DHMS Wednesday Folder
10.21.26
Good Evening DHMS Families,
I hope everyone is having a wonderful week! Tomorrow, Thursday, October 21, 2026, is an early dismissal for SOME students at 1:30 PM. Students must check in for attendance purposes and MUST complete asynchronous work. The subject area of focus is: ELA. For your convenience, I am attaching a Family Friendly Early Dismissal Schedule. Please reach out with any questions or concerns.
Dismissal Safety
Families, Please remind your students of after school safety procedures. I have received concerns that students that walk home are not using the traffic lights and walk symbols when crossing the streets after school. Please review safe walking procedures with your students who walk home from school. Thank you!
10.30.26 Costumes Contest!
Students are welcome to wear a school appropriate costume on Friday, October 30th. We will have a costume contest throughout the day where students can show off their costume to their friends! If the costume is not comfortable to wear all day, they may change throughout the day for the contest. Please no violence, weapons or suggestive costumes! Thank you for your cooperation! For students that do not wish to wear a costume, it is RED day for Red Ribbon Spirit Week!
Save the Date:
Next Week: Red Ribbon Spirit Week! See attached flyer!
10/27/26: Picture Retake Day
10/30/26: DHMS Costume Contest
11/3/26: No School due to Election Day
11/6/26: End of Marking Period 1
11/8/26: Beginning of Marking Period 2
11/13/26: 7th Grade Dance
Week of 11/23/26: Fall Conferences
A Message from Dr. McGarry, Superintendent
Re: Act 80/Section 133: District Updates and Opportunities to Participate
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Dear Upper Darby School District Families,
The Upper Darby School District is committed to keeping our families and community informed about the ongoing exploration of Act 80/Section 133 and its potential implications for our schools, students, and staff.
Since January 2024, the District has discussed the possibility of exploring Section 133/Act 80 through numerous public forums and opportunities for engagement. These discussions have included information about instructional hours at each school level, required school days, and other relevant considerations.
Information has been shared through Superintendent’s Reports, District-Wide Home and School Association (HSA) Meetings, individual school HSA Meetings, Morning Coffee Conversations, Board Committee Meetings, and Regular Board Meetings.
In November 2025, the District held a public discussion regarding approval to form a committee to explore this topic. In December 2025, an invitation to participate in the committee was shared with our school community through the Wednesday Folder. The committee formation process was also revisited during the Superintendent’s Report in January 2026.
Most recently, the District provided an update in August 2026. Community engagement has continued into the fall through meetings with school communities and staff, Districtwide HSA Meetings offered during morning and evening hours, and Districtwide staff question-and-answer sessions. Act 80/Section 133 has been addressed with staff on multiple occasions as part of these ongoing conversations.
Following a recent District-Wide HSA Meeting, a parent expressed interest in receiving an email summarizing the District’s ongoing discussions and providing access to information shared publicly, including the District’s presentation available through BoardDocs. In response to this feedback, we are sharing this overview to help families access information about the topic and revisit materials presented during public meetings.
Review the District’s BoardDocs presentation:
Join the Act 80 Exploration Committee
As a follow-up to the invitation shared in December 2025, the Upper Darby School District is seeking additional parents and community members to join the ongoing Act 80 Exploration Committee, led by Dr. John Council, Assistant Superintendent of Recruitment, Retention, and Culture.
Your input is essential to ensuring that family needs, childcare considerations, student experiences, and community perspectives are included in the exploration process. We encourage interested parents and community members to participate and share their perspectives as the District continues this work.
If you are interested in participating, please click the link below and provide your contact information.
https://forms.gle/hmoKNPzedd6doRui9
Current Status of the Act 80 Exploration
The Act 80 Exploration Committee is part of the District’s ongoing exploration and information-gathering process. No decision has been made regarding the implementation of Act 80/Section 133. The purpose of this process is to examine the relevant considerations, gather input, and ensure that family needs, childcare considerations, student experiences, and community perspectives are taken into account as the District explores this option.
Future Updates
The District remains committed to transparency, open communication, and meaningful opportunities for our community to stay informed and engaged as we continue exploring this topic. We appreciate the interest our families and community members have demonstrated and encourage continued participation in these important conversations. We will keep you up to date as the exploration process continues and will provide an update at the March 2027 Board Committee meeting.
Other Considerations — AI and Screen Time
As artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology continue to shape education, the District is examining their impact on teaching and learning. While these tools can personalize instruction and address students’ diverse learning needs, it is equally important to consider their effects on student well-being and social development. The District seeks to balance meaningful, age-appropriate technology use with hands-on learning, discussion, collaboration, and movement.
To guide this work, the District has established a committee led by Dr. Christine Kelley, Director of Curriculum, and Daniel Kitchen, Director of Technology. The committee’s findings will inform the work of the Act 80 Exploration Committee. Please contact Dr. Kelley at ckelley@upperdarbysd.org if you are interested in joining the AI & Screentime Committee.
Thank you for your continued engagement and partnership in supporting our students and the Upper Darby School District community.
Sincerely,
Dr. Daniel McGarry
Superintendent of Schools
Attendance Message
Equipping families with strategies to support children experiencing anxiety and barriers to regular school attendance
On October 19, 2026, Dr. Katherine Dahlsgaard will be speaking to our families concerning supporting children who are experiencing anxiety and school avoidance behaviors. The event is taking place at Beverly Hill Middle School. We will have dinner for our families starting at 5:30 PM. Dr. Dahlsgaard’s presentation will begin at 6:30 PM. If you know someone who is struggling in these areas, you will definitely learn strategies that will help. This event is open to all Upper Darby School District families. If you would like to learn more about our speaker, please visit https://www.katherinedahlsgaard.com/about.
Drop Off and Pick Up Reminders
As a reminder, our front bus loop is only for school buses and school vans. All car riders must be picked up out back (in the parking lot) or at another location. Please leave the front loop open for school buses. Thank you for your understanding.
CHIP
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
The Children's Health Insurance Program — or CHIP — is Pennsylvania's program to provide health coverage to uninsured children and teens who are not eligible for or enrolled in Medical Assistance. Regardless of the reasons your children might not have health insurance, CHIP may be able to help you.
For more information on CHIP, please visit this link and see the attached flyer: https://www.dhs.pa.gov/CHIP/Pages/CHIP.aspx
Upper Darby School District graphic reminding parents to keep their information up to date in the Home Access Center (HAC). The graphic explains that HAC provides access to grades and academic progress, attendance records, schedule information, and other student information. It directs parents and guardians to the HAC Portal at hac.upperdarbysd.org and to a HAC Guide for login instructions and navigation tips. The graphic includes the District logo and the slogan “Opportunity. Unity. Excellence,” and is signed by Aaronda Q. Beauford, M.Ed., Director of Communications.
September is Attendance Awareness Month
September is Attendance Awareness Month!!!
Did you know that regular school attendance is one of the most important factors in a child's academic success? This month, we want to highlight the critical role you play in your child’s educational journey.
Why Attendance Matters:
Academic Achievement: Students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve higher grades and perform better on standardized tests. In fact, research shows that students who miss just two days a month can fall behind academically and struggle to catch up.
Long-Term Success: Chronic absenteeism—defined as missing 10% or more of the school year—has been linked to lower graduation rates. According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, students with chronic absenteeism are 20% less likely to graduate from high school compared to their peers with regular attendance.
Future Opportunities: Regular attendance in the early years sets a foundation for future educational success. By the 6th grade, chronic absenteeism can significantly reduce a student's likelihood of graduating high school, with a staggering 80% of students who are chronically absent in the 6th grade failing to graduate on time.
How You Can Help:
Set a Routine: Establish a consistent daily routine for waking up and getting ready for school. Encourage your child to go to bed early to ensure they are well-rested.
Communicate: Talk to your child about the importance of attending school and the impact it has on their future.
Address Issues Early: If your child is struggling with school attendance due to health, bullying, or other issues, contact their school for support and resources.
Celebrate Attendance: Recognize and reward good attendance to encourage your child to maintain regular school participation.
Together, we can help ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Remember, every day counts, and your involvement makes a difference!
For more information and resources on how to support your child’s attendance, please contact your child’s school counselor or administrator.
Let’s make every school day count!
Fall Sports
If your child is interested in playing a Fall Sport, please visit our website at https://drexellhillmiddle.upperdarbysd.org/clubs-activities/athletics to sign up! We offer Football, Boys and Girls Soccer, Girls Volleyball and Girls Field Hockey. Students must have an up to date physical in order to participate.
6th Grade Assisntant Principal, Dr. Ron Cole
7th Grade Assistant Principal, Ms. Andrea Simpson
8th Grade Assistant Principal, Ms. Jennifer Rosen
Emergency Card Information
Each year emergency cards are distributed to families so that our families can update information, add emergency contacts, etc. The emergency cards are due back to the school by September 11th. If you need to remove an emergency contact from your child's list, please do this through the Home Access Center (HAC). If you need assistance accessing HAC, please contact your child's principal.
Morning Coffee with Dr. McGarry
2026–2027 “Morning Coffee with Dr. McGarry” flyer inviting parents and staff to informal meetings with Dr. McGarry, Superintendent of Schools, to discuss district initiatives and updates. Attendees can ask questions and enjoy coffee with the superintendent.
Schedule:
GF — September 8, 8:15–8:45 a.m., Library
AR — September 9, 8:15–8:45 a.m., Library
BHMS — September 10, 7:40–7:55 a.m., Library
BY — September 15, 8:15–8:45 a.m., Library
PR — September 16, 8:15–8:45 a.m., Library
KCTR (AM only) — September 17, 8:30–8:40 a.m., Meeting Room
DHMS — September 22, 8:15–8:45 a.m., Library
HC — September 23, 8:15–8:45 a.m., Library
WBP — September 28, 8:15–8:45 a.m., Library
SH — September 29, 8:15–8:45 a.m., Library
HP — September 30, 8:15–8:45 a.m., Library
UDHS — October 7, 8:00–8:30 a.m., Library
CHMS — October 14, 7:40–7:55 a.m., Library
The flyer features a smiling illustrated coffee cup and coffee beans on a tan background. It concludes with the message, “Hope to see you there!”
Helpful Links to Bookmark:
- UDSD Family Handbook
- 26-27 UDSD Year at a Glance Calendar
- 26-27 Summary of Calendar
- A/B Calendar for all UDSD Middle Schools
- Family Friendly Thursday Early Dismissal Schedule
- MS FAQ
- DHMS Bell Schedules
- School Assignment and Bus Look Up
- DHMS Family and Student Handbook
- UDSD Middle School Code of Character
- UDSD Online Learning Manual
- HAC Access Link
- HAC Guide
- DHMS Contact Information
- HAC Support email - parentportal@upperdarbysd.org (Please use the email above if you are in need of support related to Home Access Center)
- 2026-2027 School Closing Plan Due to Employee Absences and Bus Driver Shortages
Student Lockers
Lockers will be assigned at student request, however, there are enough lockers for ALL students. Lockers will be allocated by 1st period teachers. Students will be strongly encouraged to store their electronic devices in their locker as soon as they arrive at school as part of their morning entrance procedure.
Smart Pass
We’re excited to share that SmartPass, a digital hall pass system, will continue to be implemented at all of our secondary schools this year.
What is SmartPass?
SmartPass is a secure, digital tool that replaces traditional paper hall passes. Students use their school-issued devices to request and receive passes, allowing staff to better manage hallway activity and support student safety.
Why are we using it?
SmartPass helps:
Reduce unnecessary hallway traffic
Improve student accountability
Enhance overall safety and supervision
Dismissal and Arrival/Drop Off and Pick Up Reminders
- Dismissal will be staggered. WALKERS/CAR RIDERS WILL BE DISMISSED AT 3:05. They are expected to leave campus by 3:15. BUSSERS will be dismissed at 3:10 and will report directly to the auditorium.
- No cars will be allowed to enter the bus loop from 7:45 AM-9:00 AM.
- The bus loop will close at 2:45 PM and will re-open at 4:00 PM.
- All vehicle drop off and pick up will occur in the back teacher parking lot.
- Walkers/car riders need to be off campus as soon as possible.
- Once a student is out of the building they can not re-enter the building. If a student is a busser and leaves the building, they are not permitted to re-enter the building.
- Early Dismissals will not be honored past 2:45 PM. Please plan accordingly.
Cell Phones
Please be mindful of Policy 237, Electronic Communication Devices. As a reminder, personal electronic devices (cell phones, headphones, ipads, gaming consoles, etc.) are not permitted in school. Please practice phone free times!
Schedule Overview for the 26-27 School Year
As presented and shared in the Spring of 2023, the UDSD Middle Schools have made changes to student rostering and the building schedule. Please review the presentation in its entirety linked HERE
A brief summary of the changes is listed below:
Each grade will consist of two heterogeneous Learning Communities per grade (named Purple and Gold)
An A/B day schedule has been established for electives, excluding full year electives, which means that students will rotate their electives every day.
DHMS will have an early dismissal every Thursday at 1:30 PM for teacher/staff planning time.
Time is included for professional development as outlined on the district calendar
Students will complete asynchronous work on non-professional development Thursday afternoons and will be required to answer an attendance question in their first period course. This attendance question will be collected through the use of a Google Form, which will be found on the Period 1 Schoology page. Parents will be communicated with if the attendance question is not completed for that day.
Detailed information about assigned asynchronous requirements will be provided from the grade level learning community teachers.
A complete outline for the year and when asynchronous work will be assigned can be found on our school website and linked here.
School Photos/Student ID Cards
First Week of School Lessons!
Please note that lessons during the first week of school will focus soley on relationship building, setting expectations, PBIS, mental health awareness, goal setting and building tours. Your student is being honest if they come home and say “we did not do Math yet”. We firmly believe that in order for students to learn and grow, they need to feel safe and loved. It is our goal during the first weeks of the school year for teachers and staff to get to know your student and vice versa! Students will walk through a lesson on the UDSD Middle School Code of Character, as well as possible consequences for violations to the UDSD Middle School Code of Character. Please note, a possible consequence for violations of the UDSD Middle School Code of Character could be an informal hearing with the Director of Secondary Education.
Food Deliveries
School Supplies
Crisis Go for Families
As part of the Upper Darby School District’s Emergency Preparedness Plan and the Emergency Communications Plan, CrisisGo allows parents to receive emergency school safety alerts from the school district and individual school buildings. District parents can download the CrisisGo app onto their mobile device and to create a free account. Parents will then need to subscribe to the school(s) of choice and to the District group.
Click on the link to learn how to subscribe: UDSD Parents - CrisisGo Subscription Flyer.
We encourage secondary school students to receive up-to-date communication about emergency notifications as well. Students can click on the link to learn how to subscribe: UDSD Students - CrisisGo Subscription Flyer
Please review with your children the safety terminology we will be using in our emergency communications: Lock-In, Lock-Out, Lockdown, Evacuation FAQ for Families. We will review these terms and the emergency preparedness plan with students throughout the school year.
Please note that the District will continue to communicate emergency lockdown alerts and updates through CrisisGo, ParentLink emails and social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram).
Let's Communicate
There are several ways to stay informed about what is happening at Drexel Hill Middle School and throughout the District.
Weekly “Wednesday” Electronic Folder (ParentLink) from the Principal
Weekly information, updates, resources will be shared via email. It is necessary to provide an accurate email address to stay informed. If there are any changes to your email, please update your information in Home Access Center (HAC) or by contacting the Drexel Hill Middle School Main Office if you need assistance. If your information is not up-to-date, you will miss out on important “happenings” and information. Please be sure to review, edit, and update this information at https://www.upperdarbysd.org/HAC
School Website and Calendar
Weekly updates, teachers’ webpages, principal’s webpage, and monthly school newsletters can be accessed from the school website.
Home Access Center
The Upper Darby School District will be using email as its primary means of communication with parents. Parents must ensure that the district has an accurate email address for your family in eSchool, our student information system. Parents can update or add email addresses by logging into the Home Access Center. The Home Access Center will also allow you to access your child’s grades, attendance, and other important information. The link to the Home Access Center can be found on the Upper Darby School District website at www.upperdarbysd.org. If you do not have an email address or access to email, please contact the office.
- Talking Points -Talking Points allows teachers to communicate with families in a two-way conversation with parents in the parents’ home language. The web-based platform uses human and AI-powered technology to eliminate barriers to foster family engagement and support academic success.
Parent Volunteers
If you are a VOLUNTEER or want to be a volunteer, please visit our website at https://www.upperdarbysd.org/volunteering to review a description of the requirements for a volunteer or our Parent Volunteer Resource Packet. Policy 916 gives a full description of the definition of a volunteer and examples as to who is required to obtain the clearances and who is not. All parents interested in becoming volunteers must contact their building principal to apply by completing a volunteer application that can be found on BoardDocs. Our district’s website also provides instructions on how to obtain the three mandatory clearances under the Human Resources department. ID badges are not mandatory for volunteers, but it is an alternative to having to go through the Raptor secure visitor management system with each school visit. Please contact Aaronda Q. Beauford, Director of Communications, at abeauford@upperdarbysd.org with any questions.
Safe To Say
We feel that it is important to remind our parents and students of the Safe2Say Something program. The Upper Darby School District takes the safety and security of our staff and students very seriously and recognizes that the uncertainties and pressures that students and families have faced the uncertainty of a pandemic has clearly demonstrated that the mental health of students as a priority. The Safe2Say Something system teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, of individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and say something, using our anonymous reporting system. Safe2Say Something is also a way to anonymously report unsafe, potentially harmful, dangerous, violent or criminal activities in any school in Pennsylvania.
For anyone who is feeling unsure or unsafe, please remember that there is help and it is okay to ask for help.
Find below videos and the District’s webpage outlining the Safe2Say Something PA Program:
UDSD Safe2Say Something Presentation 2024
https://pa02209738.schoolwires.net/Page/8021
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Noteworthy Links
- 2026-2027 Middle School Code of Character—https://app.smore.com/n/hd4t6
- Home Access Center Guide—https://app.smore.com/n/3geq8w
- 2026-2027 Online Learning Manual for Students and Parents — https://app.smore.com/n/572048
- Parent Volunteer Resource Packet—https://app.smore.com/n/8nzfy
- 2026-2027 Emergency Communications Plan—https://app.smore.com/n/gq8c7
- CrisisGo Subscription Flyer–https://app.smore.com/n/8w120
Emergency Preparedness Safety Terms FAQs—https://app.smore.com/n/aceyh
- 2026-2027 School Closing Plan Due to Employee Absences and Bus Driver Shortages — https://app.smore.com/n/zq42r
- 2026-2027 Student & Family School Handbook-https://app.smore.com/n/r9028
Drexel Hill Middle School
Email: jpalladino@upperdarbysd.org
Website: https://drexellhillmiddle.upperdarbysd.org/
Location: 3001 State Road, Drexel Hill, PA, USA
Phone: 610-8534580