The art students of Abington Senior High School have been expressing their creative talents lately — and getting recognized for their efforts all across the region — by being accepted into a variety of museum exhibits and winning a number of juried competitions.

In January, sculpture and ceramics students Joseph Nixon, Jordan Champalou, and Margaret Purtell were chosen to participate in the 7th annual “Clay Programs of Excellence” exhibition at Temple University’s Tyler School of Art.

Through Wednesday, March 14, ten students will also be showcasing their artwork at the 40^th annual Montgomery County High School Art Exhibition and Competition at Montgomery County Community College’s Fine Arts Center. They include: Aliany Mendez, Samantha Barge, Yakira Newman, Lani Rosenbaum, Sophia Lucente, Allison Britt, Grace Bauder, Hallie Ahrens and Yegyeong Gim. Additionally, a piece from senior Justin Gamble, titled Afri-rican Woman, was selected as “Best in Show.”

Opening earlier this week at Arcadia University and running through Friday, March 16 is the 31^st annual, juried PSEA “Touch the Future” art exhibition and competition, for which 19 Abington students had their works accepted, including: Mia Curtis, Yeji Kim, Bridget O’Neill, Sophie Dobson, Jeehae Young, Samantha Beil, Erin Lees, Olivia Schrecengost, Ashley Kelly, Margaret Purtell, Taylor Grider, Kitty Kelly, Thanasi Daftsios, Rosaleen Wink, Christopher Stein, Connor Dundon and Nolan Hughes. Of note, Erin Touey won second place “Best in Show” for her painted illustration of Sylvia Plath’s poem “Ella Mason and Her Eleven Cats,” while Evyn Stewart won third place “Best in Show” for her untitled ceramic piece.

Liam Malone, Eric Babst, Corey Brookins, Cornelius O’Kane and Christian Thompson will be showing artwork in the 2018 Philadelphia Autism Project and Community Behavioral Health Art Show, called “Philadelphia: A Spectrum of Experiences,” from March 12 until April 17. Artwork for this exhibit will be on display at City Hall, as well as at 801 Market Street in Philadelphia.

Lastly, the Wharton Esherick “Imprint” Juried Competition received 118 entries this year, of which only 16 artworks were accepted into the Museum exhibit. Angelina Calderone, who won first place, and Katherine Flad, who won second place, were among those chosen. In addition, Sophie Dobson received an honorable mention, and Megan Dockstader was also accepted.

Another 60 students, of which 11 were from Abington, were chosen to have their works exhibited at the Philadelphia International Airport from March through September. They include: Angelina Calderone, Katherine Flad, Sophie Dobson, Megan Dockstader, Zoe Brady, Yeji Kim, Renee Decembrino, Megan Frase, J. McCormick Peters, Gina Croy and River Mackenzie.

If you can’t make it to any of these great shows in the area, be sure to stop by the Abington School District Administration Building for the 21st annual Arts Fest, March 13-15 from 1:30-7:30 p.m. 

The Abington Board of School Directors has announced Board honors and orientations on the agenda for its October 23, 2018, meeting, as follows:

Board Honors:

• 2017-2018 District Accomplishments
• 2018 Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators Award for Service to the Profession to Dr. Amy F. Sichel
• Recognition of Dr. Amy F. Sichel for Service to the Abington School District

Board Orientations:

• Public Service Announcement (PSA): Head UP! Phone DOWN.

The meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the Abington School District Administration Building. A detailed agenda will be posted to the ASD homepage by noon on Tuesday. For more information, and a full schedule of Board meetings for the calendar year, please visit https://www.abington.k12.pa.us/board-of-directors/meeting-information.

On Wednesday, Oct. 24, Abington School District, in partnership with the Abington Township Police Department, will participate in the 22^nd annual Operation Safe Stop, an initiative conducted in communities across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as part of National School Bus Safety Week, which runs Oct. 22-26. Operation Safe Stop, organized by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, is a public awareness and enforcement effort to educate the motoring public that passing a stopped school bus, when children are loading or unloading, is both dangerous and illegal. Each year, through Operation Safe Stop, law enforcement agencies, school transportation providers, pupil transportation associations and PennDOT have combined their efforts to raise public awareness about the potential consequences and reduce the occurrence of illegal school bus passes.

As part of Abington School District’s efforts, problem areas were identified by the District’s Supervisor of Transportation, and police officers will monitor those trouble spots on Oct. 24 in order to catch, and issue tickets to, those who violate the School Bus Stopping Law. Additionally, throughout the day, bus drivers will monitor any violations that they witness, which they will record and send to PennDOT for reporting purposes.

According to the PennDOT website, Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law requires motorists to stop at least 10 feet away from school buses that have their red lights flashing and stop arm extended. Motorists must stop when they are behind the bus, meeting the bus or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped. Motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety. If physical barriers such as grassy medians, guide rails or concrete median barriers separate oncoming traffic from the bus, motorists in the opposing lanes may proceed without stopping.

For more information, please visit https://www.dmv.pa.gov/Driver-Services/School-Bus-Drivers/Pages/Operation-Safe-Stop.aspx.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Abington Senior High School Galloping Ghosts put their efforts toward not just tackling their opponents on the field, but also tackling this terrible disease off of the football field. On Friday, Oct. 26, the Ghosts faced off against CB West, while raising money for a good cause.

The annual game–in partnership with members from the school’s student service organization, Key Club– aims to raise awareness of breast cancer and the local organizations that are aiding in the fight, or helping those who are battling, the disease. This year’s theme was “Pink is Fearless“, which was featured on T-shirts sold to the Abington School District community to raise money for three local organizations: Abington-Jefferson Health, Unite for HER and the Breathing Room Foundation.

These organizations also had tables at the event to educate fans and attendees about breast cancer, including mammography recommendations and options, and self-exam instructions. As a bonus, all students who purchased the $10 T-shirts were granted free admission into the game. This year, more than 2,400 shirts were sold.

In addition, Abington parents and teachers who are breast cancer survivors served as honorary team captains during the coin toss at the start of the game, including:

• Janice Jedlinski, Abington Senior High School teacher
• Marion Utain, Abington Junior High School teacher
• Carol Hopkins, Grandmother of football senior, Tom Lukens
• Maggie Nathans, Mother of football senior, Xavier Nathans-Dair
• Beth Teefy, Representing Unite for HER

Oct. 26 marked the last game of the season for the Galloping Ghosts, and also served as the team’s Senior Night. 

The Abington Senior High School Boys Soccer team advanced to the District 1 Class AAAA championship game after a 3-2 win against Unionville. Liam Campbell, Jack Failing, and Sean Touey notched goals in the victory. The Galloping Ghosts will face Central Bucks West on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, at 6 p.m. at Upper Merion Area High School.

Head Coach Randy Garber and the team are vying for their second District Championship in program history. They appeared in the District One Championship game in 1993 and 2008, and won the title in 2012.

All tickets, for students and spectators, will be $5, and only available at Upper Merion. No presale will be held at ASHS. Any student interested in a Fan Bus to the Boys Soccer Championship game should sign up Thursday or Friday in Cafeteria A, or with Ms. Rhonda Paules in Room A115. The buses will depart ASHS at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.

On Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, Copper Beech Elementary School played host to author and underwater photographer Michael Patrick O’Neill, who came to the school for a conversation and Q&A with students, held in four different sessions throughout the day. During the 10 a.m. hour, O’Neill met with 5th-graders, and after the session, enjoyed lunch with a select group of 14 lucky students from the grade.

At Copper Beech’s library and inside its classrooms, O’Neill’s images and books have inspired research projects, the pursuit of creative endeavors, and a desire to understand connections to our world and the impact we can have on it. His visit supported the school’s “Dive into Reading” library theme this year, and also encouraged student excitement around this year’s school musical, a performance of The Little Mermaid.

O’Neill, an award-winning photographer and author specializing in marine wildlife and environmental issues, has traveled extensively for the last 25 years photographing diverse aquatic animals and their habitats. His images have appeared in many publications including BBC Wildlife, National Geographic Magazine, Ranger Rick and The New York Times, and have won the most prestigious competitions, including World Press Photo, Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Pictures of the Year. O’Neill has written and photographed seven nonfiction marine life books designed to encourage children to read, write, and become involved in science and conservation.

Dear Parents/Guardians, Community Members and Alumni: I have spoken to our donor’s representatives regarding the concerns raised by a minority in the community around the change of our school name. […]

Dr. Amy Sichel to Retire Effective November 9, 2018, After 42 Years in District, 18 Years as Superintendent

Abington, Pa. (July 9, 2018) – After more than 42 years serving Abington School District and 18 years as Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Amy Sichel announced to the Board of School Directors today her plans to retire, effective November 9, 2018.

Sichel began her career in Abington in 1976 as a school counselor, and became the District’s first female Superintendent in 2001 after serving in various administrative positions, including Director of Pupil Services and Assistant Superintendent. An Abington Township resident whose two daughters were educated in the District, Sichel has promoted a culture of community and continuity throughout her tenure that is reflected in the faculty and staff the District employs; the alumni who return to live and work in Abington and Rockledge; and the new families who move to Abington and Rockledge as a result of the quality public schools and affordable taxes — two hallmarks of Sichel’s leadership.

“For a superintendent to spend her entire career in one school district is remarkable,” said Raymond McGarry, Esquire, President of the Board of School Directors. “Dr. Sichel’s tenure in the Abington School District has been the backbone to our success with students, our achievements in many areas, our ability to be fiscally responsible, and our focus to rebuild and renovate our school buildings.”

Sichel, one of the nation’s longest-serving superintendents, achieved recognition as Pennsylvania Superintendent of the Year in 2010 by the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA), a statewide organization of public school superintendents of which Sichel was president in 2010-2011. In addition to countless other honors and recognitions, Sichel received the Margaret Smith Leadership Award from the PASA Women’s Caucus in 2017. She served as the president of AASA, The School Superintendents Association, during the 2013-2014 school year, making her the fourth woman in the nation to be elected by her peer superintendents to lead the 150-year-old organization that represents 13,000 superintendents. In 2015, Sichel received the Distinguished Service Award from AASA for exemplary leadership, service and commitment to education.

Sichel’s list of awards and accomplishments extends to her help garnering national recognition for Abington’s schools from multiple outlets and organizations, including most recently Abington Senior High School’s fourth consecutive silver medal among the list of “Best High Schools” from U.S. News & World Report – the school’s sixth time making the list in the past decade – and the District’s 2018 recognition as one of the “Best Communities for Music Education” from The NAMM Foundation, which the District has received for eleven consecutive years. In addition, ASD has been named a “District of Distinction” by District Administration magazine in the category of student achievement, thanks to Sichel’s work spearheading the “Opportunities to Learn Initiative.”

“My aim has always been to provide the students of Abington School District with the best quality public education in a cost-effective fashion,” said Sichel. “This could only be accomplished with dedicated and committed School Board Directors, administrators, teachers, facilities team members, administrative assistants, paraprofessionals and bus drivers and monitors. These folks, with the partnership of parents/guardians, along with community involvement, help ensure each student has the chance for a strong educational foundation.”

A longstanding advocate of public education throughout her career, Sichel has authored or contributed to countless works on educational practices and excellence through equity, including a chapter she co-authored with Dr. Ann Bacon, former Director of Curriculum, about the District’s “Opportunities to Learn” initiative in the textbook by Alan M. Blankstein and Pedro Noguera, entitled Excellence Through Equity. Sichel has also represented Abington on the national level by testifying to Congress as a result of her experience and expertise, and has presented on a number of topics including opportunities to learn with a focus on educational equity, how to develop district and school-based continuous improvement plans, and women as superintendents, to name a few.

“Almost 300,000 children have been a part of my watch for the last 42 years, with 11,000 students graduating since the time I took on the role of Superintendent of Schools,” Sichel continued. “I always tried to provide to each of our students what I expected Abington schools to provide to my own children.”

In addition, many of the District’s facilities and infrastructure have been rebuilt since Sichel was first appointed as Superintendent — starting with the opening of a new school, Copper Beech Elementary School, in 2001, and continuing with the rebuilding of Overlook, Highland, Willow Hill and Roslyn Elementary Schools, as well as the upcoming additions and renovations to Abington Senior High School. This latest project includes a large renovation of the existing 1956 facility as well as significant additions and expansions, such as a two-story science and technology center and new gymnasium.

“While I will miss serving the community in this capacity, the Board of School Directors and the team of administrators, faculty and staff that I have worked with all these years will ensure that Abington’s motto of ‘Excellence is our standard; achievement is the result’ continues for the students of the Abington School District,” added Sichel. “I am grateful for my time in Abington and look forward to what’s to come in the next chapter of my life.”

Sichel’s letter to the ASD community about her retirement can be found here.

“Though we are sad to hear of Dr. Sichel’s decision, the Board of School Directors and I must consider our next steps to hire and retain her successor, on which I provide more information in my letter to the community,” McGarry added.

McGarry’s letter to the ASD community about Dr. Sichel’s retirement and the process to appoint a new superintendent can be found here. The next meeting of the Abington Board of School Directors is scheduled for Tuesday, August 14, 2018, at 7:30 p.m.

Abington Senior High School will debut its annual school play on Friday night, Nov. 16, after an early dismissal due to snow cancelled what was supposed to be the premiere performance on the day prior. This year’s production will be a performance of the creepy, yet funny, tale, Arsenic and Old Lace. Friday and Saturday nights’ shows will continue as scheduled at 7 p.m., and Thursday night’s performance has been rescheduled for Monday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. Any tickets already purchased for the Thursday night show will be honored on Monday.

The cast and crew of the production at ASHS are thrilled to present this dark comedy hit from Joseph Kesselring. The plot centers on the Brewster clan, a once-elite family that has now descended into homicidal insanity. Mortimer Brewster, a theater critic and the most ostensibly normal of his clan, is forced to cover up for his sadistic aunts, Martha and Abby, while being torn between family loyalty and his desire to marry the love of his life, Elaine. Further complicating matters are his two brothers, Teddy and Jonathan. Teddy is completely convinced that he is, in fact, President Roosevelt, while Jonathan, along with his sidekick, Dr. Einstein, are determined to destroy his family at all costs.

Tickets will be available at the door: $10 for general admission and $8 for students and senior citizens.

The Abington Senior High School Athletic Department, administration, students, and their families recognized and celebrated ten student-athletes’ accomplishments on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018, for the National Letter of Intent Signing Day Ceremony, held in the auditorium. After a welcome and introduction by Athletic Director Todd Vaccaro, Abington Senior High School guest speaker and English teacher, Ms. Julie Martinez Bowles, a James Madison University field hockey and lacrosse player, addressed students and reflected upon her own collegiate athletic career.

Among the students honored for signing letters of intent were:

• Matthew Bonnell, Swimming – University of Pennsylvania
• Kassondra Brown, Basketball – University of Rhode Island
• Eric Dixon, Basketball – Villanova University
• Kaley Ehnow, Lacrosse – Elon University
• Samuel Henninger, Diving – LaSalle University
• Anna Joseph, Lacrosse – East Carolina University
• Camryn Lexow, Soccer – University of Virginia
• Jamira Mashore, Lacrosse – Winthrop University
• Xavier Lucas Monroe, Basketball – University of Pennsylvania
• Griffin Wittenberg, Baseball – Jefferson University

The event also included the airing of a highlights reel, recapping the amazing high school careers of these young athletes.

As an 11-time honoree of The NAMM Foundation’s “Best Communities for Music Education,” it is no surprise that Abington School District’s music department has made headlines over the past few weeks.  

Abington School District’s ties to the Philadelphia Orchestra were on display last month, when nine representatives of the Abington Senior High School orchestra had the opportunity to perform the National Anthem under the direction of longtime music teacher, Ms. Nancy Voigt, at the annual luncheon of the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board. The event, attended by more than 600 local business leaders, politicians and other dignitaries from across Montgomery County–including Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro–also featured a special performance from the Philadelphia Orchestra, as the group used the luncheon to showcase its upcoming concert scheduled for Abington Township’s own Keswick Theatre in March 2019.

Abington alumna and the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board’s Director of Arts & Culture, Ms. Jessica Willingham, invited Ms. Voigt and her students to perform at the annual luncheon as the ASHS orchestra, as well as the Abington Junior High School orchestra, will have the opportunity in March to rehearse alongside the Philadelphia Orchestra musicians during the day, which will be followed by a community concert in the evening. This will be a great opportunity for Abington School District’s orchestra students to work alongside several members of the world-famous Philadelphia Orchestra. To learn more about the annual luncheon for Valley Forge, and the opportunity it provided for Abington School District’s music program, read the following article from Pottstown’s The Mercury newspaper.

In an additional connection to the Philadelphia Orchestra, an announcement was recently made—and covered by The Philadelphia Inquirer–that former Abington School District music teacher, Ms. Jane Kesson, donated $4.7 million to the Orchestra as part of her will. Ms. Kesson was another longtime educator in Abington Schools, who passed away last year at age 90. Over the years, Kesson taught music at the secondary and elementary levels–including at Glenside-Weldon Junior High and McKinley Elementary School–and also led the choir. The story covering Ms. Kesson’s gift quotes past Abington School District employees, as well as former students, about the type of legacy she left behind.

The Abington Board of School Directors has announced Board honors and orientations on the agenda for its November 27, 2018, meeting, as follows:

Board Honor:

• Abington Senior High School College Signing Celebration

Board Orientation:

• Future Ready PA Index, Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA), and Keystone Exam Results

The meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the Abington School District Administration Building. A detailed agenda will be posted to the ASD homepage by noon on Tuesday. For more information, and a full schedule of Board meetings for the calendar year, please visit https://www.abington.k12.pa.us/board-of-directors/meeting-information.

Dr. Jeffrey S. Fecher speaks with attendees at the Sept. 13, 2018, meet and greet event.

Following public discussion at its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, the Board of School Directors of the Abington School District voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Jeffrey S. Fecher as the next Superintendent of Schools.  

The vote from the Board of School Directors came on the heels of a Sept. 13, 2018, meet and greet with Dr. Fecher, at which he reviewed in a presentation his mission and vision for Abington School District, as well as his breadth of experience that includes serving as an administrator and teacher across both secondary and elementary educational levels. The Board of School Directors announced Dr. Fecher as the finalist for the position at its Sept. 4, 2018, meeting after a two-and-a-half-hour interview conducted on Aug. 21, 2018. Board President Raymond McGarry, Esquire, explained that the questions the Board asked Dr. Fecher – who is in his sixth year as Assistant Superintendent – were informed by the public input provided via email and during a special meeting of the Board of School Directors on Aug. 7, 2018. A letter from Mr. McGarry sent to the Abington and Rockledge communities on July 19, 2018, requested this input in order to help develop a profile of the next Superintendent.

“Appointing a superintendent is the most important job of a school board,” Mr. McGarry said. “Fortunately for us, we were able to adhere to the initial process we outlined in our July 9^th letter following Dr. Sichel’s retirement announcement, in which I expressed our desire to consider internal candidates before having to hire a firm to conduct a lengthy and expensive search that would result in candidates unfamiliar to serving this unique community. We have been impressed with Dr. Fecher’s performance to date and have heard from community members who feel the same.” 

Dr. Fecher, who has served Abington School District for 12 years, will succeed Dr. Amy F. Sichel, who announced her retirement in early July following a 42-year career in the District, 18 of which she served as Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Sichel’s retirement will be effective as of Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, at which point Dr. Fecher will begin his commission.

Previously, Dr. Fecher was principal of Abington Senior High School and principal-elect of Willow Hill Elementary School. Before joining Abington School District, he was a middle school assistant principal in Flemington-Raritan School District and an English teacher at Bordentown Regional High School – both in New Jersey. He received a Doctorate of Education in educational and organizational leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Arts degree in educational administration from Rider University, and a Bachelor of Arts from La Salle University.

Prior to voting on Tuesday, the Board of School Directors also reviewed Dr. Fecher’s contract, highlights of which are as follows:

• Appointed for a five-year term, effective Nov. 10, 2018, through June 30, 2023.
• Salary effective Nov. 10, 2018, will be $195,000, with annual raises of no less than two percent, contingent upon satisfactory performance.
• District will make an annual contribution of $7,000 to a tax-sheltered annuity, designated by Dr. Fecher.
• Fecher required to achieve objective performance standards to be published on District website.
• Annual bonus of no less than $2,500, contingent upon meeting objective performance standards.
• Fringe benefits to be the same as other administrative staff.
• Fecher agrees not to request a sabbatical leave except for restoration of health purposes.

“Tonight is a special night for me,” said Dr. Fecher following the Board’s decision. “I entered into the field of education because I wanted to influence the lives of young people, and what better way to make an impact than to lead one of the best school districts? I have been working toward the goal of becoming a superintendent, and to be appointed as the superintendent of a district that I know and love is humbling.

“I look forward to continuing to serve the communities of Abington and Rockledge alongside the 1,000-plus ASD staff members who make our District great, and advancing Abington’s legacy of excellence and achievement as we make a difference in the lives of our more than 8,300 students and their families. I am excited to have an impact on the future of public education and the opportunities for our students.”

Established in 1888, Abington School District is a public school system located outside of Philadelphia in the suburbs of Montgomery County, Pa. The District has seven elementary schools, one junior high school and one senior high school, which has been recognized six times as a “Best High School” by U.S. News & World Report. Abington School District has also been named a “District of Distinction” by the District Administration journal and an 11-time honoree of The NAMM Foundation’s “Best Communities for Music Education” program. For more information, visit www.Abington.k12.pa.us.

Following the appointment of Dr. Jeffrey S. Fecher as Superintendent of Schools, the Board of School Directors of the Abington School District voted unanimously at its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018, to appoint Dr. James A. Melchor as Assistant Superintendent.

Dr. Melchor has served as Assistant Director of Curriculum for the District since 2009, after previously serving as an elementary principal and middle school assistant principal in the Owen J. Roberts School District in Pottstown, PA, and a social studies and science teacher at the secondary level in the Delaware Valley School District in Milford, PA.

“Dr. Melchor has been a tremendous asset to the Abington School District since his arrival, most recently in his work to lead the secondary programming for reconfigured grade spans and the corresponding Superintendent’s Committee,” said Dr. Fecher, who is currently serving as the Assistant Superintendent through Nov. 9, 2018. “I look forward to having his expertise in the Superintendent’s Office as I take on a new role.”

Dr. Melchor received his Doctorate of Education in educational leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, where he completed his dissertation on “Faculty perceptions of, and participation in, a small school district’s large-scale change”.  Dr. Melchor’s dissertation studied the reconfiguration of a district undergoing similar grade span shifts as the result of a renovation and building project as Abington School District’s current reconfiguration and project.

Dr. Melchor also has Master of Science degrees in educational leadership and educational technology from Wilkes University, and in secondary education from the University of Pennsylvania. He received his bachelor’s degrees from the University of Pennsylvania as well.  

“This is truly a significant time for Abington School District, and I am excited to advance in my role within the District in a way that will allow me to continue having a positive impact on the futures of our students as we prepare them for college and careers,” Dr. Melchor said. “I look forward to using my past elementary and secondary level experience to help shape what’s ahead for Abington School District.”

Prior to voting on Tuesday, the Board of School Directors also made Dr. Melchor’s contract available, highlights of which are as follows:

• Appointed for a five-year term, effective November 10, 2018, through June 30, 2023. 
• Salary effective November 10, 2018, will be $178,000, with annual raises of no less than 2%, contingent upon satisfactory performance.
• Dr. Melchor required to achieve objective performance standards to be published on District website.
• Fringe benefits to be the same as other administrative staff.
• Dr. Melchor agrees not to request a sabbatical leave except for restoration of health purposes.

Recently, a community member contacted Superintendent Dr. Amy Sichel, expressing her concern over the number of students she saw walking, including crossing streets, while looking at their phones. Dr. Sichel told the community member with whom she spoke that she would see how Abington School District can help reduce these instances of distracted walking, as it can be extremely dangerous for both the students and passing motorists. With this in mind, Dr. Sichel reached out to Mr. Angelo Berrios and Mr. Daniel File, principals of the Senior and Junior High, respectively, to see how their schools could address this concern with students. Mr. Berrios came back with an idea to have the students in both secondary buildings work together to produce a public service announcement (PSA) that could be shown as part of the morning announcements. With the help of Senior High English and Media Production teacher, Mr. Bryan Quigley, the students put together an insightful video warning students of the dangers, and accidents that could happen, as a result of distracted walking. Using researched statistics, as well as a bit of humor, the PSA sends an important message of putting phones down and keeping heads up.