District Newsletter

Hello, Lower Moreland Community! We are the new Student Representatives for the 2025-2026 school year: Yuki Wu (2027) and Izabella Philip (2028)!

I (Yuki) am a junior this year, and I have been fortunate enough to be the president of GirlUp 2030 and Asian Cultures Club this year! Being a part of these clubs has truly been rewarding, and I am truly looking forward to making a difference through these clubs. On top of Asian Cultures Club and GirlUp 2030, I have additionally been fortunate enough to be a junior finance captain for our school's amazing Mini-THON event, treasurer of our school's Key Club, an editor for the yearbook and school newspaper, and an attorney on our school's Mock Trial team! I intend to keep my promise to the student body to drive necessary change within our school that will not only benefit our current students, but also the many future students to come. I hope that this year will be full of action, and I encourage students to reach out to me if they have anything they would like addressed!

I (Izabella) am a sophomore this year. I have been involved in this school district all my life. I have been a part of both the Choir and Honor Choir, Lacrosse team, Debate team, and News Studio during my Freshman year. I am excited to be a student board representative this school year, and I plan to hopefully make long lasting changes that will impact Lower Moreland for the better. To students, I will do my best to make you feel heard and represented, so please feel free to contact me with anything!

We truly hope that we will be able to drive positive change and be the voice of the student body that we promised to be!

Our school district is dedicated to fostering an environment where all students can achieve their full potential, and regular attendance is fundamental to this goal. In alignment with Pennsylvania's School Code and our commitment to student success, we have recently updated our attendance policy.

The Importance of School Attendance

Daily attendance is essential for students to acquire new knowledge, build social connections, and prepare for future endeavors. Consistent presence in the classroom provides students with the optimal opportunity to engage with learning materials and achieve their academic and personal best.

Compulsory School Age

Under Pennsylvania law, children are required to attend school from the age their parents elect for enrollment (no later than age six) until their eighteenth birthday. This period is defined as "compulsory school age." Students who have already graduated from high school are exempt from this requirement.

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities Regarding Absences

For any absence, please complete the absence notification form on the school’s website, explaining the reason within five (5) days of your child's return to school. An absence will remain unexcused until this form is completed on time.

For the initial ten (10) days of absence within a school year, a written note from a parent/guardian is sufficient. This includes up to six (6) excused absences for approved family trips for educational purposes. However, for any absences exceeding ten (10) total days (even if previously excused by a parent note), all subsequent absences will require a note from a licensed doctor or healing arts professional. You will receive a reminder letter from the school when your child accumulates 10 absences.

Our Collaborative Partnership

We are committed to supporting your child's academic success and well-being. We encourage you to contact your child's school with any questions or if you are encountering challenges that impact your child's regular school attendance. We are eager to collaborate with you to find effective solutions.

The complete attendance policy is available in our student handbooks, newsletters, and on the district website. Additionally, we have created an FAQ guide that provides further guidance related to student attendance.

Thank you for your invaluable partnership in our school community and for helping us ensure every student has the best possible opportunity to learn and thrive.

This summer, the District ran an Administrator Professional Development series designed to strengthen leadership capabilities and enhance operational efficiencies. The focus was on leveraging technology, particularly AI tools, to create tailored student support and streamline administrative workflows. Administrators also received training on critical student support systems, including the MTSS process and the eSchool Student Information System, while engaging with student data to inform practice. The series also refined various policies and procedures related to attendance, residency, and teacher evaluation, alongside training on progressive discipline and effective staff supervision. Finally, the series sought to bolster leadership effectiveness through problem-solving frameworks, brain science principles, and specialized guidance for those administrators involved in Special Education.

The New Teacher Orientation (NTO) for the 2025-2026 school year took place on August 19, 20, and 21 at the High School. Activities included meetings with principals and getting familiar with the district's technology resources. The orientation aimed to provide comprehensive support and information for the district's new educators.

The District held professional development sessions focused on key priorities for the 2025-2026 school year. Activities included a Teacher Readiness day, a very moving presentation by Technology Director Prakash Patel sharing his experience growing up as an English Language Learner in public school, followed by a session dedicated to planning lessons to differentiate for English learner support.

The Convocation session centered on how schools can leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) for better student outcomes, followed by differentiated AI-focused training. The keynote speaker was A.J. Juliani, a Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author of Adaptable, who serves as an Instructor for the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. It was a great start to the year that laid the groundwork for us to continue on our path of continuous improvement.

The District is excited to announce a new initiative for the upcoming school year designed to enhance the learning experience for every K-8 student in our district. We are introducing a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework that will provide dedicated time each day for rehearsal, remediation, and enrichment in reading and math for all students. This sheltered time will be called Lions Time.

What is MTSS?

You might be wondering what a Multi-Tiered System of Supports, or MTSS, is. In simple terms, MTSS is a proactive approach to identifying and supporting the academic and behavioral needs of every student. It’s not just for students who are struggling; it’s about ensuring every child gets the level of support or enrichment they need to succeed and grow. Think of it like a pyramid of support:

• Tier 1: All students receive high-quality, research-based instruction in their regular classrooms.

• Tier 2: Some students may need a little extra help in a specific area. They will receive targeted support in small groups to practice skills and concepts.

• Tier 3: A few students may need more intensive, individualized support to master key concepts.

MTSS also ensures that students who have already mastered the grade-level material have opportunities for enrichment to deepen their understanding and challenge them further.

What is Lions Time?

Lions Time is the name we have given to our daily, dedicated MTSS block. During Lions Time (Learn, Innovate, Opportunity, Nurture, Succeed), students will participate in small, flexible groups focused on their specific needs in reading and math. Based on regular check-ins, students might receive:

• Intervention: Targeted support to help close a learning gap.

• Rehearsal: Extra practice on a skill they are learning in class.

• Enrichment: Challenging activities to expand their knowledge and skills.

The goal of Lions Time is to provide personalized learning pathways for every student, ensuring they receive the precise support they need to be successful every single day.

The District is confident that this dedicated time will empower our students, strengthen their foundational skills, and foster a deeper love of learning. We look forward to partnering with you to make this new initiative a great success. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child's principal.

The 2024-2025 Annual Report, entitled, Elevating Excellence through Continuous Improvement, can be viewed here. The report contains information about the 2025-2026 budget, the District's strategic plan, the accomplishments of our students and staff, and much more.

Lower Moreland High School (LMHS) has once again demonstrated its academic excellence with the release of the 2025-26 US News & World Report rankings. LMHS is ranked #27 in Pennsylvania and #908 nationally, a testament to its consistent performance and commitment to student success.

These latest rankings reflect a strong standing for LMHS. For comparison, in the 2024-25 rankings, the school was placed #29 in Pennsylvania and #1,019 nationally, indicating continued positive momentum.

Karen Ovington started this summer as the District's new Business Manager, following the retirement of Mark McGuinn after more than 25 years in the position. Ms. Ovington brings more than 25 year of public-sector experience. She previously served as business administrator for the School District of Jenkintown and assistant business manager for the Norristown Area School District. Ms. Ovington earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Holy Family University and a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Chestnut Hill College.

As Business Manager, Ms. Ovington will oversee all fiscal operations, including budgeting, payroll, puchasing, food services, transportation, facilities and grant management, while working to align the district's financial panning with its long-term strategic goals.

Pennsylvania Act 126 requires that volunteers who work directly with children be trained on recognizing and reporting child abuse. (For a definition of a volunteer, please see the end of this communication.)

Below is information about this training, how to take it, and what to do after completing the training:

• What You Will Learn: The training covers how to spot child abuse and misconduct, how to report it, and how to maintain appropriate relationships with students.

• Online, Free, and Quick: It is a free online course that takes about three hours.

• Every Five Years: You will need to refresh this training every five years.

• How to Get It Done:

1. Go to www.reportabusepa.pitt.edu. (Register if this is your first time on the site.)

2. Log in with the username and password you created.

3. Email your completed certificate to Wendy Weir, District Receptionist, at wweir@lmtsd.org or submit by mail to her at 2551 Murray Avenue, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006.

• Deadline for Existing Volunteers: If you are already a volunteer, you have until November 30, 2025, to complete the training and send in your certificate.

• New Volunteers: If you are new, you need to submit this training certificate along with your other clearances to get on the approved volunteer list.

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Who's a Volunteer? This means any adult in an unpaid position with a school or program who's responsible for a child's welfare or has direct volunteer contact with children. “Direct volunteer contact” involves the possibility of providing care, supervision, guidance, or control of children or the possibility of having routine interaction with children. “Responsible for Child's Welfare” means an individual is in a position where they are entrusted with the well-being of children. Volunteers include homeroom parents, field trip chaperones, tutors, coaches, activity advisors, etc

Who's Just a Visitor? This is for adults who visit the school or attend activities but aren't as involved as a volunteer. Examples include visiting a classroom to read to students, taking tickets at games, working concession stands, or participating in "Career Day." School visitors do not need to provide clearances or the Act 126 training.

A new, robust and easy way for families to stay connected to school updates is now available, thanks to the District's partnership with Apptegy's Thrillshare platform, an all-in-one communications system designed for K-12 schools. The redesigned website offers a cleaner layout, improved navigation, and real-time updates across devices. Parents/guardians can also download the free "Lower Moreland School District" app from the Apple App Store or Google Play to access school news, calendars, lunch menus, automated alerts and more via text, email, or push notification. The app features two-way messaging with teachers, built-in tranlation, and a streamlined way to receive updates on classroom activities, and District events.

Tech Upgrade at Lower Moreland Middle School

This summer, the Technology Department completed a major classroom technology upgrade at the middle school, with 42 classrooms now featuring new projectors and 100-inch interactive boards. This strategic implementation ensures that our K-12 classrooms have consistent technology, fostering a cohesive and uniform teaching and learning experience for all.

Dennis H. Best, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools

Email: dbest@lmtsd.org
Website: www.lmtsd.org
Location: 2551 Murray Avenue, Huntingdon Valley, PA, USA
Phone: 215-928-0272