11-2-25 Patriot Press

Dear Fort Families,

Thank you to all the families and friends who joined us for our Halloween Parade! The high winds didn’t stop us, and everyone had a blast. Please take a look below at some of the creative costumes that were on display during the parade.

Just a reminder that there will be no school on Tuesday, November 4, due to a teacher professional development day. Also, look for conference sign-up information from your child’s classroom teacher tomorrow. I hope everyone enjoyed their extra hour of sleep this weekend!

Sincerely,

Mr. Mac

Fort Washington Elementary School

Principal

smcaleer@udsd.org

Tuesday, November 4 - No School for Students

Thursday, November 13 – Barnes & Noble Night (Montgomeryville) – 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Friday, November 21 – Kindergarten Thanksgiving Sing-Along – 2:45 p.m. in the gym (for Kindergarten families)

Monday, November 24 – Early dismissal at 12:15 p.m. - conferences (evening option available 5:00–7:00 p.m.)

Tuesday, November 25 – Early dismissal at 12:15 p.m. - conferences

Wednesday, November 26 – Early dismissal at 12:15 p.m.

As we approach Fall Conferences on November 24–25, we look forward to connecting with families to discuss student progress and goals. During conferences, teachers will share a Fingertip Report summarizing your child’s results from district assessments. Teachers will reach out by November 3 to schedule individual conference appointments.

Our second graders carried on their beloved Pumpkin Math tradition this week! Students put their estimation skills to the test by predicting the number of seeds inside their pumpkins, each pumpkin’s weight, and the number of seams on the surface. The celebration concluded with students carving their pumpkins with the wonderful support of our parent volunteers. A big thank-you to our teachers and parents for helping keep this fun and meaningful tradition alive!

We are proud to continue our Patriot tradition of supporting Cradles to Crayons with a Fall Coat and Clothing Drive from November 3-26. We are collecting winter coats, boots, mittens, and more to help children in need. Please view our flyer for more specific information about donations and our collection process.

If you are planning to attend classroom parties or events, or to chaperone (including with your own child) on a field trip, Tier I clearances are required. Clearances are valid for five years. You can find more details via the button below.

Join us for our next Cardinal Conversations program, Student Mental Health: Listening, Learning, and Leading Together, on Thursday, November 6 at 6:00 PM in the Upper Dublin High School Cardinal Room. Superintendent Dr. Laurie Smith, Ms. Jennifer Summers, and Dr. Jessica Knier will lead a discussion on student mental health and well-being— focus areas in our district’s Comprehensive Plan. Learn about available supports and share your perspectives to help guide our ongoing efforts to meet students’ needs.

As part of our Comprehensive Plan, UDSD is developing a Portrait of a Graduate to define the skills and competencies students need to thrive. Parents and guardians are invited to a one-time virtual focus group on Tuesday, November 11, 6:30–8:00 PM with Julia Skolnik, CEO of Professional Learning Partnerships, to share your insights and help shape this vision. Your perspective is invaluable—register today to join the conversation!

Our school district's planetarium will reopen to the community on Thursday, November 20 for two programs, One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure and Lamps of Atlantis. Join us to enjoy a full-dome view of stars, planets, and cosmic wonders—perfect for curious minds of all ages!

A reminder that all students can enjoy a free breakfast in our cafeterias each morning. Selections vary by day and include warm, whole grain-rich mains, fresh fruit, 100% fruit juice, and locally-sourced milk. It’s a great way to start the day energized and ready to learn. View our menus to see what’s for breakfast!

Tickets for Mom PROM are on sale now!

Get ready to dance the night away at the FWES PTA Mom PROM — our totally 90’s-themed night out!

Date: November 7th 7-10 PM

Location: Mahoney Event Center in Ambler
DJ: Mr. Mac spinning all your favorite 90’s hits
Tickets: $75 each

Don’t wait — tickets will sell fast!

UDHS Basketball Clinic for Grades 3-8 - Saturday, November 8

UDHS Theatre Presents Emma - November 12-15

Parenting Adult Coffee with SpeakUp - Friday, November 14

UDEF Tech Trek - Resources for Digital Parenting - Follow on Instagram at @udtechtrek

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