UNITED PARENTS GROUP (UPG) HANDBOOK
SCHOOL DISTRICT OF CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP

1000 Ashbourne Road Elkins Park, PA 19027 215-886-9500

Introduction    

Cheltenham Township is a diverse multi-cultural community where the value of a high quality education is given high priority. Parent involvement is vigorous, so it is possible for parents and schools to have an active partnership in the educational process. For this alliance to be effective, parents must take responsibility to stay informed of what is happening both at the individual school level and district wide.

There are seven schools in the District serving approximately 5,000 students. This handbook provides parents with an overview of a wide range of courses, programs and activities which are available to the students from the elementary level through the high school. It is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of academic and extra curricular activities. Rather it is a supplement to the individual school handbooks each student receives. It also lists school district and community resources that parents can explore for information and support.

Mission statement    

The Mission Statement of the School District of Cheltenham Township is as follows:

The mission of the School District of Cheltenham Township, a diverse community where education is a primary value, is to prepare all students to pursue their educational and life goals as responsible citizens through an academically excellent program creatively designed within the economic resources of the community.

Board of School Directors

Under PA Commonwealth law, the School District of Cheltenham Township is governed by a volunteer Board of nine School Directors who are elected from and by the community. Directors are elected for a four-year term and elections are held at two-year intervals; therefore, usually four or five Board seats are being filled by the electorate in any one election. The names of the School Board Directors can be found in the Township of Cheltenham Annual Report and Calendar (and on the School District's site).

Ultimately, responsibility for all aspects of the district rests with the Board. It sets policy, handles personnel issues, establishes budget, authorizes programs and materials, negotiates contracts, levies taxes, enforces state regulations, and the like. It is the Board of School Directors who determine the state of the District and its resultant profile.

Regular School Board meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month (year round) at 7:45 PM in the auditorium of the School District Administration Building at Washington Lane and Ashbourne Road. (Summer meetings are often held at Cedarbrook Middle School.) All meetings are open to the public and public comment is a regularly scheduled component of each meeting. School Board meetings and other pertinent school district information are televised on cable Channel 42. Meeting schedules and particular location changes are available on the School District's website and from the Informa-Phone, 215-886-2424.

The Board is divided into working committees, which deal with specific issues. The community is strongly encouraged to attend committee meetings because this is the best time to provide input into the decision-making process concerning school district issues. Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held in Room 119 of the School Administration Building. The community is invited to attend and actively participate in these meetings as well. These committees generally meet according to the following schedule:

Alternative Funding Committee: Held as needed

Business Affairs:1st Tuesday of the Month, 7:30 PM

Its purpose is to discuss the finances related to personnel, building maintenance, grounds and transportation, and to determine the budget.

Agenda Setting:1st Tuesday of the Month, at the conclusion of Business Affairs.

Comprising the entire Board, its purpose is to review old business,   suggest new business and set the agenda for the upcoming School Board meetings.

Regular School Board Meeting:2nd Tuesday of the Month, 7:45 PM

All proposed policy and legislative matters must be publicly voted on at this meeting prior to implementation.

Educational Affairs:4th Tuesday of the Month, 7:30 PM

Its purpose is to discuss educational issues such as curriculum, programs, placement, enrollment, class size, etc.

Facilities Committee: Held as needed

Policy Committee: Held as needed

Its purpose is the review and evaluation of all policies related to district personnel, including the policies related to management of students, and to ensure these policies are in compliance with Pennsylvania State Law.

If you wish to inquire about a particular issue, learn of the established agenda or communicate with a School Board member directly, call the 's office at 215-881-6300.

United Parents Group (UPG)

Mission

The United Parents Group (UPG), an umbrella organization comprised of parent representatives from all the public schools in the Cheltenham School District, serves as a vehicle to facilitate communication among parents, administration and the school board to ensure the continued excellence of education provided by the District.

UPG is composed of representatives from each of the seven schools in the District. All parents are encouraged to take an active part in the organization and attend monthly meetings (held either in the morning or evening, depending on the schedule). Two representatives from each school are considered voting members, and representatives from the school board and central administration regularly attend these meetings as well. Parents can contact their UPG representative through their school PTO president to find out the meeting schedule. Meeting notices are sent home in weekly folders, and most school directories list the meeting schedule for the year.

UPG is specifically concerned with:

• Providing a forum whereby information concerning the educational interests of all students can be freely exchanged and programs can be coordinated among the schools.
• Addressing the public issues which affect children in and out of the classroom such as alcohol, drugs and child abuse.
• Acting as an information source for parents as to school district actions and policies.
• Researching and analyzing educational policy and legislative issues that may impact the District.

The UPG philosophy is that all parents in the school district need to have involvement in their child’s education, and that administration needs to support this involvement. In today’s complex society, we often lack the feeling that each of us can make a significant impact on the course of our child’s development. Yet the educational and social development of our children is a major responsibility we all have, both individually and collectively. We believe this Township and School District are able to provide the resources, information, and support we all need as parents to make good judgments for the education of our children. We must carefully plan and work together so that we can offer the challenging and nurturing environment our children need to live in safety and grow with dignity and respect for self and others.

Parents are welcome to participate in UPG committees. Standing committees generally include the following:

• Bylaws
• Food Services
• Luncheon
• Newsletter
• Nominating
• Parent Workshop
• Personal Education Profile
• Public Relations
• Scholarship

Other recent UPG committees include personal education profile (PEP)

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

Each of the seven schools in the District has an active Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) or Home and School Association. The goal of the PTO and administration is to lay the groundwork for positive open communication between home and school that will continue throughout the student’s future education. These grassroots organizations allow parents to become aware of and to participate in the educational process within their child’s school building. Principals and staff work closely with the PTO’s in a supportive relationship to promote mutual understanding between home and school. Each parent is invited to join and participate in activities and meetings of the PTO in their child’s school building. Principals and staff representatives attend regular meetings. Each organization has an Executive Board and Standing Committees. Fundraising is a major goal of the PTO. PTO’s are very active and they sponsor many fundraising activities and student and family activities. Moneys raised by each PTO are used to enrich the school in many ways: extra equipment, materials, special student events, transportation for trips, and assemblies are just a few examples.

As students move from elementary to the middle and high school years, fundraising becomes less a function of the parents and is taken over almost exclusively by the students. However, parent involvement remains critical in the continuing quality of the child’s education in the upper grade levels. The PTO acts as primarily a liaison between the parents and the school community. Involvement takes other forms in addition to the traditional PTO meeting. Meetings are held in a more casual setting where administrators, parents, and students get together in a small group to talk informally about issues of joint concern. Information about these meetings (3 7’s or 4 7’s, depending on the building) can be obtained from the individual school PTO’s and the principals. Parents are encouraged to become aware of these avenues for involvement.  

The Cheltenham School District Foundation

Communicating with the School Your Child Attends

The role parents take in their child’s education is very important. Their involvement is critical to their child’s success, and the following is a guide as to who should be contacted at the school their child is attending. In addition, there are suggestions for the most effective way in which to contact the school.

The Elementary Schools – Cheltenham, Glenside, Myers and Wyncote

When a parent/guardian has concerns and questions about his or her child, the first person to contact is the child’s teacher and/or guidance counselor. If there are still concerns and questions after an attempt has been made to work with the teacher, the Building Principal should be contacted.

Elkins Park School

When a parent/guardian has concerns and questions about his or her child, the first person to contact is the child’s teacher and/or guidance counselor. If there are still concerns and questions, the Assistant Principal should be the next in line to be contacted. If an issue cannot be resolved with the help of the teacher, guidance counselor or the Assistant Principal, then the Building Principal should be contacted.

Cedarbrook Middle School

When a parent/guardian has concerns and questions about his or her child, the first person to contact is the child’s teacher and/or guidance counselor. If there are still concerns and questions, the Vice or Assistant Principal should be the next in line to be contacted. If an issue cannot be resolved with the help of the teacher, guidance counselor or the Vice or Assistant Principal, then the Building Principal should be contacted.

Cheltenham High School

When a parent/guardian has concerns and questions about his or her child, the first person to contact is the child’s teacher and/or guidance counselor. If there are still concerns and questions, the Department Chairperson should be contacted. After contacting the teacher or counselor and then the Department Chairperson, if concerns and questions have not been resolved, then the Building Principal should be contacted.

When the problem can't be resolved at the school level

When all attempts at the school level have failed to address or resolve an issue that concerns your child, communication with the Assistant Superintendent and then the Superintendent is appropriate. If there are concerns related to a child with special needs, contact the Director of Pupil Personnel.

There are several ways in which to contact the school. Telephone calls and letters are welcome. If an urgent response is needed, indicate the urgency of the situation. If needed, a conference with the child’s teacher and/or guidance counselor can be requested. In addition, all teachers have email addresses that are accessible via the School District website.

Phone numbers and e-mail addresses of the School District Administrators

For more information and suggestions on advocating for your child, check: http://cheltenham.org/UPG/advocating.htm

For help in resolving conflicts at school, check: http://cheltenham.org/UPG/resolving conflicts.htm

Descriptions of Educational Programs

As a parent examines the programs and activities available to students in the Cheltenham School District, an obvious pattern of diversity and complexity emerges. As students become older and more mature developmentally and educationally, the number of available activities increases. There is more diversity within programs and participation is not only based upon interest, but also becomes selective and competitive. More academic support programs emerge to help students manage a more complex and demanding curriculum.

This district parent handbook does not list all the activities offered to students at every level of their education. The individual school handbooks given to each student from 5th to 12th grade do that in a comprehensive and clear format. This handbook categorizes the types of offerings at each level in the system, notes their increasing complexity, and identifies the sources of detailed information about these programs. Greater detail is given here to K through 4 offerings as those schools do not have extensive handbooks.

Elementary Level    

Curriculum within the school district at the elementary level is comprehensive and educationally innovative. The program is divided among the 4 lower elementary schools, grades K- 4. Education in the lower elementary schools takes place in self-contained classrooms, with a primary teacher for the class. 

Elementary - Cheltenham, Glenside, Myers, Wyncote

The four elementary schools, Cheltenham, Glenside, Myers, and Wyncote, all provide instruction via a standardized curriculum. There are also specialized programs available at each school, depending upon student need. Each school has appropriate specialists on staff to assist in student evaluations and the implementation of these programs.

The elementary school day runs from 8:50 AM to 3:30 PM. Students should arrive by 8:45 AM. There is early dismissal (at 2:40 PM) one Wednesday per month.

Services Related to Academics

Intervention for Proficiency (IFP):

The Intervention for Proficiency or IFP replaced the Instructional Support Team (IST) in the fall of 2003. A team approach is used to focus on the standards and skills students need to be successful and the intervention they need to reach proficiency. The goal is the immediate and ongoing support at all K-4 grade levels.

 [Information Sources: Teachers, Guidance Counselor, Principal]

Special Services, Referral Process:

This assessment process for those students who may have special educational needs including services for students who are gifted, learning disabled, emotionally disturbed, speech and language impaired, need remedial assistance, or are learning English as a Second Language ( ESL). This process may be initiated by a parent or a teacher. [Information Sources: Teacher, Principal, Office of Pupil Personnel]

Services for Gifted Students (Challenge Services):

This program of academic enrichment provides services via a consultant model in the regular classroom. Those students who meet established criteria through formalized testing are eligible for these services and an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is developed with the parents to achieve this goal. The teacher and/or parent can initiate the evaluation process. [Information Sources: Teacher, Principal, Office of Pupil Personnel]

Chapter I Math & Reading:

This is a remedial summer program for students needing additional help. A teacher and/or parent can initiate an evaluation. [Information Sources: Teacher, Staff Specialist, Principal]

Special Reading Services:

This includes both remediation and enrichment services by a reading specialist. Depending on the need, either individual or small group assistance is given either in or out of the classroom. A parent and/or teacher can initiate a request for services. The school district continually explores grant opportunities to support additional programs. [Information Sources: Teacher, Reading Specialist, Principal]

Guidance:

Each lower elementary school has a part time guidance counselor who works with both individual students and with whole classrooms. A student, parent or teacher can initiate services. [Information Source: Guidance Counselor]

Mentor Program:

A program in coordination with Cheltenham High School, secondary students have been specifically trained to work with students in the elementary school in a variety of ways, both in an enrichment capacity and as tutors. [Information Source: Reading Specialist]

Extra-Curricular Activities

There are numerous activities offered at the elementary level. Some of these remain the same each year; some change each year. The most effective way to obtain information about specific offerings at each school is through the classroom teacher, specialist teacher, Principal or the PTO board members. Examples of activities include

·        MUSIC: Chorus, Chamber Singers, Parent Choir, Music Club. (Varies by school)

·        ART GOES TO SCHOOL: Community volunteers work with art teachers for student enrichment.

·        NEWSPAPER CLUB: Publishes a school newspaper.

·        PROBLEM-SOLVING: 4th Grade and some 3rd Grade students; teacher selected & pupils must qualify. (All schools)

·        STUDENT COUNCIL/STUDENT SERVICE ORGANIZATION: Grades 1- 4, representatives are elected from each grade by their peers; responsible for student community projects and some fundraising activities. (All schools)

·        AFTER-SCHOOL SPORTS: 3rd and 4th Grades have the opportunity to participate in after school sports in the Fall and Spring.

Technology

Technology is providing educators with new and exciting tools, processes and systems that can be used to improve the educational environment for our students. All schools are equipped with networked computers and printers. All elementary students have monitored access to the Internet, word processing and the highly successful Accelerated Reader Program, a program that provides specialized reading reinforcement and evaluation. Students who need support in reading and math use the CCC Successmaker program, an integrated learning system that provides individualized instruction in math and reading for both remediation and acceleration, but is aimed specifically at eliminating the gap between the supportive math and reading students and their peers on grade-level.

Read to Succeed

Each elementary building has a Beyond School Hours Center to meet the needs of identified kindergarten and first grade students who are evaluated and identified as “at-risk of not being successful in school.” Certified teachers work with small groups of students for two hours after school every week. The program also provides a parenting center to provide training for early literacy development. The goal is to develop reading skills at the on-grade level by third grade.

Athletics

Elkins Park School-5th & 6th Grades

Elkins Park School is considered to be a bridge between the K to 4 program and the 7th & 8th grade middle school at Cedarbrook. For the first time in their school career, all students from the District come together at the same grade level in one building. Students make this transition from a small, self-contained classroom setting to a larger elementary school where they are divided into learning teams and assigned a particular group of teachers with whom they will work all year.

EP's program is designed to meet the abilities and needs of the emerging adolescent. Students are given a greatly expanded curriculum to manage. They are supported in this endeavor by their teaching team, led by the homeroom teacher. Each grade is assigned a guidance counselor, a challenge advisor and additional support services to help students. The principal and assistant principal meet regularly with the teaching teams and facilitate communication between the teams and parents.

The student curriculum in upper elementary level is more varied and more demanding than at the lower elementary level. Specific subjects are taught in designated periods. Homework is an integral component of the learning process, used to complement and reinforce class work. Verbal and written communication skills are emphasized in all subjects. Foreign language and health are introduced and students are grouped for certain subjects, such as math, reading, and language arts according to their ability. Groupings are fluid and students move according to need.

Generally speaking, there is the expectation that students will assume an increased responsibility for their learning process. Students are offered tools and strategies to assist them in meeting these expanded demands. For example, a homework/study notebook is given to each student at the beginning of the year to help manage time, schedules, assignments and studying. A home-school folder system enables parents to see on a weekly basis the work the student has produced and for which the student is responsible. It must be signed by both parent and student each week and returned to school. Affective education is emphasized as part of the students' skill development. Specific areas such as respect, judgment, self-discipline and understanding are explored with regularity between students and teachers.

Elkins Park's school day runs from 8:40 AM to 3:37 PM with early dismissal one Wednesday per month at 2:40 PM.

Elkins Park Programs

Services Related To Academics

Several special academic related services also available at the K-4 level described are also available at Elkins Park. These include the Special Services Referral Process, Challenge, Speech, ESL, Special Education, and Guidance. [Information Sources: Team Teachers, Principal, Director of Pupil Personnel].

Extra-Curricular Activities

Further diversity of extra-curricular activities occurs at the upper elementary level. There are more choices for the students, and the times before and after school hours are used for these activities. Both early and late buses are provided to students so they may more easily participate. Information on buses may be obtained from the main office at Elkins Park School. All programs and activities are open to any interested student. However, the 5th and 6th grade vocal ensemble groups are limited to students who demonstrate vocal and musical ability. Information on auditions for these activities comes home in the student folder and may also be obtained from the music teachers at Elkins Park School in the early Fall. The offerings of the music program include instrumental instruction, string and band performance, and various levels of vocal performance. An additional program showcases the talents of the students and results in a public performance. Problem solving and the after school sports intramural program are open to all interested students

After School Program

There is an additional after school program at Elkins Park School which is open to students on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday afternoons from 3:40 to 4:30 PM. The choices change mid-semester, but some sample offerings have been com    puters, rocketry, newspaper, ecology, library work, math and science tutoring, and homework club (for students who need help structuring their work). The activities change based on interest and participation each semester. Relevant announcements regarding scheduled days and other information are sent home in folders throughout the school year. All students are encouraged to participate in some of these activities, either in the After School Program or through the more traditional extra-curricular activities. They are both educational and fun, help with academic performance, and assist the student in the development of important social skills, responsibility, and an increasing experience of commitment to something outside the child’s own sphere of experience.

Elkins Park Mentoring Program

The staff at Elkins Park created the Elkins Park Mentoring Program. This program uses community residents, senior citizens (RSVP), and Elkins Park staff members to mentor students at Elkins Park. Each mentor has committed to meet with his/her student at least once a week. The staff at Elkins Park selects those students who would benefit the most from a regular, positive relationship with an adult. The program has been extremely successful.

Technology

Middle School-Cedarbrook–7th & 8th Grades

The mission of the middle school is twofold: Nurture young adolescents at a time when they are trying to make sense of themselves and the world around them, and prepare them academically for high school. These goals are accomplished through a wide variety of academic courses, interesting special subjects, and extracurricular activities. Developmental variability of middle school students is complemented by a variety of instructional approaches. Excellence in teaching at the middle level emphasizes teaching and learning by doing; thus our pedagogy features firsthand contact, individual interpretation, and diverse ways of presenting knowledge.

Course Selection

Courses are offered at the middle school in ten departments: Special Education, Physical Education/Health, English, Reading, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, Computer Science, and Unified Arts, which includes Fine Arts, Industrial Arts, Family Consumer Science, Music, and Media Production.

Students new to the district are tested in mathematics and language arts in order to facilitate placement. Call the main office at 215-881-6420 for information regarding testing, placement, and course selection.

Cedarbrook is committed to providing the best possible program for each student, and teacher recommendations, assessments and parental input are considered in the course selection process.

Preparing for September

All registered families receive a mailing in August from the principal. Enclosed in this mailing is important information such as: homeroom, counselor assignment, school hours, schedule for the first week of school, bus schedules, lunch information, information on Fall athletics, and a phone list of who to call when they have a question or a problem.

The principal encourages visitations and provides tours of the building throughout the summer. It is suggested that parents call a day or two in advance to ensure the availability of personnel before they visit.

On the first day of school, each student receives a roster indicating his/her schedule of classes, teachers and rooms. Also, students are given a locker near their homerooms.

Student Handbook

Each student receives a combination Homework Assignment Book and Student Handbook. The homework assignment section of the book contains pre-dated boxes to record assignments through the school year.

The Student Handbook section of the book contains the following:

• A complete school calendar listing all important events throughout the year, such as holidays, end of marking periods, report card dates, Back-to-School night, school dances, evening parent meetings, musical and dramatic performances, and so on.
• A complete listing of school personnel, the faculty, and important phone numbers.
• Sections on Student Rights and Responsibilities, General and Academic Information, Admission and Attendance Activities Policies, Basic School Regulations, Services Available to Students, and Student Activities
• Bell Schedules and Floor Plans
• Standard bibliography format and a reading log

The Student Handbook is the best “first source” for information. It is the assignment book, and should always be readily available throughout the school day.

The School Day/Buses

Cedarbrook’s school day is from 8:05 AM to 3:05 PM daily. There is early dismissal one Wednesday per month, at 2:05 PM.

Late buses are available to take students home for regular after school activities at both 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM. Lists are displayed in the lobby showing all late bus routes.

Often students will receive extra help from their teachers or tutoring through SMART and then take a late bus home.

Note that there is always adult supervision until the last 5:30 bus leaves campus. Students not picked up by parents by 5:30 PM are required to leave campus on a late bus since there is no supervision available after 5:30 PM. Supervised special events or meetings, rehearsals, performances, etc. are obvious exceptions to the 5:30 curfew.

Sports

At the middle school, students may participate in two types of athletic programs: Interscholastic and Intramural.

Interscholastic sports are competitive; they require tryouts and physical exams; and participation is governed by the rules of the P.I.A.A. that imposes specific academic eligibility mandates. These sports also compel a significant commitment of time and energy. Practices are typically held until 5:30 PM every day during the season. Due to the nature of competition as well as limited equipment, coaching personnel, and playing field resources, not all students who try out for an interscholastic sports team may make the team of their choice.

Interscholastic sports include Football, Soccer, Field Hockey, Tennis, Basketball, Wrestling, Baseball, Track, Softball, and Lacrosse. In addition to players, student managers are needed for each team.

Intramural sports are competitive and while there may be tryouts, all interested students are given an opportunity to participate. Intramurals include: “B” Basketball, Bowling, and Ice Skating.

Performing Arts

The Performing Arts Program is known for its many excellent productions. Performing vocal and instrumental classes are entered by auditions that take place each Spring for the following school year. New students may audition after registration. Each year, a play and/or musical is produced. The play is strictly an after school activity and participation is by audition. All of the productions also provide back stage and technical crew opportunities for students.

Extra-curricular activities

The Student Handbook also describes other extra-curricular activities. Some of these activities meet on early dismissal days and after school. They include: yearbook, school newspaper, student council, Math Counts, Science Fair, among others.

The middle school also offers a schedule of extended library hours and academic tutoring programs after school.

Cheltenham High School

Cheltenham High School (CHS) has a long and rich history of excellence in education that continues into the present. Not only does CHS always have a large number of Pennsylvania National Merit Scholarship semi-finalists, the high school also consistently has students who excel at Montgomery County’s Eastern Center for Arts and Technology. Approximately 85% of Cheltenham High School graduates go on to some form of higher education. Alumni are well-known and include, among others, federal judges, a Nobel Laureate, a former Congressman, a former Israeli Prime Minister, a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, and Grammy and Pulitzer Prize winners. The strength of Cheltenham High School stems from its dedication to the education of all the students in a culturally and racially diverse community and from the richness of values and experiences the community gives back to the high school.

The High School day runs from 7:30 AM to 2:39 PM, with early dismissal one Wednesday per month at 1:35 PM.

Three main booklets are published by the High School and are available to all students and their parents. These booklets contain a wealth of detailed information about practically every facet of high school life. They are supplemented and extended by a variety of specialized mailings, newsletters, bulletins and memos that are regular features of life at CHS.

The Student Handbook

This book is distributed to all students during the first week of school. It outlines daily class/period schedules, school calendar, school floor plan, admission and attendance policies, activities and clubs available to students, athletics, testing schedules, rules and rights, student services, music and theater programs, and much more. This is an excellent and reliable source of information.

The Program Planning Guide

This book is the course selection guide and describes all the courses offered in the high school. Many courses are offered on several instructional levels: general, modified and regular academic, enriched, honors and advanced placement (AP). Membership in honors-level courses is based on examination and department selection. Many AP courses are selective. The Guide also explains the grading system of two semester grades (each determined by two marking periods plus a semester exam), and the Grade Point Average/class rank system, which is cumulative from the first semester of the freshman year. The Guide is given out each year at the end of January.

The Student Directory

This book lists all phone numbers of students, staff, PTO officers, guidance counselors, and class advisors. It is distributed in October through the courtesy of the Student Council and the PTO.

Other Interesting Facts About The High School

• Four times/year, the CHS Administration and the PTO publish a newsletter --Communications-- that is mailed to all parents.
• The regular bus leaves CHS at 2:48 P.M. There are 5 late buses that depart at 4:10, and 2 buses that leave at 5:50 P.M.
• The cafeteria is open for student use from 7:15 A.M. to 3:00 P.M., with lunch served from 10:20 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Prices are a la carte, with the basic lunch platter at $2.00.
• CHS juniors and seniors may spend half-days at the Eastern Center  for Arts and Technology to study practical nursing, nursing assistance, cosmetology, automotive technology, computer network administration, construction technology, electrical technology, mechanical technology, and tool and die apprenticeship.
• Students may drive to school at age 16 and park in the student lot with the required free permit.
• Students in grades 11 and 12 are allowed to leave the CHS campus during their free/unassigned periods with signed parental permission.
• The building and campus are smoke-free.
• Fall sports, touring ensemble and marching band start several weeks before the beginning of the school year.
• Winter sports continue through winter vacation. Spring sports and the CHS musical rehearsals continue through spring vacation.
• There are computers for student use in the English, Math, and Business departments, and in many classrooms and club offices. The computers in the library are available to students throughout the day until at least 3:30 P.M.
• Each student is assigned a guidance counselor in 9th grade for college and career counseling.
• Academic peer tutoring is offered by the CHS National Honor Society.
• Significant resources are committed to college preparation including an SAT prep program conducted by Princeton Review.
• The "Eye of the Panther" is a regularly televised news and feature program from the CHS media club. A regular sports show and other specials are also broadcast by the media club. All are broadcast on the local cable public access channel (COMCAST Channel 42).
• A rich activities program offers 24 varsity sports, significant opportunities for students in publishing, government, and the performing arts as well as a vibrant club program.

Additional School District and Community Resources

Cheltenham School District Website: www.cheltenham.org

Channel 42, cable TV: Publicizes school district and community events, and often has specific features about the school district which are created by the Cheltenham High School media club, the "Eye of the Panther."

Parent Resource Center: The "ARC" (Activity and Resources Center): A parent center of the school district housed at the MossRehab/Einstein at Elkins Park, which offers workshops, classes, and information groups for parents and children in the school district. For information call the ARC at 215-663-6411. Brochures are available.

Daycare: The school district offers before and after school daycare for students through the Cheltenham Landmark After School Program (CLASP) program. The cost for the program is based upon the amount of care needed. The district participates in the funding program offered by the state. Families in need of financial assistance for child care should inquire about this program. Parents wanting information about CLASP should call the Office of Education (Room 108) in the School District Administration Building at 215-886-6805.

Libraries: The Cheltenham library system has 4 libraries: East Cheltenham (215-379-2077), Elkins Park (215-635-5000), Glenside (215-885-0455), La Mott (215-635-4419). These branches are all excellent places for information on community resources, workshops, and coordinated activities with the schools. All libraries offer computers with Internet access for public use.

Parks and Recreation Department of the Township: This Township facility (215-887-1000 ext.227) provides many community recreation events and ongoing recreational activities for students and families.

"Blue Pages Guide to Human Services": Found in the Eastern Montgomery and Philadelphia county phone books, these are excellent sources of area agencies offering a wide range of community services.

Numbers To Know