November 2023 Superintendent Update
In the midst of the busy holiday season which starts before Halloween and concludes when we welcome the new year, the Thanksgiving holiday is a time to pause and reflect on what makes us thankful. I am grateful for my family, my friends and my golden retriever, Autumn. I am grateful for my health, and I am grateful to be a member of our Upper Moreland community. What are you thankful for?
Students across the district have taken time this month to express their gratitude in different ways. Some have written notes of thanks to our veterans. Others have reflected on why they are thankful, and some have written notes to each other to express gratitude. Also, our food services staff prepared special Thanksgiving meals for our students to enjoy.
We completed Fall Parent-Teacher conferences. The conferences serve as an important component of our partnership with parents and guardians to support student growth and learning. Thanks to teachers for their work to prepare for the conferences. Thank you, parents and guardians, for your investment of time to meet with your child's teachers.
On Tuesday, November 28, 2023 during the regular Board of School Directors meeting, representatives from Cropper GIS will deliver a virtual presentation of the results of their enrollment forecast and capacity study for Upper Moreland. The Board and administration will use the information presented to inform capital planning.
Please consider attending or watching the meeting to listen to the presentation.
Pennsylvania is continuing to support free breakfast for all students for the 2023-24 school year. We encourage your students to take advantage of this opportunity for free breakfast!
Julie Eastburn, K-12 Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction for STEAM
Dr. Julie Eastburn joins the administrative team as our new K-12 Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction for STEAM.
Dr. Eastburn brings more than 20 years of teaching and leadership experience to Upper Moreland. She served the Council Rock School District for 30 years, as an elementary and high school teacher, elementary math specialist, and for the last 12 years as a Curriculum Coordinator for Mathematics K-12. Curriculum is a passion for Dr. Eastburn and she looks forward to getting to know Upper Moreland's administrative team, staff, and families to continue curriculum development and improvement to benefit all students.
Kelly Gallagher, K-12 Supervisor of Instruction for ELA and Humanities and Federal Program Coordinator
Mrs. Kelly Gallagher joins the administration team as the K-12 Supervisor of Instruction for ELA and Humanities and the coordinator of Federal Programs.
Mrs. Gallagher brings 20 years of Upper Moreland teaching experience to the role after spending many years in the elementary and special education classrooms. She has served as a team leader, mentor and committee member across many areas during her time here. Mrs. Gallagher also expanded her leadership capacity outside of the district in her role as founder of the non-profit for NICU babies, The Superhero Project Inc. She looks forward to working closely with teachers and staff in this new role to better serve the students of Upper Moreland Township School District.
Mackenzie Mason, UMHS Senior
We are proud to announce that Mackenzie Mason has been selected as the November 2023 Rotary Student of the Month.
Mackenzie was nominated by Mrs. Emily Pike. Mrs. Pike notes that Mackenzie has always been a bright spot in the school. Currently, she is taking all Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Mackenzie serves as a leader at Upper Moreland High School. She is the President of the Key Club, Treasurer for the Class of 2024 and Co-Chair for MiniTHON. Mackenzie is a member of the UMatter Club and the National Honor Society. She is also an actor in the Upper Moreland Drama Company performing on stage throughout her high school career.
In addition to her school work and leadership, Mackenzie is very involved with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as both a volunteer and intern. When she is not involved at school or volunteering, Mackenzie works part time at MOD Pizza.
After high school, Mackenzie plans to study in the field of psychology and eventually earn her doctorate in psychology.
Jacob Richards, UMHS Senior
We are excited to announce that Jacob Richards has been selected as the student of the month for Eastern Center for Arts and Technology sponsored by Eastern’s faculty, the Joint Operating Committee, and the Willow Grove Rotary Club.
Jacob is being recognized for his outstanding work in Eastern’s Welding Technology program. When Jacob was in tenth grade, he attended an EASTERN presentation at Upper Moreland High School. One of the student speakers at that presentation was in the Welding Technology program, and he immediately wanted to learn more about the program. Welding was already an interest of Jacob’s, as his family has an at-home welding shop.
Since joining EASTERN's Welding Technology program as a junior, Jacob has seized every opportunity presented to him. He enjoys helping others and has found many ways to do so at EASTERN. As a junior, he volunteered as a Career Expo tour guide for potential EASTERN students. This year he volunteered as a student speaker at EASTERN’s Designer Bag Bingo fundraiser held in September.
Through his Welding Technology program, Jacob was recently approved for a paid internship at Albert C. Phy & Sons Precision Sheet Metal Fabrication in Willow Grove, where he will work as a TIG welder.
“Jacob is a dedicated and hardworking student,” said Ms. Meghan Cicchino, EASTERN’s Welding Technology Instructor. “He plans to go right into the industry and eventually build his own house. He is driven and focused, and always willing to help out a classmate or assist with a school fundraiser.”
After graduation, Jacob plans to begin his career as a welder.
Congratulations Jacob!
Congratulations to our Upper Moreland Marching Unit on a very successful undefeated competition season which culminated with winning the Cavalcade of Bands Patriot Open Class State Championship!
UMMU’s achievement resulted from countless hours of rehearsal, artistic finesse and unwavering commitment to learning and perfecting their show. Their performance captivated audiences and earned UMMU a score of 97.40, the highest score of the show.
This achievement is a testament to the exceptional leadership of our dedicated instructors and the passion and hard work exhibited by each member of the marching unit. The commitment to excellence displayed on the field reflects the values that the Upper Moreland School District holds dear – fostering a culture of teamwork, discipline, and artistic expression.
In an extraordinary display of talent, dedication, and precision, the Upper Moreland Marching Unit has emerged victorious as the State Champions at Cavalcade. It is with immense pride that we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the students, staff, boosters, parents and supporters who contributed to this outstanding achievement.
In addition to their winning score, the marching unit also earned more honors including Best Overall Ensemble Visual Performance, Best Overall Ensemble Music Performance, Best Overall Visual Effect, Best Overall Music Effect, Best Color Guard, and the highest score of all 82 bands at the Cavalcade championship events.
We extend our sincerest congratulations to every student, instructor, and supporter who played a role in this remarkable success. Your hard work, creativity, and determination have not only secured the State Championship but have also etched a proud and enduring moment in the history of the Upper Moreland Marching Unit.
The National Honor Society (NHS) was founded in 1921 and is based on four pillars: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, and Character. MIddle school students who meet the criteria and demonstrate the four pillars are encouraged to submit applications. A faculty committee reviews all applications and recommends successful candidates for induction to the NHS.
On Thursday, November 2, 2023, the following students
were inducted into the National Honor Society at
Upper Moreland Middle School:
Marcus Abbosh, Kendra Ashley, Alexis Bravo, Luke Bryson, Swarit Choudhari, Yulia Dabko, Colin Davidson, Ben Delsordo, Leilah Dinh, Sean Durso, Gavin Flanigan, Madelyn Frantz, Jordyn Gibbs, Molly Gould, Leah Harter, Delaney Herring, Mia Hood, Camryn Horne, Kendall Hurley, Mithun John, Jillian Kammerle, Ellie Kaufman, Brooklyn Kavanaugh, Riley Keenan, Enoch Lee, John Mangin, Sheila Mangin, Molly McDade, Haley Moore, Madison Moore, Myah Morales-Jones, James O'Connor, Lydia O'Halloran, Maura O'Reilly, Greycen Prychka, Reese Purcell, Chloe Ritts, Charlotte Sauers, Charlotte Viereck, Hayley Walford, Dakota Wolf, Evalyn Wozolek, Tatsiana Yakhimchyk
Congratulations to the students who earned this distinction!
This collaboration exemplifies the powerful outcomes that arise from community partnerships. Mr. Seedes and the Willow Grove YMCA team have not only enriched the lives of our students but have also forged stronger connections between our school district and the community we proudly serve. The commitment to inclusivity and the creation of transformative educational experiences align seamlessly with the values of the Upper Moreland School District.
A sincere thank you to Mr. Seedes, the entire Willow Grove YMCA team, Ms. Soleau and Ms. Lovecchio for their outstanding dedication to our students. Their commitment to education and inclusivity is a beacon of inspiration showing the power of community partnerships. We look forward to continued collaboration, with the shared goal of shaping more inspiring educational journeys for our students.
