From the Superintendent's Desk
e-Blasts
Announcement of Special Virtual Board Meeting July 18, 2024, 3:00 p.m.
Dear SDST Community and Staff,
I am pleased to announce a Special Virtual Board Meeting to be held this Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. virtually to vote upon a personnel agenda that will include a number of new staff members for positions across the district.
Within the personnel agenda are several new teaching positions in emotional support to strengthen services at Enfield and Erdenheim elementary schools, as well as several long-term substitute positions to support staff who will be on leaves this year. I am thankful to the administration and staff who engaged in the searches for these important roles on our team.
I am also pleased to recommend the appointment of Dr. Amy Mangano for the position of Springfield Township Middle School Principal, effective September 9, 2024. Dr. Mangano was selected after an extensive search process that involved staff and community surveys and multiple interviews, which included administrators, teachers, specialists, support staff, students, parents and board members on the interview committees. She was the clear finalist from a pool of over 50 applicants, after a challenging three rounds of interviews that culminated in a two-hour series in which she addressed administration, community members, students and staff across four 30-minute sessions.
Dr. Mangano currently serves as the Supervisor of Elementary Special Education in Methacton School District. Prior to assuming that position in 2021, Dr. Mangano was Methacton's middle school principal at their 7-8 building for six years. She also served as an elementary principal in New Hope-Solebury SD for 11 years, and began her career as an elementary school counselor, guidance supervisor and middle school assistant principal in Wissahickon SD for ten years. Throughout the interview series, Dr. Mangano impressed our administration, staff, families and students with her depth of experience, her intellect, and her comprehensive approach to student, staff and community engagement. Dr. Mangano is a graduate of Germantown Academy and Providence College, and she completed her graduate studies at Gwynedd Mercy and Arcadia Universities.
Dr. Zach Fuller’s last day with us was Thursday, July 11th, and so I am pleased to announce that Mrs. Kieran Brady will serve as Interim STMS Principal until Dr. Mangano’s arrival in September. Families or staff with questions regarding the 2024-2025 school year may direct inquiries to Mrs. Brady at kieran_brady@sdst.org.
I am also pleased to announce the recommendation of Mr. Matthew Snead for the position of Supervisor of Technology. Mr. Snead replaces thirty-year veteran Springfield community member Mrs. Virginia Wexler, who served in a similar role for the district managing the network security systems. In moving this position to an administrative role, we are improving our ability to manage the significant challenges experienced in K-12 education today regarding network administration, cybersecurity, and the advent of artificial intelligence.
Mr. Snead currently serves as the Director of Information Technology at Abington School District. He has served in the role since January of this year, and was previously the district's Supervisor of Technology for three years. Mr. Snead is a graduate of Upper Moreland SD, where he studied at Eastern as a high school student, having long had an interest and aptitude in computer programming. Mr. Snead is highly skilled in network management and cybersecurity, and worked for a number of years with Mr. Brandon Lutz, our Director of Technology. Mr. Snead emerged as the clear finalist for Supervisor of Technology, having demonstrated his skills and intellect through multiple rounds of interviews with our team.
The personnel agenda will be the only item on the Special Virtual Meeting of the Board on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 3:00 p.m..
Thank you, and enjoy the remainder of your summer!
MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Dear SDST Staff and Families,
I hope that you have enjoyed a restful and restorative break. Please find updated information regarding our district plans for Monday, April 8th here.
Thank you,
MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Dear SDST Families,
As you know, last week we used the two weather emergency/snow days we had built into our school calendar. These days were originally anticipated to be moved to June 12-13, 2024 to reach 180 days of instruction. However, the PA School Code was recently amended to allow school districts to use either 180 days OR 900 hours at the elementary level and 990 hours at the secondary level to meet the PDE requirements for attendance. We are well above the required hours, and therefore, June 11th will remain our last student day for the 2023-2024 school year.
If we encounter weather or other emergencies that require us to close schools between January 29th and June 11th, we will implement virtual Flexible Instruction Days (FID). Details regarding FID days will be provided by building principals in their newsletters, and in advance of any FID day.
Thank you, and enjoy your weekend.
MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Dear SDST Community,
On Wednesday, January 10th, we presented an update for the community on the STMS Renovation/Addition Project. Thank you to all of those families and community members who were able to join us. For those in attendance and those who were unable to attend but are interested in our plans, I am attaching a copy of the presentation. At the conclusion of the presentation is a QR code for a feedback survey. We welcome your input, questions and ideas.
Thank you,
MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.
Superintendent
STMS Renovation_Addition Project Public Presentation 1.10.24
Good morning,
I hope that you are enjoying the first days of the new year, and are looking forward to whatever the weather has in store for us this weekend!
As I noted in my email just before winter break, we are progressing with our plans to improve and enhance our Middle School over the next few years with a renovation and addition project. We have hired D'Huy Engineering and The Schrader Group for construction and design services, and we have been meeting nearly weekly this fall as we gather information and discuss our plans.
I would like to invite the community to attend a public presentation of the proposed project, including a tour of all affected areas of the building, next Wednesday, January 10th at 6:00 p.m. in the STMS Library. Representatives from D'Huy and The Schrader Group will join Dr. Fuller and me in providing an overview of the project before we begin tours at approximately 6:45 p.m. We expect the meeting to conclude by 8:00 p.m.
The project is currently scheduled to begin during the 2024-2025 school year, and tentatively to conclude during the 2026-2027 school year. Families with children who will attend STMS during or following those years may have an interest in joining us. The presentation will also be made available on our website later next week.
Thank you, and have a good weekend.
MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.
Dear SDST Families,
Good afternoon. I hope that you are looking forward to our winter break next week as we mark the halfway point of the school year. As you know, our students have a half day on Friday, and do not return to school until Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Over the winter break, our schools and offices will be cleaned and our Operations department will be working with several vendors on necessary maintenance work that must be completed when students are not present. Athletic coaches at STHS will work directly with our Interim Athletic Director, Matt Shade, on details of building access over the break, and he will communicate directly with our coaches regarding access to the building. Beyond HS athletics, we do not anticipate the need for families or students to access our buildings for district business, but if so, here is the schedule:
- Winter break access:
- Schools and offices closed
- Sunday, December 24
- Monday, December 25
- Saturday, December 30 - power shut down for maintenance at Admin, HS, MS and ERD
- Sunday, December 31
- Monday, January 1
- Schools and offices open, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, December 27
- Thursday, December 28
- Schools open for selected supervised activities
- Saturday, December 23
- Tuesday, December 26
- Friday, December 29
- Saturday, December 30 - ENF only
- Schools and offices closed
In January, we have several meetings and events scheduled.
- January 2024 Public Meetings:
- Tuesday, January 2nd board meeting cancelled
- Wednesday, January 10th, 6pm - MS Renovation/Addition Project Public Meeting (MS Library - more information to follow in early January)
- Tuesday, January 16th, 7pm - Regular Board Meeting
- January School District Events:
- Tuesday, January 9th, 7pm - MS Concert at STHS
- Thursday, January 11th, 7pm - HS Concert at STHS
- Wednesday, January 17th, 7pm - ERD Concert #1 at STHS
- Thursday, January 18th, 7pm - ERD Concert #2 at STHS
- District Art Show, January 8th - 18th - STHS Lobby
I hope that the break affords you each time to rest and reconnect with loved ones. Have a wonderful winter break, and a Happy New Year!
MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Dear SDST Families,
I am pleased to share wonderful news from the Pennsylvania Association of Secondary School Principals with you! Please join me in congratulating STHS administrator Dr. Scott Zgraggen, who has been named the PASSP Assistant Principal of the Year! We are grateful for Dr. Z's leadership and many contributions to the Springfield community.
The official press release may be found below. We will celebrate Dr. Zgraggen in the new year!
Sincerely,
MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Dear SDST Staff and Families,
On Tuesday, November 28th, 2023, the School District of Springfield Township conducted Project Adam drills in each of our buildings. These drills represented the final step in The School District of Springfield Township becoming a Heart Safe School District as designated by Project Adam, a collaboration project with CHOP.
In order to earn this designation, each school in the district conducted a rigorous walkthrough to inspect and ensure that AED devices are within 3 minutes of all spaces in each building and in good working order, volunteer staff members were trained in hands-only CPR and AED operation, and buildings conducted real-time drills to simulate an emergency. In addition, our teams created emergency response plans in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest and communicated our plans with local law enforcement and emergency responders. These steps allow the School District of Springfield Township to ensure an extra layer of safety and support for students, staff members, and visitors. A huge thank you to our nursing staff and the many staff members who gave of their time and energy to become AED/CPR trained. Thanks to their efforts, each school now has a trained team that can help respond in the event of a cardiac emergency.
Project Adam, named for a student, Adam Lemel, who suffered a sudden cardiac event and passed away, is a nationwide program that is responsible for saving over 200 lives. The program is designed to increase awareness for sudden cardiac arrest and to provide AED devices and training for schools and staff members. The School District of Springfield Township is proud to be a Project Adam affiliate district and the first fully trained Heart Safe School District in Montgomery County!
Sincerely,
MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.
Superintendent
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Good evening SDST Families and Staff,
This evening, school districts in the region have been notified by the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety of an information alert by the PA Criminal Intelligence Center of a widely circulating social media post referencing a speech by Khalid Mashal, a leader of Hamas, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). The alert references a “Hamas Call To Violence” on Friday, October 13, 2023.
The PA Criminal Intelligence Center reports that it is not currently aware of any specific or credible threats to the Commonwealth of PA; however, the dynamic threat environment calls for increased vigilance. I have spoken this evening with Chief Pitkow of the Springfield Township Police Department, and he has confirmed that there has been no threat at this time towards our Township or schools.
With that said, our administrative team will work in collaboration with the STPD and our Campus Security Team, Cardinal Point, to maintain a heightened vigilance throughout the day tomorrow at all schools. We would appreciate your support in communicating with your children and our students, the importance of continuing to maintain a safe and supportive school environment for everyone.
We will continue to communicate with county and local authorities and respond if any concerns arise. Thank you, as always, for your partnership in keeping Springfield Township a safe, respectful and inclusive community.
Sincerely,
MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Dear SDST K-8 Families,
The Springfield Township High School community is saddened to share that Piper Silberman, a senior, died suddenly early this morning. Piper was a vibrant, active member of the Class of 2023 and will be missed greatly by his teachers, classmates, and extended Springfield family. Piper was a member of the theater, music and yearbook programs at STHS, and was a highly respected member of our community. Piper’s family members include current sophomores Asher Silberman and Ainsley Cathers and older sister and STHS graduate Zoe Silberman. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Silberman family at this difficult time.
High School students and staff were informed by Dr. Rittenhouse this morning, and members of the clinical team (counselors, psychologists, social workers) as well as teachers, support staff and administrators have provided support throughout the day today. Students in grades K-8 were not informed of the student’s death at school today. For families who would like resources, our team has assembled this list for your reference. You may also contact your child’s school counselor for further support. Thank you.
Sincerely,
MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Dear SDST Staff and Families,
Like many of you, I have watched the horrific events unfolding in Israel and Gaza and reflected upon the range of emotions that our community is experiencing as we learn about recent acts of violence and loss of life. Springfield Township is home to many families with cultural ties to Israel, Palestine, and the Middle Eastern region. In the midst of the suffering we are witnessing, it is important that our schools, classrooms, and offices remain safe, respectful, empathetic, and inclusive places to learn and work.
Over the past few days many of our students, staff and families may have been confronted with extremely upsetting and violent images through the news on television and on social media. These images and the connections many of our families and staff hold to the region may cause a wide range of emotions. Trauma related to this and other global conflicts is real and can have a tremendous impact. According to the National Association of School Psychologists, intensive, detailed coverage of the event can raise children’s anxiety levels. Children are less able than adults to understand their emotional and psychological reactions to current events. Families who feel that their child needs additional support are asked to share that information with your child’s teacher, principal, and/or school counselor.
Below are links to resources that can help educators in their classrooms and families in their homes to support students during these challenging times.
- How to Talk About the Israel-Hamas War: A Resource for Educators (Education Week)
- Talking to Children About War (National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
- Helping Students in Troubling Times (American School Counselor Association)
- Responsible Media Coverage of Crisis Events Impacting Children and Youth (National Association of School Psychologists)
- Handle with Care: Supporting Young People During Crises (Learning for Justice)
We know that many members of our community are scared, sad, and hurting. In times such as these, we often feel helpless and do not know what to do to help those impacted. I want to encourage us all to continue to demonstrate understanding, kindness, and respect, so that we can ensure a strong sense of belonging for everyone in our school community.
Sincerely,
MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Dear SDST Families,
In just a few minutes you will receive one or more emails from Panorama Surveys. This is not spam or a phishing email, but rather an opportunity for families to provide feedback and input regarding school-family relationships and the extent to which families feel a sense of community and belonging in our schools.
You will receive one email/survey for each building in which you have one or more students enrolled, so if you have children attending Enfield and STMS, for example, you will receive two separate emails/surveys. Please complete each survey based on your experiences for the child(ren) attending each school. This will allow you to personalize your answers to a degree, and help us to refine our analysis of the results of each survey by building community.
The survey should take approximately 5-10 minutes, and we truly appreciate your time in providing us information to help us continue to grow and improve! Next month, we'll be sending a second survey to all families with questions focused on student learning, as the first quarter/trimester approaches its end.
Thank you, and have a great day!
MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Dear SDST Staff and Families,
Tomorrow at 2:20 PM, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), in coordination with the FCC (Federal Communications Commission), will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts. This test is being performed to test the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System. Cell phones may make a loud sound which may be alarming to students. Families are encouraged to warn students, as we will do through the public address system tomorrow.
Thank you.
MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Dear SDST Staff and Families,
Welcome October! While this week will feel more like summer, we are looking forward to the excitement that this beautiful month of the Fall season brings in our schools. Last week I had the pleasure of meeting with student advisories at Erdenheim, STMS and STHS, and this week I look forward to attending the first MPA meeting of the year on Wednesday and celebrating Homecoming with our high school students on Friday! As we begin this month, I am sharing a newsletter dedicated to our new food service program.
Sincerely,
MaryJo Yannacone, Ed.D.
Superintendent