Haverford Happenings

The Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union (FMFCU) Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes 20 outstanding educators each year across the Delaware Valley for their dedication and innovation in the classroom. Each recipient receives a $1,000 personal grant, along with an additional $1,000 awarded to their school.

We are proud to announce that Lindsay Carney, Kindergarten Teacher at Manoa Elementary School, has been selected as a recipient of this prestigious award. Remarkably, Manoa has now had a recipient for four years in a row!

We celebrate National School Social Work Week, a time to recognize and appreciate the profound impact our school social workers have on our school community. They tirelessly provide emotional support, guidance, and resources that enhance our students’ academic and personal growth. Whether it’s leading group sessions, one-on-one counseling, or developing strategies for overall student well-being, they are always there with a compassionate heart and expert advice.

Join us in expressing our deepest gratitude for their dedication and commitment. It’s through their efforts that we see the true spirit of Haverford shine—supportive, inclusive, and always striving for the best in each student. Thank you for being an essential part of our school family and for all the incredible work you do every day!

Rachel Pomerantz's fifth-grade homeroom students recently teamed up with their second-grade buddies for a fun and engaging STEM Day filled with creativity and discovery. Working side by side, the students tackled hands-on challenges that encouraged them to think critically, experiment with new ideas, and build solutions together.

It was wonderful to see the collaboration between the older and younger students as they shared ideas, supported one another, and worked through problems as a team. The fifth graders took on leadership roles, guiding their buddies through the activities while encouraging curiosity and confidence.

Throughout the day, classrooms were filled with excitement and energy as students celebrated their successes and learned from each challenge. 1000 STEM Day was a great reminder of how collaboration, problem-solving, and enthusiasm for learning can bring students together and make learning both meaningful and fun.

After thoughtful planning and many conversations, students from the Math Institute Club at the high school, with the guidance of three high school math teachers, Chris Walter, Shelley Daniszewski, and Kathy Kelly, worked to design a day centered on thinking, collaboration, and fun. The concept was simple but powerful: create a “day of thinking” filled with math challenges, logic problems, riddles, and engaging puzzles that encourage problem-solving at every level.

Our high school volunteers were immediately enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with younger students. With 32 high school students participating, we structured the event to serve third through fifth graders in small groups of three to four students for about 90 minutes. Each elementary classroom was supported by at least 4 high school volunteers, allowing the older students to circulate, facilitate multiple groups simultaneously, and provide individualized encouragement and guidance while working on puzzles created by the high school volunteers!!

Chestnutwold Puzzle Day was a hit! Thank you to the students and staff for welcoming them so warmly into your building. The energy in each room was remarkable. Elementary students were fully engaged, collaborating enthusiastically as they tackled each challenge. The high school students found the experience equally rewarding. It was inspiring to see cross-age mentorship in action—students learning from one another, building confidence, and discovering that problem-solving can be both challenging and fun!

Now that we have one successful Puzzle Day under our belt, we are excited to bring this experience to additional elementary schools across the district. Thank you to Chestnutwold for serving as our inaugural school and helping launch what we hope will become a meaningful and lasting tradition!

Students from Haverford High School’s National Business Honor Society (NBHS) recently showcased their critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills at Malvern Prep’s 2nd Annual Business Ethics Case Study Competition, held on Saturday, February 23.

The event brought together 14 teams from six schools, including Malvern Prep, Villa Maria, Villa Joseph Marie, Agnes Irwin, Phoenixville High School, and Haverford High School. Throughout the competition, students analyzed complex, real-world ethical dilemmas and presented their solutions to a panel of corporate judges.

Prior to the event, participating teams were assigned one of four case studies based on ethical challenges discussed during Malvern Prep’s fall Business Ethics course, which featured insights from visiting alumni and industry professionals. Each team prepared a slideshow presentation analyzing their case, proposing the most ethical course of action, and defending their reasoning through a clearly defined ethical framework.

Haverford students delivered strong performances, demonstrating thoughtful analysis, teamwork, and professionalism. Carly Moore, Naima Traore, Gaytri Saddi, Ashley Espeut, and Gianna Dragon earned fourth place overall, along with the opportunity to participate in a Networking Day at AGF Manufacturing.

Additional Haverford students who competed with distinction included Jacob Zerea, Joshua Mehdi, Myron Dementyev, and James Simpkins, who also rose to the challenge and represented the school with excellence.

Haverford High School students recently participated in the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union (FMFCU) Financial Reality Fair, an interactive event designed to give students a realistic look at managing personal finances. The hands-on experience helped students better understand the responsibilities that come with budgeting, saving, and making financial decisions as adults.

During the simulation, each student was assigned a career profile and a corresponding salary. Using this information, they were tasked with creating a monthly budget while accounting for common expenses such as housing and utilities, groceries, childcare, healthcare, cell phone plans, cable or streaming services, education costs, and other everyday needs.

As students moved through the fair, they visited stations representing different expenses, making choices that would fit within their assigned budgets. The activity challenged students to balance their spending while considering both necessities and lifestyle choices.

The Financial Reality Fair provided students with a valuable opportunity to experience the complexities of financial planning in a supportive learning environment. By working through real-world scenarios, students gained practical insight into managing money and the importance of making thoughtful financial decisions that can shape their future.

Haverford High School recently celebrated the induction of its first class of students into Mu Alpha Theta, the National Math Honor Society. Mu Alpha Theta is a national organization dedicated to inspiring high school students to develop a passion for mathematics and pursue academic excellence in the subject.

The Haverford chapter aims to encourage students to think more deeply about math beyond the classroom while strengthening their problem-solving skills. Although the honor society may seem new, its foundation grew from Haverford’s Math Institute. Several officers from last year played an important role in establishing the chapter by developing its requirements and bylaws. The initiative was also made possible through the support and guidance of Ms. Shelly Daniszewski and Ms. Kathleen Kelly.

Since its launch, the chapter has already begun organizing activities that bring students together through the joy of mathematics. Members have hosted frequent Math Madness competitions and recently held their first-ever Puzzle Day at Chestnutwold Elementary School. During the event, students created puzzles and worked alongside third, fourth, and fifth-graders to solve them, making it a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved. Looking ahead, Mu Alpha Theta members will be leading several math-themed rooms during the upcoming Discover Day.

As Haverford launches its first Mu Alpha Theta chapter, the society represents an exciting opportunity for students to collaborate, explore mathematics in new ways, and share their enthusiasm for learning with the broader school community. Congratulations to all of the students honored at Haverford’s inaugural Mu Alpha Theta induction.

Read Across America brought students, teachers, families, and community members together to celebrate books, literacy, and the power of storytelling. Held in early March, the annual event highlighted the importance of reading while inspiring students of all ages to discover the joy of a good book.

Schools throughout the district hosted a variety of special activities, including author visits, read-aloud sessions, and themed book events designed to spark imagination and encourage a love of reading. Volunteers, local athletes from Villanova University, and special guest readers joined classrooms to share some of their favorite stories, creating memorable moments and inspiring young readers.

While the celebration may have concluded, the excitement for reading continues. Read Across America serves as a reminder that every day offers a new opportunity to open a book, explore new ideas, and embark on an adventure through reading.

Congratulations to our outstanding student-athletes who have committed to continuing their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level!

Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance both in the classroom and on the field have brought you to this exciting milestone. We are incredibly proud of your achievements and can’t wait to see all you will accomplish in this next chapter. Go Fords, and best of luck in your college careers!

Jacob Muntz, Swimming, The College of New Jersey; Isabella Caicedo, Lacrosse, Saint Mary's College of Maryland; Teddy Foster, XC/Track and Field, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Madeline Shafer, Lacrosse, Denison University; Adam Kilpatrick, Football, Dickinson University; and Maura Gilroy, Basketball, University of Scranton.

We are excited for the Haverford community to continue to have the opportunity to connect with our Superintendent, Dr. Matthew C. Hayes, in 2026.

Please see the attached details about an upcoming meet-and-greet:

• Wednesday, March 24th at 11:00 a.m. at Haverford Public Library (NOTE DATE CHANGE)

These are informal gatherings to share ideas and engage in conversation.

Kindly RSVP to adeacon@haverfordsd.net with topics of interest and the number of guests attending.

The Haverford Township School District Education Foundation (HTSDEF) is thrilled to announce the return of its signature fundraising event, the Twilight Run | Walk, on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Lynnewood Elementary School. After a brief hiatus, the event returns to unite students, families, educators, and community members for an evening of celebration, movement, and support for educational innovation across the district.

The Twilight Run | Walk is more than a community 5K—it’s a chance to rally behind creative learning, innovative classroom tools, and student-driven programs made possible by HTSDEF. Proceeds directly support teacher grants, student enrichment initiatives, and opportunities that fall outside traditional budget lines.

“The energy, enthusiasm, and unity this event brings is unmatched,” said Michelle Collier, President of the HTSDEF Board. “We’re excited to welcome our community back for an evening that not only uplifts our schools, but celebrates the collective impact we can have when we invest in public education.”

The Foundation invites local businesses, sponsors, and individuals to partner with us to meet our ambitious fundraising goal of $50,000—funds that go directly toward expanding learning opportunities across all grade levels.

Dr. Matthew C. Hayes, Superintendent of the School District of Haverford Township, added: “The Twilight Run has become a symbol of our community's deep commitment to our district's excellence. The Foundation's work enhances every school in our district, and events like these inspire our students to dream big and achieve even more. I'm excited to participate and look forward to seeing everyone there."

Sponsorships and registration are now open. For more information or to get involved, please visit www.haverfordedfoundation.org.

About HTSDEF
Founded in 2004, the Haverford Township School District Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the educational experience of all students in the Haverford Township School District by funding programs and initiatives beyond the scope of the school budget.

Welcome to Technology Corner, your monthly snapshot of digital tools, tips, and innovations supporting teaching and learning across the district.

March is National Credit Education Month. This month you should check up on your credit, ensure it is protected, and make sure you have Identity Protection Services in place for you and your family.

Services like Experian are a great place to both lock and monitor your credit and protect your identity digitally. Experian has a free and paid version for these services for individual or family plans.

1. Proofpoint Email Impersonation Awareness [Article]
2. National Credit Education Month [Article]
3. Benefits of Identity & Credit Protection w/Experian [Article]

4. Attached 'Spot the Phish' Flyer and How to Spot a Phishing Email

Since 2023, the District has required verification of continued residency in the township and confirmation of contact information for fifth (5th) and eighth (8th) grade students who plan to attend Haverford Middle School and Haverford High School in September 2026.

In accordance with Board policy #200, Enrollment of Students, the District requires each student’s residency to be verified by parents/guardians or other adults with whom the student resides prior to June 30, 2026.

Starting March 1, 2026, families can submit their verification documents through their PowerSchool parent account (PowerSchool Parent Accounts).

Each student verification requires two (2) acceptable documents, as outlined in the policy, current and in their entirety, with the address and name(s) clearly indicated. Examples of acceptable documents include:

• Current Mortgage Statement
• Current Real Estate Tax Bill (2026)
• Current and Fully Signed Lease Agreement
• Deed
• Current Utility Bill (e.g., PECO, Aqua, etc.)
• PennDOT Identification Card
• Settlement Statement
• Current Credit Card Bill

Documentation submitted by families will be reviewed for authenticity and accuracy beginning in March and continuing through June. Once your child’s documents have been verified, confirmation will be communicated through your PowerSchool parent/guardian account.

Completing the Residency Verification Form in PowerSchool

If you do not plan to return in September 2026, please notify the District.

If you encounter a problem during the process, we are happy to assist you. Please contact ITHelpDesk@haverfordsd.net.

During SDHT's Spring Break (March 30 through April 3), there will be no morning shuttle service. If a student is involved in the morning transfer system, they must go directly to the High School or the Middle School to meet their transfer bus.

High School transfer buses depart promptly at 7:05 a.m., and Middle School transfer buses depart promptly at 7:25 a.m.

** This information was relayed to families on their student's bus pass at the beginning of the school year and is also listed on SDHT's website.

Throughout the year, the School District and the DCIU offer free workshops to help parents/guardians better navigate the often challenging roadmap of educating their children with disabilities or learning challenges. Please check this website frequently, as it is updated throughout the year. You can find the list of upcoming training on our website at the link below.

SAVE THE DATE! Secondary Transition Fair The Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU), in partnership with the Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disability (OIDD), is hosting two Secondary Transition Fairs designed to support students with disabilities as they prepare for life after high school.

The Community Information section of our website is divided into four sections.

1. Area School-Age Care; this section houses flyers to external providers for school-age before/after care, as well as kindergarten enrichment programs.
2. General Community Information; this section contains general informational flyers about opportunities and events for the community.
3. Parent Teacher Associations; this section houses links to external websites that contain content about our schools' Parent Teacher Associations.
4. General Community Links; this section contains links to external websites for our community.

Construction Update

Work on the two rear additions is progressing well. Exterior brickwork is now complete, and approximately half of the windows have been installed. Inside the building, flooring installation has begun, about 75% of the ceiling grid has been installed, and most of the above-ceiling mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work has been completed. Bathroom tile installation is underway, and most of the painting is complete.

In the coming weeks, crews will install casework, complete flooring, install ceiling tiles, and add plumbing fixtures. The goal is to have both rear additions complete and ready for occupancy in approximately one month.

Front Additions and Library

Inside the new library, drywall installation is complete and painting has begun, allowing ceilings to be installed in the coming weeks. All mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work above the ceilings has been completed. By the end of March, the space is expected to be fully painted with ceilings and flooring installed.

Work on the new two-story entrance lobby will continue over the next several weeks, including roofing, wall framing, and above-ceiling electrical and plumbing installation. Contractors are working toward making this area weather-tight by the end of March. In the front administration addition, most of the walls have been framed and rough-ins are complete as the area prepares for drywall installation.

Work Inside the Existing Building

Within the existing building, minor mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work has been completed in the hallways during off-hours to minimize disruption. This work will continue as needed until the next phase of the renovation begins this spring. At that time, the kindergarten and first-grade classroom wing will relocate so contractors can begin work in that area. Those classrooms will move into the newly completed rear additions.

Despite challenging winter weather conditions, contractors have continued making steady progress and are looking forward to the arrival of spring.

The Board work session is the first meeting of the month and includes limited agenda items to conduct routine business, such as personnel matters, financial approvals, and pupil service matters that may need consideration before the second meeting. The majority of the board work session consists of presentations from the administration and our consultants, with discussions among the Board that are more similar to what occurs in our committee meetings. No official action is taken during the work portion of the meeting.

The second meeting of the month is the Board action meeting, where official action by vote is taken on items after a chance for Board member deliberations. We use a consent agenda process at the action meeting each month to streamline the approval of items that have been considered and discussed thoroughly during the work portion of prior meetings. We continue to hold two public comment sections at each meeting.

Both meetings work in tandem to ensure a strategic decision-making process that is student-centered, inclusive of, and transparent with our community members. We believe this approach aligns with our district goals of Belonging, Civic Pride, and Community Engagement, allowing for collective, informed, and inclusive decision-making practices.

Policies that have been thoroughly discussed, reviewed, and advanced through a First Read will now be listed for Second Reading and adoption by the Board during the Legislative portion of our Work Sessions. The District intends to maintain best practice with regard to Policy review and approval. Moving forward with this practice allows us to thoroughly and routinely update and approve policy.

A page with dates and topics for both work sessions and action meetings is available on the School Board section on the website.

*The topics identified for board meetings throughout the year are being provided to increase community engagement and transparency. These topics are proposed and are not exhaustive; they are subject to change.

At Chatham Park, they work together to create a safe, respectful, and kind school environment where everyone can learn and grow. Through Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), they teach and celebrate positive behavior so that all students feel supported, included, and ready to do their best every day.

The School District of Haverford Township utilizes BoardDocs, an online, paperless resource for all school board meetings. Here, you can find the agenda, meeting minutes, video replay, and board policies. The meetings are live-streamed on YouTube.

Board Meetings will be held at the Oakmont Administration Building.

Upcoming Meetings:

• March 19: School Board Action Meeting 7:30 PM
• April 9: School Board Work Session 7:00 PM
• April 23: School Board Action Meeting 7:30 PM
• May 7: School Board Work Session 7:00 PM

All presentations and videos are available on BoardDocs.

March 18,19,20 Middle School parent conferences (early dismissal for middle school students) March 18,19,20 Elementary Schools parent conferences (early dismissal for elementary students) Mar.30-Apr. 5 Spring Break begins at close of school on March 27, 2026
April 3 Religious Holiday (schools & offices closed)
April 6 Teacher In-Service day (no school for students)
April 7 Schools reopen

2025-2026 Calendar (At a Glance)

*The District calendar has been updated to reschedule an in-service day from May 12th to May 19th to accommodate the local primary elections.

Join our team! Click HERE to view available positions across the District and how to apply.

We are hiring Cafeteria/Recess Monitors @ 15.25/hr

Our schools are looking for Cafeteria & Recess Monitors to help students have a safe, fun, and friendly lunchtime experience. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents, retirees, community members, or anyone who wants to be part of a supportive school community.

Are you passionate about education and looking for a meaningful career? Whether you’re a seasoned educator, a recent graduate, or someone interested in making a difference in schools, this is your opportunity to connect with local districts and find your next role!
The Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) is partnering with ALL 15 public school districts in Delaware County to host the Delaware County Education Career Fair.

�� Wednesday, March 25, 2026
⏰ 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Support Staff)
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Professional/Certified Staff)
�� DCIU – 200 Yale Ave, Morton, PA

This county-wide career fair will bring together representatives from every Delaware County public school district and the DCIU, all looking to fill a variety of rewarding positions, including general education teachers, special education teachers, paraeducators, office staff, custodial staff, bus driver and monitors, and more.
Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eYANZP3D

The mission of the School District of Haverford Township is to educate and to inspire a community of lifelong learners who become well-rounded global citizens.

Website: https://www.haverford.k12.pa.us/
Location: 50 East Eagle Road, Havertown, PA, USA
Phone: 610-853-5900
Twitter: @haverfordsd