Supply Lists & Teacher Letters

Meet the teacher:

About Me:

Hi Families!  My name is Molly Gehrholz, and I am honored to be  your child's kindergarten teacher this year.  I'm thrilled to be joining the Downingtown community, and I look forward to a wonderful year of learning and growth together.

I graduated from West Chester University spring of 2022 and spent the past two years teaching at the Upper Darby Kindergarten Center.  I am passionate about early childhood education and eager to create a nurturing and engaging classroom environment for your child.

Supplies Needed:

• Box of Crayons
• 4 Elmer's Glue Sticks
• Clorox Wipes
• Water Bottle
• #2 Pencils with Erasers
• Regular Sized Backpack

Favorites:

• Favorite Color:  Pink
• Favorite Food:  Penne Pasta
• Favorite Fruit:  Strawberries
• Favorite Animal:  Dog
• Favorite Hobby:  Reading and Coloring
• Favorite Book:  "I Wish You More" by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Contact:

Feel free to email me with any questions or concerns!  mgehrholz@dasd.org

Ms. Gehrholz's Teacher Letter

Hello and Welcome to Kindergarten! 

My name is Mrs. Ellison and I will be your teacher this year. Our home is room 104. I’m really excited to meet you and get our year started!  We will be learning about all of our letters, letter sounds, making words, and reading. We will also be learning about numbers, addition and subtraction, and shapes.  Most importantly, we will be making new friends, learning how to work together, and having FUN!

 The first week of school is an exciting time that we will be getting to know each other.  Please bring in something from your summer that you can share with the class.  An example would be a seashell, a small toy, a lego creation, a doll etc.  Once you take your turn to share, you can bring your item home.  It usually takes a few days to get through the whole class.

As for supplies, I would like you to bring:

• box of crayons
• pack of glue sticks
• container of wipes
• hand sanitizer.  
• You do not need a pencil box and you don’t need to label any of the supplies. 
• Please make sure your backpack is FULL size.  We have lots of projects that are large and we need them to fit in the back pack. No worries if you are unable to purchase some of these supplies.  I have extra!

I hope that I will get to meet you at Back to School Night on Tuesday, August 20th from 6:00 - 7:00 pm.

 

Enjoy the remainder of your summer!  I can’t wait to meet you!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Ellison

Mrs. Ellison's Teacher Letter

Welcome To My Class!

Kindergarten is Cool!

The start of the 2025-2026 school year is right around the corner, and I’m excited to meet my new class! I’m moving from a 2nd grade classroom to kindergarten this year, and I can’t wait to get started! Together, we will make this an awesome year for your child! Our classroom will provide each child with the tools needed to learn in new and creative ways. We’ll build a strong classroom community and support each other as we grow. Our class is a team, and you parents are an important part of that team! I look forward to working closely with you this year to support your child’s growth and development academically, socially, and emotionally. Together, we CAN!

You’ll find a list of suggested supplies to the left. If you ordered supplies through the school, they will be in my classroom for your child at the start of the year. I made a few adjustments to the list, but there’s no need to purchase additional items as I will have them for your child. Please note, we will share all classroom supplies so labels aren’t needed. For this reason, your child will not need a pencil case. I will update you and communicate often this year. Please use my email, above, to reach out throughout the year.

On the first day of school, please send your child with a water bottle, healthy afternoon snack, lunch, backpack, and suggested supplies from the list on the left. Each student may also bring a favorite summer memory (picture, memento, or book) to share at our first Morning Meeting.

Here’s to the start of a wonderful adventure!
~ ~Kate Cool

Suggested Supplies for Our Classroom: 

_________________

•  1- full sized backpack
•  1- box crayons (12 or 24 pack preferred)
•  2-Elmer’s glue sticks
• 10- sharpened #2 pencils
•  2- skinny, black Expo dry erase markers
•  1 pair- headphones
•  1- heavy-duty poly (plastic) folder, no prongs please
• Optional additions-
•  Box of tissues
•  Clorox wipes

BACK TO SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE
Wednesday, August 20 6:00-7:00 PM
*I invite you to stop by to meet me and visit our classroom at your convenience during the times above!

Learn ~ Share ~ Create ~ Solve ~ Grow

Mrs. Kathleen Cool, Uwchlan Hills- Grade K
Room 108
Contact information:
kcool@dasd.org
(610) 269 - 5656 (ext. 28108)

Mrs. Cool's Teacher Letter

Hello and welcome to our Kindergarten class!

I look forward to a wonderful year of fun, growth, and lots of learning. I am excited to learn about you and your family. This summer, I enjoyed spending time with my family, including my two dogs, Maverick and Oakley! I also spent time at the beach and read many books.

We will spend the first week of school getting to know one another. Please bring in a small item that you would like to share with our class during Show and Tell. After sharing, you will take it home with you.

Parents:

Some of you may have purchased supplies through the school. If so, they will be delivered to our classroom. If not, you will need to view the supply list below. Since we share all materials, you do not need to send in a pencil pouch. As far as school communication goes, please feel free to send me an email prior to school addressing the following:

• Any allergies that I should know about
• Your child’s bus number (to/from school if different)

A Kindergarten newsletter will go home periodically. Your child will be provided a communication folder that will be taken from school to home weekly. This should be returned the next day to school.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer! I am excited for a great year!

Kindly,

Mrs. Duca 

Supplies Needed:

• Box of crayons
• 4 Elmer's glue sticks
• 10 #2 pencils w/erasers
• Clorox wipes
• Regular sized backpack
• Water bottle
• (no markers, mini pencil sharpeners)

aduca@dasd.org

My Favorites:

Animal: Dog
Season: Summer
Food: Tacos
Color: Purple
Activity: Reading or relaxing on the beach.

Back-to-School Night is on Wednesday, August 20th from 6:00-7:00 PM. I look forward to seeing you there!

Mrs. Duca's Teacher Letter

Dear First Grader “Superhero”,

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year as a First Grader!!!

You may have noticed that I referred to you as a Super Hero. Well… that is because our classroom theme is Superhero’s, and we will take the year to continue to determine all the awesome qualities
that make you a Superhero!

I’m excited to learn about you and your family, and the things that you like to do. I have had a great time this summer with my son, my dogs, Spotty, the birds and going to some fun places with my family; like the beach and Hershey Park!

As far as school supplies; the list is located on the UH website. Later in the year we can always use a replenishment of:

• tissues
• glue sticks
• dry erase markers

*Please bring an item that you would like to share with us the 1st week. This should be something that would help us get to know you a little.

Parents: If you have access to email and could send me an email prior to school it would be very helpful. My email address is:
dfrosty@dasd.org

Please include your child’s name in the subject header. In your email please include:

1. Your child’s bus number; especially the bus he/she will be taking home!
2. Any allergies I may need to know about.
3. If you could also share an academic and social goal that you have for your child it is very helpful. A few weeks into first grade your child will be creating their own learning/first grades goals also.

Lastly, you will greatly help your child’s first day/week of school run a little smoother if you:

• Pack their lunch.
• Let your child take the bus.
• Try to attend the open house with your child on August 2oth between 6:00-7:00.
• Try to help your child establish routines & get a good night’s sleep. They may come home extra tired & hungry as they’re adjusting to the full day of school.

I am so excited to see and meet you. We are going to have a fantastic first grade year!

Go, Unicorns!

Love, Mrs. Frosty

Mrs. Frosty's Teacher Letter

WELCOME TO FIRST GRADE!!!

Dear First Grader,

My name is Mrs. Kramer and this is my 18th year teaching first grade at Uwchlan Hills. I am so excited to be your first-grade teacher! I hope that you had a fun summer! I know I did! I really enjoyed swimming at the pool, visits to the library, and trips to the beach with my family. I also cheered on my daughters, Leah (11) and Hannah, (9) at their swim meets and softball tournaments!

Feel free to check the optional school supply list posted on the Uwchlan Hills website.  You can bring any of these supplies with you to the open house or send them in with your child during the first week of school. All necessary supplies will be provided to your child to begin the year, but anything you are able to donate will be stored and then used throughout the year as needed. Because supplies will be combined, please do not label them and purchase only what is on the list. Thank you!

I hope that you can attend our Open House on Wednesday, August 20, any time between 6:00-7:00 pm. We will have a chance to get acquainted, tour the classroom, and discuss any questions that you might have!

I hope you are looking forward to 180 days of learning and fun! Together, we will share books, write stories, make new friends, and become mathematicians and scientists! We will work hard but have lots of fun, too! I can’t wait to start our first-grade journey together! See you soon!

Love,
Mrs. Kramer

vkramer@dasd.org
610-269-5656, x. 28111
Room 111

Mrs. Kramer's Teacher Letter

Hello, Fabulous First Grader,                                                            

Welcome to the 2025-2026 Uwchlan Hills school year!  My name is Mrs. Reiner, and I am delighted to be your first grade teacher!  I have been a teacher for 19 years and it is so much fun!  When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my daughter, Katelyn, who is in 10th grade, and my son, Brendan, who is in 7th grade.  We live in Phoenixville, which isn’t too far from Downingtown.  We have some fish, and two bunnies named Fluffy and Pandora that are SO cute!  I can’t wait to hear about your family, and any pets that you have, or ones that you might like to have!

Our family likes to take walks together, read (of course!) and visit the beach. We spend a lot of time outside and play games together.  I really like the Peanuts Gang and the characters make me smile!  I hope you like them, too.  I’m excited to learn about you, and the things that make you happy.

School will start soon.  In our classroom, we will learn all kinds of fun and important things! We will read lots of great books together, write stories, learn math, and do some super cool science activities.  We will work hard and have lots of fun, too! We will learn to solve problems and make many new friends.  Most of all, we’ll be kind to one another, work as a team, and make our classroom a place where everyone feels happy and safe.

I can’t wait to see you on the first day of school, August 25, and every day after that!  We are all looking forward to seeing you and meeting our classmates.  I hope that you can come visit me and see our classroom (room 110) on Wednesday,  August 20th at Back-to-School Night.  I will be ready to say hello to you anytime from 6:00-7:00!  Please stop by!  Get ready for a fantastic adventure in first grade!

 Love,   Mrs. Reiner

areiner@dasd.org

Mrs. Reiner's Teacher Letter

WELCOME TO FIRST GRADE!!!

Dear First-Grade students and families,

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year as a First Grader! I am beyond excited to share this school year with
you and get to know all about you and your families! I hope you had an amazing summer just like me. I spent this summer at the beach, reading, and spending time with my family, friends, and cats.

I am so excited to help you learn and grow in new creative ways and to create a classroom that truly is a second home. Parents and guardians, the classroom would not be complete without you too, which is why I look forward to working closely with all of you this year to ensure your child gets the most out of their education.

For the first day of school please send your kiddo to school with a healthy snack, water bottle, lunch (or lunch money if they are buying), a backpack, and any supplies from the list that may be left.

Please bring an item that you would like to share with us the 1st week. This should be something that would help us get to know you a little.

 I look forward to meeting you at Back to School Night!

Love,
Miss Kaylin McNally

Meet Miss McNally:

Hi! My name is Miss McNally. This is my first year teaching first grade at Uwchlan Hills. I first started by student teaching in first grade here at UH and moved on to work as the building substitute teacher for the past two years. I am so excited to spend this year with your kiddos and I can’t wait for them to love first grade as much as I do.

Back to School Night is Wednesday, August 20th from 6:00 - 7:00

I invite you to come to UH to meet me and see the classroom at your convenience during the times above!

SUPPLY LIST:

Feel free to check out our school supply list posted on the UH website. You may bring any of these supplies with you to the open house or send them with your kiddo on the first day of school. Later on in the year we could always use a replenishment of tissues, glue sticks, and dry erase markers!

Contact Me:

Parents if you could please contact me with the following information via email that would be extremely helpful!
Your child’s bus number, especially the bus he/she will be taking home! Any allergies
Email: kmcnally@dasd.org

Miss McNally's Teacher Letter

DEAR UNICORNS...

Welcome to first grade!  I am Miss D and I am going to be your 1st Grade teacher this year! This is my first year teaching 1st grade at Uwchlan Hills. If you were here for Kindergarten, you may remember me as one of the building substitutes.  I can’t wait to meet each and every one of you on the first day of school or on Back-to-School night! I hope you enjoy the last couple of weeks of summer. Please bring something special for the first week of school to share with the class so we can get to know each other. See you all soon! 

QUESTIONS:

Please feel free to email me at hdimpteralthouse@dasd.org  with any questions you may have. I also ask that parents/guardians email me your child’s bus number, any allergies they may have and any other information that would help me get to know your family better. I look forward to an amazing school year!

FIRST DAY SUPPLIES:

For the first day of school students will need: a backpack, a lunch (packed or buying in lunchroom), and water bottle.  School supply lists can be found on the district website. Please note supplies will be shared so they do not have to be labeled.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT:

• When: Wednesday, August 20th 6:00pm-7:00pm
• Where: Uwchlan Hills Elementary
• I hope to see you there!

CONTACT INFORMATION:

hdimpteralthouse@dasd.org  Room 222   

Miss Dimpter's Teacher Letter

Welcome to 2nd Grade!!!

I am so excited to be your teacher this year! I hope your summer has been filled with lots of fun adventures! We are going to have an amazing year of learning, growing, and making memories together. I can’t wait to get to know each of you and work together to make this year a fantastic one!

I live in Downingtown and have two kids Aubrey (10) and James (8). We also have a dog, Jack. This summer I spent time in the Outer Banks with family, going to Phillies games, kayaking, reading, and lots of pool time! I can’t wait to hear your summer adventures!

You’re Invited to Back-to-School Night!
Tuesday, August 20th, from 6:00–7:00 PM in our classroom room 114.

Please refer to the optional 2nd grade supply list on the Uwchlan Hills website. If you have already purchased supplies from the 2nd grade optional supply list, you are welcome to bring them with you to back to school night.

Our first day of school is Monday, August 25th. Remember to bring your back pack, a healthy snack, lunch (if you are not purchasing), and a water bottle.

Contact Information:
Email: lharris@dasd.org
Phone: 610-269-5656 x28114
Room: 114

Mrs. Harris' Teacher Letter

WELCOME TO SECOND GRADE!

Dear Families,

It’s hard to believe that the beginning of the school year is just around the corner! I am so excited to welcome your child into our classroom. Second grade is a wonderful year full of growth, creativity, and new discoveries. I’m looking forward to supporting your child every step of the way. In our classroom, students will learn in fun, meaningful, and engaging ways. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where learners feel comfortable taking risks and being themselves. We will start the year by building a strong classroom community, establishing routines, and getting to know one another. I firmly believe in nurturing the whole child—socially, emotionally, and academically—so that each student can flourish. 

Our classroom wouldn’t be complete without you, the parents and guardians! I truly value your partnership and look forward to working closely with each of you this year. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns. 

For the first day of school, please be sure your child brings: A healthy snack, a water bottle, lunch (or money in their lunch account), and a backpack with the suggested supplies from the list listed.

I look forward to meeting you at Back to School Night!

Warmly,
Miss Kirsten Noll

Meet Miss Noll:
Hi! My name is Miss Noll. This is my fourth year teaching second grade at Uwchlan Hills, and my fifth year teaching. I can’t wait for your child to love second grade!

Contact Information:
Email: knoll@dasd.org
Phone: (610) 269-5656 ext. 8115

Supply List:

• (1) 7 subject poly
• accordion folder
• Pencil box
• (1) homework folder
• (plastic poly folders –
• NO prongs)
• (12 pack) Crayola
• sharpened colored
• pencils
• (12) Ticonderoga
• sharpened #2 pencils
• (2) Elmer's large glue
• sticks
• Earbuds or headphones
• (4) skinny highlighters
• Scissors (child-size with
• pointed end)
• 4 pack Expo markers
• (skinny & black)

Back to School Night:
Wednesday, August 20 6:00-7:00PM
I invite you to come to UH and stop by room 115 to meet me and get to know the classroom!

Ms. Noll's Teacher Letter

Mrs. Plant
Uwchlan Hills Elementary School
Room 117
610-269-5656 x28117
aplant@dasd.org

Dear Second Grader,

I am so excited to welcome you to second grade! I hope you all have had a wonderful, relaxing summer break! I know I have. This is going to be a great year. I can’t wait to meet you at Open House/ Back to School Night on Wednesday, August 20 from 6:00-7:00 . More information about that will be sent to your grown ups as time gets closer. If you are unable to come that night, please have your grown up reach out to me in case there is any additional information I need to get you before you start school on August 25, I look forward to getting to know each of you better during our first few weeks of school. Part of your Back to School “Homework” will be to bring in something that represents what you did this summer or that helps to tell us more about you. I will give you more details right before school starts, but you can be thinking about it and maybe putting something special in a safe place so you know where it is when needed. In the meantime, stay safe, have fun and keep reading.

Love,
Mrs. Plant

P.S. I have enclosed a copy of our suggested optional school supply list. If your grown ups have any questions, please have them contact me.

Uwchlan Hills Elementary School
Second Grade Optional Supply List
Using a Sharpie, please label your child’s supplies marked with a with their FIRST and LAST name

• (1) 7 subject poly accordion folder
• Pencil box
• (1) take home folder (plastic poly folders – NO prongs)
• (12 pack) Crayola sharpened colored pencils or Twistable colored pencils
• (12) sharpened #2 pencils
• (2)Elmer's large glue sticks
• Earbuds (or SMALL headphones)
• (4) skinny highlighters (yellow, pink, blue, or orange)
• Scissors (child-size with pointed end)
• 4 pack Expo black markers (skinny)

Some of these supplies (pencils, colored pencils, glue sticks, etc.) may need to be replenished during the school year. Due to limited storage space, please do not send in additional individual supplies until they are needed.

Mrs. Plant's Teacher Letter

WELCOME TO 2ND GRADE!!!

I am Miss Lockwood and I want to say "welcome back to school!" I'm so excited to be your teacher this year. This is my 5th year teaching and 1st  year at Uwchlan Hills. I’ve spent my summer at the beach and am looking forward to hearing all about yours! 2nd grade is going to be full of learning, creativity, growth, and fun new experiences for us all. I can’t wait to meet you all and make this the best year yet!!

Contact Information:
Email:  alockwood@dasd.org Phone:  610-269-5656, ext. 28116

Important Dates:

Back to School Night is Wednesday August 20th, 6:00-7:00PM.  I invite you to come to UH and stop by room 116 to meet me and get to know the classroom!  Our first day of school is Monday, August 25th. Remember to bring your backpack, a healthy snack, lunch (if you are not purchasing), and a water bottle.

Supplies:

Please refer to the optional 2nd grade supply list on the Uwchlan Hills website.

Ms. Lockwood Teacher Letter

 

WELCOME TO THIRD GRADE!!

Dear 3rd Grader,

I am Mrs. Farren!  I’m so excited to teach Math & Science this year, and to get to know you! This is my 27th year at UH. My husband and I have 2 daughters, Delaney (20) who is a junior at West Virginia University & Britny (29) who works in Marketing in Florida. I promise you will have a fun 3rd grade year! I’m ready for Math and Science! Are you? I encourage you to keep practicing your addition and subtraction facts!

My Favorite Things:

1. Color:  Blue
2. Season:  Summer
3. Food:  Chocolate Chip Cookies
4. Book:  The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
5. Hobbies:  listening to music
6. Things to Do:  traveling and spending time with my family & friends

THINGS TO KNOW:  

• Back to School Night 8/19 at 6:00
• First Day of School 8/25
• Supply List is on the website
• Make sure you have everything on the first day of school!!
• Things to look forward to:  switching classes, hatching baby chicks, earning tickets and having tons of fun
• Science:  fossils, animal & plant life cycle, animal survival traits, weather & climate, and magnets

I can't wait to meet you!

Third Grade Rocks!

Love, Mrs. Farren

CONTACT:   lfarren@dasd.org   Room 204

Mrs. Farren's Teacher Letter

Mrs. Hadzor's Class

Welcome to 3rd Grade!  You are going to have an awesome year!  Some highlights to look forward to this year include:

• Becoming an even better reader and writer than you already are
• Learning  your multiplication and division facts
• A brand new Science Curriculum (Mystery Science) that will include fossils, animal & plant life cycles, animal survival traits, weather & climate, and magnets!  It'll be awesome!
• Switching classes for Science, Social Studies, and Math
• Hatching and taking care of chicks
• Earning lots of tickets and prizes!

A LITTLE ABOUT ME:

This is my 28th year at Uwchlan Hills and I'm a Dtown graduate myself!  I live in Coatesville with my kids, Pierce (23) who just graduated from West Chester University, Riley (20) who is a preschool assistant teacher at Ducklings, and Reese (17) who will be a senior at Cville Senior High School, and our 2 awesome dogs...Blue and Hazel.  I enjoy watching sports (Go Birds and Phils!), especially when my kids are playing in them!  I LOVE dogs and a good cup of coffee, the sand between my toes and listening to the waves, collecting seashells, peach iced tea, and teaching!

SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST:

Our school supply list is located on the UH website.  The most important item on it is the accordion folder.  We work hard on organization in the classroom and transporting to and from school.  This particular accordion folder is essential!  Trust me, you'll love it and how we work!  You can order it on Amazon if that's convenient (any color is fine):  Mead 5 Start Accordion Folder

SCHOOL ROUTINE TIMES:

• Morning Bell: 
•  The school day start time is 9:00am
• End of Dismissal:  
• Student dismissal is 3:35pm
• If you are picking up your child, please follow the parent pick up line that pulls in and snakes along the parking lot to the cafeteria doors.
• If you are picking up early, please be sure to update in Pick Up Patrol - this is our main point of information for how all children are getting home each day.

important dates:

• August 19:  Back to School Night 6:00 - 7:00
• August 25th:  First Day of School

Contact Information:

• khadzor@dasd.org
• Room 202

Mrs. Hadzor's Teacher Letter

WELCOME TO MRS. LAIRD'S THIRD GRADE CLASS

Welcome back to school unicorns!  I am so excited to be your ELA teacher this year!  I know you will LOVE  3rd Grade!  One activity I like to start the year with is to talk about families during the first week of school.  Please bring in a family picture (framed or not).  You will keep the picture in our classroom for the year and bring it home on the last day of school.  I can't wait to meet you!

A LITTLE ABOUT ME:

This will be my 10th year teaching in 3rd Grade!  I live in East Fallowfield with Mr. Laird, our 2 boys Will (21) and Sullivan (19), and our energetic Airedales - Fozzie and Lemon.  I love being outside, working in my gardens, walking with friends and the dogs, going to the beach, doing Pilates, and reading a book with a cup of coffee.

UPCOMING DATES:

Back to School Night                                First Day of School
Tuesday, August 19th                                  Monday, August 25th
6:00-7:00                                                         9:00am - 3:35pm

THINGS TO KNOW:

• Please visit the UH website for the supply list if you did not pre-order supplies last year.  
• If you have your supplies by Back to School Night, you are welcome to bring them with you.
• There will be snack this year in 3rd grade.
• I suggest your child bring a water bottle (with their name on it) to school each day.
• This year will be a time to learn, have fun, and grow as a classroom family!

MY CONTACT INFO:

llaird@dasd.org   Room 203

Mrs. Laird's Teacher Letter

WELCOME!!!

Dear 3rd Grader,

Welcome to 3rd grade! My name is Miss Quigley, and I am thrilled that you will be in our class this year! This will be my sixth year teaching in 3rd grade at Uwchlan Hills. I can’t wait to learn with you this year!  Third grade is such a big and important year. You are now one of the “big kids” because our classroom is on the second floor. While I’m sure you may be a little nervous to start a new school year, I can promise that we are going to have tons of fun!

Some highlights to look forward to this year include:

• Becoming an even better reader than you already are
• Learning your multiplication and division facts
• Switching classes
• Hatching and taking care of chicks
• Fun field trips to iFly and Hibernia Park
• Earning lots of tickets and prizes!

I encourage you to keep practicing your addition and subtraction and be sure to read! Additionally, the suggested 3rd grade supply list can be found on the UH website.

I am looking forward to seeing you at our Back to School Night on Tuesday, August 19th and on The First Day of School on Monday, August 25th. We are going to have an amazing year! I hope you are looking forward to it as much as I am!

Love,
Miss Quigley

My Contact Info: caquigley@dasd.org

Miss Quigley's Teacher Letter

Summer 2025

Dear Students,

Welcome to 4th Grade! I cannot wait to meet each and every one of you. We are going to have a fantastic year together. In 4th grade, you will have the opportunity to switch teachers for many of your classes. I will be your homeroom, reading, and writing teacher.

I hope your summer has been fun. My family and I spent time swimming at the pool and going to Rehoboth Beach in Delaware. We enjoy taking our dog, Monty, for walks at the park. Many summer nights have been spent around the bonfire and enjoying s’mores.  My sons attend school in Downingtown as well. Jack will be a sophomore at Downingtown East. Patrick will be in 7th grade at Lionville Middle School. My daughter, Kaitlin, is a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh.

Please start thinking about your favorite memory from this summer that you would like to share with the class during the first week of school. I’d like each of you to bring in one small object to share with the class during the first week of school. I can’t wait to hear about the books you’ve been reading as well!

Our Back to School night is on Tuesday August 19th. I look forward to seeing you that evening and telling you more about the exciting things I have planned for 4th grade. Get ready for an awesome year together!

Best Wishes,
Mrs. Cruice

My Contact Info:  acruice@dasd.org

Mrs. Cruice's Teacher Letter

Summer 2025

Dear 4^th grade Families,

Welcome to 4^th grade! I am very pleased to be your child’s homeroom teacher this year.  In 4^th Grade, our class will be experiencing many wonderful new changes.  Students will have different teachers for certain subjects.  I will be your student’s homeroom, math and social studies teacher.  I like using fun activities such as songs and projects to teach them these two subjects!

Transition, organization and growth mind set skills will be a key focus during the first few weeks of school.  It is also extremely important to check your child’s planner each night to help your student stay on top of their assignments and activities.

You’ll find a fourth Grade School Supply list on the Uwchlan Hills website for the supplies your student will need at school.  Please let me know if you have any questions. I also suggest that your student have the following supplies at home: Multiplication flash cards; calculator (used only to check homework once it’s all finished!); supply of pencils and glue sticks to restock at school when your child needs to replenish; and a 12-pack of colored pencils.  Our classroom is always looking for supplies such as pencils, Kleenex, paper towels and hand sanitizer.

Feel free to contact me at any time by email with any questions or concerns you may have @ hlemler@dasd.org.  Please let me know anytime if something is going on with your student at home or at school.

I love hearing from you and I do believe when we work as a team your student is the most successful.  I’m looking forward to an exciting year full of growth with your child.  See you at Back to School Night on Tuesday, August 19th and the first day of school will be August 25^th.

Sincerely,

Ronnie Lemler

Mrs. Lemler's Teacher Letter

Summer 2025

Dear 4^th grade Families,

I am very pleased to be your child’s homeroom teacher this year.  In 4^th Grade, our class will be experiencing many wonderful new changes.  Students will have different teachers for most subjects.  I will be your student’s math and science teacher.  I like using fun activities such as songs and projects to teach them these two subjects!

Transition, organization and growth mind set skills will be a key focus during the first few weeks of school.  It is also extremely important to check your child’s planner each night to help your student stay on top of their assignments and activities.

You’ll find a fourth Grade School Supply list on the Uwchlan Hills website for the supplies your student will need at school. I also suggest that your student have the following supplies at home: Multiplication flash cards; calculator (used only to check homework once it’s all finished!); supply of pencils and glue sticks to restock at school when your child needs to replenish; and a 12-pack of colored pencils.  Our class room is always looking for supplies such as pencils, Kleenex, paper towels and hand sanitizer.

Please always feel free to contact me at any time by email with any questions or concerns you may have at dpaganpanko@dasd.org.  Please let me know anytime if something is going on with your student at home or at school.

I love hearing from you and I do believe we are a team.  I’m looking forward to an exciting year full of growth with your child.  See you at Back to School Night on Tuesday, August 19th!

Sincerely,

Denise Panko

Mrs. Panko's Teacher Letter

 

Dear Parents,

I am very pleased to be your child’s teacher for the 2025-2026 school year.  What an exciting year we have planned!  In 4^th Grade, our class will be experiencing many wonderful new challenges.  Students will be changing classrooms for math and for science and social studies.  Transition and organization skills will be a key focus during the first few weeks of school.  It is also important to check and sign your child’s planner each night.  The homework folder, planner, and email are our main sources of communication.

Supplies needed at school:  You’ll find a fourth Grade School Supply list on the Uwchlan Hills website.

Supplies needed at home:  Multiplication flash cards; supply of pencils and glue sticks to restock at school when your child needs to; and a 12-pack of colored pencils.  Local dollar stores carry all of these products.

I have asked your child to write me a letter before school starts.  I’d also like to hear from you.  Nothing fancy is needed, just take a few moments to jot a quick note, to help me get to know your child and family from the start.  What are your child’s interests, strengths, needs, health concerns, and feelings about 4^th grade?  Would you like to participate as a classroom helper?  You can email me at kmelanson@dasd.org or US Mail to my attention at Uwchlan Hills Elementary School, 50 Peck Road, Downingtown, PA  19335.  During the school year, contact me by email or phone, 610-269-5656 X3411.  I’m looking forward to an exciting year full of growth with your child.  See you at Back to School Night!

Sincerely,

Mr. Kevin Melanson

Mr. Melanson's Teacher Letter

WELCOME TO 5TH GRADE!!

Hello! My name is Mrs. Ingemie, and I am thrilled to be your ELA teacher this year. We’re getting ready for a year full of learning, growth, friendships, and fun! As you enter your final year at Uwchlan Hills, I am excited to help make it your best one yet. Throughout the year, we’ll explore a wide variety of texts, strengthen our writing skills, and challenge ourselves to think critically and creatively. Most importantly, we’ll support one another and celebrate our accomplishments along the way.

I hope you’ve been enjoying your summer! I can’t wait to meet you at our Open House. See you soon!
Mrs. Ingemie

THIS YEAR:

• Safety Patrol
• Chromebooks
• Intramurals
• Morning Announcements
• Yearbook Committee
• Lunch Bunch
• Unicoin Shop

FUN FACTS:

• My daughters are rising 6th and 4th graders
• I enjoy reading, exercising, camping, and running my daughters to various activities

CONTACT INFO:

mingemie@dasd.org     Room 216

Mrs. Ingemie's Teacher Letter

Uwchlan Hills Elementary School
50 Peck Road
Downingtown, PA 19335
Mr. Robert Giering, Principal

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to 5th grade! My name is Frank Chindemi, and I will be your ELA teacher for reading and writing for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year. I am looking forward to working with you this year. I hope you have been enjoying your summer with family and friends, and I look forward to hearing all about your summer when we return to school. 

I have been teaching in the District since the 2003-2004 school year, and I have just completed my 22nd year of teaching. I taught 4th grade for two years, and I have been teaching 5th grade for 20 years. Prior to teaching, I worked for 13 years as a computer programmer and analyst for Shared Medical Systems (and later, Siemens) from 1987-2000.

My family includes my wife, Susan, our daughters, Gabriella and Francesca, our dogs, Milo and Max, and our one-eyed, black cat, Thackery. Mrs. Chindemi retired last year after over 40 years in Healthcare-related sales. Gabi graduated from West Chester University with her undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Masters in Psychology, She just completed her first year of a 5-year Doctorate of Psychology program at PCOM in Philadelphia. Francesca is a nursing major at Temple University. She is also a medic in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. She was on deployment in Kenya, Africa last year, and she will return to Temple in the fall to continue the nursing program.

This summer, we did a little traveling. Our family trip was to Hilton Head Island in June. In July, Mrs. Chindemi and I traveled to Alaska. Following the Alaska trip, we also drove to Iowa to visit her family.

The students' first day of school is Monday, August 25, 2025. Please see the recommended supply list for the 5th grade. As the 5th grade team, we hope that these supplies will assist you in meeting the challenges of 5th grade. We have a busy year ahead of us, but we also have a lot of exciting and fun activities planned as well. I am looking forward to meeting you when we return to school. I hope I will see you at our Open House night on Tuesday, August 19th. Open House times are 6:00-7:00 pm. Please enjoy the remainder of the summer.

Respectfully yours,

Mr. Frank Chindemi
Fifth Grade ELA Teacher
Uwchlan Hills Elementary School
Downingtown Area School District
fchindemi@dasd.org
(610)-269-5656 ext. 28218

Mr. Chindemi's Teacher Letter

Dear Parents and Guardians,

My name is Michael Whiteley and I am truly honored to be your child’s Math and Social Studies teacher for the 2025-2026 school year. I am beginning my twenty-seventh year of service to the Downingtown Area School District. I began my career teaching fifth grade at Brandywine Wallace and Springton Manor Elementary. I also taught fourth grade and fifth grade here at Uwchlan Hills. I have experience leading a variety of summer camps within the district, and I also served as elementary math curriculum leader for grades three to five a number of years ago. I will certainly foster high expectations and classroom traditions that will include all learners. I know quite well the success and level of excellence that trademark Uwchlan Hills as a thriving vibrant school. I am so thrilled about teaching in this dedicated and wonderful learning community. I love teaching Math and I look to spread that math enthusiasm I have to all of my students.

Teaching primary, intermediate, and adolescent students has given me a wealth of experiences that I take with me each day into the classroom. In addition to being certified K-6, I also have a high school secondary certificate, and I spent a brief time working with at-risk youth in Downingtown East High School. I have both a Master degree in Instructional Leadership, and a Principal Certification, K-12, from Penn State University.

I incorporate a variety of learning modalities into my teaching, and always look to coordinate small flexible grouping throughout the classroom in order to individually meet the needs of each student. In my classes, students never wait for others to “get finished”. Instead, there are always a variety of enrichment activities to challenge their intellectual curiosity. Enrichment is interwoven throughout all of my lessons through an open-ended approach so that students have the opportunity to elaborate and take most assignments as far as they wish.

When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, and volunteering at my church. Please know how much I am looking forward to getting to know you and your fifth grader. Together, we are going to have a great school year. I am looking forward to seeing you at our Back to School Night. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at mwhiteley@dasd.org. I’m so excited to begin my twenty-seventh year of teaching for the Downingtown Area School District with your child.

Respectfully yours,

Mike Whiteley
Math/Social Studies Instructor
Downingtown Area School District

Mr. Whiteley's Teacher Letter

WELCOME TO FIFTH GRADE!!!

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Fifth Grader,

My name is Mrs. Cardine and I am so excited for our school year to begin! This will be my eleventh year as a
teacher, and my third year at Uwchlan Hills. I teach math and science, two subjects I absolutely love, and I can’t wait to dive into all the exciting things we’ll be learning together. I’m looking forward to getting to know each of you and discovering what makes you unique. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy staying active by working out, practicing yoga, and playing softball. I also love listening to music, hiking, reading, playing games, and spending time with friends and family. This summer, I made the most of the sunshine by spending time outdoors, relaxing at the beach, and catching some live music.

I’ve always had a passion for both teaching and learning math, and I’m so excited to share that enthusiasm with you this year! We’ll have a great time exploring different problem-solving strategies and discovering which ones work best for you. In science, get ready for some hands-on fun as we investigate a variety of exciting topics together!

This year, I will be communicating through the use of email and the Class Dojo app. More information regarding how to join my class on Class Dojo will be provided at Back to School Night on August 19th. I can’t wait to meet you!

CONTACT INFORMATION:

• Email: scardine@dasd.org
• I will be using the Class Dojo app for communication with my homeroom and math classes only. I will provide information regarding how to join my class at back to school night.

MY FAVORITES:

• Hobbies: Working out, yoga, hiking, reading
• Sport: I enjoy playing Softball and I love watching the Phillies and Eagles!
• Subject: Math & Science
• Season: Fall
• Color: Teal/Mint

Mrs. Cardine's Teacher Letter

MEET THE TEACHER!!!

Hi parents/guardians and students!

I am Mrs. Madison Carozza or Ms. Maddie. I am very excited to meet our new students and families, and see our returning faces.

My background:  I started at Uwchlan Hills in February of 2024. I transferred here from a position at Downingtown Middle School. I have my undergraduate degree from West Chester University in psychology. After graduation I started working as a paraprofessional, and went back to obtain my K-12Special Education certification at West Chester. I am currently working towards my Masters in Special Education.

My Favorites:

• Color: Green
• Season: Fall
• Food: Anything chocolate!
• Drink: Iced coffee
• Hobbies: Reading
• Vacation: Beach
• Animal: Sloth

Contact Information:

Uwchlan Hills Elementary School50 Peck Road | Downingtown, PA 19335 | P: 610-269-5656 ext. 28102 | Email:  mvitz@dasd.org 

Mrs. Vitz-Carozza's Teacher Letter

Welcome Back to School!  

My name is Melissa Shanahan … “Miss Melissa”, and I am excited to be your child’s Autistic Support teacher this year! It is my 4th year at Uwchlan Hills Elementary having transferred from Deveraux Cares – a school that specializes in autism research and specialized instruction. I hold both an undergraduate degree from Penn State in Elementary Education and a Masters Degree in Special Education from University of Michigan and teaching certification from West Chester University. I am also the proud mama to two young men with autism who attended Downingtown schools. 

Our classroom has an amazing team of paraprofessionals dedicated to meeting the unique needs of the students entrusted to us. Each of your children are important to us as individuals – and I look forward to working in partnership with you this year. I work closely with the regular education teachers to ensure meaningful inclusion occurs and each of the students entrusted.

Please know that I am always willing to discuss any concerns that may arise. I truly believe in the value of a strong home to school support system. One of my mantras that my son loves to quote is “Every problem has a solution”. I can’t wait to start the 2025-26 school year adventure with you! 

Ms Melissa Shanahan  M.Ed. K-2 Autistic Support Teacher Uwchlan Hills Elementary School 50 Peck Road | Downingtown, PA 19335 P: 610-269-5656 ext. 28101 | E: mshanahan@dasd.org | W: www.dasd.org/uh 

Ms. Shanahan's Teacher Letter