Jo r nal - Upper Moreland School District

The Newsletter of the Upper Moreland School District
Jo r nal
Summer 2010
Upper Moreland School District Welcomes New Leadership for 2010-2011
By: Dr. Robert Milrod, Superintendent of Schools
This summer, we have been hard at work filling key leadership
vacancies in our District.
At a special July meeting, the Upper Moreland Board of
School Directors convened to appoint Mrs. Susan Smith as
the new Principal of Upper Moreland Primary School. Mrs.
Smith, who resides with her family
in Drexel Hill, PA, has been a professional educator for twenty-eight years.
She received her undergraduate degree
in Elementary Education from Shippensburg University, and earned her
Masters degree in Educational AdminPrimary School Principal istration from Gwynedd-Mercy ColSusan Smith
lege. During her career she has taught
second grade, as well as grades four through eight. For ten
years, Mrs. Smith worked as the Administrative Team Leader
and the Director of Admissions for Waldron Mercy Academy,
a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award-winning school located in Merion, PA. In 2006, Mrs. Smith transitioned from
her private school setting to work in the Philadelphia School
District. From 2007 until her move to Upper Moreland, Mrs.
Smith served as Principal of Hamilton Disston Elementary
School, a 900 student K-8 public school in the Tacony section
of Philadelphia.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Milrod noted that
“Mrs. Smith has all of the qualities that we are seeking for
our next Primary School Principal. She has a wide range of
experiences, has served as an exemplary classroom teacher, and
has a proven track record as a successful building principal.
People speak of her as a consensus- and team-builder who
relates well to students and adults alike. We look forward to
welcoming her into our Upper Moreland family.”
At the end of August, it is expected that the Board of School
Directors will name Ms. Joy Perisho as the Acting Principal of
Upper Moreland High School. Ms. Perisho has been an important member of our District since the 2000-2001 school
year, and has served as Assistant Principal for Curriculum
and Instruction at both the Upper Moreland Middle School
and the Upper Moreland High School. Prior to her career
in Upper Moreland, Ms. Perisho taught Spanish at both the
Middle and High School levels for the
School District of Philadelphia. While
employed by the School District of
Philadelphia, Ms. Perisho also served as
a Small Learning Community Coordinator, the Assistant Principal and eventually the Acting High School Principal
of Kensington High School.
Joy Perisho, Acting
Principal of Upper
Moreland High School
Joining Ms. Perisho on the administrative team at Upper Moreland High School will be Ms.
Charlene Collins, who will transition over from our Education Services Department, where she has been our District
Program Specialist focusing on Math and Science, to become
the Acting High School Assistant Principal for Curriculum
and Instruction. Also returning to
the High School is Mr. David DeVido, who will transfer from the Upper
Moreland Middle School to become
the High School’s Assistant Principal
for Student Services. Mr. Richard
Gould will remain the Athletic DirecActing High School
tor for Upper Moreland High School,
Assistant Principal
while serving as the Upper Moreland
Charlene Collins
Middle School’s Assistant Principal for
Student Services.
In addition to the building-based administrative changes, Dr.
Suzanne Bell has been promoted to the
position of Director of Student Services
and Supervisor of Secondary Special
Education. Dr. Bell, who previously
served as the District Supervisor of
Special Education, recently completed
her Doctorate in Educational LeaderSuzanne Bell, Director
ship
at Widener University. In her new
of Student Services and
Supervisor of Secondary position, Dr. Bell will work together
Special Education
with the new administrative team to
provide enhanced supports for the achievement and wellbeing of all of our High School students.
Student of the Month
The Willow Grove Rotary Club names two students per month as “Student of the Month” for demonstrating the
Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self.” Students are selected from the Upper Moreland High School and the Eastern
Center for Arts and Technology.
Samantha Pronzato, the May Student of the Month has been a familiar face at the High School.
Samantha balanced an extremely challenging academic schedule with a wide variety of extra-curricular
activities. She was a member of the National Honor Society with a GPA of 103.5 and was ranked
10th in the senior class.
Samantha was service-oriented. She was a member of the Interact Club, Environmental & Film Club,
section editor of the yearbook and was Co-President of the Key Club. Samantha skillfully played on a
number of athletic teams during her high school career: field hockey, soccer and swimming. Samantha has served as Captain of the swim team. At graduation, Samantha was recipient of the Academic Physical Education Award and the Kenton
W. Keiser School Director Leadership Scholarship for leadership and service displayed in and out of school.
In the community, Samantha has participated in the Relay4Life and American Red Cross Blood Drives. She is a lifeguard
and teaches swim lessons at the Upper Moreland Swim Club.
Samantha will attend Pennsylvania State University in the fall and is undecided on her major.
Sean Burman, the June Student of the Month expemplifies the qualities of the Rotary Club’s motto
“Service Above Self.” Sean has demonstrated his leadership skills as President of the Upper Moreland
Marching Unit, Mellophone Section Leader with the Marching Band, Student Coordinator & Student
Conductor of the Concert Choir and has been a coordinator of ensembles and musical groups at his
church.
Sean, a positive influence both in and out of the classroom, has been an active member of the Drama
Company the past four years, most recently playing the Beast in “Beauty and the Beast.” In addition, Sean was a member
of the Interact Club, National Honor Society, cross country and track teams, District 11 Choir and Montco Band. Sean
recently received the Drama Company Scholarship, Music Patrons Scholarship and the Alumni Association Frank E. Wismer
Selfless Service Scholarship for his consideration of others in his daily activities.
In the community, Sean is an active member of his church, serving as a CCD Educator, a cantor and a performer with the
church’s guitar group.
Sean’s future plans include attending Temple University and major in Music Education.
Best of the Class
Michael Dummeldinger
was selected as Upper
Moreland High School
“Best of the Class” for
the 2009-2010 school
year by 6ABC. Michael
had the highest GPA of
the senior class and was
senior class Valedictorian.
Michael was recipient of
the Faculty Best All-Round Student Award and the Emily Abel
Scholarship. Michael will attend the University of Delaware in
September and major in Chemical Engineering.
Intermediate School Hero
The Intermediate School’s
end of the year assembly
honored one student as a
hero. Student Brett Brossman was recognized for his
quick thinking and bravery
when rescuing a friend.
Brett, 10 years old, saved
a 6-year old from drowning. After Brett noticed the
boy submerged in the pool, Brett pulled the boy from the
pool and quickly got help. Brett’s distinguished ability to
think smart on his feet has left an imprint on the Upper
Moreland community.
Representing Upper Moreland
T
umbling and falling isn’t encouraging to most toddlers
learning how to walk. But Upper Moreland’s Joanna
Sampson wasn’t the normal toddler. At the age of four, her
career began in the world of gymnastics - tumbling and dancing her way in the world. Over a decade later, not much has
changed. Graduating senior Joanna Sampson will spend the
next four years at the University of Michigan on a full gymnastics scholarship.
This three time national champion and level 10 gymnast
won her first State and Regional Championship on the bars
in 2005 at the age of 12. However, Joanna didn’t stop there.
She went on to place among the
best at both the regional and national level. Considering the bars
to be her best event, Joanna placed
first in the event at the 2008 level
Junior Olympic Nationals. But
the judges have been continuously impressed with more than
just her bar performance. Joanna
placed 2nd in All-Around gymnast
Joanna Sampson is headed to in that 2008 Junior Olympic NaUniversity of Michigan
tionals; won the all-around title at
regional in 2008; and was on the Junior Olympic National
Team. An impressive resume, Joanna has won a total of six
PA State Championships, five Regional Championships and
two National Championships. But don’t be fooled; Joanna has
had her bad days. Yet, it is these bad days that have motivated
her to succeed. “One of the most challenging things about the
sport is the bad days. Don’t let them take control of your head.
You need to keep pushing through them and do the best you
can everyday. If you can get through that challenge, then you
can certainly get through what you come up against in the
future.” In the High School, Joanna was a member of the Film
Academic All-American
Congratulations to UMHS students John Bolich (wrestling), Timothy Santry (wrestling) and James Cramer
(boys’ lacrosse) who received Pennsylvania Academic AllAmerican recognition for the 2009-2010 school year.
Club and the Environmental Club. She received the Presidential Academic Award and the Academic Excellence Award
and has maintained Honor Roll throughout her High School
Career. Good Luck Joanna, as you represent the University of
Michigan’s Women’s Gymnastics Team.
A
nother aspiring athlete is senior John Bolich. After placing 3rd in this year’s FILA National Championship in
Free Style at 187lb and 5th in Greco Roman at 164lb, the
USA Wrestling invited John to compete for a spot on Team
USA in the men’s freestyle at the Pan American Cadet Championships in Manaus, Brazil. Not only did John make the
team, but he also won a national medal. In fact, John won
the highest medal. Earning a Gold Medal in the 85 kg/187.5
lbs US freestyle in Brazil, Bolich
represented his nation with honor
and respect. However, this was not
John’s first experience competing
on a National Team. Rather, John
made a trip to nationals in the 7th
grade and has since won numerous
awards, including two All American Titles; Team PA Outstanding
Wrestler Award; USA Wrestling
John Bolich verbally comAll American in both Free Style
& Greco Roman at the National mited to Lehigh University.
Championships; and All American in Greco Roman in FILA
National Championships.
This upcoming school year John will be a senior. He will
attempt to be Upper Moreland’s first 2-time state medalist
with his ultimate goal of becoming Upper Moreland’s first
State Champ. John has verbally committed to wrestle for Lehigh University, where he plans to attend in the fall of 2011.
Promotion Award Recipients
Pictured after the Promotion Ceremony for the fifth
grade, are award winners (l-r) Noelle Woodman and
Scott Murphy - Thomas Murt Award for Citizenship
recipients; and Rebeka Humbrecht and Brandon
Garner, Kiwanis Club Award recipients.
Upper Moreland Schools....
700 Club
The 700 Club at the High School is an academic distinction
that showcases those student who have achieved a score of
700 or above on the verbal, math or critical reading section of
the SAT 1. Pictured are the latest members who received the
honor this spring (l-r) Rebekah Perry, Shannon Dillon,Taylor
Pickersgill, Ekaterina Vlasova, Hannah Landers, Susanna
Kim, Emily Hakes, Vaikunt Ranganathan, and Emilie Gray.
Missing from the photo is Menvekeh Daramay.
Silver Card Club
Scholarship Recipient
Jonathan Gaston was presented the Upper Moreland
Township Police Benevolent Association Scholarship
by Officer Kelly Ruddell. The scholarship is given to
a student who plans to pursue a career in criminal
justice. Applicants are evaluated based on academics, extracurricular activities, community service,
and an essay on why they are interested in criminal
justice as a career. Jonathan plans to attend Temple
University in the fall. Pictured with Jonathan (l-r) is
Principal Dr. Joseph Roy, Officer Kelly Ruddell and
Officer Scott Metheny.
Princeton Book Club Award
Are you over the age of 62? If you are, then you are eligible
for membership into the Upper Moreland School District
Silver Card Club. The reinstatement of this card allows
residents over the age of 62 to attend School District events
free of charge.
• Silver Card Club Membership entitles you to attend various UM home athletic events or musical concerts without charge.
• In addition, when a non-silver card theatre perfor-
mance at the High School or Middle School has extra tickets fifteen minutes before the start of the show, Silver Card Club members will receive free admission to that performance as well.
To register for the Silver Card Club, bring a photo id to the Community Information Network located in the UM Administration
Building, 2900 Terwood Road. You may also contact Nora Rosenbaum at 215-830-1587 or via email nrosenbaum@umtsd.org.
Timothy Uveges was this year’s recipient of the Princeton
Book Club Award. The award is presented to the student
who has the highest GPA in the junior class. Timothy
is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club,
and the tennis and soccer teams. Pictured with Timothy
above at a recent Board meeting are (l-r) Superintendent
of Schools, Dr. Robert Milrod; Assistant Principal Ms.
Joy Perisho, Board President Dr. David Hakes and Timothy’s parents Brenda & Albert Uveges.
.... Making a difference
Giving Back to the Community
Completing his senior project was not enough for Matt Wil- Commissioners to have the sculpture installed at a local
park. They reveled at the idea and encourson. Rather, Matt wanted to find his
aged him to contact the parks and recreation
sculpture a home. Unveiling a bronzed
committee, which worked with him on
sculpture of an unknown soldier in
logistics. A crowd of about 50 joined Matt
Upper Moreland’s Memorial Drive
in the occasion, including Rep. Tom Murt, a
Plaza, Matt’s dream became a realrepresentative from Allyson Schwartz’s office,
ity. Standing about five feet tall, the
General Jerry Beck and Superintendent Dr.
statue will be housed at the entrance
Robert Milrod.
to Memorial Park. With the idea to
honor those serving their country,
“Bringing ‘Art to the Parks’ is a whole new
Matt worked with his cousin Tom Barr
Pictured with Matt at the statue dedication are
to bring his project to life.
(l-r) Superintendent Dr. Robert Milrod, Repre- perspective, an eye opener for new alternasentative Thomas Murt, Board of Commissioners tives,” said Board of Commissioners PresiAfter making his final presentation at President Sam Valenza, Tom Barr, High School dent Sam Valenza. Matt will attend Drexel
Vice-Principal Richard Gould, and CommissionUniversity to earn a degree in engineering.
school, Matt contacted the Board of
er Kevin Spearing.
KUDOS TO:
Upper Moreland Intermediate School 5th grade students who came in the top 100 in the state in First In Math: Dylan Burke
(52nd), Nicholas Schaefer (53rd), Shane Leister (77th) Kyle Dunham (79th) Ryan Lowry (97th).
Upper Moreland Intermediate School 4th grade students who came in the top 100 in the state in First In Math: Louis Knoebel
(49th), Sterlen Barr (57th), Bryan Gordon (67th), Chloe Tice (71st), Ian Mason (75th) and Cassidy Murphy (85th).
Protecting the Egg
At the end of every school year, fifth graders at the
Upper Moreland Intermediate School take part in a
competition known as “The Egg Drop.” Students create
a small contraption that will protect one uncooked egg
from a variety of tosses and smashes. Students need to
plan, prepare and practice to produce quality devices.
Congratulations to fifth grade Egg Drop winners Rebecca Humbrecht and Alexander Gerlach who are pictured
with teachers Mike Bair, Kevin Black, Dan Monaghan
and Ryan Mellor.
Suburban 1 First Team
Selections for the spring sports First Team were made
by the coaches in the Suburban 1 American Conference. Picture are the selected UMHS athletes: Dave
McInerney, baseball; Terrell Watson, track; Christie
Graf, soccer; Keith Parker-Washington, track; Leslie
Weaver, soccer; Drew Magaha, track; Sarah Fullerton, track; and Lucas Armstrong, baseball. Missing
from the photo is Ronye Dennis, track.
What a year .....
A Sonic Welcome!
Welcome to Upper Moreland! Don
Welsh from Sonic Drive In presented
Emily and Benedite Santry a check
for the Clare L. Sean M. Scholarship
Fund. The Clare L. Sean M. Scholarship was created by Jack and Benedicte
Santry in memory of two children who
passed away from cancer at an early
age, never receiving an opportunity to
shine at Upper Moreland High School. Support such as
that given by Sonic, is the single most important reason
that the Scholarship Fund in Upper Moreland School
District Recognition
District is successful. Locally managed
by Michael Braun, Business Manager
of the School District, 100 percent of all
donations go directly towards scholarships.
Support for the CLSM Foundation can be
sent to the UMTSD (Santry Scholarship),
c/o Michael Braun Business Manager, 2900
Terwood Road, Willow Grove, Pa. 19090.
Receiving the check at the presentation
were (l-r) Business Manager Michael Braun,
Don Welsh, and scholarship originators Emily and Benedicte
Santry. Thank you Sonic! Welcome to the neighborhood.
8th Grade Award Recipients
Menvekeh Daramay was
honored by the District for
being selected as the 2010
recipient of the Harvard Prize
Book Award. The award
is presented to an eleventh
grade student for excellence
in scholarship and achievement in other fields.
Pictured above are the award recipients from the
Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony which took place
in June. Congratulations to Harry Betz - American Legion Certificate of Honorable Mention; Karli
Lynch - Kiwanis Award, Patrick Driscoll & Sara Nyholm - American Legion & American Legion Auxilary
Certificate of School Award, and John Brady - Kiwanis Club Award. Missing from the photo was Sydney
Halberstadt, Judy LeBarr Award recipient.
State Qualifiers
Congratulations to our Athletic State Qualifiers for Track
(l-r) Alan Zigler, Terrell Watson, Keith Parker-Washington,
Tessie Edwards, Drew Magaha and Matt Worley. Drew became the PIAA District One AAA 1600 meter Champion
and went on to set a new school record for the event. In
addition, members of the 4 X 100 Meter relay -Edwards,
Worley, Zigler and Parker-Washington also set a new school
record. Terrell Watson went on to place 7th and qualify for
a State Medal in Javelin.
...In the News
Skills USA Medal Winners
Kudos to (l-r) Jane O’Brien (Allied Health), Shane
Ebner (Protective Services), Gary Rairdon (Construction Technology) and Nichole Hamilton (Commercial Art) for their performance at Eastern Center for Arts & Technology 2009-2010 Skills USA
Competition. Skills USA is a national organization
for students who are enrolled in training programs
providing quality educational experiences in leadership, teamwork, citizenship and character. At the
District level, Gary earned a 1st Place Gold Medal,
while Shane & Nichole earned a 2nd Place Silver
Medal and Jane was awarded a 3rd Place Bronze
Medal. Nichole went on to earn a 1st Place Gold
Medal at the State Level. Congratulations!
Weather the Weather
Under the direction of Primary School Music Teacher,
Mary Ann Meinhart, the second grade students presented the play, “Weather the Weather.” This play celebrates
something that affects everyone of us everyday. Every
second grader lent their voice with a line and shared fun
performances of song and dance. Pictured above are
students from the “Marvelous Meteorologist” crew.
First In Math
Congratulations to fifth grade student Bernardo Paranhos for
his performance in First In Math, an internet based mathematics program that provides students additional support
to help them achieve their academic goals. Bernardo placed
10th overall in the state and 32nd overall when compared
with all fifth grade students nationally. First In Math, a curriculum supplement, was implemented in the fall of 2009 and
continues to improve our students math skills.
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*Dates are subject to change.
U pper M oreland S chool D istrict
C ongratulates the C lass of 2010
The UM Journal is published by:
The Community Information Network
Nora Rosenbaum
Publisher
Robert J. Milrod, Ph. D.
Superintendent
Horsham, PA
Permit No. 62
Non-Profit
Organization
Upper Moreland School District
2900 Terwood Road
Willow Grove, PA 19090
PAID
Nonprofit
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