News from the Nest

As we step into October, I am excited to share the many ways our students and staff are excelling in and beyond the classroom. From distinguished coaching honors to innovative lessons, interactive student learning, and special community events, this month’s updates highlight the creativity and excellence thriving across Upper Dublin schools. Thank you for your continued support as we celebrate these achievements together.

Kind regards,

Dr. Laurie Smith
Superintendent

During this month's School Board legislative meeting, we proudly recognized Anthony Ginaldi, a senior at Upper Dublin High School, as the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology's September 2025 Student of the Month for excellence in their Automotive Technology Program. Anthony is the first of just ten students from across eight sending districts that EASTERN will honor this year for exceptional achievement, leadership, and service.

The School Board has approved a two-year contract with the Upper Dublin Education Association (UDEA). Thanks to a successful round of “early bird negotiations,” both parties were able to focus on key priorities and reach a collaborative agreement well ahead of schedule. The new contract will officially take effect on July 1, 2026, when the current agreement expires.

The Pennsylvania High School Swim Coaches Association (PHSSCA) has named UDHS Coach Brandon Pierce the 2025 Pennsylvania AAA Girls Coach of the Year. Now entering his 14th season with Upper Dublin—and his fifth leading the girls’ team—Coach Pierce has guided the Cardinal Girls to back-to-back district titles, a 2024 state runner-up finish, and the 2025 state championship. His team has also dominated dual meets, remaining undefeated over the past three years with an impressive 28-0 record. Congratulations to Coach Pierce! Pictured is Coach Pierce (far right) celebrating the Girls' Swim and Dive Team's 2025 State Championship.

Cardinal Girls Lacrosse Coach Dee Cross has been selected for induction into the Montgomery County Coaches Hall of Fame, Class of 2025! Coach Cross is in her 31st year leading girls’ lacrosse—13 at Abington and 18 at Upper Dublin—amassing a 323–216–9 career record, including 233–97 at UD. Her teams have captured nine Suburban One League championships, made 15 District 1 appearances, and reached the PIAA state tournament three times, while she has coached five All-Americans along the way. Congratulations Coach Cross! Pictured center is Coach Cross celebrating her 300th career win with Cardinals Girls' Lacrosse in 2024.

We are proud to join the National Association of Elementary School Principals, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, and the American Federation of School Administrators to recognize the start of National Principals Month. We celebrate our dedicated principals for their leadership, vision, and commitment to student success! Pictured from left to right: Michael Ridout (Jarrettown), Nicolas Perez (Maple Glen), Jennifer Nuskey (Sandy Run), Hannah Kim (Thomas Fitzwater), Shawn McAleer (Fort Washington), and Daniel Ortiz, Ed.D. (Upper Dublin High School)

As Upper Dublin School District, the Upper Dublin Police Department, and Upper Dublin Township prepare to launch BusPatrol safety cameras on October 20, we want to remind our community of Pennsylvania’s school bus stopping laws. Motorists must stop at least 10 feet away when a bus has its red lights flashing and stop sign extended—whether behind, in front, or at an intersection—and remain stopped until all children are safely off the road. The only exception is when traffic is separated by a physical barrier such as a median or guardrail. Violations carry a $300 fine. See the video above for a visual guide to these laws.

As a culminating activity in the introductory unit of Sports Medicine, high school students applied their understanding of directional terms, bone identification, and fracture patterns by examining real X-ray samples. This lab provided a practical foundation for terminology that will be used throughout the course and valuable insight into how athletic injuries are identified and treated.

Eighth graders in Linear Equations classes applied STEM concepts by constructing right triangle ramps and racing cars to hit a target, putting their math and problem-solving skills to work in a fun, interactive lesson. For Constitution Day last week, Ms. Griffin's fifth graders explored the U.S. Constitution, learning about its articles, the Bill of Rights, amendments, and discussing how it guides our government and protects citizens’ rights.

Fort Washington students have been taking lessons outdoors in their newly reimagined Building/Thinking Courtyard, made possible with support from the Upper Dublin Education Foundation. Here is Mr. Novia’s fourth-grade class using the space to construct a human number line as part of a fractions lesson, exploring mathematical concepts in a visual and interactive way. The courtyard provides opportunities for active learning, collaborative discussion, and engagement in a dynamic setting beyond the traditional classroom.

The fall season is in the air—and in our classrooms! 🍁 Ms. Boyda's Jarrettown second graders have been crafting autumn poems and colorful fall foliage trees, while Mr. Bonner's Maple Glen kindergartners created pumpkin-themed October calendars to explore the days of the week.

Congratulations to the UDHS Marching Cardinals and Colorguard for their exceptional performance in the annual Spectacle in Sound competition held in our own Cardinal Stadium. Their creative show, “For the Birds,” is truly worth chirping about! The event featured performances from nearly 15 regional high school bands and the Towson University Marching Band.

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!

The Upper Dublin Education Foundation recently launched UD Tech Trek, a resource designed to help families navigate raising kids in the digital age. The Tech Trek site offers guidance on devices, social media, gaming, and screen time, with tips for creating healthy tech habits. Families can also follow them @udtechtrek.

Policy Committee

Wednesday, October 8 @ 6:00PM

Finance Committee

Wednesday, October 15 @ 6:00PM

Legislative Meeting

Monday, October 27 @ 7:00PM

Meetings held in the Upper Dublin High School Cardinal Room

Agendas | Livestream | Public Participation

Eric's RX Shoppe Pharmacy Vaccine Clinic

Monday, October 6

UDHS Swim & Dive Team Car Wash

Saturday, October 4 | 9:30-2:30 | PAC Parking Lot

Dragonfly Girls Wrestling Trial Session

Friday, October 10

Cub Scouts Pack 405

Registration Open Now

Girls Wrestling Trial Session

Friday, October 10

Kanna Youth Fitness Scholarships

Now Accepting Applications

UDEF Parent Program with the Organization for Social Media Safety

Monday, October 6

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