Haverford Happenings
February 2026
Leon Smith Named Finalist for 2026 National Teacher of the Year
The School District of Haverford Township proudly announces that Leon Smith, a history teacher at Haverford High School, has been named a Finalist for the 2026 National Teacher of the Year award by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO).
This prestigious recognition celebrates Mr. Smith’s exceptional dedication to student achievement, educator development, and educational equity. A 25-year veteran of Haverford High School, Mr. Smith teaches Advanced Placement U.S. History, as well as Advanced Placement African American Studies. His impact extends well beyond the classroom through his roles as freshman Boys’ Basketball Coach, African American Cultural Enrichment Club Advisor, and student mentor, supporting the academic, social, and emotional growth of students.
A recognized leader in public education, Mr. Smith has led districtwide professional development in culturally responsive teaching, differentiated instruction, and effective instructional design. His lasting contributions include the creation of the African American Studies course and the development of the Grow Your Own Program, initiatives designed to increase student success and strengthen educator diversity. Additionally, Mr. Smith serves on the Teach Plus National Senior Policy Cabinet, where he advocates for policy solutions that drive real world change supporting students and teachers nationwide.
Superintendent Dr. Matthew C. Hayes commended Mr. Smith for his outstanding impact on students and the school community. “Leon exemplifies excellence in teaching,” he said. “His passion for public education is palpable and his enthusiasm inspires everyone around him. Through his unwavering commitment to his students and his forward-thinking instructional practices, he inspires learning at the highest level. His influence extends far beyond his classroom, serving as a model for colleagues across our district. We are thrilled to recognize him as a Teacher of the Year Finalist.”
From a national cohort of 56 State Teachers of the Year, the National Teacher of the Year Selection Committee, comprising 15 education leaders and organizations, selected the finalists through a competitive application process.
If named National Teacher of the Year, Mr. Smith will spend the following year serving as a national ambassador for education and uplifting the teaching profession. He joins four other finalists, with the National Teacher of the Year to be announced this spring.
“I am honored to join this incredible group of finalists as Pennsylvania’s representative for the 2026 National Teacher of the Year award,” said Mr. Smith. “I am deeply grateful to my family, friends, students—past and present—administrators, mentors, and the Haverford Township community for their unwavering support.”
CCSSO’s National Teacher of the Year Program honors exceptional educators identified by their states and territories as Teachers of the Year. Each year, CCSSO provides a yearlong, nationally recognized professional learning experience designed to elevate educator leadership while celebrating the talent, dedication, and impact of extraordinary teachers. More information about the 2026 State Teachers of the Year and the National Teacher of the Year Program is available at ntoy.ccsso.org.
In recognition of National School Counselor Week, the School District of Haverford Township is celebrating the vital role school counselors play in supporting students, families, and staff. Counselors provide academic guidance, social-emotional support, crisis response, and postsecondary planning, helping to create safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environments across all grade levels. Their work fosters student confidence, resilience, and opportunity, making a lasting impact that extends beyond measurable outcomes. The district extends its sincere appreciation for their professionalism, compassion, and dedication to the school community.
The Chestnutwold Elementary Great Kindness Challenge Committee worked hard to create a joyful and meaningful week dedicated to celebrating the power of kindness, both within individuals and throughout the broader community. This year’s events were thoughtfully connected to the school’s all‑school read, I Believe I Can, a book that inspired confidence, empathy, and the belief that every act of kindness matters.
An agenda for the week was shared with families and staff, including links to morning meeting activities, classroom discussions, and community outreach opportunities. Each day began with morning announcements spotlighting individuals who demonstrated kindness by believing in themselves. Students also explored books selected by the librarian and committee members that highlighted these inspiring figures and their stories.
The outreach efforts for the week focused on two meaningful partnerships:
Seniors at The Quadrangle
Students created “kindness flowers”—handmade messages of encouragement designed to brighten the day of residents at The Quadrangle. These heartfelt creations were delivered to the facility, where staff distributed them to seniors in ways that best supported their community. The project offered students a simple but powerful way to share joy and remind others that they were seen, valued, and believed in.
Cradles to Crayons
Throughout the week, the school collected donations for the Philadelphia chapter of Cradles to Crayons, an organization that provides essential items to children in need. Donation boxes were placed in the office area, making it easy for families to contribute clothing, school supplies, and other helpful items. Every contribution—big or small—helped ensure that local children had the resources they needed to learn, grow, and thrive.
The Great Kindness Challenge served as a meaningful reminder that kindness is not just an action but a practice that strengthens the school community and extends far beyond it. The week offered a powerful celebration of compassion, creativity, and connection as students brought the message of I Believe I Can to life.
In this second episode, WHHS explores a Day in the Life of the Superintendent featuring Emily Rosen, Max Wilson, and Dr. Matthew C. Hayes. Listeners can catch a replay of the episode on WHHS and the district’s YouTube channel, with new episodes scheduled throughout the year.
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 upcoming meet-and-greets:
- Thursday, February 19th at 10:00 a.m. at Kelly Music Center
- 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 TWILIGHT RUN | WALK RETURNS TO HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP
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.
Data Privacy Week occurs every year during the last week of January to bring awareness around Data Privacy Day. It is important to be mindful of early tax-related scams coming up this month and to check that personal and business accounts are up-to-date and protected by multi-factor methods.
1. Security Insights from National Tax Security Awareness Week [Article]
2. IRS website for reference
3. National Cybersecurity Alliance - Data Privacy Week Resources [Article w/Interactive Links]
The School District of Haverford Township is proud to be a part of the GIANT Feeding School Kids initiative! From January 1 to March 31, community members can round up at the register at the Giant Markets in Broomall and Havertown to support the district's efforts to eliminate childhood hunger.
Construction continues to move forward, with several major areas reaching exciting milestones as we head into February.
At the front administration addition, interior framing and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-ins will continue throughout the month. Roofing, spray foam insulation, windows, and brick installation are all scheduled to begin in February, marking significant visible progress.
In the rear classroom addition closest to the baseball fields, all above-ceiling mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work has been completed over the past two months. Ceiling grid installation and painting are currently underway. Windows are expected to arrive and be installed in early February, followed by installation of the rooftop HVAC unit, bathroom tile, flooring, classroom casework, and exterior metal panels over the next month.
For the rear classroom addition closest to Coopertown Road, above-ceiling mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-in work is currently in progress. Later this month, windows will be installed along with brick and metal panels. Interior work including ceiling grid installation, painting, tile work, casework, and placement of the rooftop HVAC unit is also scheduled for February.
Work continues in the new library space (formerly the auditorium), where drywall installation is currently underway. All mechanical, plumbing, and electrical rough-ins have been completed. Over the next month, window installation will take place, followed by drywall finishing, painting, and flooring.
We’re excited to see these spaces take shape and appreciate the community’s continued patience and support as construction progresses.
Feb. 13 Early dismissal for all students
Feb. 16 Presidents’ Day Holiday (schools & offices closed)
June 4: Class of 2026 Graduation, St. Joseph's University
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.
