#ThisIsCheltenham

Amid a sea of blue and gold, almost 400 students heard their names called and walked across the stage to enter the next phase of their lives at Cheltenham High School’s 142nd Commencement on Thursday at Arcadia's Haber Green. The CHS Winds and Percussion ensemble played the national anthem and “Pomp and Circumstance,” while the choir performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and the “Cheltenham, We Sing Your Praises.” CHS Principal Dr. Benjamin Hammond presided over the ceremony, while Superintendent Dr. Brian W. Scriven, board president Leah Mulhearn and several students speakers made remarks. Pictures: Pre-commencement> | Mortar Boards> | Procession and Ceremony> | Grads coming off the stage>

Decked out in their elaborately decorated graduation caps, blue gowns and yellow sashes, members of the Cheltenham High School Class of 2026 took a trip down memory lane when they visit their former schools as part of this year’s annual senior walk. While visiting their former schools, the seniors will walked the halls, exchanged hugs with their former teachers, and chatted with the younger students. Enjoy these pictures and videos:

Cheltenham Elementary> | Glenside Elementary> | Myers Elementary> | Wyncote Elementary> | Cedarbrook East> | Cedarbrook>

Members of the senior class and their families were celebrated Monday night at the high school’s annual awards ceremony. Nearly 150 awards and scholarships for academic achievement, athletic prowess, musical accomplishments and school spirit, among others, were given. The United Parents Group, Cheltenham High School PTO, Cheltenham African American Alliance, Cheltenham Education Foundation and Alumni Association of Cheltenham High School all sponsored awards. Photos>

CHS sophomore Tina Ramberg-Michael read two of her poems at the Cheltenham Township Pride flag raising on Monday. The former MontCo Youth Poet Laureate read her “Don’t Take it Personally,” which she read to open the event, and an untitled work she recited as the flag was being raised.

“I read these poems because of how they celebrate pride and love,” she said, “and are truly celebratory in nature. I loved reading my poems to the crowd and felt extremely well received."

Ms. Sanborn's 7th grade social studies students participated in their final Socratic Seminars of the year this week, engaging in student-led conversations about European colonization of Africa. Without teacher guidance, students sustained thoughtful discussions for more than 40 minutes, using evidence, questions, and peer responses to guide their conversations.

As part of a biography unit, WES second-grade students learned about famous African Americans and influential women throughout history. Each student selected a famous person to research and learned about that person’s life and achievements. Students then created a Google Slides presentation to share their information with their classmates. At home, each student created a soda bottle doll representing the individual they studied. The students enjoyed researching their famous figures and had fun sharing what they learned through their Google Slides presentations and creating their soda bottle dolls!

On Monday, June 1, CBK East students visited the main Cedarbrook campus for an exciting introduction to middle school life! Students participated in fun activities in the gymnasium, met members of the Cedarbrook faculty and staff, and toured the building with the help of outstanding 7th grade leaders. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to become familiar with their future school and begin building connections within the Cedarbrook community. Upon returning to CBKE, they celebrated a year of growth with a BBQ and carnival games. Thanks to all the families who provided drinks, desserts, and snacks!

Cheltenham School District is preparing to kick off the 2026-2027 school year with a fresh approach to school dining through a new partnership with Chartwells K12. Beginning this fall, students across the district can expect updated menus, engaging culinary programs, and enhanced cafeteria experiences designed to make mealtime both enjoyable and nourishing. Together, Cheltenham School District and Chartwells K12 will focus on creating welcoming dining spaces where students can refuel, connect with peers, and explore new foods. Through chef-inspired meals, student engagement opportunities, and nutrition-focused programming, the partnership aims to support student well-being while making school meals something students genuinely look forward to each day. Read more>

Ten years ago, five CBK students showed up to volunteer for SEANstrong at the Philadelphia Broad Street Run. This year, 130 of them did, marking 10 incredible years of service and community. That growth says everything about the character of Cedarbrook and its students, and it is something worth celebrating. This year's commemorative shirt, designed by CBK's very own Bevan McShea, is dedicated in loving memory of Ms. Darlene, making this milestone even more meaningful. CSD is proud of every student who showed up and represented CBK on Broad Street this year. What started as five volunteers has grown into a tradition. A special shout out to Ms. Hogan and everyone involved for continuing to make this event such a success!

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 Leah Mulhearn presiding, the Educational Affairs Committee convened for its monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 26 at the Administration Building and via video conferencing. The agenda included four items: Graduation and Act 158 Pathway report; special education update; gifted education identification update; and planning for EPIC for the 2026-27 school year. CSD Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction (Secondary) Ms. Rachel Girman started proceedings by discussing the Class of 2026 graduation status with regard to progress on Act 158. As of Tuesday, 329 students had completed the requirements, but 91 had not. With regard to graduation status, 374 students have acquired the requisite credits.

Director of Special Education Dr. Stephen Catrambone and team delivered updates surrounding the program. Dr. Catrambone started his portion of the presentation discussing the special education report, an indicator that helps monitor and identify potential gaps in academic achievement between students with and without IEPs. Dr. Catrambone's team, Dr. Brown Beasley and Shannon Kelly-McNally also covered the PaTTAN Autism Initiative (PAI), where elementary school autistic support classrooms receive hands-on training, in-class modeling, on-going support for paraprofessionals to strengthen current practices. Through the PAI, consultants are supporting classrooms and teachers across all seven autistic support classrooms at the elementary level; six paraeducators have participated in a three-day training; district speech/language therapists are completing the Early Echoic Skills assessment, which aligns with the verbal behavior strategies; and verbal behavior strategies are being incorporated based on individual student need. Supervisors of Special Education Dr. Jackie Digianivittorio and Ashley Pullum discussed the progress of use of academic interventions that have been implemented in different subject areas, including K-8 reading and math, and 9-12 reading and math, for students with these areas of academic goals. Results are positive so far with the goal of full implementation for 2026-27.

Following, CSD’s Supervisor of Innovation and Enrichment Dr. Matthew Pimental updated the board on Gifted Education identification, noting the positive change in disproportionality among the Gifted population. Ms. Girman wrapped up the evening by reviewing the successes from the past two years of the Empowerment Program in Cheltenham (EPIC), and detailed the program’s move back to the high school for the 2026-27 school year. The final Educational Affairs meeting of the academic year is June 16 at 7 p.m. at the Admin Building and via Zoom. Slide deck>

With co-chair Charles Burdell-Williams presiding, the Facilities Committee convened on Tuesday, June 2 in person at the Administration Building and via Zoom. The meeting started with CSD Director of Facilities and Maintenance Mr. Anthony Carter delivering an overview of the stadium complex project, which included updates on the field house, ADA ramp and lighting. The track is set to be installed in the second week of June, and the township fire marshal is set to inspect the fire alarm on June 8. At the Cedarbrook expansion project, demolition has begun, and at Glenside, footers and concrete slabs have been installed. Both projects are on schedule and budget. At the Admin Building, PECO installed a new transformer. The next Facilities committee meeting will be in August. Slide deck>

With co-chair Zachary Epps presiding, the Financial Affairs Committee convened for its monthly meeting on June 2 at the Administration Building in person and via Zoom. The meeting started with a presentation from Chartwell’s, the district’s new food service provider, who used the time to introduce itself to the community after a four-year layoff. Chartwells stated their commitments to the school district of proactive leadership, elevated food quality, nutrition education and engagement, operational excellence and more student voice. Chartwells will begin serving meals for extended school year on June 29. Following the Chartwells presentation, CSD Director of Business Services Mr. Josh Sweigard reviewed the district’s interim financial statements, covering general expenditures and revenue, including expenses drawn on the Capital Projects fund and an overview of the food service budget. Sweigard then presented a balanced final budget for 2026-27 that included a 3.5% tax increase and no draw on the district’s fund balance, despite unfunded mandates from the state. Sweigard wrapped up the meeting by reviewing items that will appear for approval on the consent agenda of the June 9 legislative board meeting, including a five-year renewal for the district’s transportation provider, Cheltenham Trans; MCIU shared services agreement; authorized school district depositories; participation in purchasing collectives; district purchasing agents; 2026-27 insurance rates; lunch prices, which will remain flat; treasurer; tax levy; homestead allocation; real estate taxes installment payment plans; and discount and penalty periods for paying real estate taxes. The next Financial Affairs meeting is in August. Slide deck>

The Alumni Association of Cheltenham High School (AACHS) is excited to introduce Pages of Pride: Cheltenham High School Alumni Author event, a special gathering to celebrate the powerful voices, stories, and journeys that began in Cheltenham. AACHS is seeking to gather the collective voices of Cheltenham and the stories that have inspired the community and the world. Think of this as a Cheltenham "Literary Homecoming” where AACHS will highlight the creativity, scholarship, and storytelling of the alumni community.

Please share your input. Whether you are an author of a novel, several books, or have various published writings, your perspective will help us design an event that reflects our shared legacy and inspires future generations.

Please take a few moments to complete our brief survey. Your feedback will help AACHS:
• Identify alumni authors interested in participating
• Shape event programming and format
• Ensure the experience reflects the spirit and diversity of our CHS community