Spotlight

Beyond teaching packed weekly class rotations, school librarians across the Cheltenham School District are inspiring students through local business partnerships, interactive author visits, and academic competitions. These multifaceted initiatives build a vibrant culture of reading inside and outside the classroom.

Local partnerships give students extra motivation to turn the page. Through the Books and Bundts program inaugurated by Glenside Librarian Christine Jenkins with Nothing Bundt Cakes in Abington, Glenside students who log 400 minutes of monthly reading can bring their completed tracker to the store for a free bundlet. Additional community partnerships, including an upcoming reward program with Applebee's, are in development.

PTO-funded author visits give elementary students direct access to celebrated writers. Glenside Elementary recently hosted author Baptiste Paul, who shared insights into life on the island of St. Lucia and introduced students to St. Lucian Creole. Students with Caribbean heritage participated in an intimate small-group lunch with the author, blending literacy engagement with cultural connection.

Literacy efforts extend well beyond the standard curriculum. District teams from the elementary schools, Cedarbrook East, Cedarbrook, and Cheltenham High School regularly participate in the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit (MCIU) Reading Olympics.

​A​nd during the summer, students stayed engaged through public library reading programs, earning custom buttons, bookmarks, and showcase space on school bulletin boards.

From hands-on classroom instruction to local business collaborations, district librarians continue to construct creative, high-impact pathways that foster a lifelong love of reading.

Pending the approval of the CSD Board of School Directors at its August legislative meeting, Dr. Elsie Russell has been named interim principal at Glenside Elementary School. Most recently, Dr. Russell has served as the vice principal/lead administrator at Cedarbrook Middle School East since March 30. Prior to that, she served as vice principal at Wyncote Elementary School. Dr. Russell has been with the district for 11 years and has more than 20 years of experience in education.

During her time at the Cheltenham School District, she has served in several other roles, including climate and culture administrator, math specialist, reading specialist, and classroom teacher, supporting students and staff across Cheltenham, Glenside, and Wyncote Elementary Schools. 

“After eleven years of serving the Cheltenham School District, I am honored to return to Glenside Elementary as interim principal,” said Dr. Russell. “Returning to a community I know and deeply value makes this opportunity especially meaningful. Glenside is defined by dedicated educators, remarkable students, and supportive families, and I look forward to partnering with each of you as we continue building upon a culture of learning, leadership, and belonging through visionary leadership and a shared commitment to excellence.” 

Throughout her time in the district, she has focused on strengthening systems that support students academically and socially. She has led the implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) frameworks in multiple buildings, supported instructional teams through data-informed practices and “What I Need” (WIN) planning. She also developed student leadership opportunities such as the student ambassadors and Playworks Junior Coach programs. She has also partnered with families and Parent-Teacher Organizations (PTOs) to expand opportunities for student engagement.

Her doctoral work at Drexel University focused on teacher professional development, and she has had the opportunity to lead district-wide and building-based professional learning focused on MTSS, PBIS, and culturally responsive instructional practices that support student growth. 

She believes strong relationships and strong systems create engaging learning environments where every student and educator feels a sense of belonging and is supported to thrive, and that philosophy continues to guide my work as an educator and school leader.

Dr. Russell resides in Northeast Philadelphia with her husband and children, and enjoys cooking and traveling.

Glenside Elementary celebrated its kindest scholars at its first PBIS assembly of the school year on Thursday. Five students from each grade were chosen as Students of the Month for exemplifying the focus agreement of "Be Kind." Scholars walked through the spirit tunnel of their pom-pom-clad classmates as parents and guardians watched their students receive their certificates. 

During the assembly, students were introduced to the focus agreement for October, "Be Safe." The school meets once a month to celebrate scholar achievement around the focus agreements, share information on upcoming events and fundraisers, sing chants and cheers, practice mindfulness and close with the singing of the school song.

Congratulations to all the Student of the Month recipients for September!
 

To keep students safe and prepared, CSD conducted school bus safety drills throughout this week. With the help of school safety officers, and facilities and transportation staff, students practiced disembarking the bus from the rear emergency exit in case of an emergency. 

“Safety First! School bus evacuation drills teach our students how to respond if there's ever an emergency on the bus,” said CSD Supervisor of Transportation Dawn Woods. “Practicing these drills helps ensure that everyone stays safe and calm while exiting the bus when there’s an emergency.”

After exiting the bus safely, students were reminded why bus safety is important in an emergency situation. 

“Just like we have fire drills for building safety, we need to practice for emergencies on the bus as well,” said Myers Principal Jason Lytle. “While it’s never happened in all my years as a principal, it’s important to be prepared.” 

For more information on bus safety rules and regulations, visit https://www.cheltenham.org/departments/transportation/rules-and-regulations.