Haverford Happenings

WHHS, the nation’s oldest student-run high school radio station, debuted the first episode of a new podcast series, Beyond the Bell, featuring Superintendent Dr. Matthew C. Hayes.

Broadcast live from the WHHS studio, the conversation brought district leadership and student broadcasters together to discuss topics related to education, life in Haverford, and the evolving role of student voices in shaping the district’s future. The superintendent and students shared valuable insights on a range of subjects, from current school initiatives to the creative impact of student media.

This collaborative project underscores the district’s commitment to genuine student engagement and real-world learning experiences. By connecting leadership with the next generation of communicators, the podcast bridges the gap between classroom learning and community storytelling, all from the historic WHHS studio.

Listeners can catch a replay of the episode on WHHS and the district’s YouTube channel, with new episodes scheduled throughout the year.

At the elementary level, students are exploring the Carolina Science curriculum resources, which emphasize hands-on, inquiry-based learning aligned with the STEELS (Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy, and Sustainability) practices and standards. Units of study span Physical Science, Life Science, Engineering Design, and Earth & Space Science. Through engaging experiments, observations, and interactive science kits, students investigate real-world phenomena while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and scientific reasoning skills.

In middle school, students are utilizing the Lab-Aids curriculum resources, which provide rich opportunities for hands-on investigations that connect scientific concepts to real-world applications. This curriculum also integrates STEELS practices, supporting students in building strong foundations in scientific reasoning, engineering design, and environmental literacy as they prepare for success in high school science.

In Wit and Wisdom Module 1, fifth-grade students are exploring the essential question: How do cultural beliefs and values guide people?

Through storytelling, students built upon their learning about the Nez Perce, and how traditional stories are at the heart of their culture. A tipi-raising experience helped deepen students' understanding of how shelter shaped and sustained traditional culture, and offered students an opportunity to connect the significance of the Nez Perce's homeland and environment. This experience will help students deepen background knowledge in support of their study of texts related to Westward Expansion.

Recently, the Beam Topping-Off Ceremony took place at Coopertown Elementary, where a crane lifted a beam signed by students and staff and placed it to form the top of the front wall of the future main entrance.

Construction at Coopertown is progressing well. The three additions are taking shape. Over the past two weeks, the steel framework for the front addition has been completed. Next week, the iron workers will begin setting the roof joists and metal decking for the first rear addition, which is closest to the baseball fields.

Meanwhile, the masons are currently installing the bearing block walls for the second addition near Coopertown Road. This work will continue for the next few weeks, after which the iron workers will return to install the roof joists and metal decking for this addition as well.

The primary goal for the upcoming month is to enclose all three additions with permanent roofs and to temporarily cover the window openings to ensure they are weather-tight. This will allow for ongoing interior work, including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and ductwork. Overall, great progress has been made, and the contractors are working well together to stay on schedule.

Mrs. Kennedy's fourth-grade class received a visit from Mr. Bruce Burchfield, Coopertown's project architect, and Ms. Jennifer Tharp, the interior design project manager. The students had the opportunity to take a virtual tour of the new building, discuss the importance of change in the design process, and ask questions. It was exciting to learn about the thoughtful planning that is going into this project. It's clear that the new building will be a special place for learning and collaboration.

Across the district, our schools organized Veterans Day events to honor those who have served our country. Twenty-nine veterans gathered in the Lion’s Den for a welcoming reception with their Lynnewood students, where they introduced themselves and shared stories about their military experiences, spanning many decades. Filled with gratitude and excitement, both students and staff came together to celebrate these special guests.

Students lined up outside their classrooms, proudly displaying decorations that paid homage to these brave men and women. As the parade started, the veterans marched through the hallways to cheers and applause.

Following the parade, the veterans joined their students in the classrooms, where they continued sharing stories of courage and love for their country. Their presence served as a powerful reminder of the true meaning behind the day’s celebration.

Given the federal government shutdown and the ongoing state budget impasse, we encourage you to review the list of community programs, services, and resources that connect you with local food banks, housing assistance, energy programs, and other community services providing immediate support. Click here for more information.

What would you do if you could live forever? Join us as Haverford High School proudly presents Tuck Everlasting, a heartwarming and enchanting musical that reminds us all to cherish the beauty of life and the moments that make it truly special.

Filled with lively music, dazzling performances, and a story that will touch your heart, this show is perfect for audiences of all ages. Bring your family, bring your friends, and come experience the magic of the stage right here in our community!

Show Dates: November 13-15th
Location: Haverford High School Auditorium
Tickets: https://haverforddrama.ludus.com/show_page.php?show_id=200502859

During the week of November 3-7, the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and schools across the United States celebrated the 2025 National School Psychology Week (NSPW). This week celebrated the contributions of school psychologists and the important role they play in schools and communities. NSPW is an annual opportunity to recognize school psychologists' work to help children thrive in school, at home, and in life. This year's theme, "Finding Your Path," reflects the ways that school psychologists help students, families, and school communities set and achieve their goals.

American Education Week (AEW) is an annual event in the United States that occurs during the week leading up to Thanksgiving. This week celebrates public education and recognizes the contributions of individuals who make a difference in students' lives. Established in 1921 by the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Legion, AEW aims to highlight the importance of education and encourage community support for schools. We take this time to honor the dedicated team of individuals working tirelessly in our public schools, including bus drivers, classroom teachers, cafeteria workers, administrative staff, and many others who contribute to the success of our students and communities.

Please check with your child's school for visiting times and sign-up information.

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

Please see the details about an upcoming meet-and-greet to be held on Wednesday, November 19th, at 10:15 AM. 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.

Parents/Guardians of the Class of 2030 are invited to Haverford High School for an information night on Monday, December 8, 2025, from 6:30 - 7:45 PM.

The Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union Foundation is dedicated to supporting youth education and honoring teachers. They are currently accepting nominations for the Delaware Valley Excellence in Teaching Award, which recognizes 20 exceptional teachers each year. Awardees receive $1,000 for classroom expenses, and their schools also receive a $1,000 grant. In total, $40,000 will be awarded to schools and educators. Learn more and nominate a teacher here!

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.

In order to further inclusive practices and increase community engagement and board cohesion, we are moving to a “two board meetings a month” process in which we will engage in one board work session and one board action meeting.

The Board work session will be the first meeting of the month and will have some 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 will consist of presentations from the administration and our consultants, with discussion amongst the Board more similar to what previously occurred in our committee meetings. No official action will be taken during the work portion of the meeting.

The second meeting of the month will be the Board action meeting, where official action by vote will be taken on items after a chance for Board member deliberations. We intend to use a consent agenda process at the action meeting each month to streamline the process of approving items that have been considered and discussed thoroughly during the work portion of prior meetings. We will 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 is aligned with our district goals of Belonging, civic Pride, and Community Engagement and will allow for collective, informed, and inclusive decision-making practices.

A page with dates and topics for both work sessions and action meetings has been added to 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.

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:

• November 20: School Board Action Meeting 7:30 PM
  
• December 1: Reorganization Meeting 6:00 PM (Monday)
• December 4: School Board Work Session 7:00 PM
• December 18: School Board Action Meeting 7:30 PM

All presentations and videos can be found on BoardDocs.

Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead): November 1 & 2

• Day of the Dead combines the ancient Aztec custom of celebrating ancestors with All Souls' Day, a holiday Spanish invaders brought to Mexico starting in the early 1500s.

• La clase de Español de Sra.MacConnell presented Día de los muertos: An authentic look at Mexico’s tradition of la ofrenda. The classes organized and hosted a beautiful tribute to family and friends who have passed away. Students were invited to visit and learn about this Mexican tradition.

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

Nov. 19: Superintendent Meet & Greet, Kelly Music Center 10:15-11:15 AM

Nov. 24, 25, 26: Middle School parent conferences (early dismissal for middle school students)

Nov. 24, 25, 26: Elementary School parent conferences (early dismissal for elementary students)
Nov. 26: HHS Teacher In-service Day (early dismissal for high school students)
Nov. 27 & 28: Thanksgiving Holiday (schools & offices closed)

2025-2026 Calendar (At a Glance)

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

We are hiring Cafeteria/Recess Monitors @ 15.25/hr

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
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haverfordsd.net
Twitter: @haverfordsd