STHS Welcome Back 2026-2027

With Spartan Pride,

The junior-year PSAT is also the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). Each year, National Merit recognizes the top 55,000 test takers. To be included in that group, students must be among the top 4% of the 1.3 million eligible students who take the PSAT. Of that elite group, approximately 16,500 are recognized as Semifinalists for having the highest scores within their states. Semifinalists have the opportunity to continue in the program to become Finalists and, potentially, scholarship recipients. Some colleges provide significant scholarships and even “full-rides” for Finalists. The remaining 39,000 students are recognized as Commended Students. The process to qualify as a National Merit Semifinalist or Commended student is both rigorous and competitive.

Please join us in congratulating Sydney Kempner, Marco Lyra-Battestelli, and Andrew Welsh on this well-deserved honor and celebrating their outstanding achievement!

Parent and Guardians have 10 days they can excuse their student's absence for any reason, and 10 additional days they can excuse a late arrival. Once these quotas have been met, a doctor's note will be required to excuse any future absences or late arrivals. Please see the Student Handbook pages 11-13.

To support consistent access to instructional programs, appropriate technology safeguards, and effective classroom management, students are expected to use their District-issued Chromebook for all instructional needs while at school. Personal laptops and computers may not be used during the school day unless specific permission has been granted by a teacher or District administrator.

Please remind your student to bring their District-issued Chromebook to school each day fully charged and ready for use. Thank you for helping us maintain a consistent and secure learning environment.

Click below to learn how to access and submit your student's educational trip pre-approval form through the PowerSchool portal. This guide simplifies the navigation process to ensure your absence request is filed correctly and efficiently.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced its 10th annual Innovations Challenge, which encourages students to use their problem-solving, creative and strategic-thinking abilities to solve real-world transportation challenges in a competition among their peers. The Innovations Challenge is open to all students in grades 9-12, regardless of their school’s learning model.

For this year’s challenge, students are asked to develop an innovative solution that helps prevent over height vehicles from striking Pennsylvania's bridges and tunnels. The proposal should focus on identifying potential hazards before a collision occurs while improving safety, protecting infrastructure, and minimizing disruptions to travelers and local communities.

For complete Innovations Challenge details, visit www.penndot.pa.gov/innovation and click on the PennDOT Innovations Challenge link. The submission deadline is January 29, 2027.

Do you know a high school student making an extraordinary impact in your school or community? Nominate them for the 2027 Emerging Innovator Awards – a global honor recognizing the top 100 student changemakers. Honorees gain international recognition, an invitation to the Limitless World Summit, and access to a $40,000 prize pool in cash and scholarships.

How you can help: Nominate a Student!

EASTERN has created updated brochures. If you are interested in attending EASTERN, or are a parent/guardian who would like more information, please check out the link here. You’ll see updated information for each program, as well as a parent-centered brochure.

EASTERN Center for Arts & Technology will be hosting their 10th Grade Career Expo on December 18th, 2026. Please take a look here for more information as well as the permission slip for the event. Please return the permission slip no later than December 1st, 2026.

The Montgomery County Community College (MCCC), one of our Dual Enrollment partners, is excited to share an opportunity for our sophomore students and families to learn more about our Dual Enrollment (DE) Academy program!

MCCC's Dual Enrollment Success Coach, Hanna Odom, will host two virtual information sessions on Wednesday, October 7th:

• 12:00–1:00 p.m.

• 6:00–7:00 p.m.

The DE Academies provide students with a structured pathway and additional support to earn college credits—and work toward an associate degree—during their junior and senior years of high school. The application is free, and accepted students follow a recommended course sequence aligned with an MCCC degree program.

Students can earn 30+ college credits before graduating high school, with the opportunity to complete their associate degree in as little as one year after high school or transfer their credits to a four-year institution. Academy coursework is completed in addition to the student’s regular high school schedule.

2027–28 DE Academies

• Business Administration

• Psychology

• Early Education

• Liberal Studies

To register for DE Academy Info Session:

• mc3.edu/DEAcademyInfo

Stay Well, Build Your Skills - a VIRTUAL mental health/wellness group for youth grades 8-12! The first half of the session is an open support group where you can bring any thoughts or concerns. In the second half, you'll learn mental health skills on different topics related to youth mental health. Thursday, October 8th at 7pm - Topic: Make Up Your Mindset: How Thinking Impacts Feeling to register please visit this Link

Seniors and parents are required to complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal financial aid for colleges and career schools. Many colleges require the FAFSA to be considered for institutional aid -both need based and merit aid. All members of the senior class and their parents are asked to complete the FAFSA process. For more information about this state initiative, please check out the FAFSA Completion Letter Those who chose not to apply please complete the opt out form pa fafsa opt-out form-fillable.pdf

Oct. 20, 2026, 6pm. Live/ in person support for completing the 2027-2028 Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Students and parents are required to set up separate FSA ID accounts prior to the event. Click here for directions for setting up FSA IDs ( students need to use a personal email address) Hosted by PHEAA. Please RSVP to elizabeth_barbone@sdst.org by Oct. 12, 2026. - Please let us know in the RSVP email if you need a translator and for what language.

If your senior is applying to college, please review the College Application Guidelines. Please contact your school counselor with any questions. Class of 2027 College Application Guide

The Preliminary SAT and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test will take place on October 14, 2026 from 7:30-11am in the Steel Gym. If your student does not wish to sit for the PSAT, please reach out to their school counselor to opt out as soon as possible.

11th & 12th grade students are invited to attend a trip to MCCC on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 from 11:30am-2:30pm. Permission slips are available in the guidance office. Students will miss C and D blocks to attend.

The counselors will hold a post-secondary planning webinar on Friday, October 23, 2026 at 8am. More information to come soon.

NACAC https://www.nacacattend.org/26philadelphia

When: Saturday October 10th, 2026, 11:30-3:00pm

Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia PA 19107

PACAC Montgomery County College Fair 9th-12th Grades

Where: North Penn High School

When: October 13, 2026 6-8pm

Cost: Free!

See flyer for more information and to register.

Drexel University will host an Undergraduate National Portfolio Day event on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM ET at the Drexel Recreation Center, 3301 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA

This National Portfolio Day is a free, in‑person opportunity for prospective art and design students to showcase their artistic work, receive one‑on‑one portfolio reviews, and connect with counselors, admissions staff, and faculty from accredited art and design schools. It’s designed to help students prepare for college applications by getting feedback from multiple institutions in one day. Take a look here for more information and to register.

Thomas Jefferson University invites students to a portfolio review day on Saturday October 24th from 9am-1pm. Whether you are building a portfolio from the ground up or refining existing work, our Portfolio Workshop & Review Day offers expert guidance, creative inspiration, and valuable insight into the next steps of their academic and professional journey. You can learn more and students can register here.

Mrs. Tara Kane/School Counseling Administrative Assistant: tara_kane@sdst.org or 215-233-6030, ext. 2006

Ms. Liz Barbone / elizabeth_barbone@sdst.org or 215-233-6030, ext. 2009:

Student Last Names: 9th: A-De 10th: A-Fab 11th: A-Dem 12th: A-Dru

Mrs. Elizabeth Cannon / elizabeth_cannon@sdst.org or 215-233-6030 ext. 2011:

Student Last Names: 9th: Do-Kle 10th: Fis-Lew 11th: Dep-Kara 12th: Dyk-Kem

Mrs. McDonnell / beth_mcdonnell@sdst.org or 215-233-6030, ext. 2007:

Student Last Names: 9th: Kli-Pa 10th: Lon-Ram 11th: Karn-Nos 12th: Ker-Pen

Mr. Shearer / bill_shearer@sdst.org or 215-233-6030, ext. 2008:

Student Last Names: 9th: Pi-Z 10th: Ree-Z 11th: O-Z 12th: Pep-Z

The MCIU is hosting a virtual Parent Information Session on October 13th at 11:30am! Please join them to explore the career, training, and support options available to students after graduation. Hear from regional experts about pathways to meaningful employment, career-focused training, and a successful future after high school.

Simon's Heart will be hosting a free heart screening on Saturday, October 3, at Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School for students ages 12-25. Simon's Heart is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting young hearts and preventing sudden cardiac arrest and death in children, teens and young adults. Students can register here.

On November 21, there will be an inaugural CPR Jukebox Marathon, a 12-hour overnight fundraising event at the Philadelphia Union's WSFS Bank Sportsplex. Hundreds of high school students will come together for a one-of-a-kind event that combines music, teamwork, and hands-only CPR in a fun, festival-style atmosphere. This event will be hosted by Simon's Heart, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac arrest in children, teens, and young adults.

Please see their link for more information: Simon's Heart

Show your Spartan spirit and celebrate Homecoming with this year’s official STHS Homecoming T-Shirt! Shirts are available for purchase now, so be sure to place your order and get yours in time for Homecoming.

📦 Shirt Distribution: Shirts will be distributed to students through their HRs (Homerooms) during the week of Homecoming, October 19–23.

Don’t miss out! Order your shirt and show your Spartan pride!

Fall is quickly approaching and it is time for pumpkins, fall leaves and Fritz's award winning sticky buns. Yes, the Fritz's sticky bun fundraiser is back! Half a dozen buns is $12.00. Choose from raisin, walnut, raisin/walnut, plain and everyone's favorite, cream cheese. Orders will be collected from Monday, September 21 - Thursday, October 8. Pick up will be at the high school main entrance between 9:00 and 11:30am on Saturday, October 24. Order forms and payment can be dropped off in the main office or in Mrs. Sheahan's room 204. Spread the word! Ask relatives, friends and neighbors for their orders!

Fritz's Sticky Bun Order Form

Show your Spartan Pride with fundraisers to benefit our soccer teams!

• Friday, 10/2 - Volleyball vs. Wissahickon - 3:30pm
• Friday, 10/2 - Boys Soccer @ Great Valley - 3:30pm
• Friday, 10/2 - Football @ Truman - 7:00pm
• Saturday, 10/3 - Water Polo @ Upper Dublin Invitational - 8:00am
• Monday, 10/5 - JV Football vs. Truman - 3:45pm
• Monday, 10/5 - Boys Soccer @ Pennridge - 3:30pm
• Monday, 10/5 - Girls Tennis @ Calvary Christian - 3:30pm
• Monday, 10/5 - Field Hockey @ Council Rock South - 3:30pm
• Tuesday, 10/6 - Water Polo vs. North Penn - 3:30pm
• Tuesday, 10/6 - Girls Soccer vs. Council Rock North - 3:30pm
• Tuesday, 10/6 - Boys Soccer @ Council Rock North - 3:30pm
• Tuesday, 10/6 - Volleyball @ Abington - 5:30 & 7:00pm
• Wednesday, 10/7 - Cross Country vs. Upper Moreland - 3:30pm
• Wednesday, 10/7 - Field Hockey vs. Cheltenham - 5:00pm
• Thursday, 10/8 - Volleyball vs. William Tennent - 3:30pm
• Thursday, 10/8 - Boys Soccer vs. Cheltenham - 3:30pm
• Thursday, 10/8 - Girls Soccer @ Cheltenham - 3:30pm
• Friday, 10/9 - Football vs. William Tenennt

The School District of Springfield Township publishes information at least annually to district and community residents about particular topics and information. Families are encouraged to review this important information and save it for future reference. Annual Notifications

The School District of Springfield Township is committed to equitable practices. Please check out our Back to School 2026 newsletter highlighting the district’s equity work.

The Office of Support Services is pleased to present our Back to School 2026 Newsletter. This publication is your one stop shop for community services, district information, local food banks, mental health supports and so much more!

All members of the senior class are asked to complete the FAFSA process. For more information about this state initiative, please check out the FAFSA Completion Letter.

FAFSA Opt-Out Letter

Save the Date for the Community Flu and COVID Clinic. This event is scheduled for October 19, 2026 from 4pm to 6pm. More information and sign-ups coming soon.