Notes from UDSD Board of School Directors Meeting
After-school activities return to Maple Glen Elementary; UDHS students receive art awards
Honors and recognition highlighted Monday night's Upper Dublin Board of School Directors meeting at Maple Glen Elementary, with students and teachers alike receiving various awards for their passion and efforts.
Michael Tancredi, who is a third-grade teacher at Maple Glen Elementary, was the regional winner for the Barnes and Noble "My Favorite Teacher" award, which recognizes teachers who exhibit tremendous leadership and a commitment to education.
In addition to Tancredi, a trio of Upper Dublin High School art students received awards in the 25th-annual PSEA "Touch the Future" art show.
UDHS junior Julianne Santiago won the Three-Dimensional Mixed Media award for her "Heart Made of Wood" project, Kelly Toner won an award for digital photography and Chelsea Eyer won the Juror's Prize for her "Castle Jewelry Box".
A total of 25 schools throughout Bucks and Montgomery counties competed in the "Touch the Future" contest, resulting in 855 entries made by 225 students.
Maple Glen resumes after-school activities
Thanks to the efforts of the PTO and principal Timothy Bickhart, after-school activities have resumed at Maple Glen Elementary.
"We've brought after-school activities back to Maple Glen," said Michele Gamburg, co-president of the Maple Glen PTO. "We've had a huge turnout, and people are very excited about having all these different activities available to their kids. It's been a wonderful opportunity for the children."
According to Bickhart, the school now offers between 10 and 15 after-school activities, which include art, chess and karate.
"Every child can continue their day and explore some new topics that they find interesting," said Bickhart.
Upcoming meetings
The Upper Dublin High School cafeteria will play host to a series of upcoming school district meetings, starting with a special finance and budget meeting on Monday, March 26th at 6 p.m.
The April work session meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 9th at 6 p.m., and the April Board of School Directors Legislative Meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 16th at 7 p.m.
danny roturra
8:37 pm on Tuesday, March 13, 2012
instead of meeting about trivial pursuits...why not focus on cutting the ever growing budget? or would that be against convictions of the folks that inflate their importance by being on the board????
Dr Steven Greene
8:49 pm on Tuesday, March 13, 2012
@Danny. I agree with you point generally, but be aware that they board does have meetings earmarked for business and budget issues etc (which are clearly very important). the article lists this meeting on March 26th, and other meetings that are legislative and others that are not. Without getting into personalities and the convictions side... It's a good thing to highlight positives in the school district as well. There are, despite known problems that will always exist and can be debated, many positive things going on.
Joe Koenig
10:10 pm on Tuesday, March 13, 2012
I have attended the last several scheduled meetings held at the Township's elementary schools. The first 30-45 minutes is dedicated to the school and its students and teachers. By the time the Board gets down to business, it's almost 8:00PM. Last nite's meeting was over after 10PM. As a concerned resident, it is difficult to endure these meeting. The Board schedules a working meeting the first Monday of the month, and now special meetings relating to budget issues. I want to stay on top of the Board's business, but three meetings a month?? Isn't it possible to honor students and teachers at a seperate meeting. Does anyone have a suggestion as to which of the two meetings is more important?? I also attend the Commisioner's meetings, which seem to run more smoothly, and rarely go past 9:30PM. HELP!!
Mary Keptke
11:51 am on Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Those PTO people work hard, I am glad they have a chance to speak, but you are right there is too much talk. Not everything needs to be celebrated. They do not need to have that principal talk. He is the most unresponsive guy to the community, who cares what he has to say.