March 2024 Superintendent Update
Happy Spring, Upper Moreland!
The longer days, buds on trees, daffodils blooming, and warmer temperatures are signs that winter has ended–at least let’s hope so. Spring is buzzing with lots of activity at Upper Moreland. Lacrosse, baseball, softball, tennis, track & field, and our newly formed unified track team student athletes fill the fields and courts with activity. I encourage you to catch a game at the high school or middle school to see our athletes in action this spring. They’re amazing!
The elementary and middle schools have started the third and final trimester of the school year, and our high school students will soon start the final quarter. Students will be busy in school with projects, state and national assessments, and field trips. Thanks for your continued support and focus on helping students do their best as we start the last months of school.
March 28th marks the launch of our new app and website. With our new app, you’ll have the day’s menu, calendar of events, and the home access center at your fingertips. We’ll ask for your feedback later this spring, and we’ll use your feedback to make necessary changes to the website and app over the summer months.
I look forward to all that spring brings to Upper Moreland!
Our school district has made a commitment to creating an environment where all students, families, and staff feel safe, valued, and heard. We desire to create equitable spaces which support all students and give them what they need to be successful. To frame what we believe and our goal to create an equitable school community, the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee revised the District’s equity statement. The statement will serve as the foundation for our continued work across the district to support the success of every student.
This is our statement:
Although a chance of wintry weather remains for a few weeks, the administration has been carefully analyzing the calendar and state requirements to determine the last day of school for the 2023-2024 school year.
In December 2023, Pennsylvania passed a law which changed the requirements for school calendars. School districts now have the option to have 180 school days OR 900 hours for elementary and 990 hours for secondary. Previously, school districts had to meet both of those requirements. This change affords districts more flexibility.
Based on the updated requirements and the number of days we have closed school this year (4 days), the administration is tentatively scheduling Friday, June 7, 2024 as the last day of school for students. Commencement for the Class of 2024 remains Tuesday, June 4, 2024. If our tentative last day remains June 7, Promotion Day for 8th graders is scheduled for Friday, June 7 at 9:00am at the middle school, and Promotion Day for 5th graders is scheduled for Thursday, June 6 at 12:30pm at the high school. More details are forthcoming.
Please note that this is tentative. If we have additional closures, the administration will review total instructional hours to determine any change to the last day.
We will officially announce the last day of school in early April.
Every three (3) years, as per guidelines established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Upper Moreland updates its Special Education Plan. The plan outlines the services provided, goals for continuous improvement, and professional development for staff. Upper Moreland’s Special Education Plan is currently available for public review for thirty days.
After public review, the plan will be presented to the Board of School Directors for approval in April before it is submitted to PDE. Please click here to review the Special Education Plan and provide your feedback.
On Monday, April 8th a solar eclipse will occur in the sky over the Upper Moreland School District according to the NASA website about eclipses. A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun casting a shadow on the Earth. The eclipse will begin at approximately 2:05pm and conclude at 4:30pm. During peak coverage from about 3:20pm to 4:00pm; the sky will grow darker, similar to the appearance of the sky at dawn or dusk.
On April 8th, teachers will dedicate instructional time to teaching our students about solar eclipses. This will include learning about astronomy and understanding important eye safety precautions when viewing the eclipse. While the event will be a visual phenomenon, we ask our community to take the necessary safeguards if you plan to observe the event. Staring directly at the Sun, even during an eclipse, can cause permanent damage to your eyes. The intense solar radiation can burn the retina, leading to solar retinopathy, or other vision problems. Always use proper solar viewing equipment, such as certified solar eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers to protect your eyes during a solar eclipse.
Upper Moreland dismissal occurs during the eclipse. Our staff will instruct students to avoid looking directly at the sun. Additionally, due to peak coverage and darker skies from 3:20 to 4:00pm, will also delay the start of any outside after school activities until 4:30pm.
Please reference the following resources for additional information and safety recommendations:
As the Director of Facilities, Jim has honed his skills in industrial and commercial mechanical systems, encompassing electrical distribution and generation, renewable energy, HVAC systems, boiler and chiller plant operations, plumbing, laboratory and clean rooms, as well as preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
In addition to his role as Director of Facilities, Jim has also served as an adjunct faculty member at the Eastern Center of Arts and Technology, where he instructed the National Electrical Apprentice Program. His instructional subjects included electrical theory, advanced mathematics, National Electric Code, and building and national fire protection codes. Jim holds certifications as an OSHA and EPA operator instructor, reflecting his commitment to safety and environmental standards. Beyond his professional endeavors, Jim has dedicated over 20 years to serving as both a volunteer and professional firefighter, rescue specialist, and emergency medical services provider.
Jim's multifaceted career began with service in the US Coast Guard, where he undertook duties in engineering, law enforcement, and rescue operations, laying the foundation for his lifelong commitment to excellence and service.
Please join us in welcoming Jim Marlin to UMSD!
Student athletes completed their winter sports seasons earning both team and individual achievements. We are proud of all they have accomplished on the court, in the pool, on the track, on the mat, and at the bowling lanes.
Congratulations to the following student athletes on their notable achievements:
Ava Cleary, UMHS Senior
The March Rotary Student of the Month is Ava Cleary. Ava stands out as one of the top performers in the Class of 2024. She is committed to excellence in both academics and the many other activities in which she participates.
Academically, Ava has maintained straight A’s throughout high school. Her commitment to excellence is evident in her rigorous course load, including six AP courses as a Junior and five AP classes as a Senior, where she even delved into AP Physics C Mechanics without prior coursework in physics. Her teachers consistently praise her as an asset to the classroom, reflecting her dedication and intellectual prowess.
Beyond academics, Ava excels in music. She is a member of our Marching Band and Jazz Band and first chair in flute for the Concert Band and was lead flute for the Montgomery County Band. In 2023, Ava earned a spot in the Pennsylvania Music Educator Association (PMEA) District 11 Honors Band. She loves both the strong sense of community music brings as well as the challenge of playing with other talented musicians.
Ava's list of accomplishments is extensive, ranging from academic accolades to active participation in environmental initiatives and community service organizations. She is president of the Environmental Club and helps run the Envirothon for second graders. Ava also participates in National Honor Society, PMEA Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Cultural Proficiency and Equity Student Ambassador (CPESA) program, Student Government, Art Club, and the Superintendent’s Advisory Council, to name a few. She appreciates the many opportunities that being an Upper Moreland student has afforded her.
Despite her impressive achievements, Ava remains humble and driven, eagerly embracing opportunities for personal and academic growth. As she contemplates her future endeavors, it's evident that Ava's determination and passion will lead her to success. With her remarkable talents and dedication, Ava Cleary exemplifies the epitome of academic excellence, leadership, and service, inspiring admiration and setting a shining example for her peers. Ava's plan is to study Biology and attend Graduate school.
Congratulations Ava! We are UMProud of you!
Sophomore Amelia Soleau was selected to participate in the 2024 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) All-State Choir. Students from across the state compete to earn a position. The choir consists of 5 students for each voice part (e.g., soprano, alto, tenor, bass). Amelia will represent Upper Moreland at the PMEA festival from April 17 through 20 in Erie, PA.
Congratulations to Amelia Soleau on this incredible achievement!
Upper Moreland’s Jazz One was one of five finalists of high school jazz bands competing in this year’s High School Jazz Band Showcase at the SteelStacks in Bethlehem. Other schools included Kutztown High School, North Penn High School, Easton High School, and Quakertown Community High School. Upper Moreland earned a Superior rating and won Best Rhythm Section.
Congratulations Jazz One!
