Since launching in December, the universal free breakfast program has been well managed and received. 7,774 meals were served in December while 7,983 were served in January. With the addition of middle school breakfast in February, we expect these numbers to grow greatly. Students can take advantage of breakfast any morning they choose and head right to the classroom. This program has supplimented our efforts to ensure wellbeing and belonging across our elementary and middle schools.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) begins to appear in the classroom, engaging and motivating students to learn differently. Learn how in our special video feature.

Grade 8 student Alexa Bernstein knows something about winning spelling bees. From her winning ways at Pennell Elementary to her third visit to the Delaware County Spelling Bee representing Northley Middle School, she has made a name at spelling better than most of her peers. After placing tenth in last year's County Bee, Alexa moved to a third place finish in 2024. She is looking forward to attending Sun Valley next year where she hopes to be a part of the Hi-Q team and a high school career to prepare her for law and hopefully an acceptance at Georgetown.

The Pennsylvania Association for Middle Level Education (PAMLE) Recognized three staff members and one student from Northley at their recent convention. Matt Shaw (student), Kathleen Sundquist, Julia Gantz and Nicole Armbruster were all honored, with Ms. Armbruster being recognized with the annual John H. Lounsbury Memorial Award given to one teacher whose scholarship, service, leadership, and dedication to middle level education in Pennsylvania has been extraordinary! Learn more about all the awards at our website.

School Counselors Make a Difference

National School Counseling Week was February 5 - 9. We are grateful for the professional team we have in Penn-Delco who guide and support all of our students across the district. Listen to the interviews we did with three of our counselors who offer insight into each level of education: elementary, middle, and high school.

Three PDSD elementary student’s inventions were all chosen as finalists from over 250 entries submitted to compete at the state level. Aston Elementary second grade student Frankie DiCandia, Coebourn Elementary fourth grade student Skylar Zandona, and Pennell Elementary second grade student Chelsea King were all chosen to attend. Learn more about their inventions and this awesome opportunity at our website.

(Left to right back): Gabriel Palmarini (11), Seamus McGroary (12), Pat Willey (12), Christian Daniele (12), Dakotah Herman (10), Jonathan Michael (10), Jermain Howard (12), Madison Meehan (12), Mikayla Leary (11), Alexsandra McKeown (12).

Congratulations to our Sun Valley Students who performed in January at the District 12 Chorus Festival at Owen J. Roberts High School with 160 other students from across Chester, Delaware, and Philadelphia Counties. Congratulations to Seamus, Christian, Dakotah, and Alexandra who were selected to move on to the Regional festival! We are #penndelcoproud of your accomplishment!

Northley Students Visit Local Manufacturing Company

Northley grade 8 students visited Southco in Glen Mills, the global headquarters facility and manufacturing site, to learn more about all the opportunities that exist at many manufacturing companies for job opportunities for engineering, marketing, and project management.  The visit was in preparation for the Northley Team's video entry for the "What's So Cool About Manufacturing (WSCAM) video contest.  Learn more at the NMS website.

(Left to right): Greg from Acme, Kindergarten Teacher Kayla Campbell, Principal Christa Palladino, and Jill from Acme!

On January 30, kindergarten teacher Kayla Campbell and her classroom had just arrived to begin a library visit when she was surprised by representatives from ACME Market in Boothwyn to honor her nomination as teacher of the month. Principal Christa Palladino joined "Mr. Greg and Miss Jill" as they presented Ms. Campbell with a cupcake cake, balloon, tote, and flowers in recognition for parent nominations. Her students and her principal were #penndelcoproud of her accomplishment and agreed that she is the best teacher ever! Check out the moment Ms. Campbell was surprised as teacher of the month.

On Friday, March 1, our elementary schools celebrated Read Across America with guest readers including Dr. Steinhoff and Dr. Kuminka as well as other special guests and even fellow students! The week of March 4 - 8 is spirit week for the middle and elementary schools with themes that reinforce the wonderful gift of reading!

Not only did Evelyn Chaney lead the band to a State Championship in the American Division, she is headed to the state band festival for the second time.

Evelyn was chosen for district and regional band and also district orchestra. It has been nearly 40 years since a SV musician has made it to states two years in a row!

Sun Valley winter sports saw a productive year of team and personal success. Here are some highlights:

• The Girls Basketball team, led by Coach Anthony Zambino, saw its best record and first round PIAA playoff birth since 2015
• The Boys Basketball team, led by Coach Steve Maloney, competed through the semi-finals and saw a state birth that opens with their first competition Friday, March 8.
• Our boys wrestling team, led by coach Tommy Ellis, has been crowned Chef-Mont Champions for the 5th time with a coach of the year nod for Coach Ellis.
• Three boys are wrestling at states: Brecken Strickland, Hunter Delaney, and Brandon Carr.
• Jameson Strickland is PIAA Champion in girls wrestling in her weight class and is competing in the very first girls state tournament.
• Swimmer Kara Damico heads to states for the second time after placing 1st in district butterfly (first in SVHS history) and 2nd in freestyle (both with personal bests)
• 8 swimmers competed in Districts this year from the team led by Coach Angela Shicatano
• One of the largest cheerleading squads traveled Orlando for the American Cheerleading Cup with Varsity Game Day Squad placing 2nd in their division and 8th overall and Varsity Traditional placing 2nd in their division and 6th overall (and debuted in finals)

Whether you have or know of a kindergarten student ready to start in Penn-Delco, registration is now open. If you know of a student in any grade who would like to register in our district, send them to our registration section at pdsd.org/registration.