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School Board Monthly Update

March 2021

School BoardMonthly UpdateMarch 2021
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Thank you for the opportunity to serve the children, families and taxpayers of the Upper Darby School District. As part of the school board communication plan the Board sends monthly updates to the school community. The information included in these briefs is not intended to be complete and does not replace official Board minutes. Official meeting minutes, agendas, reports, and presentations are available at BoardDocs. Also, the Board meetings are livestreamed and available on our YouTube Channel. We welcome you to follow the issues the School Board is considering and to attend meetings to stay informed.

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School Board Letter of Condolence - Director Leah Minyon Dawes


It is with great sadness that we announce the passing or our colleague and dear friend, School Director Leah Minyon Dawes. President Brown captures the grief of the entire Board in the linked letter. We also wanted to honor Director Dawes with a video tribute.

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Parent Information Night - Parent Forum on Internet Safety


Monday, March 22, 2021

6:30 - 7:30 p.m.


Sponsored by Delaware County District Attorney

Jack Stollsteimer


Join Internet Crimes Against Children forensic analyst Nat Evans for a look into your child’s digital world, internet safety tips, and robust strategies parents can use to protect children from internet dangers. Click the FLYER to register today!

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Free Workshop Series - Parenting Group with Dr. Eran Magen


“Navigating Emotionally-Intense Conversations

with Your Child”


Wednesday, March 24, 2021

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.


When your child is upset, trying to offer support can feel like tiptoeing through a minefield. In this highly interactive workshop, you will learn how to be more effective and more relaxed when offering support. We will review practical techniques for helping your child feel heard and cared for, so your child can feel better and think more clearly - all while strengthening your relationship and bringing you closer. Click the FLYER to register today!



Upcoming Workshop Dates:


May 6, June 3, July 1, August 5

March Meeting Highlights March Meeting Highlights

Reopening of Schools Update - Expansion of return to in-person instruction beginning March 22, 2021

On March 22nd the District plans to expand our return to in-person instruction to students in grades 6 through 12 in cohorts.


  • Virtual learning remains an option for families.

  • Students who do not report for in-person instruction with their cohort by March 26th will be considered as committing to virtual instruction for the remainder of the year.

  • After March 26th the administration will evaluate the possibility of moving to expanded in-person instruction at social distancing of 3 - 6 feet.

  • More information can be found in the Reopening of Schools Brochure.


Be on the lookout for communication from Superintendent McGarry and Principals.

New English Learners Textbooks, Secondary Schools - Approved


A new textbook series for the middle school and high school English Learners classes published by Cengage Learning/National Geographic was approved. The texts are aligned to the World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) English language proficiency standards as well as grade level content standards.

Renovation and Expansion Projects Update


  • Building a new elementary school: Cardington Field near 69th St has been proposed as a site, and outreach efforts to the community have begun.

  • Clifton Heights middle school: This project continues to be delayed by Clifton Heights Borough.

  • Aronimink renovation and expansion: This project is now out to bid.

  • 8201 Lansdowne Avenue site renovation: The district is working with Upper Darby Township to move forward on plans to renovate this site and relocate District Administration and bus parking there.


The Facilities Update presentation is available here.

Notice of Vacancy

As per policy, the Board is required to fill a Board of Directors vacancy within 30 days. The vacancy posting can be viewed here.

Charter School Application Update

On March 2nd, the Board held a special virtual voting meeting at which time District Administration provided the Board with a recommendation to deny the Vision Academy Charter School of Innovation (VASCI) application. The Board voted unanimously to deny the application.

Upcoming Board Meetings

Upcoming School Board meetings will be held virtually given Covid-19 restrictions. Meetings are livestreamed to the District's YouTube Channel. Have a question or comment? Visit here to learn how to participate.


3/23 5:00 p.m. - School Board Vacancy Interviews and Special Meeting to Fill Vacancy;

Followed immediately by Committee Meetings


4/13 7:30 p.m. - Board Meeting


4/27 6:00 p.m. - Committee Meetings

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Meet the School Board of Directors

School Board members are your neighbors and are public servants who make decisions that affect all students. Board members are volunteers and have a deep desire to serve children, a strong belief in the value of public education and a deep professional respect for the District staff who serve our children and their families every day. Serving as a School Board Director requires many dedicated hours of service to our community. Click here to learn more about how the Board of Directors serves the Upper Darby School District community.

Email: udsdschoolboard@upperdarbysd.org
Website: www.upperdarbysd.org
Location: 4611 Bond Avenue, Drexel Hill, PA, USA
Phone: (610) 789-7200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Upper-Darby-School-District-263860013791271/
Twitter: @UpperDarbySD

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