News from the Nest

May 21, 2025

Each day as your superintendent, I experience firsthand that our students are, and always will be, at the center of everything we do. Whether in the classroom or behind the scenes, our team remains focused on supporting their growth and success.

In this newsletter, you will find an update on the proposed 2025–26 budget, grounded in our new Comprehensive Plan and designed to sustain the excellence Upper Dublin School District is known for while advancing our strategic vision for the future. You will also see moments from across our schools that demonstrate how this shared vision is already in motion—through engaged learning, strong relationships, and meaningful opportunities that help every student thrive.

Dr. Laurie Smith
Superintendent

The UDSD Employee Appreciation Week celebrated all of the "All-Stars" who support Upper Dublin students each day. Thank you to everyone who joined in our celebrations and made this week extra special for our incredible team. See this video for a week recap!

Following a thorough review, the School Board is considering a budget totaling $126.8 million to maintain all current district programs and services, support long-term financial planning and facility improvements, and introduce strategic investments in staff, student services, and curriculum — all designed to enhance student learning and well-being.

• A new special education program for students ages 18–21, helping our young adults with disabilities build life and job skills right here in our district.
• Expanded student support services, including new staff for autistic support, emotional support, and behavioral needs.
• Instructional coaches in STEM and humanities to strengthen instruction, drive innovation, and support curriculum development.
• Introducing FOSS Pathways, a modern K–5 science curriculum that is hands-on, engaging, and aligned with the latest state standards and i-Ready, a research-based diagnostic assessment and intervention tool that uses a strengths-based approach to guide instruction and grow student knowledge in reading and math.

• A new School Security Officer at Sandy Run, reflecting our commitment to student safety as a top priority and a foundation for learning.

• Upgraded wireless access across all schools, ensuring fast, reliable internet access that supports teaching, learning, and daily operations.

• Rising Personnel Costs: Salaries and benefits account for approximately 72% of the overall budget. We employ nearly 800 team members whose work directly supports the learning, safety, and well-being of our 4,100 students.
• Lost Revenue: A sharp increase in commercial property tax appeals has led to a $1.25 million drop in local property tax revenue.
• Increased Special Education Needs: Like many districts nationwide, we are seeing a rise in the number of students who require special education services. Currently, approximately 17% of students in our district receive individualized supports and services.
• Facility Planning: By continually investing in our capital reserve fund, we maintain and improve district facilities valued at $330M, fostering high-quality learning environments that empower student achievement.

• With 78% of our district’s funding coming from local taxes, community investment is what enables us to maintain our schools’ exceptional reputation for excellence, continue meeting the evolving needs of our students, and uphold our place among the top ranked schools in Pennsylvania.

• We invite you to stay involved. We encourage you to review the Proposed Final Budget and to attend the upcoming Board of School Directors meetings to share your feedback.

JTES Spring Orchestra Concert: Wednesday, May 21 at 6:00PM | SRMS Auditorium

JTES Spring Band Concert: Wednesday, May 21 at 7:00PM | SRMS Auditorium

Celebration of Cultures: Thursday, May 22 at 5:00PM | UDHS Performing Arts Center Lobby

FWES Spring Band & Chorus Concert: Thursday, May 22 at 7:00PM | FWES Gymnasium

Memorial Day/Schools and Offices Closed: Monday, May 26

Preparing for 6th Grade at SRMS: Tuesday, May 27 at 7PM | SRMS Auditorium

This Thursday, May 22, our district will host its first-ever Celebration of Cultures, an evening event dedicated to celebrating the rich diversity that makes up our school community. Enjoy samples of traditional cuisine from countries like Vietnam, Turkey, and France, displays of cultural artifacts, and view traditional attire during our Walk of Cultures. This is an open house event in the Upper Dublin High School Performing Arts Center Lobby from 5-6PM.

Shown above: Among our tables, you can taste Puerto Rican coquito, see traditional Vietnamese attire, learn origami, and sample a French St. Michel cookie!

Honor a teacher, staff member, or bus driver with Cardinal Kudos—a donation to the Upper Dublin Education Foundation (UDEF) made in their honor! Your honoree will receive a personalized certificate, and your gift supports innovative grants and programs. This is a thoughtful way to show appreciation and support educational excellence! Make your honorary donation here.

Thanks to the Upper Dublin Education Foundation (UDEF), students benefited this year from the Eleliteracy program, the first-ever UDHS Computer Science Showcase, and enhancements to STEM learning at Sandy Run—among many other initiatives. Explore everything UDEF makes possible for students and support their work through Cardinal Kudos on their website.

Fifth graders from Jarrettown Elementary and Thomas Fitzwater Elementary have been exchanging letters with pen pals all year—and this week, the pairs finally met in person for some get-to-know you activities! Students enjoyed connecting with new classmates they will join at Sandy Run next year.

As we implement the new Illustrative Math (IM) curriculum, our team of instructional coaches, administrators, and curriculum leaders are conducting classroom walk-throughs to share IM best practices across our district (shown here at Maple Glen Elementary). For Youth Mental Health Awareness Week, Upper Dublin High School's Hope Squad hosted group discussions with local organizations, shared inspiring messages across the school, collected a pledge for youth mental health, and provided de-stress sessions with therapy dogs.

Fort Washington Elementary continues its tradition of engaging students in community service through a collection to support Cradles to Crayons. Learn more about their efforts to collect gently used shoes, clothing, and books, and how the students help to make sure these items were in suitable condition for donation in this video.

Our music students have been performing spring concerts throughout the month, showcasing their talents and the skills they have developed under the direction of our exceptional music team. We also saw UDSD faculty member Dr. Richard Schmidt and seniors William Matthews and Avery Solomon awarded Upper Dublin Medals.

Congratulations to the cast and crew of two amazing productions in our district last weekend, including Sandy Run's sixth grade production of Alice in Wonderland, Jr. and Thomas Fitwater's fifth grade production of Finding Nemo Kids.

It’s been an exciting month for our seniors as they culminate their high school journey. Many are participating in the Community Study program, spending their final weeks in internships or community service. We also celebrated Senior Prom on May 10—thank you to all the volunteers who made Post Prom a fun and safe success!

Upper Dublin High School was recently recognized in USA Today as ranking among the Top 25 schools (we are #14!) in Pennsylvania for high school athletes.

All of our Cardinal teams this spring made it into the post-season. Special congratulations to Cardinals Girls Lacrosse for a thrilling come-from-behind 11-10 win over Radnor, which solidified a State Playoff berth and the team's first appearance in a District Semifinal game! For the most up-to-date information and team schedules, visit our Big Teams Calendar.

Girls Flag Football received a generous $3,000 donation from the Philadelphia Eagles this year to launch the sport here at UD. Student Kendall Musgrove, one of the students who helped pioneer the program, has received the Girls Flag Football Mini Max High School Award for her efforts.

Policy Committee

Wednesday, June 4 @ 6:00 PM

Finance Committee

Tuesday, June 18 @ 6:00 PM

Legislative Meeting

Monday, June 23 @ 7:00 PM

Helpful Links:

Agendas | Minutes | Public Participation

Recordings

Policies

Communication Pathways

*While the School Board values public participation, we would like to remind our stakeholders that concerns are often most effectively addressed when directed first to the staff member or administrator directly involved.

Join the 2SLGBTQQIA+ Equity Committee in raising the Pride Flag at the UDHS flag pole on Wednesday, May 28 at 6:30 pm. All allies are welcome! Please contact Jenny at jkanderson7100@hotmail.com or Melissa at mdb715@gmail.com with any questions.

You’re Invited! Online registration is now open to join Girl Scouts starting Summer/Fall 2025 for girls entering K-12. Join in the fun and learn more with UD Girl Scouts at a local event - see flyer for dates and locations.

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