September's Gator Guide
Thank you to all our students and families who participated in our PTC Gator Dash! We exceeded our Gator Dash Goal of $20,000 by raising $20,734!
Student Leaderboard Stats:
1st Place - Aiden B. (K) raising $2,135
2nd Place - Colin S. (1st) raising $1,608
3rd Place - Freyja H. (3rd) raising $735
Classroom Leaderboard Stats:
1st Place - Mrs. Healy's Class raising $3,268
2nd Place - Mrs. Lombardi's Class raising $2,653
3rd Place - Ms. Roumpz/Mrs. Baker's Class raising $2,180
During the month of November, Gulph Elementary staff and students will be reflecting on what we are grateful for within our school and Upper Merion Area community. We would love to hear from our valued families about who and what you are grateful for at Gulph Elementary. Please take a brief moment to express your gratitude to our amazing staff by completing this short survey here by Friday, November 20, 2026.
Your words of appreciation make a great impact on our school climate and culture. We will compile all responses and share them with the staff on November 23rd.
Important Dates
- 11/2 (Day 3) - School Board Regular Public Business Meeting (Middle School or Virtual - click here
- 11/3 - Teacher In-Service Day
- 11/5 - Picture Retake Day; Intruder Drill Lesson with Students
- 11/9 - PTC Meeting @ 7:30 p.m
- 11/17 - End of Trimester 1; Report Cards Sent Home with Students
- 11/18 - Noon Dismissal - Parent Teacher Conferences
- 11/19 - PTC Honeygrow Dining Night Out
- 11/20 - PTC Harvest Silent Disco
- 11/23 - Noon Dismissal - Parent Teacher Conferences
- 11/25 - Noon Dismissal
- 11/26 - No School - Thanksgiving
- 11/27 - No School
- 11/30 - PTC Board Meeting
Visiting Gulph Elementary
If you are visiting the school for any reason (volunteering or picking up your child early), you will need to sign into the building using our Verkada system located in our main entryway. This will require you to bring your photo id. Please list either Heather O'Donnell or Barbara Johnson as your host. Once you are signed in through our system, you will enter the main office and a member of our office staff will assist you.
Thanksgiving Food Drive Item for Gulph
We are planning on supplying 175 families with Thanksgiving dinner again this year. We are asking that our schools supply the side items again. This year Gulph has been asked to collect 350 boxes of Mac and Cheese by November 18, 2026. Please join us in collecting this item to help our Upper Merion Area Families!
Important Updates and Information from our PTC
Attached is an important message from Dr. Barbara Moore Williams and the Upper Merion Area Family & Community Engagement Group. In addition, please be sure to complete the linked Interest Form to confirm your intent in staying connected to this work.
Updates and Important Information from our Gulph Garden Committee
Out in the school garden: Mr. Loney's 3rd grade kicked off the Seed Saving exploration, collecting seeds from various plants for next season and learning about different ways to successfully save seeds including drying and fermenting. Mrs. Healy's class explored the fall garden by identifying different types of plants, bringing in the "worlds tiniest pumpkin!" for a STEM project, and enjoying a watermelon snack to celebrate our first heirloom watermelons grown in the garden.
Honoring and Celebrating This Month
This Month we celebrate Native American Heritage Month and Diwali! More information and resources to be updated soon!
Starting on November 8th, we celebrate another holiday with sweets: Diwali, the Festival of Lights! Caley has a sizable Indian student and staff population. Everyone is encouraged to wear traditional clothing or bright colors on Friday, November 6! You can also encourage students to send photos or objects to show how their family celebrates Diwali.
Attached are coloring sheets of Rangoli. Traditionally, these are made with colorful sand and powder during festivals and celebrations to bring prosperity, joy, and positive energy while warding off negative forces. Here is a template to make firecracker cards. Here is a link to make paper diya lamps.
In addition to the library's copy of Binny's Diwali, here is an e-book called Dipal's Diwali. Epic also has books on Diwali.
Here is a 1:40 min Disney Junior Music Video about Diwali.
Learn a Diwali Dance.
Here is an older elementary Brain Pop that explains what Diwali is.
Follow Us on Facebook!
We are excited to share that our Gulph Elementary Page is active! Please follow us at Gulph Facebook Page to stay informed about the great things that happen throughout the day!
First Student
Please see the attached photo and document for more information on how to track your child's bus route!
If you have any questions regarding busses, please reach out to:
Diana Wescott, Location Manager
Diana.Westcott@Firststudentinc.com
610-337-1092
Angela Milbourne, Location Dispatcher
Angela.Milbourne@firststudentinc.com
610-337-1092
Halime (Mimi) Avdijaj, Location Dispatcher
halime.avdijaj@firststudentinc.com
610-337-1092
Food Services
Upper Merion Area School District is a sponsor of the School Nutrition Program (SNP) that provides healthy meals following the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program meal patterns.
For the 2026-2027 School Year, FREE BREAKFAST FOR ALL WILL CONTINUE!
In addition, there will be no charge for students who are in the "Reduced Pay" category for lunch!
For lunch, your household must be either "Directly Certified" or have an approved meal application (approved either as Free OR Reduced) in order for your child to receive a free lunch. You will receive an email and/or letter in the mail from Food Service notifying you in either case. If you have not received a letter or email, then your student is at a "Full Pay" status. If you believe, even remotely, that you may qualify, please fill out an application at www.SchoolCafe.com.
See our menus here.
Looking for more information regarding our food services? Click here.
Right At School - Before and After School Childcare
Right At School is an organization that currently provides highly-regarded, quality services both in local school districts as well as throughout the country. The fee-based services offer a curriculum that features hands-on learning, multi-sensory activities, child-driven projects, daily fitness, team building, and leadership development. The program will offer options for families to attend before-school, after-school or both. Right At School’s highly trained educators make sure the learning carries on before and after school in a fun and meaningful manner with fun-filled programs focused on building creativity, conditioning, character and confidence.
Right At School allows us to increase the number of participants who need this most important service while guaranteeing the elimination of waiting lists as well as providing outstanding service to the families of this community. We are committed to the safety and well-being of our students and we want to provide all families with the opportunity for a comprehensive in-school program. Information regarding Right at School and the registration process may be found by going to www.rightatschool.com
Looking to register your child for Right at School? Click here.
Contact Us
- Principal - Julieann Cappuccino - jcappuccino@umasd.org
- Administrative Assistant - Heather O'Donnell - hodonnell@umasd.org
- Attendance - Barb Johnson - bajohnson@umasd.org
- Guidance Counselor - Missi Besz - mbesz@umasd.org
- School Nurse - Dina Walsh - dwalsh@umasd.org
- Social Worker - Pat Berger - pberger@umasd.org