News from the Nest

As we move through the fall semester, our schools are actively engaged in programs that support students’ academic growth and strengthen our sense of community. This issue of News from the Nest highlights activities and experiences that foster collaboration, cooperation, and curiosity while sparking imagination. You’ll also find helpful reminders and a list of upcoming opportunities to enjoy our students’ artistic talents in action.

Kind regards,

Dr. Laurie Smith
Superintendent

Upper Dublin School District, in partnership with Upper Dublin Police Department and Upper Dublin Township, will soon roll out BusPatrol, a new school bus safety initiative designed to protect students and deter dangerous driving around school buses. Beginning October 20, 30 district buses will be equipped with photo-enforcement cameras that capture the license plates of vehicles that illegally pass a stopped school bus. Video evidence is reviewed by local law enforcement before a violation notice is issued.

Pennsylvania law requires motorists to stop at least 10 feet from a school bus when its red lights are flashing and the stop-arm is extended. Violators face a $300 fine.

This program, shown to reduce illegal passings in other communities, reflects Upper Dublin’s ongoing commitment to student safety and to educating drivers about the rules that keep children safe on their way to and from school. Learn more at udsd.org/buspatrol.

Jarrettown third graders and Fort Washington fourth graders are using creative ways to introduce themselves to one another. At JTES, students decorated Crocs to showcase their hobbies and personalities, then wrote short essays to explain their designs. At FWES, students shared baby photos accompanied by "About Me" descriptions, while classmates had fun guessing which project matched each student.

Sandy Run sixth-grade teams spent a day at Camp America, where they built confidence through activities like rock climbing and zip lining and strengthened collaboration skills through a series of team-building exercises led by the camp’s trained staff.

Our educators spark student thinking about citizenship in fun, creative ways. Thomas Fitzwater fourth graders explored positive behaviors and actions at their own PAWS Carnival, while Upper Dublin High School held a schoolwide trivia game and spirit week—including Dress Like a Character Day—to celebrate school expectations and shared values, including Respect, Responsibility, and Relationships.

Illustrative Math is underway in our elementary schools. These Maple Glen second graders built picture graphs to develop a visual understanding of data and conducted their first “Gallery Walks” to observe and discuss each other’s work.

Mr. Pestridge's Maple Glen fifth graders marked September 11 with a visit from Mrs. Jill Fuller, who shared her experiences as a New York City high school senior that day and recounted the sense of camaraderie that followed. One student reflected, “Even though it was a scary day, everybody across the world reached out to each other like family.” In the spirit of helping, the UDHS MiniTHON Club kicked off its pediatric cancer fundraising with a successful car wash on Saturday—thank you to all who supported the cause.

Join us in Cardinal Stadium on September 27 for the UDHS Marching Cardinals' Spectacle in Sound band competition! Enjoy performances from high schools across the region and a special performance from the Towson University Marching Band. Learn more.

Upper Dublin High School Theatre has unveiled its 2025–26 season: Jane Austen’s Emma (November 2025), a showcase of one-act plays (January 2026), and the beloved musical Hello, Dolly! (March 2026). Save the dates and get details on their website.

UDSD Food Services is serving up exciting new tastes this fall! Recently, students enjoyed chicken tikka masala featuring a house-made sauce created from peak-season produce. Each month also brings a new Harvest of the Month featured items—bell peppers are in the spotlight right now—showcasing locally grown ingredients like sweet potatoes, mushrooms, and leafy greens sourced through our partnership with The Common Market. And don’t forget: free breakfast is available to every student, every school day—a delicious way to start the morning!

Our school district’s planetarium is an extraordinary resource, and on Thursday, October 16, it will be open to the community for a special, immersive look at the night sky. Step inside and enjoy a full-dome view of stars, planets, and cosmic wonders—perfect for curious minds of all ages.

@ 6:30 PM – Moon Witch

Explore spooky moon myths and discover why the moon changes shape in our sky.

@ 7:30 PM – Legends of the Night Sky: Perseus & Andromeda

Enjoy a lively retelling of this Greek adventure, complete with a tour of the winter night sky.

🎟️ $7 per person, per show. Seats are limited—purchase tickets online by Oct. 9!

Finance Committee & Special Legislative

Wednesday, September 17 @ 6:00PM

Legislative Meeting

Monday, September 29 @ 7:00PM

Meetings held in the Upper Dublin High School Cardinal Room

Agendas | Livestream | Public Participation

Review the assessment tools we use to monitor student progress and the schedule for conducting these assessments each year. New this year, we will introduce the i-Ready diagnostic exam for all students K-5.

Our Attendance Overview provides guidance for reporting absences, understanding excused vs. unexcused absences, student travel requests, and what happens when a student accumulates absences.

UDEF Parent Informational Program with the Organization for Social Media Safety

Monday, October 6

Child Guidance Resource Center Parent Resource Groups

September 22-25

AASF Quarterly Meeting (Virtual)

Friday, September 26

Meet the Girls Scouts

Saturday, September 27

**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.