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 comprised 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 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.

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.

Working together:

• UPG keeps parents informed about national, state, and local school district programs and policies that affect Cheltenham students. A wonderful way to stay informed.
• The Superintendent, other administrators, and several school board members attend each UPG meeting. By listening to parents concerns and providing further insight into how the district is run, parents and district officials often find common ground.
• UPG invites speakers to address parents concerns about various education topics. Last year speakers addressed guidance issues, special needs advocacy, techniques for creating innovative schools, anti-bullying/safe havens, and a host of other topics to help parents become “education managers” for their children. We also provide special programs on the many forms of diversity in our community.
• UPG provides a vehicle for Parents to Add Value to Education (PAVE) by further building relationships between the district and the parent community. PAVE encourages parents to contribute their ideas, expertise, and solutions to solving challenges in the district, whether from the Superintendent, administrators, teachers, or school board members.
• UPG provides a place for parents and officers of the PTOs and Home and School Associations to share their ideas and work to improve the Cheltenham schools. The power of uniting creative ideas emanating from all seven schools and the opportunity the work on committees of interest to you is immeasurable.
• UPG includes at-large members in each of the Cheltenham boroughs to provide a voice for issues of local concern. Please visit our website for the representative in your area.

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.

Have more questions? Want to know about the specific topics of our meetings? Contact your school’s UPG Representative, watch cable channel 42, or join us at our next meeting.  To join our email distribution list, send a note to upg@upgct.org.  Your privacy is strictly maintained.

UPG is Unusual!

There are not may organizations in America that serve the district-wide function that we do.  Here are some others:

In Peoria: http://www.peoriaupc.org/

In Phoenix: http://www.pvupc.org/

In Chicago: http://www.pureparents.org/

In Salem, Mass (sort of): http://parentsunitedofsalem.org/

In Philly (sort of): http://parentsunitedphila.blogspot.com/

In Hanoverton, OH: http://www.united.k12.oh.us/