The Newsletter of the Upper Moreland School District

Jo r nal Summer 2010

Upper Moreland School District Welcomes New Leadership for 2010-2011 By: Dr. Robert Milrod, Superintendent of Schools This summer, we have been hard at work filling key leadership in Upper Moreland, Ms. Perisho taught Spanish at both the vacancies in our District. Middle and High School levels for the School District of . While At a special July meeting, the Upper Moreland Board of employed by the School District of School Directors convened to appoint Mrs. Susan Smith as Philadelphia, Ms. Perisho also served as the new Principal of Upper Moreland . Mrs. a Small Learning Community Coordi- Smith, who resides with her family nator, the Assistant Principal and even- in Drexel Hill, PA, has been a profes- tually the Acting High School Principal sional educator for twenty-eight years. Joy Perisho, Acting of Kensington High School. She received her undergraduate degree Principal of Upper Moreland High School in Elementary Education from Ship- Joining Ms. Perisho on the adminis- pensburg University, and earned her trative team at Upper Moreland High School will be Ms. Masters degree in Educational Admin- Charlene Collins, who will transition over from our Educa- Primary School Principal istration from Gwynedd-Mercy Col- tion Services Department, where she has been our District Susan Smith lege. During her career she has taught Program Specialist focusing on Math and Science, to become second grade, as well as grades four through eight. For ten the Acting High School Assistant Principal for Curriculum years, Mrs. Smith worked as the Administrative Team Leader and Instruction. Also returning to and the Director of Admissions for Waldron Mercy Academy, the High School is Mr. David DeVi- a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award-winning school lo- do, who will transfer from the Upper cated in Merion, PA. In 2006, Mrs. Smith transitioned from Moreland Middle School to become her private school setting to work in the Philadelphia School the High School’s Assistant Principal District. From 2007 until her move to Upper Moreland, Mrs. for Student Services. Mr. Richard Smith served as Principal of Hamilton Disston Elementary Gould will remain the Athletic Direc- School, a 900 student K-8 public school in the Tacony section tor for Upper Moreland High School, Acting High School Assistant Principal of Philadelphia. while serving as the Upper Moreland Charlene Collins Middle School’s Assistant Principal for Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Milrod noted that Student Services. “Mrs. Smith has all of the qualities that we are seeking for our next Primary School Principal. She has a wide range of In addition to the building-based administrative changes, Dr. experiences, has served as an exemplary classroom teacher, and Suzanne Bell has been promoted to the has a proven track record as a successful building principal. position of Director of Student Services People speak of her as a consensus- and team-builder who and Supervisor of Secondary Special relates well to students and adults alike. We look forward to Education. Dr. Bell, who previously welcoming her into our Upper Moreland family.” served as the District Supervisor of Special Education, recently completed At the end of August, it is expected that the Board of School her Doctorate in Educational Leader- Suzanne Bell, Director Directors will name Ms. Joy Perisho as the Acting Principal of of Student Services and ship at Widener University. In her new Upper Moreland High School. Ms. Perisho has been an im- Supervisor of Secondary position, Dr. Bell will work together portant member of our District since the 2000-2001 school Special Education with the new administrative team to year, and has served as Assistant Principal for Curriculum provide enhanced supports for the achievement and well- and Instruction at both the Upper Moreland Middle School being of all of our High School students. and the Upper Moreland High School. Prior to her career Student of the Month The Willow Grove Rotary Club names two students per month as “Student of the Month” for demonstrating the Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self.” Students are selected from the Upper Moreland High School and the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology.

Samantha Pronzato, the May Student of the Month has been a familiar face at the High School. Samantha balanced an extremely challenging academic schedule with a wide variety of extra-curricular activities. She was a member of the National Honor Society with a GPA of 103.5 and was ranked 10th in the senior class.

Samantha was service-oriented. She was a member of the Interact Club, Environmental & Film Club, section editor of the yearbook and was Co-President of the Key Club. Samantha skillfully played on a number of athletic teams during her high school career: field hockey, soccer and swimming. Samantha has served as Cap- tain of the swim team. At graduation, Samantha was recipient of the Academic Physical Education Award and the Kenton W. Keiser School Director Leadership Scholarship for leadership and service displayed in and out of school.

In the community, Samantha has participated in the Relay4Life and American Red Cross Blood Drives. She is a lifeguard and teaches swim lessons at the Upper Moreland Swim Club.

Samantha will attend State University in the fall and is undecided on her major.

Sean Burman, the June Student of the Month expemplifies the qualities of the Rotary Club’s motto “Service Above Self.” Sean has demonstrated his leadership skills as President of the Upper Moreland Marching Unit, Mellophone Section Leader with the Marching Band, Student Coordinator & Student Conductor of the Concert Choir and has been a coordinator of ensembles and musical groups at his church.

Sean, a positive influence both in and out of the classroom, has been an active member of the Drama Company the past four years, most recently playing the Beast in “Beauty and the Beast.” In addition, Sean was a member of the Interact Club, National Honor Society, cross country and track teams, District 11 Choir and Montco Band. Sean recently received the Drama Company Scholarship, Music Patrons Scholarship and the Alumni Association Frank E. Wismer Selfless Service Scholarship for his consideration of others in his daily activities.

In the community, Sean is an active member of his church, serving as a CCD Educator, a cantor and a performer with the church’s guitar group.

Sean’s future plans include attending Temple University and major in Music Education.

Best of the Class Intermediate School Hero Michael Dummeldinger The Intermediate School’s was selected as Upper end of the year assembly Moreland High School honored one student as a “Best of the Class” for hero. Student Brett Bross- the 2009-2010 school man was recognized for his year by 6ABC. Michael quick thinking and bravery had the highest GPA of when rescuing a friend. the senior class and was Brett, 10 years old, saved senior class Valedictorian. a 6-year old from drown- Michael was recipient of ing. After Brett noticed the the Faculty Best All-Round Student Award and the Emily Abel boy submerged in the pool, Brett pulled the boy from the Scholarship. Michael will attend the University of Delaware in pool and quickly got help. Brett’s distinguished ability to September and major in Chemical Engineering. think smart on his feet has left an imprint on the Upper Moreland community. Representing Upper Moreland

umbling and falling isn’t encouraging to most toddlers Club and the Environmental Club. She received the Presi- Tlearning how to walk. But Upper Moreland’s Joanna dential Academic Award and the Academic Excellence Award Sampson wasn’t the normal toddler. At the age of four, her and has maintained Honor Roll throughout her High School career began in the world of gymnastics - tumbling and danc- Career. Good Luck Joanna, as you represent the University of ing her way in the world. Over a decade later, not much has ’s Women’s Gymnastics Team. changed. Graduating senior Joanna Sampson will spend the next four years at the University of Michigan on a full gym- nother aspiring athlete is senior John Bolich. After plac- nastics scholarship. Aing 3rd in this year’s FILA National Championship in Free Style at 187lb and 5th in Greco Roman at 164lb, the This three time national champion and level 10 gymnast USA Wrestling invited John to compete for a spot on Team won her first State and Regional Championship on the bars USA in the men’s freestyle at the Pan American Cadet Cham- in 2005 at the age of 12. However, Joanna didn’t stop there. pionships in Manaus, Brazil. Not only did John make the She went on to place among the team, but he also won a national medal. In fact, John won best at both the regional and na- the highest medal. Earning a Gold Medal in the 85 kg/187.5 tional level. Considering the bars lbs US freestyle in Brazil, Bolich to be her best event, Joanna placed represented his nation with honor first in the event at the 2008 level and respect. However, this was not Junior Olympic Nationals. But John’s first experience competing the judges have been continu- on a National Team. Rather, John ously impressed with more than made a trip to nationals in the 7th just her bar performance. Joanna grade and has since won numerous placed 2nd in All-Around gymnast awards, including two All Ameri- Joanna Sampson is headed to in that 2008 Junior Olympic Na- University of Michigan can Titles; Team PA Outstanding tionals; won the all-around title at Wrestler Award; USA Wrestling regional in 2008; and was on the Junior Olympic National All American in both Free Style John Bolich verbally com- Team. An impressive resume, Joanna has won a total of six & Greco Roman at the National mited to Lehigh University. PA State Championships, five Regional Championships and Championships; and All American in Greco Roman in FILA two National Championships. But don’t be fooled; Joanna has National Championships. had her bad days. Yet, it is these bad days that have motivated her to succeed. “One of the most challenging things about the This upcoming school year John will be a senior. He will sport is the bad days. Don’t let them take control of your head. attempt to be Upper Moreland’s first 2-time state medalist You need to keep pushing through them and do the best you with his ultimate goal of becoming Upper Moreland’s first can everyday. If you can get through that challenge, then you State Champ. John has verbally committed to wrestle for Le- can certainly get through what you come up against in the high University, where he plans to attend in the fall of 2011. future.” In the High School, Joanna was a member of the Film Academic All-American Promotion Award Recipients

Pictured after the Promotion Ceremony for the fifth Congratulations to UMHS students John Bolich (wres- grade, are award winners (l-r) Noelle Woodman and tling), Timothy Santry (wrestling) and James Cramer Scott Murphy - Thomas Murt Award for Citizenship (boys’ lacrosse) who received Pennsylvania Academic All- recipients; and Rebeka Humbrecht and Brandon American recognition for the 2009-2010 school year. Garner, Kiwanis Club Award recipients. Upper Moreland Schools....

700 Club Scholarship Recipient

Jonathan Gaston was presented the Upper Moreland Township Police Benevolent Association Scholarship by Officer Kelly Ruddell. The scholarship is given to The 700 Club at the High School is an academic distinction a student who plans to pursue a career in criminal that showcases those student who have achieved a score of justice. Applicants are evaluated based on academ- 700 or above on the verbal, math or critical reading section of ics, extracurricular activities, community service, the SAT 1. Pictured are the latest members who received the and an essay on why they are interested in criminal honor this spring (l-r) Rebekah Perry, Shannon Dillon,Taylor justice as a career. Jonathan plans to attend Temple Pickersgill, Ekaterina Vlasova, Hannah Landers, Susanna University in the fall. Pictured with Jonathan (l-r) is Kim, Emily Hakes, Vaikunt Ranganathan, and Emilie Gray. Principal Dr. Joseph Roy, Officer Kelly Ruddell and Missing from the photo is Menvekeh Daramay. Officer Scott Metheny.

Silver Card Club Princeton Book Club Award Are you over the age of 62? If you are, then you are eligible for membership into the Upper Moreland School District Silver Card Club. The reinstatement of this card allows residents over the age of 62 to attend School District events free of charge.

• Silver Card Club Membership entitles you to attend various UM home athletic events or musical concerts without charge.

• In addition, when a non-silver card theatre perfor- mance at the High School or Middle School has Timothy Uveges was this year’s recipient of the Princeton extra tickets fifteen minutes before the start of the Book Club Award. The award is presented to the student show, Silver Card Club members will receive free who has the highest GPA in the junior class. Timothy admission to that performance as well. is a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, and the tennis and soccer teams. Pictured with Timothy To register for the Silver Card Club, bring a photo id to the Com- above at a recent Board meeting are (l-r) Superintendent munity Information Network located in the UM Administration of Schools, Dr. Robert Milrod; Assistant Principal Ms. Building, 2900 Terwood Road. You may also contact Nora Rosen- Joy Perisho, Board President Dr. David Hakes and Timo- baum at 215-830-1587 or via email [email protected]. thy’s parents Brenda & Albert Uveges. .... Making a difference Giving Back to the Community Completing his senior project was not enough for Matt Wil- Commissioners to have the sculpture installed at a local son. Rather, Matt wanted to find his park. They reveled at the idea and encour- sculpture a home. Unveiling a bronzed aged him to contact the parks and recreation sculpture of an unknown soldier in committee, which worked with him on Upper Moreland’s Memorial Drive logistics. A crowd of about 50 joined Matt Plaza, Matt’s dream became a real- in the occasion, including Rep. Tom Murt, a ity. Standing about five feet tall, the representative from Allyson Schwartz’s office, statue will be housed at the entrance General Jerry Beck and Superintendent Dr. to Memorial Park. With the idea to Robert Milrod. honor those serving their country, Matt worked with his cousin Tom Barr “Bringing ‘Art to the Parks’ is a whole new Pictured with Matt at the statue dedication are to bring his project to life. (l-r) Superintendent Dr. Robert Milrod, Repre- perspective, an eye opener for new alterna- sentative Thomas Murt, Board of Commissioners tives,” said Board of Commissioners Presi- After making his final presentation at President Sam Valenza, Tom Barr, High School dent Sam Valenza. Matt will attend Drexel Vice-Principal Richard Gould, and Commission- school, Matt contacted the Board of er Kevin Spearing. University to earn a degree in engineering.

KUDOS TO:

Upper Moreland Intermediate School 5th grade students who came in the top 100 in the state in First In Math: Dylan Burke (52nd), Nicholas Schaefer (53rd), Shane Leister (77th) Kyle Dunham (79th) Ryan Lowry (97th).

Upper Moreland Intermediate School 4th grade students who came in the top 100 in the state in First In Math: Louis Knoebel (49th), Sterlen Barr (57th), Bryan Gordon (67th), Chloe Tice (71st), Ian Mason (75th) and Cassidy Murphy (85th).

Protecting the Egg Suburban 1 First Team

At the end of every school year, fifth graders at the Selections for the spring sports First Team were made Upper Moreland Intermediate School take part in a by the coaches in the Suburban 1 American Confer- competition known as “The Egg Drop.” Students create ence. Picture are the selected UMHS athletes: Dave a small contraption that will protect one uncooked egg McInerney, baseball; Terrell Watson, track; Christie from a variety of tosses and smashes. Students need to Graf, soccer; Keith Parker-Washington, track; Leslie plan, prepare and practice to produce quality devices. Weaver, soccer; Drew Magaha, track; Sarah Fuller- Congratulations to fifth grade Egg Drop winnersRebec - ton, track; and Lucas Armstrong, baseball. Missing ca Humbrecht and Alexander Gerlach who are pictured from the photo is Ronye Dennis, track. with teachers Mike Bair, Kevin Black, Dan Monaghan and Ryan Mellor. What a year ..... A Sonic Welcome!

Welcome to Upper Moreland! Don District is successful. Locally managed Welsh from Sonic Drive In presented by Michael Braun, Business Manager Emily and Benedite Santry a check of the School District, 100 percent of all for the Clare L. Sean M. Scholarship donations go directly towards scholarships. Fund. The Clare L. Sean M. Scholar- Support for the CLSM Foundation can be ship was created by Jack and Benedicte sent to the UMTSD (Santry Scholarship), Santry in memory of two children who c/o Michael Braun Business Manager, 2900 passed away from cancer at an early Terwood Road, Willow Grove, Pa. 19090. age, never receiving an opportunity to Receiving the check at the presentation shine at Upper Moreland High School. Support such as were (l-r) Business Manager Michael Braun, that given by Sonic, is the single most important reason Don Welsh, and scholarship originators Emily and Benedicte that the Scholarship Fund in Upper Moreland School Santry. Thank you Sonic! Welcome to the neighborhood.

District Recognition 8th Grade Award Recipients

Menvekeh Daramay was honored by the District for being selected as the 2010 recipient of the Harvard Prize Book Award. The award is presented to an eleventh grade student for excellence in scholarship and achieve- ment in other fields. Pictured above are the award recipients from the Eighth Grade Promotion Ceremony which took place in June. Congratulations to Harry Betz - Ameri- can Legion Certificate of Honorable Mention; Karli Lynch - Kiwanis Award, Patrick Driscoll & Sara Ny- holm - American Legion & American Legion Auxilary Certificate of School Award, andJohn Brady - Kiwan- is Club Award. Missing from the photo was Sydney Halberstadt, Judy LeBarr Award recipient. State Qualifiers Congratulations to our Athletic State Qualifiers for Track (l-r) Alan Zigler, Terrell Watson, Keith Parker-Washington, Tessie Edwards, Drew Magaha and Matt Worley. Drew be- came the PIAA District One AAA 1600 meter Champion and went on to set a new school record for the event. In addition, members of the 4 X 100 Meter relay -Edwards, Worley, Zigler and Parker-Washington also set a new school record. Terrell Watson went on to place 7th and qualify for a State Medal in Javelin. ...In the News

Skills USA Medal Winners First In Math

Congratulations to fifth grade studentBernardo Paranhos for Kudos to (l-r) Jane O’Brien (Allied Health), Shane his performance in First In Math, an internet based math- Ebner (Protective Services), Gary Rairdon (Con- ematics program that provides students additional support struction Technology) and Nichole Hamilton (Com- to help them achieve their academic goals. Bernardo placed mercial Art) for their performance at Eastern Cen- 10th overall in the state and 32nd overall when compared ter for Arts & Technology 2009-2010 Skills USA with all fifth grade students nationally. First In Math, a cur- Competition. Skills USA is a national organization riculum supplement, was implemented in the fall of 2009 and for students who are enrolled in training programs continues to improve our students math skills. providing quality educational experiences in leader- ship, teamwork, citizenship and character. At the District level, Gary earned a 1st Place Gold Medal, while Shane & Nichole earned a 2nd Place Silver Medal and Jane was awarded a 3rd Place Bronze Medal. Nichole went on to earn a 1st Place Gold Medal at the State Level. Congratulations! 2010-2011 School Year A Glance Ahead* Weather the Weather

Aug. 30 - ALL Schools - Student First Day Aug. 31 - Gr. 4 & 5 - Meet the Teacher Night Aug. 31 - Board Meeting, 7:30 PM, TLC II Sept. 1 - Gr. 1 & 2 - Meet the Teacher Night Sept. 1 - HS - Music Patrons Mtg., 7 PM Sept. 2 - HS - Booster Club Mtg., 7 PM Sept. 3 - Student/Teacher Holiday Sept. 6 - District Holiday, Labor Day Sept. 7 - Gr. 3 - Meet the Teacher Night Under the direction of Primary School Music Teacher, Sept. 9 - Student Teacher Holiday Mary Ann Meinhart, the second grade students present- ed the play, “Weather the Weather.” This play celebrates something that affects everyone of us everyday. Every second grader lent their voice with a line and shared fun performances of song and dance. Pictured above are *Dates are subject to change. students from the “Marvelous Meteorologist” crew. Upper Moreland School District Nonprofit 2900 Terwood Road U.S. POSTAGE Willow Grove, PA 19090 PAID Horsham, PA Permit No. 62 Non-Profit

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