STHS Welcome Back 2026-2027
Some thoughts for the starting school year
STHS Family Newsletter- September 25, 2026
Dear Families,
As we wrap up another busy week, we want to thank you for your continued partnership and support. We are now about a month into the school year, and it has been wonderful to see students settling into routines, connecting with their teachers and peers, and becoming involved in the many opportunities available at STHS. We encourage families to continue checking in with students about their classes, goals, and experiences at school. We hope you have a restful weekend!
With Spartan Pride,
The STHS Admin TeamInformation for STHS Families/Students
Attendance Reminder
Parent and Guardians have 10 days they can excuse their student's absence for any reason, and 10 additional days they can excuse a late arrival. Once these quotas have been met, a doctor's note will be required to excuse any future absences or late arrivals. Please see the Student Handbook pages 11-13.
Reminder: School-Issued Chromebooks
To support consistent access to instructional programs, appropriate technology safeguards, and effective classroom management, students are expected to use their District-issued Chromebook for all instructional needs while at school. Personal laptops and computers may not be used during the school day unless specific permission has been granted by a teacher or District administrator.
Please remind your student to bring their District-issued Chromebook to school each day fully charged and ready for use. Thank you for helping us maintain a consistent and secure learning environment.
Educational Trip Pre-Approval Form is Now Online!
Click below to learn how to access and submit your student's educational trip pre-approval form through the PowerSchool portal. This guide simplifies the navigation process to ensure your absence request is filed correctly and efficiently.
Class Officers Election Results
2027 Emerging Innovator Award
Do you know a high school student making an extraordinary impact in your school or community? Nominate them for the 2027 Emerging Innovator Awards – a global honor recognizing the top 100 student changemakers. Honorees gain international recognition, an invitation to the Limitless World Summit, and access to a $40,000 prize pool in cash and scholarships.
How you can help: Nominate a Student!
Dual Enrollment Virtual Session from Montgomery County Community College
The Montgomery County Community College (MCCC), one of our Dual Enrollment partners, is excited to share an opportunity for our sophomore students and families to learn more about our Dual Enrollment (DE) Academy program!
MCCC's Dual Enrollment Success Coach, Hanna Odom, will host two virtual information sessions on Wednesday, October 7th:
12:00–1:00 p.m.
6:00–7:00 p.m.
The DE Academies provide students with a structured pathway and additional support to earn college credits—and work toward an associate degree—during their junior and senior years of high school. The application is free, and accepted students follow a recommended course sequence aligned with an MCCC degree program.
Students can earn 30+ college credits before graduating high school, with the opportunity to complete their associate degree in as little as one year after high school or transfer their credits to a four-year institution. Academy coursework is completed in addition to the student’s regular high school schedule.
2027–28 DE Academies
Business Administration
Psychology
Early Education
Liberal Studies
To register for DE Academy Info Session:
Building Entrance Procedures: Visitors
School Counseling News
Free Class from the National Alliance on Mental Health
Montgomery County's FREE Basics Class is starting next week! This class is open to anyone supporting a youth under the age of 22 who is struggling with a mental health or behavioral issue. A diagnosis is not required to participate. For more info and to register please view the flyer.
The 2027-2028 FAFSA is OPEN!
Seniors and parents are required to complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal financial aid for colleges and career schools. Many colleges require the FAFSA to be considered for institutional aid -both need based and merit aid. All members of the senior class and their parents are asked to complete the FAFSA process. For more information about this state initiative, please check out the FAFSA Completion Letter Those who chose not to apply please complete the opt out form pa fafsa opt-out form-fillable.pdf
FAFSA Completion Night - Seniors and Parents/Guardians of Seniors
Oct. 20, 2026, 6pm. Live/ in person support for completing the 2027-2028 Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Students and parents are required to set up separate FSA ID accounts prior to the event. Click here for directions for setting up FSA IDs ( students need to use a personal email address) Hosted by PHEAA. Please RSVP to elizabeth_barbone@sdst.org by Oct. 12, 2026. - Please let us know in the RSVP email if you need a translator and for what language.
College Application Guidelines
If your senior is applying to college, please review the College Application Guidelines. Please contact your school counselor with any questions. Class of 2027 College Application Guide
Junior PSAT/NMSQT
The Preliminary SAT and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test will take place on October 14, 2026 from 7:30-11am in the Steel Gym. If your student does not wish to sit for the PSAT, please reach out to their school counselor to opt out as soon as possible.
Montgomery County Community College Visit
11th & 12th grade students are invited to attend a trip to MCCC on Tuesday, November 10, 2026 from 11:30am-2:30pm. Permission slips are available in the guidance office. Students will miss C and D blocks to attend.
Parents/Guardians of Juniors - SAVE THE DATE!
The counselors will hold a post-secondary planning webinar on Friday, October 23, 2026 at 8am. More information to come soon.
Upcoming College Fairs
NACAC https://www.nacacattend.org/26philadelphia
When: Saturday October 10th, 2026, 11:30-3:00pm
Where: Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia PA 19107
Portfolio Day
Drexel University will host an Undergraduate National Portfolio Day event on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM ET at the Drexel Recreation Center, 3301 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
This National Portfolio Day is a free, in‑person opportunity for prospective art and design students to showcase their artistic work, receive one‑on‑one portfolio reviews, and connect with counselors, admissions staff, and faculty from accredited art and design schools. It’s designed to help students prepare for college applications by getting feedback from multiple institutions in one day. Take a look here for more information and to register.
Contact Information for School Counseling Department
Mrs. Tara Kane/School Counseling Administrative Assistant: tara_kane@sdst.org or 215-233-6030, ext. 2006
Ms. Liz Barbone / elizabeth_barbone@sdst.org or 215-233-6030, ext. 2009:
Student Last Names: 9th: A-De 10th: A-Fab 11th: A-Dem 12th: A-Dru
Mrs. Elizabeth Cannon / elizabeth_cannon@sdst.org or 215-233-6030 ext. 2011:
Student Last Names: 9th: Do-Kle 10th: Fis-Lew 11th: Dep-Kara 12th: Dyk-Kem
Mrs. McDonnell / beth_mcdonnell@sdst.org or 215-233-6030, ext. 2007:
Student Last Names: 9th: Kli-Pa 10th: Lon-Ram 11th: Karn-Nos 12th: Ker-Pen
Mr. Shearer / bill_shearer@sdst.org or 215-233-6030, ext. 2008:
Student Last Names: 9th: Pi-Z 10th: Ree-Z 11th: O-Z 12th: Pep-Z
ESports
STHS Spartans of the Globe, our Marvel Rivals Esports team Opens Season With a 2–0 Win against Norristown Area School District
The STHS Marvel Rivals Esports team started their season strong with a 2–0 win against Norristown Area High School!
Anthonyo, Conner, Jackson, Lars, Brian, and Jade really showed off their teamwork, communication skills, and sharp thinking during the match.
Anthonyo and Conner teamed up as Luna Snow and White Fox, keeping the team in the game with some awesome ultimates. Jackson used Magneto’s Ultimate to block Gambit’s Ultimate, which gave the team a chance to push forward and take control of the battlefield.
Player Highlights:
- Anthonyo (Luna Snow): Made sure the team stayed alive with some great ultimates.
- Conner (White Fox): Kept everyone safe and helped Anthonyo team up.
- Jackson (Magneto): Kept the team’s support alive and stopped the enemy’s support ultimates.
- Lars (Blade): Took on one-on-one fights and pushed tanks to retreat.
- Brian (Hulk): Weaved through the enemy team to put pressure on their supports.
- Jade (Namor): Played a big part in the team’s success.
Big play or contribution: Keeping dive heroes like Captain America in check.
Captain’s Take:
- The team was open to trying different characters when things didn’t go as planned.
- Jackson’s Magneto ultimates stopped two of Gambit’s most powerful ultimates.
Team improvement: Getting to know more characters and improving how they communicate.
The Spartans are excited to keep up the momentum as they start the PSEL Marvel Rivals season
Upcoming Events
MCIU Parent Information Center
The MCIU is hosting a virtual Parent Information Session on October 13th at 11:30am! Please join them to explore the career, training, and support options available to students after graduation. Hear from regional experts about pathways to meaningful employment, career-focused training, and a successful future after high school.
Free Heart Screening for Students
Simon's Heart will be hosting a free heart screening on Saturday, October 3, at Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School for students ages 12-25. Simon's Heart is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting young hearts and preventing sudden cardiac arrest and death in children, teens and young adults. Students can register here.
Dine & Donate - Spartans for a Cause
Spartans for a Cause invite you to Dine & Donate at the Stotesbury in Wyndmoor on Wednesday, September 30th. Please say that you are with STHS - All proceeds benefit Today is a Good Day!
CPR Jukebox Marathon
On November 21, there will be an inaugural CPR Jukebox Marathon, a 12-hour overnight fundraising event at the Philadelphia Union's WSFS Bank Sportsplex. Hundreds of high school students will come together for a one-of-a-kind event that combines music, teamwork, and hands-only CPR in a fun, festival-style atmosphere. This event will be hosted by Simon's Heart, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing sudden cardiac arrest in children, teens, and young adults.
Please see their link for more information: Simon's Heart
Fundraisers!
Fritz's Sticky Buns Fundraiser
Fall is quickly approaching and it is time for pumpkins, fall leaves and Fritz's award winning sticky buns. Yes, the Fritz's sticky bun fundraiser is back! Half a dozen buns is $12.00. Choose from raisin, walnut, raisin/walnut, plain and everyone's favorite, cream cheese. Orders will be collected from Monday, September 21 - Thursday, October 8. Pick up will be at the high school main entrance between 9:00 and 11:30am on Saturday, October 24. Order forms and payment can be dropped off in the main office or in Mrs. Sheahan's room 204. Spread the word! Ask relatives, friends and neighbors for their orders!
Soccer Fundraisers
Show your Spartan Pride with fundraisers to benefit our soccer teams!
Help support Spartan Basketball by participating in our Dine & Donate event!
Athletic Update
UPCOMING CONTESTS
- Friday, 9/25 - Field Hockey vs. Abington - 3:30pm
- Friday, 9/25 - Football vs. North Schuylkill - 7:00pm
- Friday, 9/25 - Volleyball @ Pottstown - 3:30pm
- Monday, 9/28 - Boys Soccer vs. Abington - 3:30pm
- Monday, 9/28 - Girls Soccer @ Abington - 3:30pm
- Monday, 9/28 - JV Football @ Academy of the New Church - 4:00pm
- Tuesday, 9/29 - Water Polo vs. Upper Dublin - 3:30pm
- Tuesday, 9/29 - Field Hockey vs. Wissahickon - 3:30pm
- Tuesday, 9/29 - Volleyball vs. Souderton
- Tuesday, 9/29 - Suburban One League Boys Golf Championships - 9:00am (5 Ponds Golf Club)
- Wednesday, 9/30 - Cross Country vs. New Hope Solebury - 3:30pm
- Wednesday, 9/30 - Boys Soccer vs. Central Bucks South - 3:30pm
- Wednesday, 9/30 - Golf @ Wissahickon - 3:15pm
- Wednesday, 9/30 - Girls Soccer @ Central Bucks South - 4:00pm
- Thursday, 10/1 - Field Hockey vs. North Penn - 3:30pm
- Thursday, 10/1 - Girls Tennis @ Abington - 3:30pm
- Thursday, 10/1 - Volleyball @ Neshaminy - 3:30pm
- Friday, 10/2 - Volleyball vs. Wissahickon - 3:30pm
- Friday, 10/2 - Boys Soccer @ Great Valley - 3:30pm
- Friday, 10/2 - Football @ Truman - 7:00pm
- Saturday, 10/3 - Water Polo @ Upper Dublin Invitational - 8:00am
Office of Support Services
Annual Notifications
The School District of Springfield Township publishes information at least annually to district and community residents about particular topics and information. Families are encouraged to review this important information and save it for future reference. Annual Notifications
Equitable Practices Newsletter
The School District of Springfield Township is committed to equitable practices. Please check out our Back to School 2026 newsletter highlighting the district’s equity work.
Support Services Newsletter
The Office of Support Services is pleased to present our Back to School 2026 Newsletter. This publication is your one stop shop for community services, district information, local food banks, mental health supports and so much more!
FAFSA Completion Requirements
All members of the senior class are asked to complete the FAFSA process. For more information about this state initiative, please check out the FAFSA Completion Letter.
Community Flu Clinic
Save the Date for the Community Flu and COVID Clinic. This event is scheduled for October 19, 2026 from 4pm to 6pm. More information and sign-ups coming soon.