Spotlight

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.

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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.
 

Congratulations to Wyncote Elementary Speech-Language Pathologists Brendan Storino and Lauren Hess, who recently won one of four Pennsylvania State Education Association Innovative Teaching grants. The pair will receive a $1,500 grant for a playground communication board, which provides students with limited language skills the opportunity to engage with their age-typical peers. A playground communication board contains symbols paired with words with which students with verbal communication difficulties can communicate. 

“We are so grateful for PSEA's generous grant and how this will particularly help our non-speaking students communicate with others on the playground,” Hess said.

Wyncote has several students who are not able to communicate traditionally through verbal means. Because of this, these students often use a speech-generating device that creates a voice for them. There are times, however, when a speech-generating device is not always practical, such as when a student is on the playground. In these instances, the students still need the ability to communicate, and without the use of a communication device, these students can no longer do so, and, as a result, may become frustrated and display negative behaviors. The communication board will support individuals in initiating conversations with peers, navigating social situations, and expressing themselves, and encourages inclusivity.

“This is an innovative solution that ensures all children have a voice on the playground, not only to make their wants known, but also to foster and maintain meaningful relationships with others,” Storino and Hess wrote in the grant proposal.

The playground communication board will be designed in collaboration with Resources at Lakeshore Speech. A variety of symbols, including those representing emotions, actions, and daily routines, will be incorporated on the board to foster a broad range of communication. The board is expected to be installed for this fall.