#ThisIsCheltenham

Congratulations to Wyncote Elementary first grade teacher Brigid Ryan for being recognized as the Cheltenham School District Teacher of the Month for April. CSD Superintendent Dr. Brian Scriven, Wyncote Principal Jim Taylor and members of the Office of Education convened at Wyncote Tuesday morning to surprise Ms. Ryan with the honor. In addition to CSD swag, she received a certificate and proclamation.

Ms. Ryan integrates daily mindfulness practices into the curriculum to help students develop essential self-regulation and focus skills, and has taken a proactive stance on digital wellness, actively monitoring and balancing screen time to prioritize cognitive development and face-to-face interaction. Her willingness to host student teachers demonstrates a profound dedication to the profession and a desire to ensure the future of education is in good hands. Beyond the classroom, she actively fosters a sense of belonging through her participation in schoolwide initiatives, including performing a tapdance routine to "Lost in Rhythm" at Wyncote’s Multicultural Night.

Congratulations, Ms. Ryan. Well Deserved!

The Cheltenham School District is proud to announce it has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding support and commitment to music education.

Cheltenham School District offers a variety of musical opportunities at the primary and secondary levels, including choral and instrumental ensembles. Through participation in the music program, students develop creative and critical thinking skills, advance their individual and ensemble musicianship skills, engage in valued cultural traditions, and continue Cheltenham’s tradition of excellence in the arts.

Now in its 27th year, the award reaches K-12 communities nationwide, offering recognition and momentum to strengthen and expand music education programs. In 2026, more than 1,000 school districts and schools—including public, private, charter and parochial institutions—have been recognized for outstanding achievement in providing access to high-quality music education.

During Earth Week, CHS Environmental Science and Environmental Club students attended a leadership conference organized by State Representative Napoleon Nelson at Camp Shelly Ridge in Lafayette Hill. Guest speakers from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Clean Water Action set the stage, providing context for the local environmental issues students would explore. Using the Future Problem Solvers process, teams researched a chosen issue, identified its root causes, and presented sustainable solutions to a panel of experts from Rep. Nelson’s office. The day also included a guided hike led by an ecologist, during which students explored the camp’s habitats and observed real-world evidence of the issues they had been studying.

CBK East female students had the incredible opportunity to meet virtually with Pennsylvania Superior Court Judge Carolyn Nichols. Four students participated in a small-group session where they were able to ask her questions and gain deeper insight into her career and experiences. Both groups engaged in meaningful conversations about her work, what inspired her path, and the qualities she believes are essential for success. Judge Nichols emphasized the importance of integrity, perseverance, compassion, and having a strong sense of self. She encouraged students to take pride in who they are and to never let anyone tell them they are not capable.

Wyncote's 24 Challenge Tournament took place on Monday, and the competition was incredible from start to finish. A huge congratulations to the champion, Ellie Kaplan, and runner-up, Anika Lee-Steinbugler, for an amazing performance. The 24 Challenge Tournament, which teaches problem-solving skills, perseverance, and sportsmanship is a math competition for students (usually grades 4–8) to solve cards featuring four numbers, using addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division to equal 24.

CHS wrestlers Samantha Bentz, Brendan Dunleavy, Jahn Gage-Dorman, Joseph Durham, Harry Nejberger and Megan Robinson earned all-state all-academic honors this season from the PA Wrestling Coaches Association and District One Steering Committee. The grapplers met or exceeded some challenging criteria, which include winning 60 percent of their matches (minimum 15 matches) and carrying a 3.0 or higher gpa.

The talents of the CHS Vocal Arts program were on full display last night at its spring concert at Stretton Hall. The concert included performances by the Concert Choir, Select Choir, Unified Choir, and a cappella groups Up the Octave and Sons of Pitch. The show featured Vocal Arts seniors performing “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac, with soloists Destiny Davis-Hunter, Maram Kennerly, Mivelyn Guillon Minier, Clause Robinson, Ella Watson, Sullivan Lowing, and Gali Nussbaum, and instrumentalists Samira Kennerly (Clarinet) and Noura Lotze (Piano). The show wrapped with the combined choirs singing “How Deep Is Your Love,” arranged by Kerry Marsh, and “Joy” by Ben Rector. Congratulations on a great show! More photos>

On Thursday night, about 50 guests of the Cheltenham Education Foundation had the opportunity to attend an event at historic Lynnewood Hall featuring the first act of a murder mystery PBL11 students wrote, produced and directed. Highlighting celebrities from the Roaring 20s such as Babe Ruth, Langston Hughes, Ernest Hemingway and Al Capone, the play features audience interaction and takes place in the Gilded Age mansion’s ballroom. The play premieres at a private event later this month.

Spreading kindness, understanding, and inclusion! Monday, Cheltenham Elementary students in Ms. Nossbaum’s class celebrated Autism Awareness Month by visiting classrooms and sharing smiles, positivity, and thoughtful goodie bags with their peers. Small acts can make a big difference—and this was all about building a more supportive and accepting school community.

The Class of 2026 celebrated Decision Day on Friday by wearing apparel indicating their future plans. Decision Day photos>

Friday, May 15 - Early Dismissal

• Schools dismiss at the following times: K-4 Schools, 1:20 p.m.; 6-8 Schools, 12:40 p.m.; Cheltenham High, Noon

Tuesday, May 19 - Professional Development Day

• No classes

Monday, May 25 - Memorial Day Holiday

• Schools/offices closed

Thursday, June 4 - CHS Commencement

Friday, June 12 - Final Day of School

• Schools dismiss at the following times: K-4 Schools, 1:20 p.m.; 6-8 Schools, 12:40 p.m.; Cheltenham High, Noon

Monday, June 15 - Professional Development Day

• No classes

Tuesday, June 16 - In-Service Day

• No classes

Friday, June 19 - Juneteenth

• Offices closed
  
  

Cheltenham School District Calendar> | 2025-26 Academic Calendar> | CHS Athletics Calendar>

With co-chair Dr. Ross Whiting presiding, the Educational Affairs Committee convened for its monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 21, in person at the Administration Building and on Zoom. Supervisors for Curriculum and Instruction Kaitlyn Ferraro and Rachel Girman opened the meeting by reviewing instructional materials across the elementary and secondary core content areas: English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. Supervisor of Innovation and Enrichment Dr. Matthew Pimental spoke about Integrated S.T.E.M. and the curriculum resources and programs available at the elementary and secondary levels. Director of Student Services Ms. Jessica Keene presented about college and career readiness and the change in standards to “Career Awareness and Exploration,” “Employability Skills,” “Personal Interest and Career Planning,” and “Growth and Advancement.” CHS Vice Principal Mark Hoff addressed CHS scheduling and courses, noting courses that will not run during the 2026-27 school year based on a lack of student requests: Calculus II Honors, AP Physics I and PBL 10 and 11. He reviewed the decline in PBL enrollment over the past six years and the attempts CHS administration has made to keep enrollment at a sustainable level. The high school will run PBL 9 this coming year with 35 students. Mr. Hoff spoke about the successful dual enrollment program, which has grown to include about 100 students. He also referenced the courses with less than 15 students enrolled, including ESL, Radio Broadcasting, Calculus AB, several foreign languages and Graphic Design and Entrepreneurship II. Finally, Director of Teaching and Learning ShaVon Savage reviewed changes in the Algebra I criteria that reduce barriers to providing access to upper-level math courses. The next Educational Affairs Committee meeting is a joint meeting with the Policy Committee on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the Administration Building and on Zoom. Slide deck>

We need YOU—the families of our amazing seniors—to make this a memorable, fun and safe night for all! Here are ways to help:

• This is the LAST week to donate an item from our Amazon Wish List
• Help with set-up (families of non-seniors especially needed!)
• Chaperone with other sleep-deprived parents – there will be coffee!
• Sign up for early clean-up Friday, May 29—looking for 30+ people because many hands make light work!
• Make a monetary donation – Venmo @stephanie_curry
• Donate or loan items for May 28 (we’ll pick up!)

Want to get hands-on? Build sessions at CHS: Tuesday/Thursday, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Sunday, 1-3 p.m.

Questions? Email Terri Kelly or Kelly Batiancila.