#ThisIsCheltenham

Cheltenham senior Zaynah McFarlane is getting the hands-on experience she needs to pursue a career in the medical sciences through the CHS Diversified Occupations program. Inspired by a family of medical professionals, McFarlane has been working for Lang Chiropractic in Abington for its focus on rehabilitation and patient care, noting the field's unique ability to help people through movement.

Working alongside Dr. Janet Lang, McFarlane has moved beyond textbook diagrams to witness real-world recovery. "I got to see one patient who could barely walk and now she can move on and off the table very easily," McFarlane noted, highlighting the impact of consistent care and the mindfulness required to support patients in pain. Read more>

Nine CHS seniors received a blast from the past Wednesday in the form of letters they wrote to themselves as Myers Elementary fourth graders in Ms. Erika Wimms’ class during the 2017-18 school year.

Students present to receive their letters included Kamal Addison-Anderson, Madison Alexander, Madelaine Leighton, Jayla E. Martin, Isabella Nicosia, Cynthia Priestley, Courtney Prosser, Henry Wasserman and Umi Young.

“Most of you haven’t changed at all. This is one of my favorite days of the year,” said Ms. Wimms, who has been carrying out this tradition since the 1997-98 school year and will continue to do so into retirement. “I feel so proud seeing all that they have achieved over the years.”

Ms. Wimms presented the students with their letters, some of which were then read aloud for the group to hear. The students were surprised, touched, amused and, in some cases, confounded by what their younger selves wrote. Many of the letters contained career, academic, extracurricular and college aspirations. Photos>

Congratulations to senior Deven Johnson and his company Folded Fantasies, which recently placed 17th out of 200+ teams in the Husky Dog Pound business competition, a “Shark Tank”-like event at Bloomsburg University. Johnson’s company creates handmade, high-end biodegradable collectors items made completely out of paper. Freshmen Layla Isaac and Victoria Hennix presented their idea Mind Matters, a company that focuses on mental health for children ages 12-17, but did not place. The competition was open to middle and high schoolers and college students.

A deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, “Little Shop of Horrors” has devoured the hearts of theatre-goers for over 30 years. Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney's “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty And The Beast,” and “Aladdin”) are the creative geniuses behind what has become one of the most popular shows in the world. The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names "Audrey II" - after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it blood. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II's out of this world origins and intent towards global domination! Tickets are $11 online / $13 at the door (only cash or check accepted at the door). Cedarbrook Middle School, April 16-18 at 7:30 p.m.

Congratulations to junior Elizabeth Grohsman who was a runner up in the Committee of Seventy's annual essay contest. Through the "Can We Talk?" student dialogue initiative, students were asked to reflect on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. They were asked to respond to the prompt: In this anniversary year, how well do you think the American people and their government are doing at upholding equality, human rights, and "life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness"? An excerpt of Liz's essay was published in the “Philadelphia Inquirer” on Sunday, April 5. Read an excerpt of her essay and the other winners>

Cheltenham High School’s Robotics Team, Simple Machines, has been invited to the FIRST Mid-Atlantic District Championship tournament for the first time in a decade! The team participated in two regular season events this year, and was a member of alliances that placed third and fourth, respectively. That impressive showing earned the team an invitation to the district championship tournament for the first time since 2016. The tournament will be held at Lehigh University and runs April 16 to 18.

The team is raising money to cover the $4,000 registration fee as well as robot parts, computers, tools and other equipment for next year's competition. Robotics Fundraiser>

Dr. Brian Scriven convened Cedarbrook East’s final Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council meeting of the year on Wednesday. Dr. Scriven used the time to collect input on the students’ thoughts about the council and how he can make it more fulfilling. He posed questions like “What did you like best about SSAC?” and “If you were superintendent, what advice about the program would you give?” Students responded to the first question by saying they appreciated having the space to voice their concerns, with Dr. Scriven reminding them, “You have power in your voice.” Suggestions prompted by the second question included making sure schedules were synched for meetings. The rest of the meeting, students talked about how they balance schoolwork and the stress it causes.

CHS students like the one below felt the love Thursday from therapy dog Shelby who visits the school once a month during lunch. Shelby’s owner, Fran Highbloom, is a proud Cheltenham alumna and honored to give back to today’s CHS students.

Friday, April 24 - Early Dismissal

• Schools dismiss at the following times: K-4 Schools, 1:20 p.m.; 6-8 Schools, 12:40 p.m.; Cheltenham High, Noon

Friday, May 15 - Early Dismissal

• Schools dismiss at the following times: K-4 Schools, 1:20 p.m.; 6-8 Schools, 12:40 p.m.; Cheltenham High, Noon

• No classes

Monday, May 25 - Memorial Day Holiday

• Schools/offices closed

Thursday, June 4 - CHS Commencement

Friday, June 12 - Final Day of School

• Schools dismiss at the following times: K-4 Schools, 1:20 p.m.; 6-8 Schools, 12:40 p.m.; Cheltenham High, Noon

Monday, June 15 - Professional Development Day

• No classes

Tuesday, June 16 - In-Service Day

• No classes

Friday, June 19 - Juneteenth

• Offices closed
  
  

Cheltenham School District Calendar> | 2025-26 Academic Calendar> | CHS Athletics Calendar>

With co-chair Jennifer Lowman presiding, the Policy Committee convened at the Administration Building and on Zoom for its periodic meeting on Tuesday, March 24. Under old business, the committee had a number of draft policies to consider advancing to the April legislative board meeting for adoption. These include the following policies and administrative regulations (AR): Policy 218.2 Weapons (2024); Policy 356 Weapons (2024); Policy 904 Public Attendance in School Facilities (2024); Policy 623 Travel Reimbursement - Federal Programs (2016); Policy and AR 624 Federal Fiscal Compliance (2016); Policy and AR 204 Attendance (2023); Policy and AR 224 Care of School Property/Obligation (2019); Policy 205 Postgraduate Students (2019); Policy 706 Property Records (2020); and Policy 706.1 Disposal of District-Owned Property (2020). AR 610.1 Purchases - Approval of Contracts (2014) was advanced for repeal. Policy 228 Student Government (2019) will be a "repeat first read" on the April Board agenda due to substantive revisions. Under new business, the committee held an in-depth conversation regarding Policy and AR 237 Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices (2025). The discussion included a proposed bell-to-bell cell phone ban in schools. Other new business was tabled until the next meeting. The next Policy Committee meeting is April 28 at 7 p.m. at the Administration Building and on Zoom. Slide deck>

With co-chair Zachary Epps presiding, the Financial Affairs Committee convened for its monthly meeting Tuesday, April 7 at the Administration Building and on Zoom. The agenda included four items: Interim financial statements, proposed final budget for 2026-27, transportation contract renewal, and items proposed for board approval. Regarding the interim financial statements, CSD Director of Business Services Joshua Sweigard noted revenue collection is higher than the previous year. Sweigard reviewed the proposed final budget of $145M for the 2026-27 school year, noting a proposed 3.5 percent tax increase, minimal increases in state subsidies, and a less than anticipated drop in investment earnings. All told, the current budget shortfall is $735K, the balance of which will be made up from the fund balance and spending reserves if additional savings cannot be found before the final budget is approved. On the expenditure side, Sweigard noted a reduction in staffing budgeted to match decreasing elementary enrollment and secondary class demand; health insurance premiums increasing by 9.4 percent; school district retirement contribution rate decreasing to 33.59 percent from 33.99 percent; and transportation costs reflecting contractual increases. Sweigard and the business office continue to look at ways to decrease expenditures by reviewing staffing and contracts and monitoring revenue drivers. The final budget is expected to be approved at the June 9 legislative board meeting. Sweigard covered the transportation contract, which is currently held by Cheltenham Transportation through 2027-28. An early renewal provision was reviewed that would limit future annual rate increases to 3 percent for five years, and also result in the district receiving a one-time $200K donation to the Cheltenham Education Foundation. Finally, Sweigard reviewed the two items proposed for board approval at the next legislative meeting: Purchase of Chromebooks and upgrading the access control software platform upgrade. The next Financial Affairs Committee meeting is May 5, following the Facilities Committee meeting, at the Administration Building and on Zoom. Slide deck>

CSD is extremely excited to be participating in the annual Special Olympics Games at Hatboro-Horsham High School on May 20. Students throughout the Cheltenham School District are invited to attend and participate. The goal is to provide every attending student with a free Special Olympics T-shirt. You have the opportunity to help us reach our goal by purchasing the official CSD Special Olympics tee! Skills for Life classes at CHS designed the shirt. Shirt costs $20 and you would receive it in mid-May. Email Mr. Cohen with a cash order or submit an electronic order. All orders must be submitted by Friday, April 24, 2026.

The United Parents Group (UPG) will host a STEM Career Fair Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at CHS. Open to students in grades six through 12, this event provides exposure to STEM fields through connections with STEM professionals, students and vendors. As a bonus, the first 100 students to register will be entered into a drawing to win a $250 Amazon gift card.

What Students Will Experience

• Interact with STEM professionals from various fields

• Presentations on career pathways and skills development

• Live Q & A sessions

• College student panel with tips on succeeding in STEM majors.

• Learn what high school courses, college majors, and training programs are needed to succeed

Why STEM Careers Matter for Today's Children

• STEM careers offer job security and high earnings, with a median US salary of $103,000, compared to $48,000 for non‑STEM jobs

• The Delaware Valley is a hub for STEM fields, including medicine, manufacturing, tech and pharma

• The U.S. faces a talent shortage, with 3.5 million STEM jobs projected to go unfilled by 2025 due to a lack of qualified workers

• STEM grads start their careers earning $15,000–$25,000 more than peers in non‑STEM fields

• STEM studies build critical thinking, and problem‑solving skills, lifelong tools to navigate challenges in school, work, and life

• Women make up only about 28–30% of the STEM workforce, with even lower representation in engineering, computing, and senior leadership roles

• Black and Hispanic workers are underrepresented in STEM, representing only 8% and 15% of STEM workers, compared to 11% and 18% of the overall U.S. workforce, respectively.

• Underrepresentation in STEM widens the wealth gap, as fewer people of color access high‑paying STEM careers that build financial stability and generational wealth

Register or visit CheltenhamSTEMFair.com.

The Cheltenham Education Foundation is delighted to release its scholarships application for the Class of 2026. This year, CEF have increased many of its scholarships to $1,000 and will award $22,000. CEF has established a wide range of scholarships to meet the diverse needs, experiences and interests of CHS seniors. Applications close Friday, April 17. CEF Scholarships for Class of 2026 Flyer | Scholarships application