Upper Dublin Education Foundation

08/05/2026

We're proud to support opportunities like this that help our educators continue learning and bring new ideas back to their classrooms. Ultimately, these experiences help create more engaging and meaningful learning opportunities for our students. Congratulations to this outstanding group of educators!

08/05/2026

Know an Upper Dublin High School graduate who has made a lasting impact?

Nominations are now open for the UDHS Alumni Hall of Fame – Class of 2027!

The selection committee is seeking new nominations, as well as updated information for active nominations submitted in 2023 and/or 2025 that were not selected.

Eligible nominees must have graduated from Upper Dublin High School at least 10 years ago (Class of 2017 or earlier) and meet additional selection criteria.

Categories include:
- Arts, Entertainment & Communication
- Business & Law
- Education
- Government & Military
- Medicine, Science & Technology
- Philanthropy, Theology & Community Service

Nomination deadline: October 1, 2026

Visit the nomination portal to submit a nomination, learn about the Class of 2025 inductees, and explore past Hall of Fame honorees:
https://www.udefoundation.org/udhs-alumni-hall-of-fame

07/31/2026

Sometimes, the best way to understand how your body works is to see it in action. ❤️

During the school year, Sandy Run Middle School students brought science to life through Monitoring Young Hearts, an Innovation Grant project developed by Joshua Adelman, Jessica Cowden, Kendra Finger, William Sebulsky, Daveda Smyrl-Henegan, and Tina Tofel.

Using real-time heart rate monitors, students collected and analyzed their own data as they compared resting and active heart rates, explored how their bodies responded to exercise, and made meaningful connections between science, health, and physical education.

With support from a UDEF Innovation Grant, this hands-on experience transformed a lesson about the human body into something students could see, measure, and understand.

Congratulations to the educators behind Monitoring Young Hearts on creating an innovative way for students to engage with science in a meaningful way!

Our teachers imagine what’s possible. Our supporters help make it happen. Together, we’re creating opportunities for students to learn, explore, and grow.

07/20/2026

Sometimes, the best way to learn about the universe is to see it for yourself!

Students in Doug Grande's Advanced Earth & Space class have the opportunity to explore astronomy through hands-on observation using a digital smart telescope.
The technology allows students to observe and photograph celestial objects in real time, making space science more accessible while sparking curiosity and deepening engagement in STEM learning.

Captured this past spring, these photos show students photographing the Horsehead Nebula in the constellation Orion, with Venus visible in the background. The experience extended the course's study of geology, meteorology, and astronomy, giving students the opportunity to use advanced technology to explore Earth and beyond.

When we invest in our teachers' ideas, our students benefit. We're grateful to our supporters for helping us turn creative ideas into meaningful learning experiences.

07/16/2026

UDHS students are using the same biotechnology tools found in research laboratories thanks to an innovative idea from UDHS AP Biology teacher Megan Gallagher and support from an Upper Dublin Education Foundation Innovation Grant.

The grant funded a PCR thermocycler -- a key piece of equipment used to amplify DNA -- as well as a comprehensive molecular biology kit. With these tools, students are isolating DNA from their own cheek cells, amplifying specific genes through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), analyzing DNA using gel electrophoresis, and applying bioinformatics tools to compare genetic data across populations.

By working with professional-grade laboratory equipment and authentic scientific techniques, students gain a deeper understanding of genetics while building the critical thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving skills used by today's scientists.

We're grateful to our generous donors for fueling innovative ideas that give Upper Dublin students meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for future opportunities in STEM.

07/10/2026

Sometimes, helping students succeed starts with helping them regulate.

Thanks to a UDEF Grant, Sandy Run Middle School educators Nick Eppinger and Jill Pedroso transformed a creative idea into a meaningful resource for students. Their Brain Break Boxes help students recognize their emotions and practice healthy coping strategies when they need a break. Each box includes simple directions that guide students to reflect on how they’re feeling and choose a strategy that best meets their needs. A color-coded system provides a predictable pathway of support, helping students build self-regulation skills and return to learning feeling supported.

Behind every great idea are educators who see a need and create solutions. We're grateful to our supporters for helping fuel those ideas and create learning opportunities for our students.

07/08/2026

National Video Game Day is a good reminder to check in on your family's gaming habits.

If you're looking for practical tips on screen time, online safety, and healthy gaming, take a look at this helpful resource from UD Tech Trek: www.udtechtrek.org/gaming

It’s not too late to change gaming habits at home. Read more of our tech tips: https://www.udtechtrek.org/gaming

06/26/2026

As we look back on the school year, we're celebrating one of UDHS's newest student opportunities—the UDHS Pickleball Club!

Congratulations to Jessica Sachson, guidance counselor and advisor of the new club, on receiving a UDEF grant to purchase portable pickleball nets. The new equipment gives students more time to play and the flexibility to meet indoors or outdoors.

Thanks to our supporters for helping bring educators’ ideas to life and expanding opportunities for Upper Dublin students. 💚

06/08/2026

Congratulations to the UDHS Class of 2026 and to our 5th and 8th graders moving up! Keep learning, growing, and finding ways to do good along the way. ♥️

06/04/2026

Congratulations to our UDEF Innovation Grant recipients for Spring 2026!

These educators dreamed up creative ideas that we’re proud to fund and bring to life in classrooms, opening new opportunities for students next year.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, UDEF has funded nearly $220,000 in educator grants over the past five years.