December 2023 Superintendent Update
It’s the time of year when many celebrate various holidays including Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. In my family, we celebrate Christmas. Each year, my golden retriever, Autumn, begrudgingly poses in front of the Christmas tree for a picture. I can guess what she is thinking, “How long do I have to sit here, Mom?”
During December, our students have been very busy performing concerts, serving their community, and participating in many fun holiday activities. Some of them are highlighted in this month’s newsletter. I am grateful for the dedication and creativity of our staff as they planned and supported the many events at our schools. And, I am continually impressed by our talented and caring students.
In September 2023 the Board approved the services of Cropper GIS, a demography firm, to conduct both enrollment forecasting and an analysis of building capacity. After reviewing various data, gathering information from the Township, visiting the community, and meeting with each building principal, representatives from Cropper presented their findings to the Board on Thursday, November 28th. The presentation included a 10-year enrollment forecast and summary of the space utilization in each building. A video of that presentation is below for review.
The Board and the Administration will use the information presented by Cropper to inform both short term and long term capital planning which is both responsive to the data presented and fiscally responsible.
Pennsylvania is continuing to support free breakfast for all students for the 2023-24 school year. We encourage your students to take advantage of this opportunity for free breakfast!
Wednesday, January 24, 2024 @ 7:00PM
The Golden Bear Wrestling team will be "Saluting those who Serve" by competing in Army issued camo singlets supplied by the Pennsylvania National Guard. There will be a brief ceremony prior to the match to recognize veterans and active service personnel in attendance. Please come out and support our community's service members. We are also selling Upper Moreland "Salutes our Soldiers" T-shirts. Please use the link below or scan the QR code on the attached flyer to purchase your U.M. Military Appreciation T-shirt.
Order your Military Appreciation Night T-Shirt: http://tinyurl.com/ywzh5rl9
Mason Brocke, UMHS Senior
We are pleased to announce that Mason Brocke has been selected as the December 2023 Rotary Student of the Month.
As an active member of the High School National Honor Society, Mason's commitment to both academic excellence and community service is truly commendable. Serving as the Head Carpenter for the Stage Crew, Vice President of the Interact Club, Co-Chair of the MiniTHON Sponsorship Committee, and Co-President of the Debate Club, Mason's leadership skills shine through. His active role as the Class Secretary for the Class of 2024 and membership in the Superintendent's Advisory Council further demonstrate his dedication to student representation and advocacy.
Outside of school, Mason extends his impact by contributing as a Kennel Attendant at Hopewell Animal Hospital and as the Student Coordinator for the Faith & Blue Project. His involvement in the community reflects a genuine commitment to making a positive difference.
Mason's impressive array of achievements continues at EASTERN, where he is a SkillsUSA member, Occupational Advisory Committee Student Representative for the Veterinary Science program, and a member of the National Technical Honors Society.
Mason plans to continue his education at Delaware Valley University, where he aspires to major in Biology with a Pre-vet focus. His dedication to academic and professional growth sets a remarkable example for his peers.
Congratulations, Mason!
Sydney Polzin, Exercise Science and Rehabilitation
Sydney Polzin, a junior at Upper Moreland High School, is currently enrolled in her first year of the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology’s Exercise Science and Rehabilitation program. Over the past year, she has also served as a volunteer member of the Cheltenham Fire Company. Having completed her Fire Fighter 1 training on Thursday, December 7, Sydney has well-defined career goals post-college, aiming to become a Physical Therapist and pursue a career as a firefighter. Fueled by a profound sense of purpose, she believes that helping people is her true calling.
Sydney's father serves as a lieutenant with the Philadelphia Fire Department and volunteers as a firefighter in Cheltenham. Sydney shares, "Becoming a firefighter has been my lifelong aspiration. I strive to be there for people during their most challenging moments. The satisfaction of knowing that I possess the training and skills to assist them is truly fulfilling."
Sydney actively engages in a variety of community events with the Cheltenham Fire Company, including the annual Spring Carnival & Fundraiser held at Cheltenham Elementary. She has dedicated her time to volunteering for dynamic activities such as the carnival’s dunk tank and providing fire truck tours to children during the festival. Additionally, Sydney is involved in educating elementary school children about fire safety.
Physical fitness holds significant importance in Sydney's life, especially considering its crucial role in being a firefighter. Her career aspirations involve pursuing postsecondary education in Physical Therapy while concurrently working part-time as a firefighter throughout her college years and beyond. Currently, she is exploring local universities renowned for their exceptional Physical Therapy programs, including institutions like Thomas Jefferson University and Arcadia University.
Charlie Cribb, Welding Technology
Charlie Cribb, a senior at Upper Moreland High School, is currently in his second year of EASTERN's Welding Technology program. He recently applied his welding skills to craft two perches designed for larger birds, such as hawks or owls, for Aark Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center. Kelli Scarlett, Aark volunteer, connected with EASTERN’s Welding Technology Instructor, Meghan Cicchino, seeking a student volunteer for the project. Mrs. Cicchino promptly identified the ideal candidate for the task—Charlie.
"Charlie rose to the challenge and did an outstanding job recreating the perches," said Mrs. Cicchino. Ms. Scarlett conveyed her gratitude, stating, "Meeting Charlie and his family was an added bonus. His readiness to step up and help speaks volumes about his character. Undertaking a real-world project like this demands skill and knowledge, but volunteering for such a task also requires courage and compassion, and Charlie clearly embodies all of that."
In late November, Charlie and Mrs. Cicchino delivered the newly crafted perches to Aark. Mrs. Cicchino commended Charlie, stating, "Charlie is a committed welder always ready for a challenge. I was confident he would dedicate 100 percent effort to this project, supporting this incredible cause."
Photo – Charlie Cribb, red sweatshirt, along with his teacher, Mrs. Cicchino (left) and Nick Brewster, Aark Director of Education (right).
EASTERN Community Service Month: Abby Bilotta, Cosmetology
Abby Bilotta, an Upper Moreland High School senior, is in her second year of EASTERN’s Cosmetology program. Abby has committed to Douglas Education Center, where she has been accepted to the prestigious Tom Savini’s Special Make-Up Effects Program for the Fall of 2024. Special effects make-up is a passion of Abby’s, but her other passion in life is fundraising for organizations that are close to her heart.
Abby started the ChrisSanthemum Project when she was only 13 years old. At that time, she had lost her Aunt Sandy to Leukemia and her cousin Christian by suicide, both in 2017. She started this nonprofit to redirect her grief into something that would make a difference. Proceeds from her fundraising efforts are donated to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and The Peyton Heart Project. The ChrisSanthemum Project has raised over $46,000 in the last five years. This year alone, she has raised $13,000.
Abby is currently a Fundraising Chairperson for The Peyton Heart Project. “The Peyton Heart Project uses the funds toward a scholarship for students who have experienced bullying, overcome hardships with their own mental health struggles, or students who are going into the mental health field,” said Abby. She is also a member of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Junior Leadership Team and was a candidate for the 2021 Students Visionaries of the Year campaign, during which she and her teammate raised over $12,000 in only seven weeks.
In an exciting game against Lower Moreland on December 5th, UMHS Senior Holly Gohl hit a significant milestone in her basketball career by scoring her 1,000th career point. This accomplishment etched Gohl’s name in UMHS history as the 12th person to join the prestigious 1000 Points Club.
The UM Community looks forward to watching her continued success on the court.
Congratulations to Holly on this incredible achievement!
Holly Gohl, Senior
The Upper Moreland High School Athletics department has started a new program to recognize student athletes for their accomplishments both on and off the field with the Player of the Month Award. Each month, coaches will nominate student-athletes who exemplify athletic achievement, leadership, and good academic standing.
Congratulations to Holly Gohl for being named UM Player of the Month for December! Holly is a leader on the court and has a 3.89 GPA.Recently, Holly became the 12th person in UM history to record her 1,000th career point!
