Spotlight

Nine sixth graders participated in the 12th annual Elkins Park School Leadership Academy Program’s (LAP) high-impact tie ceremony Tuesday afternoon in Kircher Hall with an audience of family, friends and community members. 

Dedicated to the pursuit of excellence, responsibility and unity, the LAP is an after-school program for boys of color which aims to eliminate the achievement gap. Group sponsors Derek Pittman and Ebon Rogers subscribe to the Frederick Douglass quote, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”

Sam Cassisse led the boys in the recitation of the group’s leadership pledge. Mentors then came on stage and partnered with sixth graders to speak with them about their aspirations and assist them in tying their blue and gold ties. “Beat the statistics,” “Balance your school work and athletics” and “Hit the books” were some of the words of advice from mentors to the LAP participants. 

Guest mentors at this year’s event included CSD Superintendent Dr. Brian Scriven; David Poindexter, previous LAP sponsor; Judge Steve Tolliver; Cheltenham Commissioner Irv Brockington, and many others.

To close the ceremony, the boys introduced themselves and announced their career aspirations, among them engineer, entrepreneur, animator, real estate investor, accountant and lawyer.

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In an exciting blend of technology and exploration, EP teacher Sarah House's fifth graders used Oculus Quest 3 headsets and Stellarium VR to bring their stars and constellations unit to life.

After studying the solar system and constellations, students were assigned a specific constellation to research, learning when and where it’s visible in the night sky. They observed real stars at home, then stepped into a fully immersive VR experience in class, manipulating time and location to track celestial movements across the seasons.

This lesson exemplifies how innovation in education helps meet Pennsylvania’s Academic Standards for Science and keeps students inspired, curious, and connected to the world around them. 

The CSD Board of School Directors met on Wednesday, February 26 to hold a hearing on the proposed closure of Elkins Park School. Superintendent Dr. Brian Scriven opened the meeting with an overview of the project, outlining key milestones and actions already taken regarding the potential closure.

Assistant Superintendent ShaVon Savage then presented various factors for consideration, including administrative adjustments, curriculum planning, and staffing needs for both general and special education. She also addressed staffing for Encore programs, instrumental music, counseling, and nursing services.

Director of Business Services Josh Sweigard followed with an update on potential relocation options for the Empowerment Program in Cheltenham (EPIC), currently housed in modular units. Possible new locations include St. Joseph’s, Gratz College, or a commercial space, with an additional option to integrate the program into the high school.

Mrs. Savage also detailed logistical considerations such as after-school programming, transportation, food services, professional development, and evening activities. Mr. Sweigard concluded the meeting with an update on construction projects at Glenside and Cedarbrook, sharing renderings and floor plans of the new spaces.

The hearing was then opened up for public comment and all members of the public wishing to comment were given the opportunity to do so.

In accordance with PA School Code, the board will reconvene in 90 days for a final vote on the closure of Elkins Park School.

Slide Deck >>  Video>> 

 

 

Elkins Park fifth and sixth grade Challenge students presented “Looking at the Past with Eyes of the Future” to faculty, administration, board members and their families on Tuesday morning. 

Utilizing principles of project based learning, students developed cooperative skills like research, analysis, informational writing, interior design, engineering and presentation as they focused on the theme of “Past, Present, and Future.” They learned about the Gilded Age, Widener family, and history and architecture of Lynnewood Hall.

As a culmination of their learning, the students were tasked with reimagining a room in Lynnewood Hall. They began by learning the history or original purpose of the space and then proposed an idea for a future use for the space. They then brought their vision to life with dioramas they created in small groups. 

“Looking at the Past with Eyes of the Future” was completed in collaboration with the support of Edward Thome and Angie Van Scyoc of Lynnewood Hall Preservation Foundation. 

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