Royal Scroll - October 2014 Edition

U P P E R DA R BY S C H O O L D I S T R I C T
Royal Scroll
“Honoring a Diverse Community
Where All Students Achieve”
8th Edition
October 2014
Superintendent’s
Corner
Dr. Richard Dunlap
Hillcrest Elementary Fifth Grader
Angela Boakye is Making A Difference
M
For the past five
years we have been
recognizing people
each month on
our website who
make a difference
in
our
school
district. We have honored parents,
teachers, nurses, social workers, guidance
counselors, secretaries, and members of our
facilities, transportation, and technology
departments over the years. Last year, we
added a student spotlight to our website, as
well. This year, in an attempt to share the
good news and great people of the school
district with a greater audience, we have
added Making a Difference to our cable
channel. Please join me in congratulating
Angela Boakye and Connie Calvanese.
Angela and Mrs. Calvanese, thank you for
making a difference in the Upper Darby
School District. I also want to thank Ms.
Dana Spino and videographer Jason
Taylor for their work in creating these welldeserved video recognitions.
any students in the Upper Darby School District face challenges each day
as a result of physical disabilities. Students such as Angela Boakye, though,
work hard to overcome those challenges and serve as an inspiration to the
students and teachers who surround them.
Angela Boakye, a fifth grade student at Hillcrest Elementary, does not let her
blindness hold her back. She serves as a school safety, participates in the music
program, and keeps up with the rest of her classmates by learning braille
Continued on Page 6
and using other helpful tools. Angela is a wonderful student and a favorite at In this Issue
Hillcrest because of her “can do” attitude and her incredible determination.
Hillcrest Elementary Fifth Grader
Please visit the district website to see the video on Angela and how she is 1 Angela Boakye is Making A Difference;
UDHS Football and Alumni Create Wall
making a difference.
of Fame; Superintendent’s Corner with Dr.
Honoring the Past: UDHS Football
and Alumni Create Wall of Fame
O
n Saturday, October 11, the Upper Darby Football program, with the help of
alumni, held their first ever Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Two hundred
fifteen people were in attendance at Anthony’s
Restaurant to recognize and celebrate seventeen
inductees from the UDHS Football program.
Profits from the ticket sales supported the Wall of
Fame now located outside of Memorial Stadium.
An alumnus, Greg Lingo ‘90, generously donated
money for the construction of the wall and was
also instrumental in organizing the event. The Wall of Fame was unveiled at the
October 10th football game against Springfield. The new inductees include:
Charlie Gauer, Rich Mostardi, Todd Rucci, Floyd Wedderburn, Tom Durant,
Sanny Hale, Bill Padula, Dick Struck, Dave, Lichtenfeld, Dom Aurillo, Ken Quinn,
Frank Scymanski, Walt Fedya, John Thomas, Don Millard, Tom Buscaglia, Jeff
Leinberger, Pete Plousis, John Pappas, Chuck Leonard, Gil Manacci, Jack Shingle,
and Joe Batory. Teams inducted this year are from the 1938 and 1952 seasons.
October 2014 - The Royal Scroll
Richard Dunlap
Kindergarten Center: The Ned Show
2 and Curriculum Night; Garrettford’s
Rotary Volunteers Return For
Another Year of Service; Summer Readers
Shine at Garrettford; An Update from our
Technology Department
Fun Happenings and Shining Stars at
3 Senkow; Primos First Grade Spotlight
and Back to School Night; Charles
Kelly Has Fluency Night and Twister Night;
Aronimink Library News
Park Fire Prevention Poster
4 Westbrook
Contest Winners and Fabulous Fifth
Graders; Bywood’s Students of the Month;
BHMS Congratulates Young Playwrights; BHMS
First Annual Fall Festival; DHMS Participates in
Fox 29’s Salute to the Military; Congratulations
PBIS Incentive Winners
Fantastic First Graders
5 Stonehurst
and Rockin’ Third Grade; The Literacy
Program at Hillcrest; Highland Park’s
Pinwheels for Peace, Golden Winners and
News from the ELL Department
Art & Education: A win win;
6 Superintendent’s Corner continued;
Upper Darby High School Robotics
Team Takes Second at Battle O’ Baltimore
1
SPOTLIGHT IS ON THE
KINDERGARTEN CENTER
An Update From
Our Technology
Department
The Ned Show
n October 1, 2014 the Upper Darby
O
Kindergarten
Center
hosted
the
NED
show
for
our
students.
NED
stands
for
3
character
lessons:
NEVER BEST • NEVER
GIVE UP •
ENCOURAGE OTHERS • DO YOUR BEST
The NED show’s goal is to demonstrate that
small actions and decisions have a huge impact
on personal goals, academic accomplishments
and overall attitude. NED also demonstrates how
students should stick with difficult challenges,
develop positive attitudes towards others, and work with their positive goals to do
everything they can to achieve them. The NED assembly comes to our school for free! Our
upcoming show will pay for the next school’s assembly. The sale of our yoyos will pay for
the next assembly in the pay it forward style. Visit http://www.thenedshow.com/ for more
information on NED!
O
Curriculum Night
n October 1st parents joined teachers for Curriculum Night at the
Kindergarten Center. Teachers shared important aspects of our
Language Arts and Mathematics Curricula. Parents were introduced to
key components of our programs that children use on a daily basis to
learn new concepts. Parents enjoyed visiting classrooms and talking to
teachers as they explored what kindergartners are expected to learn
throughout the school year to prepare them for first grade.
Garrettford’s Art Exhibit Opens To Rave Reviews
work of Garrettford’s fifth grade
students as part of their Imagine
Brandywine Exhibit. Students,
families, staff, past students and faculty, administrators
and school board members were all present to view
the beautiful projects. The exhibition will be on display
until January, and we recommend you don’t miss out
on visiting the Museum to share in our excitement!
The Brandywine staff provided a lovely reception for
the Garrettford community, and all visitors enjoyed themselves.
Congratulations to Mrs. Calvanese and all the fifth graders on a
wonderful art exhibit! We are very proud of your efforts.
Garrettford’s Rotary Volunteers Return
For Another Year of Service
T
he Upper Darby-Lansdowne Rotary Club has been providing
volunteers to Garrettford Elementary for a long time, and we are
happy the gentlemen are back again this year! Mr. Hank, Mr. Jere and
Mr. Pat do a wonderful job working one on one or in small groups
with students who may need a little practice with math facts or
reading. The children are always excited to see the volunteers arrive.
These gentlemen provide a wonderful service to our students and
also serve as strong male role models for the children they come in
contact with every week. The teachers are so happy to have a hand
in the classroom and report back that the volunteers do exceptional
work with their students.
Summer Readers Shine at Garrettford
G
arrettford finished in 4th Place in the Upper Darby Library Summer
Reading Program and had the 2nd highest number of total books
read (1,951). Special recognition goes out to Melania Diah, Grade 4,
who read 390 books this summer.
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Congratulations Garrettford Art Students
n
Sunday,
September
28th, the Brandywine River
O
Museum of Art debuted the
O
ver the summer
and continuing
into the fall and
winter
months,
the
Information
Technology
Department of Upper Darby
School District has been hard at
work preparing the elementary
buildings to assimilate the new
technology that we are receiving
for the K, 1, 2 Reading and Writing
Initiative.
Over the summer and this fall two,
and sometimes four, members of
our department have been busy
running new network cables,
fiber optic cables and network
connectivity gear that transport
the data from computers, iPads
and other peripheral devices to
the new Epson 595Wi interactive
LCD projectors. The data could
come in the form of pictures,
movies or slides and could also
include audio files.
E q u a l l y
important
to
the operation of
the projectors
is the wireless
network. The installation of the
hardware portion of the wireless
network, namely the Wireless
Access points and their power
supplies, is nearing its completion.
The computers and projectors,
while usually wired, are also
capable of wireless connectivity.
This will allow the instructors or
the students to be in any area of
the classroom and others at the
projection area without being
tethered by wires.
COMPANY INFO
UPPER DARBY SCHOOL DISTRICT
MEDIA SERVICES OFFICE
601 N. LANSDOWNE AVE, DREXEL HILL, PA 19026
USA (610) 622-7000 X2317
dspino@upperdarbysd.org
EDITORIAL STAFF
EDITORIAL
EDITOR IN CHIEF - DANA SPINO
CREATIVE
ART DIRECTOR - ROB FEDALEN
DESIGNER October 2014 - The Royal Scroll
On Senkows Shining Stars
Responsible Students:
1st Grade: Rudaiba Rahman, Tasnia Chowdhury, Ata Ullah
2nd Grade: Michael Olaniyi, Justin Chen, Tamia Jones
3rd Grade: Ariel Mehmeti, Puneet Kaur
4th Grade: Marlijah Doyle, Catherine Chen
5th Grade: Sana Saud, Kylee Pham
Fun
Happenings
S
enkow started September with funfilled field trips! Fourth grade went
to the Philadelphia Zoo, and first grade
visited Sugartown Strawberries.
Primos First Grade Spotlight!
O
ur first graders continue to have new experiences as full day students. Among these new experiences are
lunch/recess, specials, desks of their own, and a more intense routine. It’s only been a month, but already our
1st graders seem comfortable with all the changes. Staying in school for a full day is a challenge for new 1st graders. The children are
working very hard, and are proving they are up to the challenge! They have desks of their own, and are learning how to keep them
organized. Desk fairies have been known to visit the classrooms and give “Neatest Desk” awards. The children are excited about having
lunch at school. Recess is another welcome change for them, and they are quickly learning the rules of the playground. They
continue to cheer when their teachers announce it is time for lunch/recess! One of the most exciting changes for our 1st
graders is going to specials. They go to gym (a favorite!), art, music, and library. They get almost as excited to go to specials
as they do to go to lunch! The first grade teachers are looking forward to a fabulous year with their students.
Primos Back to School Night
O
n Wednesday, September 17th, Primos held its annual Back to School Night. The
night began with the first Home and School meeting of the year. Board members
introduced themselves and gave a brief overview of their positions. Different events
and fundraisers were discussed for the school year. Mr. Wisneski showed the parents
a website called Kahoot. It is website that teachers can use in the classroom with
their students. The parents all were dismissed to the classrooms where the teachers
discussed what could be expected for the upcoming school year. The night was a
huge success with many parents in attendance. There was a lot of positive energy, and
everyone was looking forward to a successful school year.
Charles Kelly Has Fluency Night
T
his month, Charles Kelly
held a parent workshop
on reading fluency! Our
wonderful first grade teachers
and members of the literature
team worked together with
parents to help with strategies
on how to help our Kelly Scholars become more fluent readers.
Thanks to all who came out!
Future Parent Workshops:
November 5, 2014- Comprehension Night
March 11, 2014- PSSA Information Night —See you there!
Twister Night
month, the Charles Kelly Home
La astand
School Association sponsored
Twister Night. Kelly Scholars and
their families came to have fun and
participate in a giant game of Twister!
In October, families joined us for our
Family Fun Night where we decorated
pumpkins and gave out awards. The award for best behavior in
the hallway is the Silver Slipper.
The award for the best behavior in the cafeteria is the Silver
Spoon, and the behavior award for the playground is the Silver
Sneaker.
October 2014 - The Royal Scroll
Aronimink Library News
T
he Library had our Book Fair during
the week of October 6 through
October 10 and was open during Open
House on Thursday evening. A large
thank you to everyone who helped make
this possible. Thank you, Mrs. Watson,
who helped organize all the library
volunteers (and for all she
does!), Mrs. Favretto, Mrs. Fitzpatrick, Mrs. Michaels,
Mrs. Harrison, Mrs. Shafer, Mrs. Fitwater, and Mrs. Laws.
And most of all, thank you to Cheryl Hart for constantly
making sure the library is running smoothly and efficiently.
essage from Mrs. Einhorn,
School Nurse: Cold and
Flu Season has arrived! This
is a good time to remind
your children about frequent
handwashing. Make sure they
use running water and soap,
rub their hands together for 2030 seconds, rinse thoroughly,
and dry with a clean towel or
paper towel. Wash hands
before eating, after toileting
A first grade student wearing
her “pink” for Breast Cancer and after playing outside. The
CDC in Atlanta claims that
Awareness month.
handwashing is the number
one way to help prevent infection from spreading.
M
3
Westbrook Park Fire Prevention Poster Contest
ongratulations to the Upper Darby Fire Department Fire Prevention Poster Contest winners
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from Westbrook Park. On October 5th our students were recognized and given awards at the
end of UDFD Fire Prevention Parade: Jalissa Pizzo, 4th grade -1st prize; Sklyar McCaffrey, 1st
grade - 3rd prize; Valerie Powers, 4th grade - Honorable mention.
Fabulous Fifth Graders
T
he 5th grade students in the Autistic Support Program at Westbrook Park began making their bi-weekly
shopping trips in the community. During these community outings, students practice skills such as safety,
walking in a group, following directions, making choices, interacting with adults and paying for items using the
money skills they work on in the classroom. Teachers plan these trips to provide students with real world training
and experiences that they would not be able to re-create in the classroom environment. The students and teachers
hope to continue these trips well into the school year, but also expand the program to include community outings
to new places around the district!
Westbrook Park Thanks Liz Miceli
We would like to recognize Liz Miceli, a student at UDHS (Joanne Miceli’s daughter), for her generous donation of school supplies
for our students purchased with her own money.
Students of the Month
C
ongratulations
to
students in grades 1-5
for being the first students
of the month of the school
year by creating positive
relationships!
Mr. Gus Presents:
he Golden Plunger Award!
Tcleanest
Students who maintain the
restroom facilities are
earning the golden plunger as a positive
incentive!
rs. Newby and the fourth grade teachers
and students are working hard on
close reading strategies! Students are
“digging deeper” while reading texts, asking
questions, citing evidence, and building a
deeper understanding during reading. Keep
up the scholarly work!
econd graders are proving they are ready
to explore all of the new adventures of
second grade! After learning all of the rules
and routines in each classroom, students are
exhibiting all of the appropriate behaviors,
and “Making Smart Choices.”
M
S
BHMS Congratulates Young Playwrights
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ONGRATULATIONS TO TARA MALLOY AND TONI
RUDDY ON THE IMPRESSIVE LIST OF WINNERS IN
THE ANNUAL PHILADELPHIA YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS
COMPETITION. 1st Place- Perry the Fairie by Most
Yeasmin- Teacher Tara Malloy (will be performed at
Temple University this Fall); 2nd Place-The Story by
Rylee Curry-Teacher Tara Malloy 2nd Place-Accept by Mai
(Amy) Ho-Teacher Tara Malloy 2nd Place-Irrepressible by
Olivia Or-Teacher Tara Malloy; 3rd Place-The Sparrow, The Escort, The Stalker by
Shamina Chowdhury- Teacher Toni Ruddy 3rd Place-Choices by Manreet
Kaur-Teacher Tara Malloy. BEST WISHES TO ALL OF OUR PLAYWRIGHTS.
BHMS First Annual Fall Festival
ctober 24th marked the 1st
O
Annual Fall Festival. The Fall
Festival is part of the Reward
Systems implemented through the
PBIS model and included a variety of
stations for students to attend. Each station was themed and included
working with peers, and staff. We are excited to announce that there
are three more reward days planned for this school year. They include
the Winter Wonderland on December 23rd, the Spring Fling on
March 27th, and the Summer Blast on May 29th. Reward days help to
reinforce and motivate students to behave appropriately within the
Beverly Hills Middle School community. Thank you to everyone who
helped make the first school wide reward day a success!
DHMS Participates in Fox 29’s
çSalute
to the
Military
O
n September 26th, student representatives from each of the 8th grade teams had the opportunity to participate in the
Fox 29 Salute to the Military. Held in Philadelphia, the purpose of this event was to give thanks to the men and women
who serve our country. This experience provided students with the awareness of the dedication of members of the military.
Congratulations PBIS
Incentive Winners
6th Grade: Dom Smith, Arielle Baril, Mikayla Kloc, Erin Colsher, Yanisha Wilson,
Dominique Basciano, Alyssa Love, Maddy Kane, Sean Douglass, Kylie Donahue, Torbin
Hinrichson, & Kule Gilberti. 7th Grade: Mike Lanciano, Ryan Brooks, Michael McFadden,
Manini Patel, Mike Lanciano, Terrence Maddox, Craig Linder, Bobby Blewitt, Seoni
Anderson-Cooper, Melissa Matsinger, Tyler Southein, Danny McKnight, James Mathis,
Hydia Nelson & Daniel O’Brien. 8th Grade: Naudang Keith, Hailey Stapleton, DaVon
Gilmore, Ryan Andrews, Kelly Cook, Zachary Salandine, Nick Tarone, Anauri Hankey,
Bethany Bickford, Nicole Ottaviano, & Delaney Smith.
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October 2014 - The Royal Scroll
Stonehurst’s Fantastic First Graders
F
irst graders had a great start to their school year. They’ve being playing outside for recess
and having lunch in the cafeteria. They are enjoying all their specials, working hard in the
classroom, and learning the Stonehurst rules. We are very proud of them. The students are very excited
for the upcoming science unit on living things and organisms. The next big event is our class trip to
Philadelphia.
Third Grade Rocks
T
hird graders have already been hard at work. Each class reviewed addition and subtraction with regrouping. We
are now looking at graphing and interpreting data. Mrs. Davis’s and Ms. Gangle’s classes have been observing
water through various experiments. Mr. McDermott’s and Ms. Clautice’s classes have been studying plants. Mrs.
King’s and Ms. Lydon’s classes are working on a unit about sound. We enjoyed our first field trip to the Franklin
Institute in Philadelphia. Many of the exhibits will improve the understanding of the concepts we learned in Science.
First in Math parent letters have been sent home. This is an excellent way for your child to work on math skills. We
look forward to congratulating our Players of the Day!
The Literacy Program at Hillcrest
“There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.” ~ Jacqueline Kennedy
W
e are so pleased that our ONE BOOK, ALL FAMILIES project is off to a great start. The students were so
excited to meet Humphrey, who helped us reveal The World According to Humphrey. Many of the children
are excited to share their experiences of reading at home with their families. It is great to see the 5th grade
safeties talking with younger students about what they read and to hear siblings planning who will read what
chapter each night. Even our teachers’ families are enjoying the time reading together as a family. We asked
the students what they thought about reading with their families. Here are some responses: “It’s really fun!”
“I’m so excited to do my project so I can write about Humphrey.” “I love when Humphrey scurries out of his
cage!” “My mom waits until my sister and brother are home so she can read it to all of us.” “I like reading Humphrey right before
bedtime with my sister.” We hope that this project will inspire families to continue to take time to read together and foster a love of
reading in our entire community.
F
ifth Grade students are working on a wide variety of science lessons. Mr. McCauley’s students are studying
Motions and Designs. They are learning the basics of physics through the use of K’Nex pieces. In Mr.
Foley’s class, students are working on Microworlds. This unit focuses on the scientific method through the
use of microscopes and hand lenses. Students will view tiny objects such as fish scales, feathers and seeds in
order to identify them using observation skills. They are also learning the scientific process, including how
to write their observations into their science notebooks. Ms. Falcone and Ms. Fox’s classes are working on
Ecosystems. During this unit, students will make mini aquariums and terrariums. They will view pill bugs, crickets, fish, water snails and
water plants to determine their place in the food chain, as well as in the ecosystems in which they live. In all of these units, students
are actively engaged in fun, hands-on learning experiences! Fifth grade students at Hillcrest “LOVE SCIENCE”!
P
Highland Park’s Pinwheels For Peace
inwheels for Peace was a big success again this year thanks to all the help from the staff at
Highland Park. Between the Singing Hawk’s awesome performance, the beautiful weather,
and the gorgeous Pinwheels, Mr. Bucolo could not have asked for a better first project from
everyone.
O
ctober News from Physical Education: October has been a busy and active month in the Highland Park Gymnasium. The
students have been working on soccer skills & engaging in soccer games, pillow polo, and Halloween games. 4th & 5th
grade students have been tested in the pull up test, which will be used to help select the Marine Corps Fitness Team that will
compete in May 2015.
Golden Ticket Winners
G
olden Tickets are given to students when they are “caught” being
safe, respectful, and responsible. Our winners were: 1st Grade: Josh
Weaver, Tydir Downs, Vincent Hanson; 2nd Grade: Jake Urzi, Cheick
Sacko, Manveer Singh; 3rd Grade: Medinah Smith, Jalen Ballentine,
Joey McNeal; 4th Grade: Daejoah Bazemaore, Mahir Ishtaiaq, Isaiah
Quiah; 5th Grade: Kori Freeman, Jasnoor Saini, Aaliyah Kerkula.
News from the ELL Department
O
n October 2nd, the ELL Department had a Parent
Night. Many families were able to attend. We focused
on High Frequency Words for the first and second graders.
With 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, we focused on fluency. Each
child received a bag of supplies to help them get started.
I
MPORTANT - Conferences are in November.
Please let teachers know EARLY if you need
an interpreter or if you have more than one
child at Highland Park and would like to try to
schedule the conferences the same day.
October 2014 - The Royal Scroll
5
Superintendent’s Corner
A
Win-Win: Partner with the
UDAEF to Support Education
while Earning Tax Credits
through the PA EITC Program.
Are you looking for a way for your
business to make a real impact on
the children in the community?
There’s never been a better time! As
of July 1, 2014, the Pennsylvania State
government began accepting new
applications for its well-established
Pennsylvania Educational Improvement
Tax Credit Program (EITC).
This State program allows eligible
businesses to earn tax credits
in exchange for contributions
to an approved Educational
Improvement
Organization
(EIO). The Upper Darby Arts and
Education Foundation (UDAEF)
is a proud EIO, and through these
contributions, we support a wide
variety of Upper Darby School
District programs, including:
• Technology K-2 Literacy Initiative
• Brad Schoener MusicMan Camp
• Robotics Team and Robotics
Programming Course
• Artists in Residence
• Advanced Placement courses
• Engineering
• Full list available on the UDAEF
Website
Act Now! Applications for businesses
to participate in the EITC program
are approved on a first-come, firstserved basis. According to the PA
State website, eligible businesses
are those subject to one or more of
the following taxes:
• Corporate Net Income Tax
• Capital Stock Franchise Tax
• Bank and Trust Company Shares Tax
• Title Insurance Companies Shares Tax
• Insurance Premiums Tax
• Mutual Thrift Institution Tax
• Insurance Company Law of 1921
• Personal Income Tax of S
corporation
shareholders
or
Partnership partners
Learn more about how to apply
for the EITC program on the PA
State Website. If you have any
questions about how you can
partner with the UDAEF through
the EITC program, please contact
Jennifer
Schoener,
UDAEF
Executive Director (jschoener@
udfoundation.org),
or
John
Schmidt, UDAEF Administrator
(jschmidt@udfoundation.org).
Partnerships are key in the UDAEF’s
ongoing efforts, and our team looks
forward to many more opportunities
to partner with local businesses
through the EITC program to enhance
the lives and education of our
community’s children.
6
Continued from Page 1
P
hiladelphia Young Playwrights is an arts education organization that taps the potential of youth and inspires
learning through playwriting. This is the 24th year of creating intensive playwriting workshops for 1,700 students
in up to 50 classrooms throughout the region. More than 1,000 student playwrights each year submit their original
plays to the Annual Playwriting Festival. The Upper Darby School District is fortunate to have the following students
as winners of the Young Playwrights’ Award this year: Totuwatayo Olubajo, Mike Weir, Cleo Hoey, Leslie Thai, Most
Yeasmin, Rylee Curry, Mai (Amy) Ho, Olivia Or, Manreet Kaur, and Shamina Chowdhury.
It is no secret that the high school had a rough start to October with unsubstantiated rumors that caught the attention
of the Upper Darby community and the local news media. We take safety in all of our schools very seriously, and I
am proud to say that we worked together with staff, parents, and local authorities – including the police and fire
departments – to ensure that all of our students were safe. We are also proud that in this safe environment we were
able to focus on student achievement. I want to thank the students who participated in special assemblies on safety
held jointly with the Upper Darby Township Police Department in grades 6 – 12 in the days that followed, and I look
forward to a safe and productive rest of the school year.
The Educational Specifications Committee and the subcommittees have been meeting to review school enrollment
and boundaries, school capacities, and each school’s individual education classroom designs. I think it is important
for you to know about the work of these three subcommittees so you can better understand their data and future
recommendations. Their work focuses on “The Planning Triangle” as it is sometimes referred to, where Demographics,
Programs, and Facilities are all of equal importance. Though the Ed Spec Committee is preparing to present some
long-term recommendations to the School Board this spring, we are also keenly aware of currently increasing
enrollment numbers and are looking into potential short-term solutions to make space in our buildings. One possible
short-term solution would be to move administrative offices currently in Aronimink Elementary School and in Upper
Darby High School to an alternate location outside of any of our school buildings. Such a move would allow for a
significant number of additional classrooms in both buildings, and, in the case of Aronimink, may allow for some
changes in boundary lines to alleviate overcrowding in neighboring elementary schools, as well. This is just one of
the many considerations being discussed by the Ed Specs Committee at this time, and I look forward to sharing our
full recommendations with the Board this spring.
To date, the principals and their building teams are in the process of collecting data for the Ed Specs and current
capacity subcommittees. Their work is due on November 10, 2014. We are currently analyzing enrollment data
and the maps provided by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. We are working with a volunteer
operations analyst from the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Matt McKenzie, who is evaluating our current
boundaries and exploring potential boundary areas that may be more efficient. We are also currently working on
a survey to send to our public for feedback regarding some of these ideas. I look forward to continuing this very
important process and, again, am excited to share with the Board the recommendations of the Committee this spring.
The Wellness Committee is looking for some planning and direction from our parents. Beginning tomorrow, there will
be a survey on our website. The feedback from the survey will supply our committee with important parental concerns
to be addressed by the Wellness Committee. The survey will be online from October 15th through October 31st.
This time last year, I was happy to have my Superintendent’s goals for the year available to the public on our district
website. Though my intention was to have this year’s goals available by now, the delay by the Department of
Education in releasing the School Performance Profile data has impacted my ability to complete goals for the district
and, in turn, the ability of principals to create their goals for the upcoming year. Without a firm date from the State
on when that data will be released, I cannot commit to a date when my goals will be posted to the website. I will
continue to update the public and the school board as I receive updates from PDE.
Speaking of the PA Department of Education, I am asking our parents, staff, administrators, and school board to come
together and support the idea of not counting Keystone Exams as a graduation requirement. This requirement,
mandated by the State, will have a tremendous financial impact on our school district. Additionally, this mandate
will affect staffing and will limit the curricular opportunities afforded to our students. Our high school has always
been celebrated for the rich course selection it offers, and we don’t want to see yet another State mandate affect the
choices our students can make.
The Upper Darby School District was proud to hold its first parent involvement night for the 2014-15 school year on
Tuesday, October 21, 2014. Parents had the opportunity to choose from a menu of program options and attended
up to 3 information sessions. It began in the Performing Arts Center at 6:30PM with Keynote Speaker Dr. Angela
Duckworth. Pizza was served and Childcare was provided. We look forward to our next Parent Information Night on
Thursday, March 19, 2014 and hope that you will mark your calendar to attend!
Upper Darby High School Robotics Team
Takes Second at Battle O’ Baltimore
T
he Upper Darby High School Robotics and Engineering team, Royal Assault,
traveled to Towson, MD on September 20th to compete in the 8th annual
Battle O’ Baltimore competition. The competition consists of a three-team
alliance of robots that are required to work together to pass a 30 inch yoga
ball across a 24 ft field to score in a 10 ft high goal. In the middle of the field
is a truss, which a team could shoot the ball over for extra points. At the same
time, the opposition alliance is trying to score while stopping your alliance from
doing the same. After 5 hours and 10 qualifying rounds, the team was ranked
10th out of 30 teams. The team quickly progressed through the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, the
team had to overcome a major mechanical failure to compete. The semi-finals ended in dramatic
fashion, with Upper Darby and its partners taking the best of 3 matches. Entering the finals, Royal
Assault and their partners were damaged and having difficulty shooting the ball into the goal.
Despite this trouble, the alliance fought hard and made the finals go to a best of three. In the end,
Upper Darby lost the best of three, finishing in second. Congrats to the valiant efforts of the drive
team: Seniors Jose Arguelles, Tyler Morin, Sophomore Ragheed Kurbaj and Senior Coach Evan
Doherty. Good Luck to the Royal Assault Team in future competitions.
October 2014 - The Royal Scroll