Haverford Happenings

We are excited to announce that Haverford High School teacher Leon Smith has been named the 2026 National Teacher of the Year. This prestigious honor acknowledges his significant impact on both students and the community, as well as his dedication to education. We are immensely proud to have him as part of our district!

To learn more about Mr. Smith, click the links below:

Meet Leon Smith: The 2026 Teacher of the Year (Video)

CBS3 Morning Show Announcement and Interview

Leon Smith, the 2026 National Teacher of the Year, serves Pennsylvania’s Haverford High School as an Advanced Placement (AP) United States history and AP African American studies teacher, emphasizing critical thinking, civic engagement and creating spaces for students to find their voices and flourish.

Smith has more than two decades of experience as an educator, leader and mentor. He believes students are most successful when their classrooms foster connection. Whether it’s through a morning circle, individualized feedback or engaging lessons, students feel confident to meet high expectations because Smith sees in them what they can’t always see in themselves. Smith teaches students how to think critically. He creates opportunities for his students to contend with complex ideas and big questions with dignity and curiosity. Smith listens to his students. It was listening to them that became a catalyst for bringing the first-ever AP African American studies course to Haverford.

Smith is deliberate in connecting students with community. As part of AP Advocacy Day, Smith takes students to the Pennsylvania State Capitol to interact with AP scholars from all over the state and meet with their local legislators to share the impact of AP courses on their lives. Students engage with policymakers, asking questions and learning the basics of storytelling to build empathy and understanding.

His leadership extends to championing the recruitment and retention of teachers. Not only does he speak passionately about the profession, he created an Educators Rising chapter in his high school so students can begin to see themselves as teachers too. Above all, he carries the belief that “it is a great power to be in education; it’s something we should have a reverence for.”

Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts in secondary social studies education from the University of Maryland at College Park, a Master of Education in instructional systems from Pennsylvania State University and a PK–12 principal certification from Cabrini University. He has coached freshman basketball for more than 20 years.

Students at Chestnutwold Elementary School are putting their writing skills into action in a meaningful way - by composing letters of encouragement to new businesses in the community. The initiative not only welcomes local entrepreneurs but also strengthens students’ academic, social, and civic development.

As part of the activity, students write thoughtful letters to recently opened businesses, introducing themselves and expressing support. Each letter includes a greeting, a personal introduction, and a message highlighting the importance of local businesses and their role in the community. Students also share words of encouragement, letting business owners know that they are valued and appreciated.

Beyond the warm welcome these letters provide, the project serves as an authentic learning experience. Writing for a real audience helps students develop academic excellence by strengthening their writing skills, organization, and ability to communicate ideas clearly. Rather than completing an abstract assignment, students engage in purposeful writing that has a direct impact.

The initiative also fosters community engagement. By connecting with local businesses, students gain a deeper understanding of how small businesses contribute to the vibrancy and success of their neighborhood. In some cases, classes may even deliver letters in person, further strengthening the bond between schools and the local community.

Equally important, the project supports students’ social and emotional growth. Writing messages of encouragement helps students practice empathy, kindness, and perspective-taking. They learn the value of uplifting others and recognizing the efforts of community members.

Optional enhancements, such as decorating letters or including class photos, add a personal touch that makes the gesture even more meaningful for recipients.

Through this simple yet impactful activity, Chestnutwold students are learning that their words matter—and that even small acts of kindness can help build a stronger, more connected community.

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) provides innovative leadership development programs to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship. Participation in FBLA can directly impact the direction and success of a young person’s career. Millions of students have learned about the world of business through active membership in FBLA and what is expected of them in the workplace. The PA FBLA State Leadership Conference (SLC) 2026 was held April 13–15, 2026, at the Hershey Lodge and Giant Center in Hershey, PA. This premier event featured competitive events, leadership workshops, and a career expo.

The top 10 winners include Lucia Packer, who placed 7th in Advertising, and Jackson Beha, who secured 5th place in Intro to Supply Chain Management.

Students receiving honorable mention include Owen Julien, who placed 6th in the preliminaries and qualified for the final presentation in Sports Management, as well as Lea Hannigan, Ava Confer, and Aislinn Bloom, who earned 4th place in the preliminaries for Event Planning.

State qualifiers included:

Advanced Accounting: Jack Garrett, Brennen Nolan

Business Communication: Sarina Edita

Business Law: Everett Ingraffia

Customer Service: Keira Dunleavy

Data Science and AI: Adrian Rodriguez

Introduction to Business Communications: Carly O’Hara

Introduction to Business Procedures: Aadya Kurthakoti, Corinne Facciolo

Introduction to Retail and Merchandising: Will Baldwin, Ben Robinson

Introduction to Supply Chain Management: Lucas Bussler, Mason Rusavage

Marketing: Johanna Zewdie

Public Administration: Molly Gibson

Social Media Strategies: Iris Simpkins, Penny Jennings

Sports and Entertainment Management: Claire Emmert

Thirty students from FBLA/NBHS participated in the kickoff of the Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy by assembling over 500 book donation packs during a wellness block. The group has decided to donate these books to their elementary alma maters. Through an engaging approach that focuses on students' interests, exposes them to unique ideas and insights, and provides them with the tools to implement their leadership ideas, the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders for years to come.

As a culminating activity for the Middle Ages unit, middle school students designed and created original board games that demonstrate their understanding of life during this time period. The goal of the project was for students to teach others about the Middle Ages through gameplay.

Students were responsible for developing all components of their games from scratch, including the game board, rules/directions, event or action cards, and game pieces. This required them to think critically about key concepts such as feudalism, daily life, social structure, and historical events, and translate that content into engaging, interactive experiences.

The project emphasized creativity, problem-solving, and application of knowledge. Students had to consider how to accurately represent historical concepts through mechanics (for example, movement, rewards, or setbacks) that reflect real aspects of medieval life, such as farming challenges, social hierarchy, or conflict.

In addition to content understanding, students practiced skills in planning, and written communication through the creation of clear and playable directions. The final products demonstrated both their grasp of the material and their ability to communicate that understanding in an innovative format.

Overall, this project provided an engaging, hands-on way for students to deepen their understanding of the Middle Ages while fostering creativity and higher-level thinking.

Poem in Your Pocket Day is an annual April celebration, initiated and run by the Academy of American Poets, where people select a poem, carry it with them, and share it with others in person or via social media (#PocketPoem). It promotes literacy and creativity, with schools and businesses hosting readings

Lynnewood Elementary is bringing stories to life with poems on display for everyone to enjoy along their StoryWalk, turning a simple stroll into a celebration of reading and creativity. Meanwhile, at Haverford High School, English teacher Jon Reiff is spreading a love of poetry in his own way, sharing a poem with both his students and staff to inspire reflection and connection throughout the school community.

Pen and Ink, Haverford High School’s literary magazine, and the HHS Improv Club hosted their first-ever “SLAM” on Thursday, April 16, in the small auditorium after school. The event brought together creativity and performance, with participants sharing original poetry and taking part in improv games such as “Park Bench,” “TED Talk,” and “Party.” The energy and enthusiasm from the first event have inspired both clubs to plan a second SLAM in May.

Three Haverford students—Raven Campbell (HHS), Libby Matz (HMS), and Zach Daramola (HMS) —participated in WHYY’s Lifelong Learning Award event last evening, honoring Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai. As part of the program, our students delivered a thoughtful reflection piece following the opening remarks from WHYY’s CEO and board members.

The event celebrated Malala Yousafzai’s global advocacy for girls’ education. During her visit to Philadelphia, she also highlighted her newest memoir, which explores her journey beyond being known as “the bravest girl in the world.”

WHYY: Malala Yousafzai Lifelong Learning Award

Each year nearly 1,000 students, staff, and community members gather at Haverford High School for DISCOVER Day—a celebrated science event offering hours of hands-on exploration, all led by students for students. Hosted by the Haverford Science Academy since 2017, the event has become a cornerstone of the community’s science outreach efforts, transforming classrooms into vibrant learning labs where participants of all ages can engage in exciting scientific activities.

Throughout DISCOVER Day, students and families are invited to conduct experiments and explore interactive presentations developed by high school students. Science classrooms burst to life as each space is reimagined with activities designed to spark curiosity and encourage hands-on learning. From creating “make-and-take” science projects and excavating fossils in a classroom dig to exploring the vastness of space in an inflatable planetarium, the day offers endless excitement. Attendees can get up close with fascinating creatures at the bug show, dip their hands into marine touch tanks, learn the science behind making ice cream, and even find themselves surrounded by floor-to-ceiling bubbles.

DISCOVER Day aims to inspire curiosity and excitement about science and math, encouraging every student to see these subjects from a fresh perspective. By the end of the event, participants leave with new insights, a deeper interest in scientific inquiry, and, hopefully, a lasting enthusiasm for the wonders of science.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a global awareness initiative that celebrates and supports individuals whose brains function differently, including those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette syndrome, and various other neurological differences. This event emphasizes inclusion, recognizes strengths, and works to reduce stereotypes. On April 7th, Lynnewood Elementary held a school-wide celebration for Neurodiversity Week, featuring arts and crafts, music, a photo booth, and much more!

Mental Health Awareness Month is observed every year in the United States during May. Its purpose is to raise awareness about mental health, reduce stigma, encourage people to seek support, and promote overall emotional well-being.

What is National Children's Mental Health Action Week? It's an entire week dedicated to teaching individuals and communities about the importance of mental health for our children and youth, advocating to improve supports and services, and celebrating the work done on behalf of young people who experience mental health challenges.

On Friday, May 1, we celebrated National School Lunch Hero Day in our schools, recognizing our 18,000 cooks, chefs, dietitians, and foodservice workers who serve more than 2.3 million meals a day to students across the country, including 30 employees in the School District of Haverford Township. Throughout the school year, these cafeteria heroes are dedicated to making mealtime a bright spot in a student’s day and to ensuring that kids throughout the Haverford Township community are served nourishing meals.

Once again, our district has benefited from Giant Food Stores' initiative, Feeding School Kids. Through this program, community members have rounded up their purchases at the store to donate to our district, helping to combat childhood hunger. This year, we will receive over $15,000 to support our families in need. We extend our gratitude to Giant and to all who rounded up at the register! Together, we are ensuring that students have access to the nutrition they need to grow and succeed in their education.

Our Best Buddies Club helped make the world a kinder place—one friendship at a time—by participating in the Best Buddies Friendship Walk. Since 2009, this event has brought together people to build community and spread kindness through the power of friendship. Through their participation, our students supported opportunities for shared experiences and meaningful connections for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Every step taken at the walk reflects a commitment to a more inclusive world, one where everyone belongs, and our Best Buddies Club was proud to be part of that mission. This year, Haverford High School raised $2,745 to support Best Buddies.

In the latest podcast episode, WHHS examines how students can influence school decisions. The episode features Emily Rosen, Sovanna Pat, and Dr. Matthew C. Hayes. Listeners can replay the episode on WHHS and on the district’s YouTube channel. New episodes are scheduled throughout the year.

Starting this week, you can honor the educators and staff members who have made a lasting impact by making a tribute donation to the Haverford Education Foundation.

When you make a donation in someone’s honor, that teacher or staff member will receive a personalized certificate of recognition, and their principal will be notified so they can celebrate them within their school community.

Our teachers and staff are at the heart of everything we do, and this is a meaningful way to recognize their dedication while also supporting future opportunities for students.

Whether it’s an end-of-year thank you, a way for seniors to honor a favorite teacher, or a class gift for a beloved staff member, these tributes help build a lasting legacy of appreciation and support throughout the district.

Celebrate someone who made a difference and help us continue creating opportunities for the next generation!

We’re still smiling after an incredible Twilight Walk & Run, and it’s all because of you!

Thanks to the energy, generosity, and spirit of this community, we raised almost $30,000 to support innovative educational opportunities for students across the School District of Haverford Township. From the runners who showed up, to the volunteers who kept everything moving, to the sponsors and vendors who believed in this event... every piece mattered.

It was more than just a race. It was a celebration of what happens when a community comes together in support of its schools. These funds will directly support teacher-driven ideas, creative classroom projects, and meaningful learning experiences that go beyond what traditional budgets can provide.

To everyone who participated, donated, volunteered, or cheered from the sidelines- thank you! This event simply doesn’t happen without you, and we are deeply grateful for your support.

Welcome to Technology Corner, your monthly snapshot of digital tools, tips, and innovations supporting teaching and learning across the district.

May is a month to reflect on password security and how technology affects mental health. Remember to rotate your passwords regularly and make time for friends and family to connect in person rather than online.

1. World Password Day [Article]

2. World Password Day: Gamified [Resource]
3. Mental Health Awareness Month with a Technology Mindset [Article]

Since 2023, the District has required verification of continued residency in the township and confirmation of contact information for fifth (5th) and eighth (8th) grade students who plan to attend Haverford Middle School and Haverford High School in September 2026.

In accordance with Board policy #200, Enrollment of Students, the District requires each student’s residency to be verified by parents/guardians or other adults with whom the student resides prior to June 30, 2026.

Starting March 1, 2026, families can submit their verification documents through their PowerSchool parent account (PowerSchool Parent Accounts).

Each student verification requires two (2) acceptable documents, as outlined in the policy, current and in their entirety, with the address and name(s) clearly indicated. Examples of acceptable documents include:

• Current Mortgage Statement
• Current Real Estate Tax Bill (2026)
• Current and Fully Signed Lease Agreement
• Deed
• Current Utility Bill (e.g., PECO, Aqua, etc.)
• PennDOT Identification Card
• Settlement Statement
• Current Credit Card Bill

Documentation submitted by families will be reviewed for authenticity and accuracy beginning in March and continuing through June. Once your child’s documents have been verified, confirmation will be communicated through your PowerSchool parent/guardian account.

Completing the Residency Verification Form in PowerSchool

If you do not plan to return in September 2026, please notify the District.

If you encounter a problem during the process, we are happy to assist you. Please contact ITHelpDesk@haverfordsd.net.

Throughout the year, the School District and the DCIU offer free workshops to help parents/guardians better navigate the often challenging roadmap of educating their children with disabilities or learning challenges. Please check this website frequently, as it is updated throughout the year. You can find the list of upcoming training on our website at the link below.

The Community Information section of our website is divided into four sections.

1. Area School-Age Care; this section houses flyers to external providers for school-age before/after care, as well as kindergarten enrichment programs.
2. General Community Information; this section contains general informational flyers about opportunities and events for the community.
3. Parent Teacher Associations; this section houses links to external websites that contain content about our schools' Parent Teacher Associations.
4. General Community Links; this section contains links to external websites for our community.

Coopertown is progressing well. Last month, students and staff moved into the two new rear additions, vacating the kindergarten and first-grade wing. Currently, most of the demolition in the K/1 grade wing has been completed, and the underground plumbing for the new bathrooms has been installed. Contractors will now begin framing new walls and working on the infrastructure for the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

At the front of the building, the new library is sufficiently completed for the principal and front office staff to move in. This will serve as the temporary main entrance and check-in area for the building for the remainder of the school year.

In the new front entrance and lobby area, workers are continuing to frame walls and ceilings, as well as installing lights and sprinklers. The lobby windows have also been installed. This month, work will begin on the new metal paneling, as well as the installation of the new front entrance doors. Contractors are expected to finish the new front entrance sidewalk this week.

The Board work session is the first meeting of the month and includes limited agenda items to conduct routine business, such as personnel matters, financial approvals, and pupil service matters that may need consideration before the second meeting. The majority of the board work session consists of presentations from the administration and our consultants, with discussions among the Board that are more similar to what occurs in our committee meetings. No official action is taken during the work portion of the meeting.

The second meeting of the month is the Board action meeting, where official action by vote is taken on items after a chance for Board member deliberations. We use a consent agenda process at the action meeting each month to streamline the approval of items that have been considered and discussed thoroughly during the work portion of prior meetings. We continue to hold two public comment sections at each meeting.

Both meetings work in tandem to ensure a strategic decision-making process that is student-centered, inclusive of, and transparent with our community members. We believe this approach aligns with our district goals of Belonging, Civic Pride, and Community Engagement, allowing for collective, informed, and inclusive decision-making practices.

Policies that have been thoroughly discussed, reviewed, and advanced through a First Read will now be listed for Second Reading and adoption by the Board during the Legislative portion of our Work Sessions. The District intends to maintain best practice with regard to Policy review and approval. Moving forward with this practice allows us to thoroughly and routinely update and approve policy.

A page with dates and topics for both work sessions and action meetings is available on the School Board section on the website.

*The topics identified for board meetings throughout the year are being provided to increase community engagement and transparency. These topics are proposed and are not exhaustive; they are subject to change.

The School District of Haverford Township utilizes BoardDocs, an online, paperless resource for all school board meetings. Here, you can find the agenda, meeting minutes, video replay, and board policies. The meetings are live-streamed on YouTube.

Board Meetings will be held at the Oakmont Administration Building.

Upcoming Meetings:

• May 21: School Board Action Meeting 7:30 PM

* NOTE DATE CHANGES FOR JUNE

• June 11: School Board Work Session 7:00 PM
• June 25: School Board Action Meeting 7:30 PM

All presentations and videos are available on BoardDocs.

The District is incredibly honored and proud to announce that Mr. Leon Smith has been named the 2026 National Teacher of the Year by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). To put this achievement into perspective, there are approximately 3.5 million public school teachers in the United States, according to a 2023 report by Pew Research and the National Center for Education Statistics. Mr. Smith is the sole winner selected to represent the entire profession.

May 19: Teacher In-Service Day (no school for students)*

May 22: Teacher in-service day (early dismissal)
May 25: Memorial Day Holiday (schools & offices closed)
June 4: HHS Class of 2026 Graduation, St. Joseph's University
June 16: Last day for students – early dismissal
June 19: Juneteenth (schools & offices closed)

2025-2026 Calendar (At a Glance)

*The District calendar has been updated to reschedule an in-service day from May 12th to May 19th to accommodate the local primary elections.

2026-2027 Calendar (At a Glance)

Join our team! Click HERE to view available positions across the District and how to apply.

The School District of Haverford Township is currently seeking applicants for the 2026 Extended School Year. Special Education Positions available: Speech and Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Special Education Teachers - Elementary, Special Education Teachers - Secondary, Life Skills Teachers, Autistic Support Teachers, Emotional Support Teachers, and Wilson Certified Teachers. Must be PA-certified in Special Education.
The dates are from June 29 through July 31 - Monday through Thursday.
Please visit the School District of Haverford Township website at https://lnkd.in/e8fu2_Px to apply.

The mission of the School District of Haverford Township is to educate and to inspire a community of lifelong learners who become well-rounded global citizens.

Website: https://www.haverford.k12.pa.us/
Location: 50 East Eagle Road, Havertown, PA, USA
Phone: 610-853-5900
Twitter: @haverfordsd