Dear Abington School District Community,
This December, our Abington Pledge of Character theme was gratitude, and I certainly felt that trait throughout our District over the past several weeks. Students in our schools raised money for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, collected toys through Toys for Tots, and participated in countless other initiatives to support those around them during the holiday season. As we get ready to say goodbye to 2023, I could not close out the year without reflecting on how grateful I am for our teachers and staff who create opportunities for our students to contribute positively to our schools and the community as a whole.
I also thank our Abington School District educators for working diligently on developing and implementing our school improvement plans as we continue to work toward ensuring all our students are reaching key benchmarks. They continue to analyze student progress and develop tailored approaches and solutions to ensure our students are performing their best academically.
As we look ahead to the new year, we will be engaged in addressing our District facilities needs and creating plans for ASD buildings and properties, both short-term and long-term.
We have a lot to look forward to in the next calendar year for Abington School District, our staff, students and their families! We wish you a restful and restorative break, and urge you to take time as families to enjoy each other and share moments to treasure. Happy New Year to all as we wish for peace on Earth and best wishes for 2024!
Regards,
Jeffrey S. Fecher, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Abington Pledge of Character
November: Responsibility
In November, the theme was "Responsibility," with students pledging to be responsible for their actions. As November is when Non-Violent Conflict Resolution Week is also observed, students in Overlook Elementary School's Anti-Bullying Committee created a No Place for Hate collage in their school to display how they can act as allies to their peers.
October: Respect
October's theme of "Respect," involved students pledging to respect the people around them. At Rydal Elementary School, staff kicked off the month with a fun performance, which was followed by schoolwide lessons on how students can demonstrate respect throughout the building and on the playground.
September: Inclusion
There's no better time to focus on the theme of inclusion than at the start of the school year, when schools across Abington School District typically observe Start with Hello Week, an initiative from Sandy Hook Promise. At Abington Middle School, events and activities were scheduled every morning during arrival to welcome students to the building and help them feel a part of the school community.
Embodying the Abington Pledge of Character
Congratulations to the Abington Senior High School Boys Varsity Soccer Team, who recently received the 2023 Outstanding Sportsmanship Award from the Suburban Philadelphia Soccer Officials Association. Led by Coach Randy Garber, the team not only had a tremendous season, making it all the way to the District finals, but they accomplished it with good sportsmanship and positive team spirit.
Facilities Planning: Stay Tuned for Updates!
As the District continues planning for the future of our school facilities, including buildings and grounds, there will be several opportunities in the coming weeks for families and the broader community to learn more and share feedback. Abington School District will launch a new website in early January, OneASDOneFuture.org, which will include an overview of our facility challenges, the steps the School Board has taken in the facility planning process so far, answers to frequently asked questions, and a place to submit comments and questions. In addition, the District will conduct an online community survey that will be open to all residents of Abington Township and the Borough of Rockledge. Feedback from the community will be critical as the District moves forward with facilities planning, so stay tuned for more information!
Tech Tip: Using the Events Calendar on the ASD Mobile App
Need to look ahead on the District or school calendar? Open the ASD mobile app, and under the Events section, click the calendar icon in the top right corner of the screen to see a monthly view of upcoming events. If you click on a specific date on the calendar, a list of that day's events will appear below. For more tech tips and tutorials, visit our website.
Inclement Weather Procedures for 2023-2024
Elementary Track & Field Meet
In November, student athletes from across Abington School District's seven elementary schools gathered at Schwarzman Stadium to compete in the annual track and field meet. The event serves as a fun way to bring students together from all seven of the elementary buildings.
Holocaust Education at ASHS
Abington Senior High School commemorated the 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht with a visit from Holocaust survivor Pete Stern, on behalf of the Holocaust Awareness Museum and Education Center (HAMEC). Mr. Stern spoke with students enrolled in the high school's Holocaust, Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity classes.
Elementary School Author Visits
Save the Date!
Tuesday, Jan. 16, 6-7 p.m., ASHS Auditorium
Meet and Greet for Abington Senior High School families with newly appointed principal, Dr. Alice Swift, hosted by Abington School District and the ASHS PTO. There will be a presentation and Q&A, followed by an opportunity for introductions. Dr. Swift is set to officially begin her new position on Tuesday, Jan. 30. For more information about her background and career experience, please click here.