Dear School Community:

With spring break right around the corner, the school community is heading into preparations for the last stretch of the academic year. We'd like to congratulate Ms. Davidson and the students of Jenkintown Theatre Arts for a wonderful production of Alice by Heart. The board would also like to recognize our students from Eastern Center for the Arts who will participate in the state level Skills USA competition in Hershey, PA at the beginning of April. Wishing everyone in the community a restful spring break as we look forward to graduation in June.

Warmly,

Dr. Megan O'Brien, President

Ms. Mary Fitzgerald presented an update on the English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum at our curriculum committee meeting on Monday, March 11th. Elementary school faculty Jackie Ozga, Maggie Herr, India Simmons, Diane Cash and Jen Jutzi, also presented an update on the Language Arts Pilot program they are currently testing.

Mr. Tom Roller and Dr. Chris Jahnke provided an update on professional development activities and processes for our faculty. Mr. Roller also updated the board on the district goal of educational and program offerings.

At the Board business meeting on Monday, March 18th, the Board reviewed and approved only the agenda items and reporting provided in BoardDocs, including the following:

• Approval of the 2024-2027 Comprehensive Plan
• Approval of an independent contractor agreement with The Center for Family Empowerment
• Approval of a letter of intent for CCIU Managed Immutable Backup Service
• Approval of the MCIU contract for Networking/Systems Administration Services
• Approval of a 3-year contract with Professional Software for Nurses, Inc.
• Appointment of Ms. Lisa Smith as our board representative to the MCIU for a 3-year term

All items can be reviewed in detail at Agenda - 250 West Avenue | Jenkintown, Pennsylvania 19046 | 215-885-3722 BoardDocs® LT

The budget process for the 2024-25 academic year is in its early stages. Ms. Karen Ovington, our business manager, will provide ongoing updates at our future board meetings.

Our regional CTE (Career and Technical Education) school, Eastern Center for Arts and Technology (ECAT) is offering summer programs for 10-13 year old students in Design, Photography & Illustration Arts and Culinary Arts in association with the YMCA of Willow Grove. There will be 5, one-week sessions. Students residing in Eastern's districts will receive the member rate. Please click on Summer Fun picture to register.

April 5th, 6th 7th, 12th and 13th - Jenkintown Music Theatre presents Bright Star

Monday, April 8th 7:00pm - School Board Work Session

Wednesday, April 10th, 7:00 pm - JHS Jazz Band at Springfield Township Jazz Jam

Monday, April 15th, 7:00pm - School Board Business Meeting

Jenkintown Music Theatre will present the musical Bright Star, JMT's 79th production in its nearly 80 years as part of the Jenkintown Community. There is a link below for ticket information.

Inspired by a true story and featuring the Tony®-nominated score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, Broadway’s BRIGHT STAR tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and ’40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past—and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives. With beautiful melodies and powerfully moving characters, the story unfolds as a rich tapestry of deep emotion. An uplifting theatrical journey that holds you tightly in its grasp, BRIGHT STAR is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful.

We would like to thank Mr. Jim Cummins for revamping the district calendar on the district webpage. Events | The School District of Jenkintown (jenkintowndrakes.org) Please take a moment to check it out!