School Leaders Present 2025-2026 Plans for Academic Improvement and Family Engagement

The Abington Board of School Directors convened on August 26, 2025, to discuss the school-wide plans for the 2025-2026 academic year, focusing on continuous improvement and student support. The meeting featured presentations from school principals outlining their respective goals and strategies based on data analysis from previous assessments.

The session began with an introduction emphasizing the importance of collaboration among school teams to celebrate achievements and address challenges. Dr. Damon Jordan, principal of Willow Hill Elementary School, and Dr. Lindsey Morgan, principal of Rydal Elementary School, highlighted key strengths and areas for improvement identified from the 2024 PSSA results. Notably, there were increases in student performance in English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics, particularly in grades 3 to 5. However, challenges remained in subgroup performance and specific areas of ELA.

The principals outlined action steps aimed at enhancing curriculum and instruction, including professional development focused on the new ELA program, Amplify CKLA, and the implementation of daily independent reading sessions. They also emphasized the importance of social-emotional learning programs and positive behavior interventions to foster a supportive school climate.

Mr. Daniel Pfeil, principal of Abington Middle School, reported similar trends in middle school performance, noting improvements in ELA and mathematics, while also addressing the need for continued focus on vocabulary development and restorative practices to reduce suspensions. He introduced plans for sustained silent reading sessions and a new health curriculum aimed at supporting students' overall well-being.

Dr. Alice Swift, principal of Abington Senior High School, shared successes in advanced placement courses and highlighted ongoing challenges related to specific student demographics. She emphasized the importance of family engagement and the implementation of student-led parent conferences to enhance communication between families and educators.

Throughout the meeting, the board members engaged in discussions about the importance of data-driven instruction and the need for ongoing professional development for teachers. The overarching goal remains to ensure that all students receive the necessary support to succeed academically and socially.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the district's commitment to continuous improvement, with a focus on actionable steps to enhance student learning and engagement. The board plans to monitor progress closely and will continue to foster partnerships with families and the community to support student success.