#ThisIsCheltenham

With three decades of experience in a variety of roles across diverse educational settings, Dr. Kendra V. Johnson has been named Cheltenham School District’s Assistant Superintendent. The CSD Board of School Directors approved Dr. Johnson’s hiring at Tuesday evening’s legislative board meeting. Dr. Johnson begins her tenure with Cheltenham on June 15 as an administrator on assignment before her contract officially begins on July 1.

Dr. Johnson’s career in education began in 1996 as a science teacher in Baltimore City Public Schools. Over three decades, she has been a tireless advocate for students, families, and communities — spanning small, mid-size, and large suburban and urban districts. Her journey has included pivotal roles such as science teacher, science department chairperson, assistant principal, principal, area assistant superintendent, Title I coordinator, instructional director, chief academic and innovation officer, assistant superintendent for equity, associate superintendent, community superintendent, and superintendent.

As a first-generation college graduate, Dr. Johnson passionately “believes that a high-quality education is a transformative force—one that liberates, affirms, and empowers.” Read more about CSD's new assistant superintendent>

On Wednesday, May 6, members of the Cheltenham Communities That Care Youth Group at CHS, along with other youth groups throughout Pennsylvania, attended the third annual PA Prevention Youth Summit, sponsored by the Commonwealth Prevention Alliance. Students participated in podcasts, a press conference on the steps of the Rotunda, and an informative meeting with Representative Napoleon Nelson.

Congratulations to Cheltenham Elementary fifth grade teacher Dr. Andrew Vassall on the release of “The Blue Crayon” on May 22. “The Blue Crayon” is the second book in Vassall’s “Compassionate Crayon” series, following last year’s release of “The Black Crayon.”

“The Blue Crayon” is a heartfelt story about emotions, self-control, and learning how to stay calm during difficult moments. Released during Mental Health Awareness Month, this inspiring book encourages children to express their feelings, build confidence, and understand that being calm can be a true superpower.

Be sure to pick up your copy at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart or drandrewvassall.com.

EPIC students recently learned about the Hanwha Philly Shipyard’s apprenticeship program, learning about its curriculum, application and selection process, workplace expectations, and site investment and hiring scale from the company’s head of talent acquisition Kayla Blythe. The apprenticeship is a three-year, employer-funded model combining on-the-job training and classroom instruction aimed primarily at producing journeyman welders, with alternate placements (shipbuilder, outfitter, machine operator) available. Apprentices complete roughly 144 formal instructional hours annually, unpaid Friday online classes through Penn Foster that can yield up to 22 transferable college credits, and periodic evaluations approximately every six months. The initial phase is an eight-week production immersion with mentor support, followed by training academy instruction, American Bureau of Shipping credentials for applicable trades, and return to trade-specific on-the-job training toward journeyman pay targets by year three.

Tackling the essential question, “Do we have enough?” Cheltenham High School's ninth grade interdisciplinary Project-Based Learning cohort explored the complex realities of homelessness through the lens of Matthew Desmond's book, “Evicted” (winner of the 2017 Pulitzer Prize in non-fiction). The book tells the story of eight families struggling to make rent. To bridge social issues with scientific inquiry, students researched various genetic diseases and disorders such as polycystic kidney disease, Angelman syndrome, and hemophilia, analyzing how health conditions can intersect with housing instability. Students also researched statistics and current economic information in order to inform the creation of their final product: a scenario-based simulation, in which fictional characters based on those in “Evicted” faced disorders and poverty while trying to balance a budget. The students also sold items they made such as candles, cat toys, fidgets and plushies, and raised almost $600 for Family Promise of Philadelphia.

All the glitz, glamour and intrigue of the Roaring 20s were on display, as Cheltenham High School students in the 11th grade Project Based Learning cohort staged a murder mystery at the Gilded Age mansion Lynnewood Hall on Thursday evening. The play, “Tender is the Night … for Murder” was an original work the students wrote, produced, directed, and starred in, and featured celebrities from the Roaring 20s such as Babe Ruth, Langston Hughes, Ernest Hemingway and Al Capone. The play included interactive moments with the audience and plenty of hidden clues.

This immersive experience was the culmination of a year-long interdisciplinary project involving numerous school subjects. In United States History, students explored the 1920s in depth, researching influential figures, examining cultural shifts, and drawing meaningful connections to the modern world. In English, students read “The Great Gatsby” and used their creative writing skills to craft an original script inspired by the era’s themes, style, and atmosphere. This production is the capstone to the course.

Tuesday, May 19 - Professional Development Day

• No classes

Monday, May 25 - Memorial Day Holiday

• Schools/offices closed

Thursday, June 4 - CHS Commencement

Friday, June 12 - Final Day of School

• Schools dismiss at the following times: K-4 Schools, 1:20 p.m.; 6-8 Schools, 12:40 p.m.; Cheltenham High, Noon

Monday, June 15 - Professional Development Day

• No classes

Tuesday, June 16 - In-Service Day

• No classes

Friday, June 19 - Juneteenth

• Offices closed
  
  

Cheltenham School District Calendar> | 2025-26 Academic Calendar> | CHS Athletics Calendar>

The CSD Board of School Directors convened for its monthly legislative meeting on Tuesday, May 12. Here are some key takeaways:

• Thirteen staff members and teachers from across the district were recognized for their 25 years of service to the district..

• In his superintendent’s report, Dr. Brian Scriven made a statement clarifying his remarks on 6ABC about being “slow to respond” to emails from the community and not to any type of allegations of misconduct. He reviewed investigation trainings administrators had received, and gave an overview of the findings of the Center for Safe Schools safety and behavioral assessments of CSD schools.

• Myers Principal Jason Lytle provided an update on the school core values and points of pride, and paid tribute to recently deceased paraeducator Ms. Geraldine Flynn Austin.

• Dr. Kendra V. Johnson was named assistant superintendent of schools.

With co-chair Daniel Schultz presiding, the Financial Affairs Committee convened in person at the Administration Building and via video conferencing on Tuesday, May 5. The agenda included two items: (1) interim financial information, including reporting on general fund, capital projects fund, and food service fund operational results and (2) food service management company request for proposal. Director of Business Services Joshua Sweigard opened the meeting noting a drop in cash balance due to the funding of the stadium project, and increase in deferred revenue as tax equity dollars (2.2M received slated for the 26-27 school year). Sweigard reported district revenue of $127M and expenditures of $107.9 for a net change in fund balance of $19.5M. Capital projects funds showed a steady cash balance over the past three years with funding of large capital projects within the District. Current capital projects reserves include funding from a recent bond issue. With regard to the food service fund, Sweigard noted a $20K surplus to date and planned spending on kitchen equipment and infrastructure. The next topic of the night was around a request for proposal from food service management companies. The current food service contract runs through June 30, 2026, and the district issued an RFP for next year. After review, three companies were brought in for a taste test with the district’s wellness committee and a panel of students. The 2026-27 contract award will be on the consent agenda for the May 12 legislative board meeting. The next Financial Affairs Committee meeting is June 2 in person at the Administration Building and via Zoom. Slide deck>

The Special Education Alliance of Cheltenham (SEAC) invites you to share your thoughts by taking our survey, due Friday May 22. Please tell us how we could better support you. Let us know if you'd like to get more involved. SEAC is a parent/caregiver group for families of students with disabilities and learning differences in the Cheltenham School District, committed to advocating for support and education to create a school community where all children are equally engaged, respected, and academically challenged. We are actively seeking board members for the 2026-27 school year. Take the survey now>

Are you interested in becoming a future member of the Cheltenham National Honor Society? Cheltenham's NHS seeks to promote scholarship and excellence among the students of CHS. NHS members participate in community service projects collectively and individually. The NHS also provides a tutoring program for CHS students in need of extra help with academics.

A sophomore, junior or senior at CHS whose unweighted GPA is at least 3.40 (unrounded) is eligible to apply for membership in the NHS. If this applies to you, you can complete the NHS 2026/2027 application Please use the NHS Criteria Points guide. The NHS Criteria Points explain how applicants will be evaluated using a points system.

The applications will be due by Friday, 10/16/2026. The following are required by the time you apply:

• A minimum of 20 service hours*
• Signatures from coaches, club and volunteer sponsors
• One character form completed by a CHS staff member
• A character letter from an adult who is not a CHS employee
• A minimum of 20 hours in two or more school or community clubs, activities or sports (one must be here at CHS)

*All volunteer hours must be completed with an organization and you must have a sponsor who is unrelated to you. If you have any questions about the process, please email Dr. Tran-Doerr atrandoerr@cheltenham.org or Ms. Reed nreed@cheltenham.org

The Alumni Association of Cheltenham High School (AACHS) is excited to introduce Pages of Pride: Cheltenham High School Alumni Author event, a special gathering to celebrate the powerful voices, stories, and journeys that began in Cheltenham. AACHS is seeking to gather the collective voices of Cheltenham and the stories that have inspired the community and the world. Think of this as a Cheltenham "Literary Homecoming” where AACHS will highlight the creativity, scholarship, and storytelling of the alumni community.

Please share your input. Whether you are an author of a novel, several books, or have various published writings, your perspective will help us design an event that reflects our shared legacy and inspires future generations.

Please take a few moments to complete our brief survey. Your feedback will help AACHS:
• Identify alumni authors interested in participating
• Shape event programming and format
• Ensure the experience reflects the spirit and diversity of our CHS community

The decorations are being built. The coffee pots are preparing. The seniors are definitely staying awake until 4 a.m. Now we just need a few more amazing parents and guardians to help us get across the finish line! Please sign up today to help us. (Even partial shifts are incredibly helpful — especially clean-up!): Set up | Chaperone | Clean up

Can’t volunteer that night? We’d still love help with donated or loaned items (we can pick up if you can’t drop off!).

Build sessions at CHS:

• Tues/Thurs 6:30–8:30 p.m.
• Sundays 1–3 p.m.

Questions? Email Terri Kelly or Kelly Batiancila.

THANK YOU for helping make Post Prom happen!