Spotlight

What started as a friendly neighborhood non-school-related project has blossomed into so much more. Play Club, inaugurated in response to the most recent presidential election, and composed of Wyncote and Cedarbrook East students, formed when these students started asking, “What can we do?” to help the region’s immigrant population. Plenty, it turns out. 

Most recently, members of the group spoke at the Welcoming Center’s Solas Gala at the Franklin Institute. With club members standing behind them, a few members of the Play Club spoke about the group and the work it’s done to raise awareness and funds (including raising over $1,000) for the Welcoming Center’s work, which is to open doors of economic opportunity for immigrants of all education and skill levels and build immigrants’ individual and collective agency to address barriers to integration and well-being.

“We felt the need to rise up to help people affected by the harsh words being said about immigrants,” a member said. 

“If we’re all here from immigrants, then why is society mistreating and shunning them?” a member asked. 

Play Club has launched the campaigns “Fight for U.S.” and “Subscribe to Equity.” As part of these projects, Play Cub wrote speeches, sang songs, made “Bravery” buttons and created a flag from Post-It Notes with their pledges to the U.S. This past September, the Welcoming Center invited the students for a visit to learn about the center, its activities and what it was doing to help the immigrant population. The students also started going to protests and being more vocal about immigrant rights. They even spoke at a township commissioners’ meeting about Cheltenham’s welcoming policy, and encouraged the commissioners to pass the policy, which they did.
 
In October, the group staged the musical “The Wiz” at the Elkins Park home of the Saavedra family because the play “is about a diverse group of people coming together to reach a common goal,” Abram said in his remarks at the gala. The group recently held its winter showcase, comprising skits and speeches about being welcoming. Each piece was connected to supporting immigrants.

Can’t wait to see what this group of Cheltenham students has planned next!

Wyncote Elementary School’s recent talent show was a memorable event that celebrated the many talents and personalities of the school’s students. The event brought together students, families, and staff to enjoy a wide variety of performances highlighting creativity, confidence, and school spirit. Students took the stage to showcase their abilities in many different ways, demonstrating that talent comes in many forms.

Throughout the show, students performed musical acts that included rapping, singing, and playing instruments such as the guitar and piano. These performances showed their musical skills and dedication and courage to perform in front of a live audience. Other students stepped into the spotlight as emcees, helping guide the audience through the event with enthusiasm and confidence. Their energy kept the show moving smoothly and helped create a fun, welcoming atmosphere for everyone in attendance.

In addition to musical performances, the talent show featured students who shared their sense of humor by telling jokes that had the audience laughing. There were also impressive dance routines and gymnastics performances that demonstrated strength, coordination, and creativity. Each act brought something unique to the stage, making the event exciting and engaging from beginning to end.

The talent show was not only about performing but also about building confidence and celebrating one another. Students cheered on their peers and showed great support for every performer who stepped onto the stage. Events like this help create a strong sense of community within the school while encouraging students to explore their interests and share their talents.
Overall, the Wyncote Talent Show was a wonderful celebration of student creativity, bravery, and individuality. It was inspiring to see so many students proudly share their abilities and contribute to such a joyful and supportive event.

View photos>
 

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.