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Dear WSSD Families and Community,

I hope this communication finds you with a smile on your face as there is much to smile about today. I am a huge Track and Field enthusiast and like many enthusiasts I often try to make connections about my experiences through the lens of Athletics. Whether you viewed this year as a marathon, a 26.2 mile race or 100 meter sprint, they all have the same essential components: a sense of excitement, nervousness, trepidation, fatigue, and exhilaration. Additionally, there are two fundamental truths about any race: you always start strong and you always cross the finish line. Today, we crossed the finish line.  As we say goodbye to the graduating class of 2023 and our students begin their summer vacation, I want to personally thank our educators for their unyielding commitment to our children. This year we opened the school year with a fundamental question, “Kasserian Ingera” which means “And how are the children?”, and the response is, “The children are well”. I also want to recognize and thank you for your commitment and support of our district and community. I am once again reminded of the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together”, and it is only by working together, supporting each other that we crossed the finish line today. 

As you prepare for the Summer, let me share with you a few highlights from the week, as well as reminders of the upcoming meetings and events.

End of Year Celebrations

As always, the month of June is about the many accomplishments of our students. We celebrated the 8th grade bridge crossing, 5th grade moving up ceremonies, and the welcoming of new students into our kindergarten classes. We also celebrated the Class of 2023 graduation at Neumann University. Prior to their graduation ceremony, the seniors at SHHS organized a heartwarming clap out event and commemoration. This special tradition allowed the entire school community to come together and applaud the achievements of the graduating class. With cheers, applause, and words of encouragement, the students, teachers, and staff celebrated the seniors' accomplishments and wished them the best as they embarked on the next chapter of their lives.

Juneteenth

SHHS students organized a vibrant celebration in honor of Juneteenth. The event was filled with joyous festivities, educational activities, and inspiring presentations that highlighted the significance of this important day in American history. It served as a powerful reminder of the progress made and the ongoing work towards achieving equality and justice for all. We applaud the students' initiative and their dedication to promoting awareness and appreciation of Juneteenth. May this event continue to inspire unity, understanding, and positive change within our school community and beyond.

Final Board Meeting - June 26th

The final WSSD School Board Meeting for the 2022-2023 school year will be held on June 26th at 7pm in the SHMS Library. Meetings will be live-streamed and archived on WSSD YouTube Page. There will be no Board meetings during the month of July and the meetings will resume on August 22nd for the start of the 2023-2024 school year. For more information and a link to the meeting schedule, please click here. 

SHHS Baseball Team

My heart felt congratulations for an outstanding season to the Panthers baseball team. This season the Panthers captured their second district championship title. Even though we did not walk away with a victory at the state championships, under the leadership of Coach Fili and coaching staff, they created magical moments and memories that will live forever. 

Here are some upcoming meetings and events. Please check the district calendar on our website for additional information.

June 19th - District Closed

June 21st - Facilities & Finance Committee Meeting at 7PM

Agenda Topics for this meeting include:

Crabtree Rohrbaugh & Associates will present findings of the high school utilization study and efforts to reimagine learning spaces such as but not limited to replacement  of the modular classrooms, restrooms, media center, locker rooms, special education classrooms, natatorium, etc.}.

Presentation of the 23-24 Final budget at our Finance Committee Meeting.

June 26th - Regular School Board Meeting at 7PM

Have a safe and fun summer break. 

Wagner Marseille, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Dear WSSD Community, 

The seemingly shorter length of my letter to you this week belies the beehive of activities and happenings in our schools throughout the school district. It is indeed the time of year for field days, concerts, recognitions and celebrations. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our students and for being an integral part of our school community. Together, let us continue to make memories with our students. 

Spring is a time of renewal and growth, and it offers us the opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made and to look ahead to what is yet to come. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your hard work and dedication as we can see the light at the end of this school year tunnel. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our students and for being an integral part of our school community. Let us embrace this season of change with open hearts and minds, and let us continue to work together to create a brighter future for our students.

Let me share with you a few highlights from the week, as well as reminders of the upcoming meetings and events.

Strategic Plan

An informational, progress update meeting on Strategic Plan was held on May 15th in the SHMS library and I want to thank everyone who has attended and participated in this process.

We will be reconvening on June 5th to collaborate on designing the SMARTIE (Smart, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, Time-Bound, Inclusive, Equitable) objectives for each of the five pathways that have emerged as priority areas. The five pathways are: (1) Diversity, Equity and Belonging, (2) Teaching, Learning and Innovation, (3) Culture, Community and Innovation, (4) Wellness and Social/Emotional Competencies and (5) Infrastructure and Finance. At the meeting on June 5th, the planning teams will develop Action Plans for Year 1 that will delineate the tasks, the timelines, the progress monitoring measures as well as the resources needed. 

There is a second community meeting happening on May 23rd (Zoom) to share our progress to date and gather feedback on the Strategic Plan. Please access these links to register for either event:

Zoom Community Meeting Registration

Facilities & Finance Committee Meeting

At the May 17th Facilities and Finance Committee meeting, there will be a presentation from ELA sports on the Athletic Feasibility Study and the Finance Committee will present a proposed budget for the 23-24 school year.  

Here are some upcoming meetings and events. Please check the district calendar on our website for additional information.

May 22nd - School Board Meeting

May 23rd - Strategic Plan Community Meeting - Zoom

May 23rd - SHMS 5th Grade Parent Orientation

May 24th - SHHS Choral Concert

May 24th - Policy Committee Meeting

May 25th - NPE Chorus and Advanced Instrumental Concert

May 29th - District Closed

May 31st - SHHS Academic Awards

June 1st - NPE’s Got Talent

June 2nd - Senior Celebration & Senior Prom

June 8th -SHHS Commemoration

June 9th - SRS African Dance Presentation

June 9th - SHHS Graduation at Neumann University

June 15th - NPE, SRS, WES 5th Grade Moving Up Ceremonies

June 16th - SHMS Bridge Crossing

Be Safe.

Wagner Marseille, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Superintendent Letter to Community 05/5/2023

Dear WSSD Community, 

With only 29 school days left of school before we transition into summer, we are all anticipating the celebratory events and activities that mark the closing of the school year.

Let me share with you a few highlights from the week, as well as reminders of the upcoming meetings and events.

Educational Affairs Committee Meeting 

At the May 3rd Educational Affairs Committee meeting, the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 instructional calendars were presented. The calendars were developed by the newly formed WSSD Calendar Committee consisting of administrators, teachers, staff, and parents. For the purpose of clarity when understanding the development of the academic calendar, the Pennsylvania Department of Education requires each School District's academic calendar to have the following: 

• A minimum of 180 Student School Days

• A minimum of 900 hours of instruction for elementary students 

• A minimum of 450 hours of instruction for Kindergarten 

• A minimum of 990 hours of instruction for secondary students

Upon review of the 2023-2024 calendar, it came to our attention that the required hours and instructional days mandated by PDE were not met. As a result, the calendar presented at the school board meeting on May 23rd, 2022 failed to meet state requirements. The previously Board approved calendar for the 2023-2024 academic calendar only reflected 179 student days, with the final day of school for students on Friday, June 7, 2024.  Additionally, the originally approved 2023-2024 calendar would also have been significantly under the 990 instructional hours at Strath Haven High School, and there would have been no additional days built into the calendar in the event of school cancelation due to inclement weather. The proposed 2023-2024 academic calendar reflects 182 student days, with  a final student day on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. While this is three school days later than what was previously communicated to the community when the 2023-2024 was approved, the additional three days all allow Strath Haven High School, grades 9-11, to meet the required 990 instructional hours and provide relief in the event of inclement weather. Due to when graduation is scheduled, the 12th grade class will have a deficit of 12.2 instructional hours.

The proposed 2024-2025 calendar was also developed through feedback from the Calendar Committee, and reflects similar developmental guidelines that were followed in rectifying the 2023-2024 academic calendar. There are a total of 10 Professional Development days reflected in both calendars. The 10 Professional Development days bring the student days total to 192 but the instructional hours will be calculated at 182 student days. 

The Wallingford Swarthmore Educators Association (WSEA) Collective Bargaining Agreement requires teachers to work a total of 192 days. There are 9 days that are considered an Act 80 days exception. While students do not attend school during Act 80 days, since teachers are working on a myriad of activities that impact educational programming, these days are considered instructional days in nature, but are not included in the instructional hour total calculation.

Mr. Benzing, Director of STEM, introduced Project Lead the Way, which is a series of courses integral to the WSSD STEM program. There was also an update on the Strategic Plan, and a review of where we currently are in this process. The Board will take action on the calendars presented at the Educational Affairs Committee meeting on Monday May 22nd, 2023.

Click here for the Educational Affairs Committee Meeting Presentation and Highlights.

SHMS Fine and Applied Arts Night

I am so impressed and inspired by the talents of our students on Tuesday, May 2nd. One of the pieces performed by the 7th and 8th grade orchestra was a Billy Joel song. “I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music,” a quote from Billy Joel and after listening to them perform after so much hard work and practice, that quote really showcases the power of music and how important it is for supporting the arts at WSSD. There were performances from the 8th Grade Band, the 7th Grade Band, the combined 7th and 8th grade band, and the combined 7th and 8th Grade Orchestra. Many works of art were also displayed in the hallways for families to view. 

The second Fine and Applied Arts Night was on May 4th at 7pm and showcased performances from the 8th Grade Chorus, the 7th Grade Chorus, and Cantabile. Finally, the third Fine and Applied Arts Night is May 9th at 7pm. There will be performances by the 6th grade band, the 6th grade Chorus, and 6th grade Orchestra. You will also be able to appreciate artwork in the hallways ranging from drawings, wood carvings, paintings to inspirational art pieces crafted by our students.

SHHS Varsity Art Awards & Art Exhibitions

Congratulations to our students and staff for the talents that were showcased at the Varsity Art Awards & Art Exhibitions on April 27th. Awards were presented in the Art Department, Tech Ed Department, the English Department, and the Music and Performing Arts Department. Additionally, 13 students were inducted into the National Arts Honor Society. 

Strategic Plan

As a continuation of the work that planning teams began on April 15th on the Strategic Plan, we will be reconvening on May 8th and June 5th to collaborate on designing the SMARTIE (Smart, Measurable, Actionable, Realistic, Time-Bound, Inclusive, Equitable) objectives for each of the five pathways that have emerged as priority areas. The five pathways are: (1) Diversity, Equity and Belonging, (2) Teaching, Learning and Innovation, (3) Culture, Community and Innovation, (4) Wellness and Social/Emotional Competencies and (5) Infrastructure and Finance. At the meeting on June 5th, the planning teams will develop Action Plans for Year 1 that will delineate the tasks, the timelines, the progress monitoring measures as well as the resources needed. 

There are also two community meetings scheduled on May 15th (In-person) and May 23rd (Zoom) to share our progress to date and gather feedback on the Strategic Plan. Please access these links to register for either event:

In-Person Community Meeting Registration

Zoom Community Meeting Registration

Policy Committee

At the April 26th Policy Committee meeting, the following policies were presented as Second Readings: Policy 200: Enrollment of Students, Policy 201: Admission of Students, Policy 202: Eligibility of Nonresident Students, Policy 206: Attendance Areas and Assignment in District, Policy 211: Student Accident Insurance, Policy 219: Student Complaint Process, Policy 246: Student Wellness, and Policy 815: Acceptable Use of Network, Internet, Computing Resources, and CIPA Internet Safety Compliance, Policy 823: Naloxone.

The following policies were presented as First Readings: Policy 260: Student Surveys, Policy 916: Volunteers, and Policy 919: Civility.

Click here for the Policy Committee Meeting Presentation and Highlights.

Facilities & Finance Committee Meeting

At the May 17th Facilities and Finance Committee meeting, there will be a presentation from ELA sports on the Athletic Feasibility Study and the Finance Committee will present a proposed budget for the 23-24 school year.  

Upcoming Meetings and Events

May 9th -  SHMS Fine and Applied Arts Night #3 at 7PM

May 8th-12th - Teacher Appreciation Week

May 8th-12 - Nurses Appreciation Week

May 10th - SRS Spring Instrumental Concert

May 10th - WES Spring Concert

May 11th - SRS Orchestra, 5th Gr. Band and Chorus Concert

May 15th - Strategic Plan Community Meeting at 6PM

May 16th - No School - In-Service Day

May 17th - Facilities & Finance Committee Meeting

May 17th - WES Spring Instrumental Concert

May 22nd - School Board Meeting

May 24th - Policy Committee Meeting

Last but not least, I would be remiss for not taking this opportunity to recognize Teacher Appreciation Week that begins on Monday. I would like to convey my gratitude and appreciation for all of our teachers and their tireless efforts. 

Be Safe.

Wagner Marseille, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Superintendent Letter to Community 04/21/2023

Dear WSSD Community, 

I hope you had a restful and refreshing Spring Break and are excited as we begin the gradual wind-down of the 2022-2023 school year. With about 10 weeks of school left we are now in the last leg of the school year which coupled with the warm weather, Spring sports and longer daylight hours hold the promise of summer. It goes without saying that for me, I am especially partial to this time of year  as the 127th Annual Penn Relays are right around the corner.  I hope that for you, like me, this gives you the renewed energy to cross the finish line.

Let me share with you a few highlights from the week, as well as reminders of the upcoming meetings and events.

SHHS Mock Crash

On Thursday, April 20, 2023 Strath Haven High School hosted the Mock Crash, sponsored by State Farm Insurance and Riddle Hospital. This event is facilitated in partnership with Main Line Health, Riddle Hospital, Nether Providence and Swarthmore Police Departments, South Media, Garden City, Swarthmore and Rutledge Fire Departments, Media, Brookhaven, Swarthmore, and Riddle EMS, and actors from Hedgerow Theater. The purpose of this staged event is to teach students about the dangers of drunk and distracted driving. The target audience is the junior class, and the event is traditionally held in close proximity to the junior prom which is happening April 22nd. The Mock Crash used a staged, fixed car crash as the foundation for a portrayal of what occurs at an accident scene. Student actors and professional actors from Hedgerow theater interact with police, firefighters, and EMS to demonstrate a realistic scenario. Students then moved to the auditorium where a speaker from Bryn Mawr Rehab shared how their life has been affected by a similar type of accident. Strath Haven has participated in this pre-pandemic event for many years and students have reported that it made a notable impact on their decision making. In fact, this impression is often referenced by graduates when they return to visit on breaks from college. We would like to thank all the participants and volunteers in advance for dedicating their time and energy to helping spread such an important message to all of our students.

WES Science Fair

I want to congratulate the student scientists participating, as well as to the Dimensions in Math & Science Committee for organizing this event. The 2nd Annual WES Science Fair took place on Wednesday April 19th. The 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade student scientists showcased their science projects and knowledge. This non-competitive event is completely voluntary and organized by the WES PTO Dimensions in Math & Science Committee. Students do all work (research, experiment and trifold creation) at home independently or with a partner. As fellow WES students visited the 21 student-driven science tables and asked questions, the student scientists stamped their passports. There were also a variety of PTO science activities that were supported by SHMS 6th Grade WES alumni and PTO volunteers, and the Eastern Pennsylvania Robotics Team attended, along with many of their robots. 

SRS Art Show

Congratulations to Ms. Hochstoeger, SRS Art Teacher, who prepared a show capturing the various phases, techniques and genres of art through the grade levels. We are grateful for our parents and families who shared their love for art by attending and encouraging future students to be inspired by the art that surrounds them. SRS held an art show on April 13th. All students were able to participate by having their art projects displayed throughout the auditorium for the WSSD families to view. 

Mini-THON

Mini-THON has raised $15,374.74 this school year. They achieved their goal of reaching $15,000 for the school year. They held many events throughout the school year. All proceeds will be sent to the Four Diamonds. Four Diamonds’ mission is to conquer childhood cancer by assisting children and their families through superior care, comprehensive support and innovative research.

Strategic Plan

On April 18th a total of 55 parents/guardians, community members, staff, administrators and board members came together to review the vision for impact statements. Our partners from Bloom Inc, who we have contracted with to assist us with creating and articulating our 10-year Strategic Plan facilitated the meeting. Prior to the meeting, our planning team reviewed 17 different Visions For Impact drafts that were synthesized to create one statement. Bloom representatives reviewed our journey so far in the planning process, the various Vision For Impact statements that were created in over ten different meetings and the synthesized version of the Vision for Impact from each of these iterations. Participants were invited to review and share input on the synthesized draft Vision For Impact statement in an effort to begin defining the key pathways of the WSSD Strategic Plan. Our next meeting with the planning team is on April 25th and we will review the updated Vision For Impact statement, discuss the five pathways that were identified, review their statements of intent, complete pathway-specific gap analysis and brainstorm strategic initiatives. The five pathways are: (1) Diversity, Equity and Belonging, (2) Teaching, Learning and Innovation, (3) Culture, Community and Innovation, (4) Wellness and Social/Emotional Competencies and (5) Infrastructure and Finance. Your voice matters and your perspective is integral to the development of the Strategic Plan. I want to thank all of you who found the time and space to actively participate in this phase of the planning process. Your commitment and contribution are pivotal to the success of our Strategic Plan.

Educational Affairs Committee Meeting 

There were two main agenda topics for the April Educational Affairs committee meeting: Learning Journeys and Strategic Plan updates. The purpose of learning journeys is to ground ourselves in the most innovative aspects of learning, to have first-hand experiences that inspire us to think about the best ways to engage students, to explore core questions about what we want our students’ experiences to be, and to challenge deeply held assumptions about what education is and should be in the 21st Century. This echoes the findings from the audits we conducted last school year about our aspirations as a school district. It is also embedded in the pathways that will guide the creation of our 10-year vision of a WSSD strategic plan. This school year, some of you had the opportunity to participate in learning journeys. It was inspiring to hear your colleagues share their observations and experiences visiting schools far and near. The intent is for teachers and administrators to continue to grow professionally through learning journeys. Thank you to Mrs. Sue Gaur, Mr. Bryan Neuber, Mrs. Michaela DelSordo and Mrs. Heather Burns for sharing their perspectives at the committee meeting. We look forward to similar opportunities in the coming year.

Click here for the Educational Affairs Committee Meeting Presentation and Highlights. Click here to view the recording of the meeting.

Facilities & Finance Committee Meeting

On April 18th at the Facilities and Finance committee meeting, Mr. Kevin Godshall from Godshall Kane O'Rourke Architects (GKO) presented a number of expansion and construction options to help us think critically through the spacing challenges we are facing at the elementary schools. Eight different options were presented for design changes at WES, NPE, and SRS. One of these options was for SRS to reimagine the space to offer a district-wide Kindergarten and 1st grade center. Mr. Godshall also identified ways in which we can increase classroom efficiency for buildings where that capacity and possibility exist. All options presented are exploratory and additional options for investigation were discussed at the meeting.

Furthermore, proposals for cleaning services were reviewed and METZ environmental services were recommended to be awarded the cleaning services contract. The electronic fob readers at access doors in our elementary schools are at 85% completion while electronic position sensors/switches on all district exterior doors  are at 70% completion. These installations are  expected to be completed by May 15th. The marquee sign for the middle school and high school will be presented to township zoning on May 15th.

The next facilities meeting is scheduled for May 17th where ELA sports will present their findings on the athletic fields study and the master plan. At our June 21st Facilities Committee meeting GKO will present their findings on the  high school space utilization study.

The Finance Committee meeting gave an update on the Business Office and the search for a Business Manager. There was mention of the extremely competitive market to recruit and hire personnel because of the acute labor shortage in this field. In the meeting, Food Services vendors were also discussed and the recommendation was made to award the contract to The Nutrition Group. Additionally, a 2023 budget update was shared as well as the budget versus year-to-date comparison. 

Click here for the Facilities Committee Meeting Presentation and Highlights. Click here to view the recording of the meeting.

PSSA

Students in grades 3-8 will be taking the PSSA in English Language Arts, Math and Science (grades 4 and 8) beginning next week and the testing window closes on May 12th. Administrators and teachers have collaborated to create amended schedules so students have ample time to take the test in a comfortable and peaceful environment. 

Special Education Transition information night

WSSD Presents a Special Education Transition Information Night featuring sessions on multiple topics. Please see the RSVP form for further information and an attached flyer. This very special event will take place on Thursday, April 27th from 6:30 – 8pm at Strath Haven High School in the auditorium. https://forms.gle/7GMRyBEZ12kSfXHk9 

Milligan Scholar Athlete

Congratulations to Strath Haven HS senior Sam Milligan on being selected as the 2023 Bo & Kelly Ryan Scholar Athlete Award from the Delaware County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. Sam Milligan has been a model student-athlete the past four years, and we wish him luck as he continues his academic and athletic careers at Bucknell University next fall, where he will play football.

Upcoming Meetings and Events

April 22nd - SHHS Junior Prom

April  24th - School Board Meeting

April 26th - SHHS Jazz Night

April 26th - Policy Committee Meeting

April 26th - National Walk at Lunch Day

April 27th - SHHS Varsity Arts Awards & Art Exhibitions

April 27th - National Art Honor Society Induction

April 28th - SRS Home and School Family Bingo Night

May 3rd - Educational Affairs Committee Meeting

Be Safe.

Wagner Marseille, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Superintendent Letter to Community 03/31/2023

Dear WSSD Community, 

I hope this communication finds you in good health and good spirits. Spring break has arrived and I encourage you to take advantage of hopefully great weather and fun activities. Upon returning to school, I know that the remainder of the year will continue to be a positive and influential environment for our students and community. Let me share with you a few highlights from the week, as well as reminders of upcoming meetings and events.

 

Spring Conferences 

March 28th through March 31st NPE, SRS, and WES hosted Parent and Teacher Conferences. We hope that you had the opportunity to take advantage of our spring conferences. These conferences supplement communication with families by providing more comprehensive information about children's progress and allowing time for deep conversation. Providing the time and space for discussions between parents and teachers is a crucial opportunity to gain insights into, and to enhance your child’s learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. We hope that you had the opportunity to take advantage of our spring conferences.

 

Haven Band and Orchestra Concert

On March 15th, the Haven Band and Orchestra ensembles performed a concert, “Fire, Water, Earth, Air.” The program consisted of four groups to represent the elements. The String Orchestra started the performance followed by the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and ended with the Symphonic Band. To view the concert program, click here for the Program PDF and to view the concert, click here. 

 

The 42nd Annual Summer Music program is happening this year from June 26th-July 20th, 2023. This program is open to students entering 3rd through 12th grade in the Fall. Rising 8th-12th grade students and adults of any age are welcome to join the evening concert band. The Summer Program is open to both WSSD and non-WSSD residents. To register visit tinyurl.com/summermusicprogram. 

 

NPE STEAM Night

Nether Providence Elementary School hosted  STEAM Night. Many exhibits were placed in the hallways, gym, and cafeteria. Students will have an opportunity to learn about careers in all aspects of STEAM. Many thanks to all of the parents, staff and special guests who will be sharing their experiences and knowledge with our students. Some of the events that were showcased include: Tessellations, Magnetism, Data Visualization, Atoms in Legos, Engineering and Bridges, and many more! 

 

International Night SHHS

The weaving worlds of Culture, Customs and Cuisine held at Strath Haven High School for International Night brought fun, art, inspiration, and educational opportunities to students, families and community members. This event highlighted and celebrated the rich diversity of our school district while showcasing our students’ unique talents in expressing their culture and traditions. Students also hosted a fundraiser during the event and all funds raised will be donated to Doctors Without Borders for their efforts in Syria and Turkey.

 

Career Day at SHMS

Career Day gives students an up-close look at different career paths and connects their learning to the real world. On Friday, March 24th, Strath Haven Middle School welcomed 41 different guests featuring various occupations. Community members and leaders visited classrooms to share insights about their career and details about necessary education and training for career success. Meanwhile, students got the opportunity to listen to presenters, ask questions, and consider what careers pique their interest. Career Day exposed students to pathways they may not have imagined. 

Thank you to the teachers and staff that helped organize this event. Thank you to all of the guests for volunteering their time and knowledge to help our students explore many careers and to get them thinking about their future occupations. 

 

 

Strath Haven High School Sports

Congratulations to Alexa Brown on placing 5th at the New Balance Indoor Track & Field National Championships with a throw of 42' 3.25". New Balance considers those who finish 1st through 6th place at the event to be All-Americans. Alexa meets this qualification and will have a plaque added to the All-American wall this summer. Congrats to sophomore Gavin Shifflett for his achievements at the PIAA State Championship. Gavin set personal best times in 200 free (1:43.01) and 500 free (4:36.32 - new school record), finishing 14th and 10th in those events. 

Spring Sports have just begun and we picked up the victory from boys lacrosse (11-6) and girls lacrosse (15-6) over Pennsbury to open the season! Best of luck to our spring sports competitors! 

 

As our spring sports are starting, we would like to encourage parents, families, and students to be considerate of sportsmanship. Sportsmanship plays itself out in the fields and in the stands. All of us play a role in the PIAA sportsmanship message. As we enter the spring sports season, we want to reaffirm our commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all involved. We look forward to welcoming our student-athletes, coaches, officials, families, and fans to another successful, and positive, season! 

 

Strategic Plan

As we continue our strategic planning process, our community will continue to play a fundamental role in  forging a path that continues to elevate WSSD not only as a destination of choice for families but also as a premier K-12 institution in the country. We welcome our community’s input and invite you to be a part of our efforts. I am thankful for your involvement and commitment to our school district. To join the WSSD Planning Team, visit here to learn more about how to actively participate  and engage in the WSSD strategic planning process.

 

Policy Committee Meeting

The policy committee meeting was held on March 22nd and the following policies were presented as first readings: Policy 202 Eligibility of Non-Resident Students; Policy 246 Student Wellness; Policy 823 Naloxone. Click here for the Policy Committee Meeting Presentation and Highlights. 

Facilities & Finance Committee Meeting

The Facilities Committee meeting was held on March 15th and the following topics were discussed and presented: King Field Turf Replacement - ELA Sport Presentation, Athletic Fields Study, LED Marquee Signs –Middle and High School, Campus Signage - Middle and High School, Custodial Cleaning Contract –  (RFP) Request for Proposals

Click here for the Facilities Committee Meeting Presentation and Highlights.

 

At the March 15th Finance Committee meeting Mr. Ken King, the Interim Business Manager, provided a high level overview of the current standings of the district. Currently, the district has a few vacancies within the Business Department and projects that require attention. He provided insights into what he has gleaned so far in terms of the operations of the Business Department and is preparing for the 2023-2024 final budget. He is also supporting the WSESPA negotiations process. 

Click here for the Facilities Committee Meeting Presentation and Highlights.

Regular Board Meeting

I would like to highlight two items the Board took action on during the March 27th meeting. The Board authorized the school district to enter a contract for FieldTurf USA to replace the Synthetic Turf on King Field.  This is the first of many projects to support the reimagining of our athletic spaces.   The renovation will begin on May 15th and is scheduled to be concluded by August 30th.  Though not on the board agenda I want to share that Godshall Kane O'Rourke Architects have completed their preliminary elementary utilization study and are scheduled to present their findings at the April 19th Facilities and Finance Committee meeting.  We are also finalizing the high school utilization study with Crabtree Rohrbaugh & Associates who will present their findings at the May Facilities and Finance Committee.

The Board also approved the addition of purchasing and installing building signs and directional signs at the Strath Haven Middle School and High School. We look forward to the installation of those signs in the coming months.  

Click here to view the Board Summary Highlights. Click here to view the Superintendent Report. 

 

WES Lemonade and Pretzel Stand

On March 27th, 28th, and 29th, Mrs. Gaur hosted the Annual Lemonade Stand at WES for students and staff to buy pretzels and lemonade! Many families donated gallons of lemonade, paper bags, cups, and more to help support this event. The students and staff have raised $2,235 in donations that will be going to Turkey to help with the earthquake disaster relief.

 

Upcoming Meetings and Events

April 3rd-7th - Spring Recess

April 13th - SRS Art Show

April 19th - WES Science Fair

April 19th - Facilities & Finance Committee Meetings

April 20th - SHHS Mock Crash

April 21st - SHHS Mock Crash (Rain Date)

April 22nd - SHHS Junior Prom

April  24th - School Board Meeting

April 26th - Policy Committee Meeting

 

Like many of you, I continue to process the tragic events and loss of lives that occurred in Nashville. Once again this horrific incident set in motion feelings of condolences and confusion about senseless acts that are becoming unfortunately too familiar. The safety and well-being of our students and staff continue to be our topmost priority. Our strength lies in our collective efforts as a school district and the ongoing commitment of our community in supporting all of our students and each other.

Be Safe.

Wagner Marseille, Ed.D.

Superintendent

In this June 17th update, Dr. Marseille discusses the end of the 21-22 school year, safety updates, celebratory activities, and congratulates our Class of 2022 graduates.

Important highlights:

• 2022 Commencement
• Audit updates
• Upcoming celebrations
• Safety updates

Read the full letter here.

Click here to access this May 27, 2022 update. 

Click here to access this May 24, 2022 update. 

Click here to access this May 20, 2022 update. 

Click here to access this May 16, 2022 update.