Haverford Happenings

On March 5, 2026, students from the IGNITE @ Haverford Student Leadership Program visited Drexel University to participate in a graduate-level session on Mind, Brain, and Learning, led by Dr. Kristen Betts with support from Dr. Michael Kodak. Students explored how the brain learns, debunked common neuromyths, and discussed emerging academic and career pathways in neuroscience and education.

The visit also included demonstrations of fNIRS brain imaging with Dr. Kurtuluş Izzetoglu, as well as biometrics and virtual reality with Dr. Arun Ramakrishnan in Drexel’s Health Sciences Building. The experience provided students with direct exposure to university research environments and potential future careers in science, health, and innovation.

"Experiences like the IGNITE Drexel field trip really help inspire students to explore STEM careers. Students arrived at Drexel University unsure of what to expect, but left with a new appreciation for the hands-on, real-world opportunities that STEM fields offer. They had the unique opportunity to tour engineering and health science labs, as well as meet the professors and students who work in them. Our students were impressed by the high-level thinking demonstrated by Drexel students and the innovative engineering projects they observed being designed and tested in the labs. Every student on the trip remained engaged and actively learning throughout the experience, and all of them expressed appreciation for this opportunity," said Mrs. Andrea Heinerichs, 9th Grade Science Teacher.

HHS student Adrian Rodriguez added, "The whole presentation and the experience of being around distinguished doctors and scientists doing research in these really cool labs to benefit real people in the field was very exciting. For example, learning about their fNIRS headband frontal lobe scanners was very interesting, and showed the potential of how work in a research career can help real people. This fNIRS technology is used to measure blood oxygenation levels of people working out in the field with head injuries who don't have access to complete medical treatment.

Being in the city on a nice college campus gave me a glimpse of what a STEM career/education would look like if I chose to go down that path. It also opened my eyes to career opportunities I hadn't considered or looked into enough, like biomedical engineering or just studying human psychology."

On Friday, March 20, the senior program directors from HHS’s WHHS radio station had an incredible opportunity to visit the WMMR studio. They received a behind-the-scenes look at the station and were even interviewed by Markus Goldman, Public Affairs Director at WMMR, for a segment highlighting their recent projects, interests, and the history of HHS Radio.
WHHS is proud to be the oldest continuously running high school FM station in the country.

You can listen here and learn what they’ve been working on!

Haverford High School recently hosted its second annual Skilled Trades Fair for all students, providing a valuable opportunity to explore a wide range of career pathways. Students connected with employers, unions, and organizations offering jobs, training programs, and apprenticeships, gaining firsthand insight into rewarding options beyond the traditional four-year college track.

In a world where college is often seen as the primary path after high school, it is important to recognize the significant value of vocational and technical careers. Skilled trades offer stability, competitive salaries, and the satisfaction of building, repairing, and creating. Students who pursue these careers are not only securing their own futures but also helping to meet critical needs within our community.

Events like the Skilled Trades Fair encourage students to explore their interests, consider a variety of pathways, and choose futures that align with their passions and goals.

The National Science Honor Society (NSHS) is a high school organization that recognizes students for excellence in science. Members are science students who participate in advanced coursework, STEM activities, and service projects. The society promotes interest in science, leadership, and research, while helping students build skills and strengthen college applications, especially for STEM fields.

The Haverford Chapter continues its tradition of recognizing teachers who have made a lasting impact on students and helped foster a passion for science. This year, the NSHS students recognized Ms. Kelly Kindregan, Haverford Middle School Eighth Grade Science teacher, who shared, "I became a teacher because of an amazing teacher I had in seventh grade who believed in me, challenged me, and helped me see my own potential. That experience showed me the powerful influence a teacher can have, and it inspired me to become the kind of educator who encourages curiosity, confidence, and a genuine love of learning, especially in science. My goal has always been to create a classroom where students feel supported, capable, and excited to explore, ask questions, and take intellectual risks." "

Dylan Khan introduced Mrs. Kindregan, adding, "She didn’t rush to tell us exactly what we did wrong. She would just ask a simple question to guide us and then let us figure it out from there. That’s what made her class different. It was always hands-on, engaging, and a lot of fun. She had a way of making us think for ourselves while still supporting us through the learning process. Her class sparked my interest in STEM, which has led me to pursue a career in Engineering. I’m really grateful I got to have her as a teacher, and I’m happy we all get to recognize her today.”

Ms. Cara Runk's high school students recently took a "sweet" approach to mastering complex statistical concepts! To dive into the mechanics of a confidence interval, groups were tasked with tossing 50 Hershey Kisses each.

By tracking how many Kisses landed flat on their base versus on their side, students gathered the raw data needed to calculate population proportions. This hands-on experiment allowed them to see firsthand how sample data can be used to derive an estimate for a larger population with a specific level of confidence. It was a fantastic way to turn abstract formulas into a tangible—and delicious—lesson in data analysis.

Haverford Middle School students recently took on the challenge of the “Great Egg Drop,” an exciting, hands-on engineering project designed to put their problem-solving skills to the test. The goal: design a protective carrier that would keep two eggs, representing passengers in a car, safe when dropped from a height of 35 feet.

Working in teams of up to three, students designed and constructed their own egg protection devices using the Engineering Design Process. Throughout the project, they explored key scientific concepts such as Newton’s Laws of Motion, speed, acceleration, force, and energy, applying their learning in a real-world context.

One of the most challenging aspects of the project is a key design constraint: students are not allowed to use materials that slow the descent, such as parachutes, wings, or airfoils. Instead, their designs must simulate a car crash, meaning each device must be carefully engineered to withstand impact from any angle and keep both “passengers” unharmed.

This iteration of the project, which has been part of the curriculum since 2019, proved especially challenging. Approximately 25% of teams successfully protected both eggs, while many others managed to save one.

Beyond the drop itself, a critical component of the project is reflection. After testing, students analyzed their designs and considered what they would do differently if given another opportunity. This process of iteration and improvement is at the heart of engineering and a key takeaway from the experience.

The Great Egg Drop remains a highlight for students, combining creativity, collaboration, and scientific thinking in a memorable, engaging way.

Project LIT at Haverford Middle School is an after-school, inclusive extracurricular club for students who want to use books to educate themselves and others. More than just a reading group, Project LIT creates a safe and welcoming space where students can come together, share ideas, and explore important topics through literature.

A key part of Project LIT is elevating student voice. Students value having a space where they can be heard, be themselves, and engage with perspectives that may differ from their own. Through thoughtful conversations and shared reading experiences, members build understanding, empathy, and a stronger sense of community.

In addition to book discussions, Project LIT hosts events that celebrate culture and connection. This year, students participated in activities and learning experiences connected to Purim, Black History Month, and Women’s History Month. For Purim, students learned about the story of the holiday, made hamantaschen, and celebrated together as a community. During Women’s History Month, four 8th-grade students highlighted influential women by sharing their stories on the morning announcements each day in March. To celebrate the end of the month, the students wore special shirts designed by Dr. Silvino Alexander.

These events help bring learning to life and foster an inclusive environment where all students feel represented and valued. Project LIT continues to grow as a meaningful space at HMS, one where students connect, learn, and lead.

Haverford Middle School 7th-grade students in Jenna Gruber’s art class studied pop artist Claes Oldenburg, exploring his large-scale sculptures, including the iconic Clothespin in Center City Philadelphia.

As a class, students discussed what defines pop culture today and how it can vary across communities, age groups, and regions of the world. Working in small groups, students collaborated to identify a shared idea that represented something popular to them. Groups that had difficulty reaching consensus were encouraged to consider items that were widely recognized within the HMS community or among 7th graders.

One group selected Cenzo’s as their pop culture inspiration, explaining that “kids in H-town all know Cenzo’s, and it’s been a pizza place in the community forever.” The group designed a large-scale pizza box using cardboard, reinforced it with Plastercraft for durability, and hand-painted the final product. The pizza slices were sculpted using brown paper and masking tape, then coated with Plastercraft and painted to complete the piece.

The WordMasters Challenge™ is an exercise in critical thinking that first encourages students to

become familiar with a set of interesting new words (considerably harder than grade level), and then challenges them to use those words to complete analogies expressing various kinds of logical relationships. Working to solve the analogies helps students learn to think both analytically and metaphorically. Although most vocabulary enrichment and analogy-solving programs are designed for use by high school students, WordMasters Challenge™ materials have been specifically created for younger students in grades three through eight. They are particularly well-suited for children who are motivated by the challenge of learning new words and enjoy the logical puzzles posed by analogies.

A team representing Chatham Park Elementary achieved Highest Honors! The third-grade team scored an impressive 170 points out of a possible 200 in the second of three meets this year, placing tenth in the nation. Competing in the difficult Blue Division of the WordMasters Challenge™, third graders Patrick Finnegan and Sean Jung, and fifth grader Aliza Reifsnyder each earned a perfect score of 20 on the challenge. Nationally, only 10 third graders and 53 fifth graders achieved this result.

Competing in the difficult Blue Division of the WordMasters Challenge™, Chestnutwold Elementary fourth grader Ahaan Keenheel earned a perfect score of 20 on the challenge. Nationally, only 26 fourth graders achieved this result. Other students from Chestnutwold Elementary School who achieved outstanding results at the meet include third-grader Charles DeLorenzo.

Two teams representing Lynnewood Elementary School achieved Highest Honors in the 39th annual WordMasters Challenge™. The fifth-grade team scored an impressive 187 points out of a possible 200 in the first of three meets this year, placing third in the nation. In addition, the third-grade team scored 169 points to finish ninth nationwide.

Competing in the difficult Blue Division of the WordMasters Challenge™, fifth graders Lily Marino and Dani Prensky each earned a perfect score of 20 on the challenge. Nationally, only 29 fifth graders achieved this result. Other students from Lynnewood Elementary School who achieved outstanding results in the meet include fifth graders Anneke Bulthuis, Atticus Castro, John Cusack, and Elliott Healy.

The Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl is an academic team competition designed for 5th-grade students, emphasizing knowledge, teamwork, and quick thinking. It is offered in all 50 states. In a fast-paced, game-show format, students collaborate to answer questions across various subjects, including math, geography, government, sports, spelling, science, literature, English, history, general knowledge, and fun trivia. This experience fosters confidence, collaboration, and a love of learning while providing students with the opportunity to compete against peers from other schools.

We’re looking for volunteers to help make the TWILIGHT RUN a success, and we’d love your support! We need day-of volunteers for a variety of roles, including course marshals, setup and breakdown, and water station support. Whether you can give a little time or stay for the duration of the event, your help will make a big difference in ensuring everything runs smoothly.

If you’re available and willing to lend a hand, please let us know. We truly appreciate your support in making this a great event for our community!

You can sign up here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXB7yda4wEHT8Sb772KBhMduwe4ophX6Lb0RyhFkxNoigkGA/viewform

The Haverford Township School District Education Foundation (HTSDEF) is thrilled to announce the return of its signature fundraising event, the Twilight Run | Walk, on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Lynnewood Elementary School. After a brief hiatus, the event returns to unite students, families, educators, and community members for an evening of celebration, movement, and support for educational innovation across the district.

The Twilight Run | Walk is more than a community 5K—it’s a chance to rally behind creative learning, innovative classroom tools, and student-driven programs made possible by HTSDEF. Proceeds directly support teacher grants, student enrichment initiatives, and opportunities that fall outside traditional budget lines.

“The energy, enthusiasm, and unity this event brings is unmatched,” said Michelle Collier, President of the HTSDEF Board. “We’re excited to welcome our community back for an evening that not only uplifts our schools, but celebrates the collective impact we can have when we invest in public education.”

The Foundation invites local businesses, sponsors, and individuals to partner with us to meet our ambitious fundraising goal of $50,000—funds that go directly toward expanding learning opportunities across all grade levels.

Dr. Matthew C. Hayes, Superintendent of the School District of Haverford Township, added: “The Twilight Run has become a symbol of our community's deep commitment to our district's excellence. The Foundation's work enhances every school in our district, and events like these inspire our students to dream big and achieve even more. I'm excited to participate and look forward to seeing everyone there."

Sponsorships and registration are now open. For more information or to get involved, please visit www.haverfordedfoundation.org.

About HTSDEF
Founded in 2004, the Haverford Township School District Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the educational experience of all students in the Haverford Township School District by funding programs and initiatives beyond the scope of the school budget.

The District’s English Learner (EL) team recently hosted a Family Night Ice Cream Celebration at Chatham Park Elementary, bringing together approximately 70 students and family members from across the District. The event provided a welcoming and inclusive environment where EL students connected with peers from other schools, and families engaged with one another and with staff in a relaxed, community-centered setting. The evening highlighted the District’s commitment to inclusivity by honoring the diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds of our families and ensuring that all participants felt valued, supported, and connected. The strong turnout and positive interactions reflected a continued focus on fostering belonging, building relationships, and strengthening partnerships with our school community.

Welcome to Technology Corner, your monthly snapshot of digital tools, tips, and innovations supporting teaching and learning across the district.

April is a month to think about the protection of our identities and our responsibility to our planet. Identity Management Day is April 14th, and Earth Day is on April 22nd. Remember to keep yourself safe online, but also try to take breaks from technology to spend quality time with family and friends, as warmer weather is on the horizon.

1. Attached Earth Day Technology Impacts on the Environment Posters

2. Identity Management Day 2026 - Interactive Website that educates and informs about protecting identity and identity data management strategies.

3. Personal Identity Management [Article Guide]

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires all school districts to administer the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA), an annual standards-based assessment that measures a student’s attainment of the Pennsylvania Academic Standards in English-Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, and Science.

Students in grades 3-8 for the 2025-2026 school year will automatically take designated PSSAs. Students in grades 5th and 8th will take the Science PSSA. Starting this year, all students will take their PSSA online using their Chromebooks. Schools have begun preparing students for the online administration of the assessment.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education has determined that the PSSA testing window is from April 21 to May 8, 2026. Testing will commence on April 21st in our elementary and middle schools. Your child’s school principal will provide specific assessment schedules regarding the times of each assessment.

Since 2023, the District has required verification of continued residency in the township and confirmation of contact information for fifth (5th) and eighth (8th) grade students who plan to attend Haverford Middle School and Haverford High School in September 2026.

In accordance with Board policy #200, Enrollment of Students, the District requires each student’s residency to be verified by parents/guardians or other adults with whom the student resides prior to June 30, 2026.

Starting March 1, 2026, families can submit their verification documents through their PowerSchool parent account (PowerSchool Parent Accounts).

Each student verification requires two (2) acceptable documents, as outlined in the policy, current and in their entirety, with the address and name(s) clearly indicated. Examples of acceptable documents include:

• Current Mortgage Statement
• Current Real Estate Tax Bill (2026)
• Current and Fully Signed Lease Agreement
• Deed
• Current Utility Bill (e.g., PECO, Aqua, etc.)
• PennDOT Identification Card
• Settlement Statement
• Current Credit Card Bill

Documentation submitted by families will be reviewed for authenticity and accuracy beginning in March and continuing through June. Once your child’s documents have been verified, confirmation will be communicated through your PowerSchool parent/guardian account.

Completing the Residency Verification Form in PowerSchool

If you do not plan to return in September 2026, please notify the District.

If you encounter a problem during the process, we are happy to assist you. Please contact ITHelpDesk@haverfordsd.net.

Throughout the year, the School District and the DCIU offer free workshops to help parents/guardians better navigate the often challenging roadmap of educating their children with disabilities or learning challenges. Please check this website frequently, as it is updated throughout the year. You can find the list of upcoming training on our website at the link below.

SAVE THE DATE! Secondary Transition Fair The Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU), in partnership with the Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disability (OIDD), is hosting two Secondary Transition Fairs designed to support students with disabilities as they prepare for life after high school.

The Community Information section of our website is divided into four sections.

1. Area School-Age Care; this section houses flyers to external providers for school-age before/after care, as well as kindergarten enrichment programs.
2. General Community Information; this section contains general informational flyers about opportunities and events for the community.
3. Parent Teacher Associations; this section houses links to external websites that contain content about our schools' Parent Teacher Associations.
4. General Community Links; this section contains links to external websites for our community.

Construction continues to progress well at Coopertown. Over spring break, classrooms were relocated from the existing Kindergarten and 1st grade wing into the two newly completed classroom additions at the rear of the building. This move allows the original wing to be closed so renovation work can begin. While some punch list items remain in the new classrooms, this work will be completed during off-hours. The new fire alarm and PA systems have been tested and are fully operational in the additions, and sidewalks around the new spaces are currently being installed.

At the front of the building, masons are installing the new brick façade, and most of the windows have been installed. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-ins above ceilings and within walls are ongoing in the new administration addition.

Inside the former auditorium, which is being converted into the new library, most of the work has been completed. The goal is to turn this space over to the district in the coming weeks, where it will serve as the temporary front office through the end of the school year. Once the current front office is vacated, it will be turned over to contractors for demolition and construction of the new nurse suite and office spaces.

The Board work session is the first meeting of the month and includes limited agenda items to conduct routine business, such as personnel matters, financial approvals, and pupil service matters that may need consideration before the second meeting. The majority of the board work session consists of presentations from the administration and our consultants, with discussions among the Board that are more similar to what occurs in our committee meetings. No official action is taken during the work portion of the meeting.

The second meeting of the month is the Board action meeting, where official action by vote is taken on items after a chance for Board member deliberations. We use a consent agenda process at the action meeting each month to streamline the approval of items that have been considered and discussed thoroughly during the work portion of prior meetings. We continue to hold two public comment sections at each meeting.

Both meetings work in tandem to ensure a strategic decision-making process that is student-centered, inclusive of, and transparent with our community members. We believe this approach aligns with our district goals of Belonging, Civic Pride, and Community Engagement, allowing for collective, informed, and inclusive decision-making practices.

Policies that have been thoroughly discussed, reviewed, and advanced through a First Read will now be listed for Second Reading and adoption by the Board during the Legislative portion of our Work Sessions. The District intends to maintain best practice with regard to Policy review and approval. Moving forward with this practice allows us to thoroughly and routinely update and approve policy.

A page with dates and topics for both work sessions and action meetings is available on the School Board section on the website.

*The topics identified for board meetings throughout the year are being provided to increase community engagement and transparency. These topics are proposed and are not exhaustive; they are subject to change.

At the March 19 school board meeting, students from Coopertown Elementary demonstrated how their schoolwide Morning Meeting is conducted. Each month, a different grade level takes responsibility for leading the meeting, which is centered around a holiday or seasonal theme. Students in each homeroom are assigned a number, and as they enter the gym, they sit in a circle with their “number family.” The students then lead the Morning Meeting using the following structure: Introduction, Pledge of Allegiance, Greeting, Sharing Activity, and Morning Message.

Each year, the One Book, One Chestnutwold committee chooses a text with a theme that guides our work for the year. Throughout the school year, they incorporate activities that align with the theme.
This year, that theme is “I Believe I Can.” In collaboration with the high school math department and its students, our Chestnutwold students were encouraged to think, “I believe I can” as they engaged with math puzzles designed by high school mathematicians. The high school students introduced their puzzles and worked alongside small groups, providing guidance and support as students collaborated to solve them.

The School District of Haverford Township utilizes BoardDocs, an online, paperless resource for all school board meetings. Here, you can find the agenda, meeting minutes, video replay, and board policies. The meetings are live-streamed on YouTube.

Board Meetings will be held at the Oakmont Administration Building.

Upcoming Meetings:

• April 9: School Board Work Session 7:00 PM
• April 23: School Board Action Meeting 7:30 PM
• May 7: School Board Work Session 7:00 PM
• May 21: School Board Action Meeting 7:30 PM

* NOTE DATE CHANGES FOR JUNE

• June 11: School Board Work Session 7:00 PM
• June 25: School Board Action Meeting 7:30 PM

All presentations and videos are available on BoardDocs.

April 3: Religious Holiday (schools & offices closed)
April 6: Teacher In-Service day (no school for students)
April 7: Schools reopen

May 19: Teacher In-Service Day (no school for students)
May 22: Teacher in-service day (early dismissal)
May 25: Memorial Day Holiday (schools & offices closed)

2025-2026 Calendar (At a Glance)

*The District calendar has been updated to reschedule an in-service day from May 12th to May 19th to accommodate the local primary elections.

Join our team! Click HERE to view available positions across the District and how to apply.

The School District of Haverford Township is currently seeking applicants for the 2026 Extended School Year. Special Education Positions available: Speech and Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Special Education Teachers - Elementary, Special Education Teachers - Secondary, Life Skills Teachers, Autistic Support Teachers, Emotional Support Teachers, and Wilson Certified Teachers. Must be PA-certified in Special Education.
The dates are from June 29 through July 31 - Monday through Thursday.
Please visit the School District of Haverford Township website at https://lnkd.in/e8fu2_Px to apply.

The mission of the School District of Haverford Township is to educate and to inspire a community of lifelong learners who become well-rounded global citizens.

Website: https://www.haverford.k12.pa.us/
Location: 50 East Eagle Road, Havertown, PA, USA
Phone: 610-853-5900
Twitter: @haverfordsd