We look forward to watching them with Haverford pride as they compete at the collegiate level.

Students who signed on to compete at the collegiate level include:

Eva Abreu, Track & Field, Macalester College; Morgan Barrett, Softball, Gordon College; James Boyle, Baseball, Jefferson University; Logan Eagles, Cross Country, Loyola University Maryland; Tristan Hevener, Softball, Vassar College; William Hulea, Football, Clarion University; Andrew Rindgen, Golf, Keiser University; Colby Whitney, Swim, Bowdoin College.

Since 2023, the District has required verification of continued residency in the township and confirmation of contact information for current fifth (5th) and eighth (8th) grade students who plan to attend Haverford Middle School and Haverford High School in September 2025.

In accordance with Board policy #200, Enrollment of Students, the District requires each student’s residency to be verified by parents/guardians or other adults with whom the student resides prior to June 30, 2025.

Starting March 1, 2025, families can submit their verification documents through their PowerSchool parent account (PowerSchool Parent Accounts).

Each student verification requires two (2) acceptable documents, as outlined in the policy, in their entirety, with the address and name(s) clearly indicated. Examples of acceptable documents include:

• Deed
• Settlement Statement
• Current Lease Agreement
• Current Property Tax Bill
• Current Utility Bill
• Current Credit Card Bill
• PennDOT Identification Card

Documentation submitted by families will be reviewed for authenticity and accuracy beginning in May and continuing through June. Once your child’s documents have been verified, confirmation will be communicated through your PowerSchool parent/guardian account.

Completing the Residency Verification Form in PowerSchool

If you do not plan to return in September 2025, please notify your child's school office.

If you encounter a problem during the process, we are happy to assist you. Please contact ITHelpDesk@haverfordsd.net.

Coopertown Elementary:

The design team is currently focused on finalizing all construction documents. These documents are expected to be completed by March 6th and will be made available for public bidding during the week of March 10th. Bids will be collected in early April, and if they align with the budget, they will be presented for approval at the board meeting on April 24th, allowing the project to proceed. Construction is planned to begin as soon as school lets out in mid-June, with the project set to be fully completed by late August 2026. Coopertown building renderings

Chatham Park Elementary:

Progress on the construction project has been excellent over the past month. In the front addition, most of the exterior walls have been framed and sheathed, and the roofers are currently on-site installing the roof, which is expected to be completed within a week. Inside the addition, various trades have installed much of the new piping for domestic water lines, sewer lines, heating water, and chilled water lines. Additionally, new ductwork is being installed, and electricians are running all the new power lines. The contractors are working to get the building weather-tight in the coming weeks to keep the interior dry.

Regarding the rear classroom addition, the masonry structure was completed, and the roof's structural steel will be installed next week. Following that, the roofers will arrive to install the new roof, ensuring the building is watertight. Inside, similar to the front addition, most of the piping for water, sewer, heating water, and chilled water lines on the first floor is complete, and installation of the same piping will begin in about a week on the second floor. Ductwork installation will also commence next week and is expected to be finished in a few weeks. In a few weeks, the exterior brickwork will begin, and windows will be installed, aiming for much of the exterior of the building to be completed by the end of March.

Women's History Month: "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations."

• Every March, Women’s History Month serves as a time to reflect on the achievements, struggles, and contributions of women throughout history. In 2025, we continue this tradition by celebrating the pioneers who broke barriers, the unsung heroines who changed lives, and the trailblazers shaping our future.

Irish Heritage Month:

• National Irish-American Heritage Month is a month-long celebration dedicated to honoring the contributions and achievements of Irish immigrants and their descendants in the United States. From arts to politics, business to sports, the Irish-American community has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s history and its present.

Ramadan:

• Ramadan is considered one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims. In Ramadan, Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an, and fast from food and drink during the sunlit hours as a means of drawing closer to God and cultivating self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate.
• Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, which is based on a 12-month lunar year of approximately 354 days.
• At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate one of their major holidays called Eid ul-Fitr or the “Festival of the Breaking of the Fast.”

Purim

• A joyous Jewish festival commemorating the survival of the Jews who, in the 5th century BC, were marked for death by their Persian rulers. The story is related in the biblical Book of Esther.

The School District of Haverford Township utilizes BoardDocs, an online, paperless resource for all school board meetings. Here, you can find the agenda, meeting minutes, video replay, and board policies. The meetings are live-streamed on YouTube.

Regular and Committee Board Meetings will be held at the Oakmont Administration Building.

*NOTE TIMES FOR COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Upcoming Meetings:

• March 12: Special Board Meeting 7:30 PM (Superintendent)
• March 13: Curriculum & Pupil Services Committee Meeting 6:30 PM
• March 20: School Board Meeting

All presentations and videos can be found on BoardDocs.

The link to purchase tickets. https://haverforddrama.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200475902

On Monday, March 17th, HHS will offer a sensory-friendly performance of Sponge Bob, the Musical. Doors will open at 6:30, and the play will start promptly at 7:00 p.m. It will conclude at 9:00 p.m. There is no charge for this performance. We are thankful to our students, who always consider how to make their plays more inclusive for their classmates.

Thursday, March 20, 2025

6:00-8:00 p.m.

Via Zoom

Presenter: Rebecca Sitman, Teaching and Learning Specialist

In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure, and competitive environment, children often struggle with

self-identity and confidence, especially when comparing themselves to their peers. Social media

further amplifies these comparisons, leading to self-doubt and critical self-evaluation. This

workshop will explore the barriers that contribute to diminishing confidence in children and

provide practical strategies to help parents foster self-esteem and resilience. Together, we will

discuss ways to support children in recognizing their worth, embracing their strengths, and

navigating challenges with confidence.

** The content of this workshop is geared toward parents.

Please register for this session by Tuesday March 18, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.

Register at https://www.dciu.org/ParentTrainings

A Zoom link will be sent via email the day before the training.

Please check the District calendar for upcoming events.

March 12,13,14: Middle School parent conferences (early dismissal for middle school students)

March 12,13,14: Elementary Schools parent conferences(early dismissal for elementary students)

April 14-18: Spring Break begins at close of school on April 11, 2024
April 18: Religious Holiday (schools & offices closed)

2024-2025 Calendar (At a Glance)

2025-2026 Calendar (At a Glance)

Due to the ongoing teacher shortage in our state and across the nation, our elementary schools urgently need substitute teachers. In this episode of "60 Seconds with the Superintendent," Dr. Maureen Reusche discusses how you can positively impact our schools as a substitute teacher.

Your assistance—whether for a single day or multiple days—can make a meaningful difference for our students. If you or someone you know is interested in supporting our schools as a substitute teacher, please contact Britney M. Butler in our HR office. She will be happy to answer your questions and guide you through the process.

Do you know someone—a friend or family member—who is currently job hunting? SDHT is hiring Guaranteed Building Substitute Teachers and Instructional Assistants for the 2024-25 school year! We offer competitive salaries, flexible part-time and full-time opportunities, and benefits for eligible employees. Join our team and make a difference—Apply today!

The mission of the School District of Haverford Township is to educate and to inspire a community of lifelong learners who become well-rounded global citizens.

Website: https://www.haverford.k12.pa.us/
Location: 50 East Eagle Road, Havertown, PA, USA
Phone: 610-853-5900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haverfordsd.net
Twitter: @haverfordsd