The Chipmunk Chat

MGES Families,

In response to the news from the USDA that SNAP benefits will not be issued in November, our school would like to share the following information:

School meals are not affected and are still available every day, to every student. Breakfast will still be free for all students and if a student has a free or reduced meals status, they still qualify for school meals at no cost. We are dedicated to being a stable program for all of our students to depend on and enjoy.

If your family is struggling with difficult circumstances (financial, medical or family emergencies), please reach out for caring and confidential assistance to our School Counselor, Mrs. Hamilton at jhamilto@udsd.org or 215-643-3421.

If your family is able and willing to support families in need, please see some ways to help below:

Right now:

The Maple Glen Giving Tree works to provide assistance for families struggling with difficult circumstances. Please consider donating a gift card from Giant or another local grocery store. Any amount is helpful and greatly appreciated!! Please send the gift card to school with your child in an envelope labeled Maple Glen Giving Tree / Mrs. Hamilton.

Coming up in November:

Maple Glen Elementary has partnered with a local food pantry that supports Upper Dublin families as well as other local communities. The pantry is anticipating an even greater need with the elimination of SNAP benefits. In a couple weeks families will be receiving a list of the most needed food items and directions about how to make a food donation at school. Stay tuned for more information coming soon about the annual Maple Glen Elementary Food Drive.

Also coming soon...

The Maple Glen Holiday Giving Tree will work to communicate the holiday wishes of our families struggling to make ends meet and who could use some support this holiday season. The Maple Glen Elementary community will then have the opportunity to fulfill a wish or two by purchasing a wish and returning it to school.

*The Maple Glen Holiday Giving Tree Sign Up Genius is coming soon…

Warmest regards,
Mr. Perez

November 4: No School for Students- Teacher Professional Development

November 24-26: Early Dismissal for Students 12:15 pm

November 24+25: Parent/Teacher Conferences

November 27+28: No School for Students

Here are some highlights from our Halloween parade. Although it was a bit chilly and windy, our Chipmunks were ready to show off their costumes. Have a safe Halloween and be safe Trick or Treating!

Students in 1C took advantage of the rainy dreary weather and enjoyed some spooky buddy reading by flashlight.

KA had some fun with the book Room on the Broom, by Julia Donaldson. After enjoying the story and creating our witch's cauldrons, we tried a STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) challenge to create a "broom" to fit the six characters from the story and have the broom be "in the air" (elevated in some way). An extra challenge was to fit more than the six characters or make your "broom" higher in the air or both.

If you are interested in purchases any MG Chipmunk Spirit Wear, check out our store link below. All items ordered will be delivered to school in plenty of time for winter holiday gifts. Store closes on Nov. 2nd at midnight.

For the latest issue of the PTO Press:

PTO Press (October 30, 2025)

As we approach Fall Conferences on November 24–25, we look forward to connecting with families to discuss student progress and goals. During conferences, teachers will share a Fingertip Report summarizing your child’s results from district assessments. Teachers will reach out by November 3 to schedule individual conference appointments.

Helpful Links: Assessment Schedule | About i-Ready (UDSD’s Newest Assessment)

Join us for our next Cardinal Conversations program, Student Mental Health: Listening, Learning, and Leading Together, on Thursday, November 6 at 6:00 PM in the Upper Dublin High School Cardinal Room. Superintendent Dr. Laurie Smith, Ms. Jennifer Summers, and Dr. Jessica Knier will lead a discussion on student mental health and well-being— focus areas in our district’s Comprehensive Plan. Learn about available supports and share your perspectives to help guide our ongoing efforts to meet students’ needs.

Our school district's planetarium will reopen to the community on Thursday, November 20 for two programs, One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure and Lamps of Atlantis. Join us to enjoy a full-dome view of stars, planets, and cosmic wonders—perfect for curious minds of all ages!

UDHS Basketball Clinic for Grades 3-8

Saturday, November 8

UDHS Theatre Presents Emma

November 12-15

Parenting Adult Coffee with SpeakUp

Friday, November 14

UDEF Tech Trek - Resources for Digital Parenting

Follow on Instagram at @udtechtrek

**Disclaimer Statement: The information provided in the segment above is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement or recommendation of any specific individual or organization. We offer this platform as a resource for community organizations but cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the details provided.