Haverford Happenings

The School District of Haverford Township requires verification of continued residency in the township and confirmation of contact information for students in fifth (5th) and eighth (8th) grade who plan to attend Haverford Middle School and Haverford High School in September 2024.

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, 2024.

Student schedules will only be issued to those students whose residency is verified.

Families must submit their verification documents through their PowerSchool parent account (PowerSchool Parent Accounts). Each student verification requires two (2) acceptable documents, as outlined in the current policy and in their entirety, with the address and name(s) clearly indicated. Examples of acceptable documents include:

• Deed
• Mortgage Statement
• Settlement Statement
• Current Lease Agreement
• Current Property Tax Bill
• Current Utility Bill
• Current Credit Card Bill
• PennDOT Identification Card

Documentation submitted by families will be reviewed for authenticity and accuracy. Once your child’s documents have been verified, confirmation will be communicated through your PowerSchool parent/guardian account. Failure to verify residency and contact information by June 30th may result in the initiation of a nonresident student removal proceeding in accordance with Board Policy 202.

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

The science unit, "How Can We Find the Best Place for a Plant to Grow?" has students investigate what plants need to live, grow and reproduce and how these factors are parts of a system that work together in each plant's habitat. The entire unit is centered around an investigation into why the number of grand spider orchids in Western Australia is decreasing. They begin by looking at what makes a good habitat for a plant and looking closely at how different plant parts have structures to help them survive in their habitat. They investigate how plants need water and light to grow as well as how animals play a role in these habitats. Seed structures are then analyzed to see how they relate to the dispersal method and work together with plants in a habitat. Finally, students use their knowledge and evidence to construct an explanation for they there are fewer and fewer grand spider orchids each year.

In the lesson, "How can animals move pollen from flower to flower?". Second-grade students at Lynnewood Elementary School investigated the structures of one of the most important pollinators: the honey bees. They examined a real (dried) bee's body and saw why they are a good pollinator. Students then placed the bee on a stick to see how a bee picks up pollen from a real flower. Finally, students made a claim about what parts of a bee make it a good pollinator. They also compared this to photos of the grand spider orchid and how they are pollinated by wasps.

The HHS World Affairs Club recently participated in the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia’s Global Economic Forum, which was held at Drexel University. This is one of two events that the club attends each year, sponsored by the regional council. The forum required students to propose policy solutions to timely socioeconomic issues such as mental health, water quality, and finances affecting developing regions of the world. Later, they had to synthesize proposals with students who researched the same topics from other area high schools. Towards the end of the event, student groups presented their proposals to the judges representing the role of the World Bank and to all the attendees.

Several of our participants received honorable mentions in their respective topic areas for their participation: Leena Fadul, Junior; Prudence Frein, Junior; Ryan Nescio, Junior; and Catie Kinkopf, Freshman.

Recently, Haverford Middle School organized a wellness day to educate students on the significance of kindness in building a positive school community. During the event, students actively participated in spreading kindness through a Kindness Chain activity. The Kindness Chain is a visual representation of all the acts of kindness that occur within a classroom throughout the school year. The students were asked to share their thoughts on what kindness means to them and why it is important in a classroom setting. To create the chain, students wrote down one way they could show kindness in the classroom on each strip and then linked them together to form a chain for their homeroom. The Kindness chains were then hung around the school to inspire other students.

Have fun with your family exploring how learning works in the brain with hands-on activities! Learn helpful strategies for supporting your children at home and at school.

Haverford Family Brain Night

Tuesday, April 16, 7 - 8 pm

In-person at HMS Library

Registration link: https://bit.ly/hav-brain-night-1

Haverford Family Brain Night

Wednesday, April 24, 7 - 8 pm

Virtual via Zoom

Registration link: https://bit.ly/hav-brain-night-2

The Twilight 5K Run/Walk and Elementary School One-Mile Challenge is a signature community event sponsored by the Haverford Township School District Education Foundation. Proceeds of the Twilight Run benefit the HTSD Education Foundation’s Mini and Empowerment Grant programs, directly support new and innovative programs and projects in our Haverford Township School District schools.

WHEN : SATURDAY, April 27, 2024

• 4:45 p.m. for 1 Mile Elementary School Challenge
• 5:00 p.m. for the 5K Run
• 5:05 p.m. for the 5K Walk

WEATHER: The race will take place rain or shine!

WHERE: Haverford High School - 200 Mill Road - Havertown, PA 19083

Register here.

33 swim team members - 23 of them from Haverford high school - along with Malvern Prep, Lower Merion, Ridley, and Garnet Valley School Districts who have very busy lives, decline “sleeping in” and instead, help coach 100 Special Olympic athletes in Delaware County every Sunday morning, from mid-January to mid-June, from 9 to 12:30.

These volunteers provide coaching for advanced swimmers to reach their goals to be considered for competition at the State Games hosted each June by Penn State. They help intermediate swimmers to develop their strokes and endurance to be able to swim more than one lap in a pool by themselves. And they help the younger swimmers by providing individualized swim lessons to help them learn the basics.

Delaware County Special Olympics has had long-standing support from high school volunteers but this year’s crew is exceptional. These young, service-oriented students provide opportunity for so many athletes and their families to thrive in friendships, competition and team camaraderie while learning about bravery, independence and self confidence along the way.

Diversity Month

Arab American Heritage Month

Autism Acceptance Month

Deaf History Month

People to Know:

1. American geologist Dr. Farouk el-Baz was born in Egypt and he helped plan all the Apollo moon landings. As if that wasn’t enough, he later pioneered using space photography to study the Earth. If you’ve ever gazed in awe at photographs from beyond our atmosphere, you can thank el-Baz for that privilege.
2. Actress, author, and activist Marlee Matlin is the only deaf person ever to win an Academy Award for Best Actress. Matlin won the award in 1987 for her role in the film Children of a Lesser God and has starred in several films and TV shows since. She’s a successful author and has written three books that have deaf protagonists: ‘Deaf Child Crossing,’ ‘Nobody’s Perfect,’ and ‘Leading Ladies’ Throughout her career, Matlin has been a vocal advocate for deaf rights and is a member of the National Association of the Deaf in the US.
3. Having been diagnosed with Autism at age four, Breanna Clark is the daughter of 4X400 meters relay silver medalist Rosalyn Clark. A Paralympic athlete, she is a Parapan American and Paralympic champion. During the 2021 Paralympics, Breanna won every major race she competed in, including the women’s 400m T20 gold medal.

Word/Phrases to Learn:

1. Muslims are people who adhere to Islam, a monotheistic religion belonging to the Abrahamic tradition.

2. Neurodiversity is a term used to explain that all brains work in different ways.

April Poetry Month VIRTUAL LIBRARY

This link will take you to a virtual library of books for this month.

The DCIU is pleased to provide our community with information and resources to help bring awareness to various topics around mental health literacy.

Understanding Stress: The Good, The Bad, and Its Impact on Youth

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, stress has become a common experience for many, including

our youth. It's important to recognize that not all stress is harmful; in fact, stress can be categorized

into two main types: eustress (good stress) and distress (bad stress). Understanding the distinction

between these two types of stress and their impact on youth is crucial for promoting healthy

development and well-being.

Resources:

How Teens Manage Stress

Your Body Knows the Difference Between Good Stress and Bad Stress

When Stress is Actually Good for You

Throughout the year the DCIU offers free workshops to help parents/guardians better navigate the often-challenging roadmap of educating their children with disabilities or learning challenges. Please check our website for a list of these trainings.

Dance the night away at the Haverford Middle School Social for Older Adults 70’s Theme! Please join us to enjoy light fare, dancing, and mingling.

WHEN: Friday, May 3, 2024

• 5:00 - 7:30 pm

RSVP to Patty Lazer at (610) 853- 5900 EXT. 5580 by Friday, April 26, 2024

Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. OAM is a time for us to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of older Americans, highlight important trends, and strengthen our commitment to honoring our older citizens. Haverford Middle School students chose to honor local older adults with an annual social. Please share the invitation with your friends and neighbors.

The 2024 AP Art Show is Saturday, April 13th from 5-8pm in Haverford High School’s Library.

The show will include free food and music along with incredible pieces of art! Make sure to mark your calendars and have fun!!

There is a $5 admission fee, with all proceeds going to the Charity HopePHL.

Celebrating 10 YEARS of excellence! The School District of Haverford Township has earned a spot among the #BestCommunitiesforMusicEducation!

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.

Regular and Committee Board Meetings will be held at Oakmont Administration Building.

*NOTE NEW TIMES FOR COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Upcoming Meetings:

• April 11: Finance & Facilities Committee Meeting at 6:30 PM
• April 11: Curriculum and Pupil Services Committee Meeting 7:15 PM
• April 18: Regular School Board Meeting
• April 25: Policy Committee Meeting at 6:30 PM
• May 2: Regular School Board Meeting

All presentations and videos can be found on BoardDocs.

The PSSA testing window is scheduled from April 22 to May 10, 2024. The District has thoughtfully considered the schedule to ensure that students observing Passover can participate in the tests without interfering with the state-provided testing dates. Testing will commence on April 24th in our elementary and middle schools. We are sharing these dates in advance with families to allow for ample time and opportunity for scheduling purposes.

PSSA Spring 2024 Testing Dates

FAQs for PSSA Spring 2024 - Information for Parents and Guardians

April 23 Teacher In-Service Day (no school for students)

May 24 Teacher in-service day (early dismissal)

May 27 Memorial Day Holiday (schools & offices closed)

2023-2024 Calendar (At a Glance)

2024-2025 Calendar (At a Glance)

2025-2026 Calendar (At a Glance)

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
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haverfordsd.net
Twitter: @haverfordsd