
WEEKLY REMINDERS
Week of March 10, 2025
NEWS and NOTES
Senior Awards Applications
Please see all of the wonderful scholarships available to the Class of 2025. Get those applications in early!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1N8d6VQRRRu9snUD3m3dyuJDot-IVTM6D2TiTExEzTKI/edit?tab=t.0
Spring Parent/Teacher Conferences
Conferences will take place on March 14th and 21st from 12:00pm through 3:00pm. This is a great opportunity to schedule time with your child’s teachers and discuss their progress at STHS. Conferences are offered in person, by phone, or as a Zoom meeting and are scheduled through our online system. Scheduling will begin on March 3rd at 8:00am for conferences on March 14th. Scheduling for conferences on Friday, March 14th will close on Thursday, March 13th at 11:00pm. Scheduling for conferences on Friday, March 21st will begin on Monday, March 10th and close on Thursday, March 20th at 11:00pm.Please click on the link for easy to follow steps to set up your conference. You can reach out with any questions to Pleamargaret_rae@sdst.org. If you need an interpreter, please reach out to Tami Spoll at tami_spoll@sdst.org
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YKM7wnAkGPboK2SQ2GjJf03DPUQRcwwHYOzEvThp2I0/edit?tab=t.0
Students who attend PM Eastern are expected to attend their classes both afternoons. Transportation will be provided.
Curriculum Night
Curriculum Night is scheduled for Thursday, March 13th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at the High School. The Administrative Team, Department Coordinators, students, and representatives from the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology will be on hand to describe class offerings, including new courses, here at the High School. Families and students in 8th through 11th Grades are encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served. The evening will begin at 6:30pm in the auditorium with an overview. Breakout sessions will begin at 7:00pm and last for approximately 10 minutes. All attendees will be given access to the electronic copy of the latest Program of Studies.
Course Scheduling Update
Students at the high school will begin the scheduling process next week. All students were sent the timeline for this process; an electronic version of the updated Program of Studies; and an electronic version of a scheduling worksheet that they will need to complete before meeting with their counselor. Please encourage your student to look through the Program of Studies for new courses and changes to existing programs.
The following is the timeline for scheduling:
3/11-13/25: Class meetings during Lunch & Learn to get updates on courses & requirements.
3/13/25: Curriculum Night at the High School. This event is open to all families (guardians and students) to learn about programming and new courses here at STHS. Representatives from every department will be present as will a representative from EASTERN.
3/14/25: All Teacher recommendations are to be in PowerSchool by today.
3/18-21/25: Counselors will be meeting with students, by grade level (9th, 10th, & 11th), to schedule them in PowerSchool. You will need to remember to bring along your Scheduling Worksheet with your choices of electives.
3/24-28/25: Counselors will be meeting with 8th grade students to schedule them in PowerSchool. You will need to remember to bring along your Scheduling Worksheet with your choices of electives.
4/4/25: Deadline for having all students registered for courses for the 2025-26 school year.
April-July: Master Schedule will be created and refined.
August: Schedules will be sent to students
Contact Dr. Zgraggen at scott_zgraggen@sdst.org if you have any questions.
Kindergarten Orientation
Please see the updated Kindergarten Orientation 25/26 Flyer regarding Kindergarten orientation at Enfield Elementary.
Attendance Update
PRE-APPROVAL FOR EDUCATIONAL TRIP/TOUR ABSENCE
Given the educational value of trips and tours, the Principal(s) may excuse absences from school for educational travel. Please complete one form per family and submit to your building principal at least 14 days before your planned educational trip/tour. Students are responsible for requesting and making up any assignments for the period of absence. In addition, trips and/or tours lasting longer than 3 school days also require the completion of an Educational Learning Product. An example would be a college visit, an athletic club competition, educational family vacation etc. Please see the link below for the Educational Trip Form and the Learning Product requirements. Reach out to Mrs, Rae, margaret_rae@sdst.org with any questions.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qHIee5PRLho4u-SndPaLt5AaoQEHfGWO/view
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Nw5SlYrQUZYNDn0Zvbfvm99cSASKhF8M7LV9hdCINjY/edit?tab=t.0
Head Lice
Each year in the United States, approximately 6-12 million students between the ages of three to 12 years of age contract head lice, and like many school districts, we have occasional students who are affected each year. Please discuss with your child the importance of not sharing personal items. Additionally, we recommend that you check your child’s head weekly as a part of their regular hygiene routine. Additional information, including helpful links, may be found on the SDST Health Services webpage. Please contact your child’s school nurse if you have any questions. Thank you.
Free Period Products
PA Governor, Josh Shapiro, signed Act 55 into law back in September of 2024. This important act provides funding for schools to offer FREE menstrual products to all students in need. Springfield Township received $4,467.75 in grant funds to purchase menstrual related products for students. As part of the grant requirements, we have purchased a variety of products and varieties for student use. All four buildings have products available for home and school in the nurse's office. Come in and grab what you need!
School calendar update
Please note that there has been a change made to the 2024-2025 school calendar. District Schools will now be OPEN for students on April 22, 2025 for a full school day and schools will now be CLOSED for students on May 20, 2025. May 20, 2024 will be a staff development day.
Please see the attached revised calendar..
Dual Enrollment Opportunity for Juniors and Seniors
STHS has just received information about a wonderful program that is offered through Shippensburg University. If your student is interested in pursuing Early Childhood Education or Education, this program is for them!
This is a fully funded program, through a Pennsylvania grant, that allows students to complete a Child Develop Associate (CDA) credential AND nine (9) credits towards their future college endeavors. This online program is popular with high schools and career technical schools across the Commonwealth and the courses are absolutely FREE!
Students interested in teaching very young children can "jump-start" their career and/or higher education goals.
Students can earn-while-they-learn as they interact with young children at a DHS-licensed child care facility.
College courses are taken concurrently with high school courses using 24/7 online, asynchronous learning.
College courses are tuition-free and credits are transferable to Shippensburg University and numerous ECEPDO-partner colleges/universities.
The CDA credential gives students a competitive edge in the job market.
Please reach out to the Office of Academics, Dr. Scott Zgraggen (scott_zgraggen@sdst.org) if you have any questions.
STHS Celebrates
As we continue to foster a positive and supportive environment here at STHS, I’m reaching out with an exciting new initiative aimed at celebrating the incredible accomplishments happening within our school community.
From academic achievements to extracurricular successes and everything in between, we know that many of our students, staff, and families are making remarkable strides both in school and beyond. However, we don’t always get the chance to highlight these moments and share them with the broader community.
That’s why we are launching a new effort to gather and share these accomplishments. Whether it’s a student earning an award, a teacher leading a new project, or a club making a difference in the community, we want to celebrate and showcase these stories!
How to Participate:
If you, your student, or your organization has an accomplishment you'd like to share, please submit a brief description of the achievement, along with any photos or videos on the Google Form.
Accomplishments can include academic milestones, athletic achievements, artistic endeavors, community service projects, or any other noteworthy successes.
We will compile these submissions and periodically share them through our school website and newsletters to ensure that everyone in our school family can join in the celebration.
By highlighting these moments, we hope to inspire others, build pride in our school community, and create a culture where success is shared and recognized.
Thank you for being a part of this special initiative. We can’t wait to see and celebrate all the amazing things happening in our Springfield Township High School Family!
Support Services Quarterly Newsletter
The Office of Support Services is pleased to present our quarterly newsletter filled with resources for families and information about school programs.
Equitable Practices Newsletter
The School District of Springfield Township provides a quarterly newsletter to update families and the community on our Equity Action Plan. The newsletter contains information about district actions, updates on goal progress, educational information, books to read with your child.
Senior Fees and Other Yearbook Sales
Directions to Purchase Senior Activity Fee Package
1. Go to www.balfour.com
2. Go to "Yearbooks" tab.
3. Go to "Buy Your Yearbook".
4. Type in "Springfield Township High School".
5. Type in your student's information.
6. Go to "2025 Senior Package".
7. Note: The activity fee is $160.00. When you are in the checkout, it
will say $240.00, however, $80.00 will be deducted at checkout and
only $161.00 (with a $1.00 handling fee) cwill be charged to you. A yearbook is included in this fee.
8. Note: The senior activity fee will increase to $170.00 on January 1, 2025 due to the increased price of the yearbook at that time.
9. This will be available for purchase until March 31, 2025.
10. Ads purchase is also available now for $1.00 until March 1, 2025. Deadline to complete a finished ad is March 7th.
11. You can purchase an ad on the same page as the senior fee. Create and design your ad online. Save and complete your ad in multiple sessions with your account login. When complete, your ad will be delivered to the yearbook staff.
Underclassmen/Community Sales:
1. Go to www.balfour.com
2. Go to "Yearbooks" tab.
3. Go to "Buy Your Yearbook".
4. Type in "Springfield Township High School".
5. Type in your student's information.
6. There is a selection of yearbook packages for purchase. Choose the one you would like and go to checkout.
7. This will be available for purchase until May 31, 2025.
Thank you!
Spartan Job Board
We are delighted to announce one again our Spartan Job Board. If you have a business that is seeking student employment or simply need some help around or outside the house (leaf raking, babysitting, etc. ) we have created an internal job board to post applications. All you need to do is contact del_levin@sdst.org. Mr. Levin will then send you a form for you to fill out which will be posted on our job board. Any students who are interested will reach out to you directly from the form.
Student Snow Shovel Registry
Springfield Township is accepting registration for our 2024/25 Student Snow Shovel Registry! This is a great opportunity to make some money while also helping other residents who may be unable to shovel snow themselves.
All transactions are by private agreement between the resident and the student. The registry is limited to middle and high school students only. If you are willing to participate in this service for our residents, please complete the electronic registry form below. Students under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian's permission. Print forms are also available at the Township Administration Building.
Registration Link:
UPCOMING EVENTS
Footloose!
Get ready to kick off your Sunday shoes and dance the night away as Springfield Township High School's Thespian Troupe 1154 proudly presents Footloose! This high-energy musical, based on the hit 1984 film, tells the story of Ren McCormack, a city teen who moves to a small town where dancing has been banned. Determined to challenge the rules and inspire change, Ren teams up with his new friends to bring music and movement back to their community.
Filled with unforgettable songs like Holding Out for a Hero, Let’s Hear It for the Boy, and, of course, Footloose, this electrifying production is packed with incredible choreography, heartfelt moments, and an inspiring message about freedom and self-expression.
Please note: Footloose contains adult language and themes. Parental guidance is suggested for younger audiences.
Don’t miss your chance to experience the excitement—come join us for a night of rockin’ fun!
3rd Annual Family Wellness Fair
Join us on Wednesday, March 12th from 6:30pm to 7:30pm at Enfield Elementary School for the 3rd Annual Wellness Fair. This interactive fair provides you with the opportunity to interact with community agencies, learn about organizations in your backyard and experience health and wellness activities.
Special Needs Planning Virtual Workshop
The School District of Springfield Township is hosting a virtual workshop on Special Needs Planning for your loved one with a disability on April 7th, 2024 at 6:30pm. Please email Nicolle Schrage (Nicolle_Schrage@sdst.org) if you have questions.
Registration link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwqce-rrj4qH9EXuDG056BtzNGrOCW_FBLV
SCHOOL COUNSELING NEWS
The Eastern Center for Arts and Technology: Enrollment Application Now Open!
Any 10th or 11th grade student who wants to attend the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology should complete the enrollment form no later than Friday March 14th, 2025. This information is being emailed to all 10th and 11th grade students.
Students should inform their counselor if they plan to apply to ensure all criteria are met. All applications will be reviewed after the window closes and then students will be ranked using this criteria: Eastern Ranking Information
Practice ACT- 10th graders
On Friday, March 14th, all 10th-grade students will take the Practice ACT during the school day. Students will be required to take the test unless a parent opts them out. There is no cost to students, Since March 14th is a half day, students will report to their testing site and remain there for the duration of the school day.
All students will test unless a parent opts them out. To opt out, email your child’s counselor by March 10th.
Information about the PreACT
The PreACT is a practice version of the ACT designed to help high school students prepare for the actual test. It is typically taken in 10th grade and provides a predictive ACT score while also offering insight into strengths and areas for improvement.
Key Features of the PreACT:
Format: Shorter than the full ACT, lasting about 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Subjects Covered:
English (grammar, punctuation, sentence structure)
Math (pre-algebra, algebra, geometry)
Reading (comprehension, interpretation)
Science (data analysis, scientific reasoning)
Scoring: Uses a 1-35 scale, which correlates with the ACT's 1-36 scale.
Benefits:
Helps students identify strengths and weaknesses.
Provides career and college readiness insights.
Allows students to experience ACT-style questions without the pressure of official scoring.
The PreACT is a great tool for students who want an early indicator of their potential ACT performance and to guide their test prep strategy. There are no scholarships associated with this test, it is simply to give students practice.
Junior Parents: Schedule Your College Planning Meeting
Counselors have visited the first-semester English classes to review the career and college search process. For students with English in the spring, this presentation will take place in February. We are now scheduling individual meetings with juniors to discuss post-secondary goals and the college application process (if applicable). Parents are welcome and encouraged to participate. If you would like to attend, please email your child’s counselor to arrange a convenient time. Meetings are held during the school day.
Before the meeting, your student should have already had the lesson in their English class prior to meeting. Remind your student to log in to their Naviance account and enter colleges they are considering into the “Colleges I’m Thinking About” section. If they need assistance with resetting their Naviance password, they should reach out to their counselor before the conference. We will cover the follow topics:
- Registering for SAT or ACT
- Going over the components of the College Application
- Creating a college list
- Potential Majors
- The Common Application
- Information for Athletes (if applicable)
- Information for students with disabilities (if applicable)
- The application process at Springfield
Please email your child’s counselor with questions or if you would like to schedule an appointment.
Ms. Barbone x2009 elizabeth_barbone@sdst.org (Last Names: A-Dau)
Mrs. Cannon x2011 elizabeth_cannon@sdst.org (Last Names: (Dav-K)
Mrs. McDonnell x2007 Beth_mcdonnell@sdst.org (Last Names: L-Q)
Mr. Shearer x2008 bill_shearer@sdst.org (Last Names: R-Z)
Use the Junior College Planning Guide as a resource.
College & Career Fair
Abington Senior High School Gymnasium
Thursday, March 13th, from 6:00 - 7:30
Attention Seniors & Parents/ Guardians of Seniors The 2025-2026 FAFSA - Is Now Open for All
All students who want to be considered for Financial Aid for college and post secondary education programs should complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA application. FAFSA
Seniors and parents/guardians can find the slides from the Financial Aid Night below.Financial Aid Night 9/24 Slides
Commonwealth University Virtual Financial Aid 101
Commonwealth University is hosting Virtual Financial Aid 101 Information Sessions designed to help students and their families understand the financial aid process and prepare for a successful college journey.
Event Dates: March 20, and April 23
Time: All Financial Aid 101 Virtual Information Sessions begin at 7 p.m.
Registration: Available online
Agenda: During these sessions, we will cover the FAFSA; changes to the financial aid process; understanding scholarships, grants, and loans; and provide tips for maximizing financial aid opportunities.
College Application Help
Counselors are available to help Seniors with their college applications. Please review the Senior application reminders for help with frequently asked questions.Senior Application Reminders 2024-2025
ACT and SAT Fee Waivers
Fee waivers for SATs and ACTs and applications are available for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch. See your counselor to obtain a fee waiver.
Military Career Fair at Biddle Air National Guard Base
9th-12th grade students welcome.
Thursday, May 1st, 9am-2pm,1051 Fairchild St, Horsham PA, 19044
This is a great opportunity for students to learn about different career fields and opportunities within multiple Military branches including Air National Guard , Army National Guard, Active Duty Air Force and Air force Reserves. Lunch will be provided so it is imperative that all attendees sign up through the Registration Link. RSVP by March 15th 2025
Scholarships
Scholarships and scholarship search sites can be found on Naviance, under the College tab under Scholarship Search.
The Won Community Service Center (WCSC) and Won Buddhism of Philadelphia, Inc. are offering three scholarships for graduating high school seniors in Montgomery County who are college-bound. These scholarships are awarded annually, and we would like to ensure that eligible students are aware of this opportunity.
For 2025, the scholarship committee of WCSC and Won Buddhism of Philadelphia, Inc. invites students from the top 10% of the 2025 graduating class to apply for a $1,000.00 scholarship award. Eligible students must meet the following criteria:
Maintain an overall academic average of B or above.
Demonstrate community involvement, highlighting the impact of their service.
Be actively involved in school activities.
Submit an essay clearly explaining their community contributions and why they deserve the scholarship.
Provide a written recommendation from a guidance counselor or teacher (a simple letter outlining the student’s qualifications is sufficient).
Application Deadline: Saturday, March 22, 2025, by 5:00 PM
Interview Date: If the application is approved, students must be available for an online interview on Saturday, April 5, 2025, between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM
Scholarship Winner Announcement: Saturday, April 12, 2025
Students can find additional information and download the application form, including interview details, on our website: https://wonbuddhismpa.org/scholarship.
Shreiner Tree Care- Post-graduate opportunity for seniors
Shreiner Tree Care provides a supportive and structured environment for new hires, offering hands-on training and mentorship to help them develop the skills necessary to succeed as professional arborists. Shreiner Tree Care for more details.
ATHLETIC UPDATE
Spring Sports Registration
The Athletic Registration Platform for Spring Sports is open! All PIAA Physicals are collected through Family ID/Arbiter Sports. All of our Spring Sports began this week, some teams are still accepting participants! If you are interested in joining a team late, email the coaching staff!
Upcoming Contests:
Monday, March 10th - Softball @ Hatboro Horsham - 3:45pm
Monday, March 10th - Girls Lacrosse @ Springside Chestnut Hill Academy - 4:00pm
Tuesday, March 11th - Boys Tennis vs. Hatboro-Horsham - 3:30pm
Tuesday, March 11th - Boys Lacrosse vs. Neshaminy - 4:00pm
Wednesday, March 12th - Softball @ Merion Mercy - 3:45pm
Thursday, March 13th - Boys Lacrosse @ Harriton - 3:45pm
Friday, March 14th - Boys Lacrosse vs. Lower Merion - 3:45pm
Friday, March 14th - Girls Lacrosse vs. Council Rock South - 3:45pm
Friday, March 14th - Boys Tennis @ Delco Christian - 3:30pm