UMASD Community Weekly Newsletter

Red Ribbon Week

• October 26 | School Board Policy Review and Equity Committee Meeting, 7:00 (Virtual - click here)

Every morning during the first hour of the school day, students in the Upper Merion Area Middle Life Skills program bring smiles and fresh brews to teachers and staff throughout the building through their student run business, “Coffee to You”. “Coffee to You” is a daily beverage delivery service that gives students in grades 5 through 8 meaningful opportunities to develop vocational,

functional, and social skills while serving their school community.

Staff members can sign up for daily deliveries or a twice-a-week treat and choose from a menu of hot coffee, tea, iced coffee featuring homemade coffee ice cubes, and bottled water. Each morning, students prepare orders and deliver beverages directly to classroom doors, practicing real-world skills every step of the way.

From navigating hallways and locating classroom numbers to greeting staff, confirming drink preferences, and asking about condiments, students build communication, problem-solving, and customer service skills through daily interactions. Once deliveries are complete, they return to the classroom to take inventory, organize supplies, clean their workspace, and prepare orders for the
following day. Students also participate in shopping trips to Wegmans and Costco to restock supplies and help keep the business running smoothly.

“Coffee to You” is much more than a coffee delivery service. It is an extension of the Life Skills program that allows students to apply what they learn in the classroom to meaningful, everyday experiences. Through their responsibilities, students develop independence, teamwork, organization, and confidence while learning what it takes to operate a business. Most importantly,
they see firsthand how their contributions make a difference in their school community.

One cup at a time, “Coffee to You” is brewing independence, building connections, and creating opportunities for every student to shine.

Dear UMASD Families and Community Members,

It’s year two of our Family & Community Engagement group’s work in the school community. In October we resumed our monthly meetings and guided book study (Beyond The Bake Sale),

with the support of district consultant Dr. Barbara Moore Wiliams. We continue to welcome new and returning participants to join us in this important work to support our students, connect our families, and strengthen our school community. Each meeting involves work on developing mindful goals for our key priorities:

● Linking to Learning: How Will Involving Parents Help Test Scores? ... We are championing for grade-level Quick Links and FAQs on our district website, weekly team newsletters (Elementary & Middle School) and monthly updates (High School) to keep you informed on what your child is learning!

● Celebrating Our Differences: How Can We Deal with Issues of Race, Class, and Culture? ... We have requested the launch of a Cultural & Heritage Calendar, made suggestions on how teachers and staff can help demystify name pronunciations, and more. We remain committed to ensuring every child and family feels safe, welcome, and respected in our schools.

● Building Relationships & Parent Mentors: How Can You Build Trust Instead of Blaming Each Other? ... Are you a seasoned UMASD parent looking to help a new family navigate our schools? Join this group to help identify activities to execute or sign up to be a Parent Mentor Volunteer via the Interest Form linked below.

● Advocacy: We kicked off our October meeting with chapter 7, Supporting Advocacy: How Can “Problem Parents” Become Partners You Can Work WIth? We invite you to help us to identify actions and goals relating to advocacy.

● Sharing Power: At the November meeting we will discuss chapter 8, Sharing Power: Who’s in Charge Here Anyway? Attendees are asked to read the chapter in advance, and join the discussion. Ultimately, we will identify actions and goals for this priority, too.

Get Involved! Join us at our F.A.C.E. Group Meetings on the second Tuesday of every month, 6:00-8:00PM (October - May). Light refreshments are provided. In addition to the ongoing book study, several of the meetings will feature a workshop topic (ie. Curriculum Pathways and AI Stewardship) followed by collaborative planning.

Please fill out the interest form to confirm participation and to stay informed about this group’s

meetings and activities. UMASD Family & Community Engagement Interest Form

Meeting Schedule:

• Tuesday, October 13, 2026
• Tuesday, November 10, 2026
• Tuesday, December 8, 2026
• Tuesday, January 12, 2027
• Tuesday, February 9, 2027
• Tuesday, March 9, 2027
• Tuesday, April 13, 2027
• Tuesday, May 11, 2027

The UMAHS Underground Players are excited to invite you to experience Arthur Miller's electrifying masterpiece, The Crucible, which proves that fear spreads faster than truth, and silence is often the most dangerous weapon of all. Starring Liam Kelly, Daisy Huller, and Maddy Trofa, this is one show you won't want to miss! The Crucible is intended for viewers ages 12+ due to some mature themes. The show will run approximately 2 hours and include a 15-minute intermission.

Our show dates and times are as follows:

• Thursday, November 12 at 7:00 PM

• Friday, November 13 at 7:00 PM

• Saturday, November 14 at 2:00 PM (ASL-interpreted)

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students, and $10 for senior citizens.

Tickets can be purchased here. All ticket sales for The Crucible are online only. Please email Producer Ricki Imhoff at eimhoff@umasd.org with any questions.

Substitute Opportunities + $100 Incentive!

Upper Merion Area School District is looking for substitutes, and there's never been a better time to join our team! Individuals who become approved to substitute and complete their first full-day assignment in Upper Merion between October 1–31, 2026, can earn a $100 Amazon gift card!

Enjoy the flexibility of substitute work while making a difference in our schools.

Click here to apply for substitute opportunities!

Additional Employment Opportunities

We're also hiring for food service, instructional assistant, and custodial positions throughout the district! Join our team and help support our students and school community.

Click here to explore additional job openings and apply!

Registration is now open for Middle School and High School Winter Sports! Students interested in participating must complete their online registration, including submitting a physical, before participating. Students who played a fall sport must recertify.

Middle School Tryout Dates:

• Boys Basketball: November 20 & 23

• Girls Basketball: November 30 & December 1

• Wrestling: November 30

High School Sports Start Date:

• November 20: Basketball, Swimming, Wrestling, Indoor Track, and Unified Bocce

Visit www.uppermerionvikings.org for registration details and additional information.

The Middle School Upper House Student Council is hosting a Fall Fling Social for 7th and 8th grade students on Friday, November 6, from 7:00–8:30 PM in the Middle School gyms. We hope to see our students there for a fun evening with friends!

Montgomery County high school students are invited to get involved with Teen Senate, a program focused on developing leadership skills, promoting mental wellness, and making a positive impact in the community. Participants can connect with students across the county, explore careers, strengthen public speaking skills, and participate in community service projects.

Interested students can learn more and access nomination forms using the QR codes on the flyer below!

Click here to view flyer (English and Español)

Registration is open for Little Jumpers, a six-week youth basketball development program for boys and girls ages 5–10! Held at Archbishop Carroll High School, the program introduces young athletes to basketball fundamentals while building teamwork, coordination, and confidence in a fun, supportive environment.

The program begins Saturday, November 14.

Click here to learn more and register!

• Registration is open for the Upper Merion Parks & Recreation Schools Out Coed Sports Camps for schools out days in November and December 2026.

• Schools Out Sports Camp is a fun and engaging way for your child to spend school holidays and days off. The program provides children with opportunities to stay active, explore different sports, build friendships, and enjoy creative enrichment activities in a welcoming and supportive environment. Participants will experience a variety of sports, recreational games, fitness activities, and enrichment opportunities throughout each camp day. Our experienced staff are committed to creating a positive environment where children can stay engaged, develop skills, and have fun while school is out.

• Upcoming November and December camp dates offer families convenient options for school holidays, in-service days, and other scheduled days including Election Day, Black Friday, and Winter Break.

• Click Here to register!
• November 3rd (Election Day) & Friday, November 27th (Thanksgiving Break)
• December 23rd, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th,& 31st (Winter Break)

• Click Here for more information!

BooPort 2026 is bringing a full lineup of Halloween and fall festivities to Bridgeport throughout October!

Click here for the complete schedule of BooPort events and activities.

Upper Merion Parks & Recreation has a variety of programs coming up this fall for children of all ages! Upcoming offerings include a Descendants-themed performing arts class, youth running club, Skyhawks volleyball, Soccer Shots, and junior pickleball. Programs are available for children ranging from preschool through age 14, with dates and times varying by activity. Registration is required, and families can use the QR code on the flyer to learn more and sign up. Click the image to see more.

Upper Merion Parks & Recreation’s After-School Program provides students with academic support along with engaging enrichment activities in a fun and supportive environment.

Families can also plan ahead for upcoming School’s Out Camp dates on Tuesday, November 3 and Friday, November 27. School’s Out Camp offers programming for students on days when school is not in session.

• Click here for Schools Out and Early Dismissal Programs Registration

• Click here for Middle School Afterschool Program Registration

Best Buddies in Pennsylvania is seeking support from local businesses and community members for its 2026 Champion of the Year Gala, taking place November 19 at The Ivy at Ellis Preserve. Proceeds support Best Buddies programs that create opportunities for friendship, leadership development, employment and inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

There are several ways for businesses and community members to get involved, including donating items, services, gift cards or experiences for the silent auction; becoming an event sponsor; or purchasing advertising in support of the event. Advertising opportunities include $500 half-page ads and $1,000 full-page ads. Contacts can submit items using this donation form (click here), or view our 501(c)(3) determination letter and solicitation letter for details.

To learn more about the Champion of the Year Gala and ways to support Best Buddies, visit Best Buddies Champion of the Year – Philadelphia.

Upper Merion High School’s Best Buddies program is hosting Bingo with a Buddy on Thursday, March 4, from 6-8 PM in the high school commons. Admission is $10 for 10 bingo games plus a special round. Snacks will be available for $1.

The program is seeking prize donations! If you have new or gently used toys, board games, or other items that would make great prizes, please consider donating. Donations can be dropped off at the high school, attention Gail Ward.

For questions or to coordinate a donation, contact Gail Ward at gward@umasd.org.

Click here to view the meeting summary

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Office of School & Community Information

Upper Merion Area School District

435 Crossfield Road | King of Prussia, PA 19406

Chris Dickerson, Director

cdickerson@umasd.org

www.umasd.org