Today was an exciting staff opening day as Dr. Sichel and staff members presented an introduction to and insights for the new school year. Abington Education Association president Debbie Lee welcomed the staff and Dr. Fecher introduced new administrative appointments and teachers.
New Teachers
Congratulations to Mr. Daniel File as the new Principal of Overlook Elementary School. Mr. File had been an Assistant Principal at the Junior High School. Prior to coming to Abington, Mr. File held administrative positions in Central Bucks and Pennsbury School Districts and taught English. He has a Bachelor of Arts from La Salle University and a Masters in Education and Educational Leadership from University of Pennsylvania.
Congratulations to Ms. Julianne Petersen as Assistant Principal at Abington Junior High School. Ms. Petersen had been the Supervisor of Social Studies at Abington School District. Prior to that, Ms. Petersen was the Social Studies Department Chair at Abington Junior High School and a Social Studies teacher for 12 years. Ms. Petersen earned her Bachelor of Science degree from West Chester University and a Masters in Educational Leadership at Arcadia University.
Congratulations to Mr. Robert Howe in his new position as Department Chairperson of Gifted Education and Elementary Curriculum Specialist at McKinley Elementary School. Mr. Howe had been serving as Interim Department Chairperson of Gifted Education. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Temple University and his Masters Degree in Elementary Education from West Chester University. Mr. Howe earned his principals certification from Temple University. He has been an elementary teacher in Abington since September 1993 and a teacher of gifted education since September 2005.
Congratulations and welcome to Mr. Thomas Schneider as Supervisor of Facilities. Mr. Schneider comes to Abington from the North Penn School District where he had been the Director of Facilities and Operations and, before that, the Manager of Energy and Operational Efficiencies. Prior to North Penn, Mr. Schneider was Supervisor of Operational Services at the Council Rock School District. Before working at Council Rock, Mr. Schneider worked in design and project management involved in school construction in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Mr. Schneider has an engineering background and earned his Bachelors Degree in mechanical engineering. Congratulations and welcome to Mr. Steven Hochwind as the Coordinator of Safety and Student Attendance. Mr. Hochwind served 33 years with the Abington Township Police Department as Platoon Commander, Chief Financial Officer, Assistant SWAT Team Commander, and patrol officer. He also served as a DARE officer in public and private schools. Mr. Hochwind earned a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from West Chester University, a Masters in Organizational Leadership from Mercy College, and an Executive Law Enforcement Certificate from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA.
Dr. Sichel introduced a presentation of Abington School District’s past, present, and future. She highlighted the STEAM programs (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts. and Mathematics) and the district’s innovations in robotics, technology, science, and the arts. A major portion of the morning’s presentation covered student achievement, equity, and opportunities, both current and future.
Dr. Sichel also presented a slide of the district’s impressive accomplishments and awards.
Dr. Bacon presented the journey that led to Abington’s distinctive and widely praised Opportunities to Learn initiative – the plan and the impressive results. Dr. Melchor presented the standards that lead to rigorous curriculum, instruction, and student achievement. The Four C signposts of education were presented: Communication, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, and Creativity as well as the integration of blended learning in the classroom.
Dr. Sichel reviewed 2016-2017 Planning for the Future steps that include: the creation of the Comprehensive Plan for 2018-2021; Superintendent’s Committees for Elementary Communication Arts, Secondary School Mathematics, and Middle/Junior High School Curriculum; and Pilot Programs for Technology.
Integrated in the presentation were videos of nationally renowned thought leaders praising Abington’s programs and initiatives and providing thoughts on blended programs and future educational needs for success in the 21st Century and beyond.
