Glenside Summer Updates

"History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children." -Nelson Mandela

This year, we remain deeply committed to focusing on every child, every day, whatever it takes. We will double down on our expectations for kindness and joy, while expanding opportunities for project-based learning. Our approach will be to meet each scholar where they are, leverage their unique strengths, and do everything we can to help every student thrive.

Together, we’ll make sure the everyday lives of our children are not just great — but truly exceptional.

We hope this message finds you well and still savoring the sweetness of summer. Believe it or not, we’re just 15 weekdays away from welcoming back our incredible scholars and staff—and we’re getting excited!

As we begin to shift gently toward the rhythm of a new school year, we want to take a moment to recommit to the values that guide our work: care, equity, partnership, and dignity for all. At Glenside, we believe that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated—and we extend that same belief to every member of our community. Together, we will continue to create a school that reflects the brilliance of our children and the strength of our collective commitment.

In this issue, you’ll:
📌 Meet some of our amazing new staff members who are eager to join our journey
📅 Get reminders about important back-to-school dates
💡 Learn about how we’re preparing to make this year another one focused on making the everyday lives of children great

We can’t do this work alone. Your partnership as parents and caregivers is essential—and deeply valued. Whether through a morning smile at drop-off, a quick note to a teacher, or your presence at a school event, your care helps shape the culture of our school.

As we continue to prepare behind the scenes, we encourage you to soak up these final days of summer joy—slow mornings, outdoor play, and precious time with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming our scholars and staff—new and returning—very soon!

With warmth and anticipation,

Dr. Michelle L. Robinson, Principal

Mr. Byron Ryan, Vice Principal

• Teaching Philosophy- "I believe in creating a classroom culture of learning through mistakes and overcoming obstacles through teamwork."
• Education - BA, Economics from Millersville University, M.ED., Elementary Education, Arcadia University
• Other Certifications- Health and Wellness Coach, SEL Facilitation, Barre Instructor, Balletone Instructor, Yoga 500 RYT
• Previously Taught- Title I, Math Support, ESL, 6th Grade Reading
• Professional Highlights- Who's Who Among America's Teachers, Member, Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society
• Member, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

• Years in Cheltenham - This will be her 9th year in the Cheltenham School District!
• Education- Graduated from West Chester University.
• Advanced Degrees - Holds a Master’s degree in Reading along with a Reading Specialist Certification.
• Hobbies - Loves staying active and exploring the outdoors.
• Exciting News - Newly engaged!

• Education - Graduated from Villanova University with a Bachelor's in Sociology and earned a Master’s in Education from Cabrini College.
• Teaching Experience - Taught upper elementary for 15 years in the School District of Philadelphia before joining EP in 2023.
• Classroom Philosophy - Loves creating a nurturing, inclusive classroom where every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to thrive.
• Fun at Home - A proud girl mom and shares her home with a beloved yellow lab named Rufus.
• Fun Fact - Completed five full marathons!

• Education - A proud graduate of Swarthmore College and the Penn State Smeal College of Business MBA program.
• Creative Accomplishment - A published writer and poet.
• Teaching Experience - Has taught at both the elementary and high school levels.
• Fun Fact - Appeared in a promotional ad on OWN TV with none other than Oprah Winfrey!
• Favorite Pastimes - Loves reading, crocheting, spending time with friends and family, and discovering new bookshops, coffeehouses, and creameries.

• Education and Teaching - A proud graduate of West Chester University with a degree in Early Grades Preparation & Math Minor. They’ve taught both 2nd grade and kindergarten, and are excited to teach 4th grade this year!
• New Hobbies - They’ve recently taken up pickleball and line dancing—and are having a blast!
• Family Time - They love spending time with family, especially relaxing on their boat at the lake.
• Favorite Color - Their favorite color is blue!
• Athletic Background - They were a competitive cheerleader for seven years.

• Education & Training - B.S. Elementary Education Prek-4 & M.S. ED Special Education Prek-12 from Temple University. Cheltenham High School Graduate and completed her student teaching at Wyncote Elementary.
• Art Enthusiast-Loves going to concerts and has a strong passion for the arts.
• Family and Friends - Enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones.
• Philly Sports Fan - Proudly loyal to all things Philadelphia sports—Go Birds
• Curious Reader - Enjoys reading and diving into research on a variety of topics
• Food and Travel - Loves trying new restaurants and exploring different cities.

• Hobby Alert - I like to ride my bike in my spare time.
• Sports Fan - I love sports—especially football. Go EAGLES!
• Glenside Grad Parent - I have two kids who graduated from Glenside.
• All About the Vibes - I like giving high fives and fist bumps!
• Favorite Color - Black.

• Noel Kress- Autistic Support Teacher - Joining us from Wyncote
• Sara Chernov- K-2 Counselor - Joining us from CBK
• Barbara Conway - Part-Time Gifted Teacher - Joining us from CBK

• Tavia Brooks - 5th Grade Teacher
• Jessica Hoffman - 3rd Grade Teacher
• Ryan Morrison- STEM Teacher
• Stacey Epstein - Math Specialist
• Sara Ryzner - ESL Teacher

• Thursday, August 14, 2025 - Back to School Playground Party, 6:00-7:30pm; Tentatively Class Assignments & Important Back to School Updates Emailed out to Families.
• Wednesday, August 20, 2025 - New Student Orientation (1st-5th Grade ONLY), 5:00-6:00pm
• Thursday, August 21, 2025 - Kindergarten Orientation, 6:00-7:30 pm
• Monday, August 25, 2025 - 1st Day of School (Early Dismissal 1:20pm); New Family Welcome: Coffee and Cry sponsored by P.A.W.S.
• Wednesday, September 10, 2025 - Back to School Night, 6:00-8:00pm

This is the 25-26 school year minimum list of items agreed upon by the grade team, however, teachers may have a few more homeroom specific items to request at the start of the year.

Email: mrobinson@cheltenham.org
Website: https://ges.cheltenham.org/
Location: 400 Harrison Road, Glenside PA 19038
Phone: (215) 881-6440