Superintendent’s Report
July 27, 2026
Eric J. Becoats, Ed.D.
Agenda
Announcements
June 30 - August 7, 2026
District Summer Hours
Free Summer Meals
Hunger Hotline: Parents/Guardians looking for free breakfast and lunch for their children and teens this summer may also text the word “Food” to 304-304 to receive a message with free summer meal locations close to their home.
Please see www.nokidhungry.org/help for more information.
Provided by William Penn School District and Aramark to children ages 18 and under. Over 13,000 meals have been served since the beginning of the programs.
SunBucks
SUN Bucks (also called Summer EBT) is a federally funded program that provides $120 per eligible child over the summer to help families buy groceries. The program aims to reduce food insecurity during summer break and complements other USDA nutrition programs like SNAP.
Who is Eligible in 2026?� Students are automatically eligible if they:
How to Apply� Families not automatically enrolled can apply online or by paper form:� 🔗 dhs.pa.gov/sunbucks� ✅ Use the Eligibility Navigator on the site to check eligibility and apply
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Registration for the 2026-2027 School Year
https://williampennsd.org/departments/registration/
Don’t delay - register today!
Current Status:
Completed Applications: 144
Incomplete Applications: 67
Non District Transportation Applications: 70
Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Penn Wood Middle School� 121 Summit Street, Darby PA 19050
Back-to-School Kickoff!
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Back-to-School Information
Find the 26-27 WPSD calendar at: williampennsd.org/our-district/district-calendar/
For additional information and important updates, please regularly check:
September 1
First day of school for students in grades 1-12 (half day)
September 2-4
Kindergarten Orientation
September 8
First day of school for kindergarten students
WPSD Summer Program Overview
Program | Dates | Locations | Grades | # of Participants |
Camp R.O.C.K. | 6/29-7/30 | Ardmore Ave ES | K-2 | 152 |
Kamp Kaboom | 6/29-7/30 | Ardmore Ave ES | 3-6 | 263 |
Kamp Kaboom Middle Years | 6/29-7/30 | PWHS-GAC | 7-8 | 42 |
Extended School Year (ESY) | 7/7-7/30 | Aldan ES | K-12 | 130 |
Safe-time Summer Program | 6/30-7/22 | Walnut St. ES | 3-6 | 40 |
Accelerated Math | 6/22-8/14 | Virtual | 9-12 | 49 |
WPSD summer programming delivers structured academic enrichment, foundational skill reinforcement, and specialized instructional support.
Students are engaging in project-based learning, STEAM exploration, interactive activities, educational field trips, and positive youth development across all grade levels.
Total Number of Student Participants | 676 |
Back to School Night Schedule
Wednesday, September 9
Penn Wood Middle School — 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
�Thursday, September 10
Penn Wood High School-GAC — 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 15
Aldan ES — 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Bell Avenue ES — 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
East Lansdowne ES — 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, September 16
Ardmore Avenue ES — 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Colwyn ES — 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Evans ES — 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Park Lane ES — 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Walnut Street ES — 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
�Thursday, September 17
Ninth Grade Academy — 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Recognition
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Jacki Cordery: IBX Education Award
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Jacki Cordery, band and choral director at Walnut Street Elementary School, has been named a 2026 IBX Honor Roll Extraordinary Teacher by Independence Blue Cross and the Philadelphia Phillies. ��She was nominated by Dr. Rachel Slaughter, special education instructor at Penn Wood Middle School.
In her 16 years with the district, she's been celebrated for helping students perform with confidence and pride, earning her on-field recognition at a Phillies home game on July 25. She also received a Phillies swag bag and a $500 Visa gift card.
Congratulations!
2025-2026 Communications: By the Numbers
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Website and Digital Media
158 website news stories published
19 Wednesday Word Episodes
7 Podcast Episodes
3 Nationals School PR Association Awards ��11 Pennsylvania School PR Association Awards
Social Media
531 Facebook posts
844,578 Facebook content views�
238 Instagram feed posts
335 Instagram stories
1.44 million Instagram views
ParentSquare
6,332 ParentSquare posts
156,689 ParentSquare direct messages
98.6% ParentSquare Family Contactability
Newsletters
19 WPSD Notes
4 WPSD Connects �(internal monthly, launched Mar 2026)
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WHYY Schooled Podcast
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WPSD is featured in Episode 3: "Tech Equity" of WHYY's new four-part podcast series, Schooled Rewired, released on July 24.
The series explores how technology is transforming education in Pennsylvania.
Chief of Operations Darnell Deans joined host Kenny Cooper to discuss the challenges of providing equitable access to educational technology while balancing limited school funding and competing district priorities.
Tune in to the series here.
Budget Update
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2026-2027 Budget Overview