
Back-to-School Basics

The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District looks forward to welcoming students for the start of the 2025-26 Academic Year on Monday, August 25.
To make sure our families are set for success, we’re sharing some Back-to-School Basics with you during the month of August. Be sure to check your email and bookmark this site for everything you need to know before they go!
Quick Links
- Annual Student Information Update Form (For Returning Students Only)
- FERPA Notice
- CFES Handbook
- HES Handbook
- PES Handbook
- UES Handbook
- CFPMS Handbook
- UHS Handbook
- Policy Notifications
- Free and Reduced Price Lunch Household Letter
- Free and Reduced Price Lunch Application (English)
- Free and Reduced Price Lunch Application (Spanish)
Communications
- 7/29: Communication
- 7/31: Nutrition
- 8/12: Health & Safety
- 8/15: Transportation
- 8/18: Academics
- 8/19: Activities
- 8/24: Superintendent's Welcome
- 8/26: Annual Policy Notification
- 9/8: Technology
7/29: Communication
Dear UCFSD Parents/Guardians,
The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District looks forward to welcoming students for the start of the 2025-26 Academic Year on Monday, August 25. To make sure all families are set for success, we’ll share some Back-to-School Basics with you during August! Be sure to check your email in the coming days or bookmark our microsite to stay up-to-date.
For the 2025-26 School Year, UCFSD and our schools will continue to use School Messenger to send you emails, text messages and phone calls. We encourage you to join us at upcoming events and to follow along via the District’s Website, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube!
To ensure our nurses have current health information and to reach you with critical updates, we need parents/guardians of returning students to complete the Annual Student Information Update. Completing this form takes two minutes, and kids whose families do so by September 15 get entered in a raffle.
To get started, parents/guardians with an account on our PowerSchool Parent Portal should:
- Log into the Portal,
- Select “Forms” on the lefthand side,
- Select “Annual Student Information Update” to confirm your student’s contact and health information,
- Select “Submit” and
- If you have not already, text “Yes” to 67587 to opt into our text messages.
To create an account:
- Visit the Portal,
- Select “Create Account” and
- Follow the prompts to add your student(s).
To reset your password or to request your child’s Access ID and Access Password for account creation, call their school Monday - Friday during normal business hours.
Finally, we want you to know that your child’s name and/or image may appear in District or school communications! If you prefer they don’t, you can opt out anytime by returning the Annual FERPA Notice Form in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. New this year, parents/guardians may choose to opt their child out of all photo/video coverage while still appearing in their school’s yearbook.
We look forward to continuing to collaborate with you this year! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time.
Sincerely,
Nikki Laroya
Director of Communications & Community Relations
7/31: Nutrition
Dear Kindergarten Parents/Guardians,
I hope this letter finds you well and excited for the upcoming school year. As we prepare to welcome your child into Kindergarten, we wanted to take a moment to introduce you to the school nutrition program.
The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District (UCFSD) Food Services Department believes that providing nutritious meals is essential for the overall wellbeing and success of our students. Our program is designed to offer balanced and wholesome meals that meet the dietary needs of growing children while also accommodating various dietary restrictions and preferences.
Here is some important information to help prepare you for the school year:
- Availability: Breakfast is available daily for all Elementary students from 8:50-9:09 a.m. and is served at no cost to all families in Grades K-8. Lunch is available to all students at a time set by your school’s principal. Lunch is not available on half days.
- Nutritional Balance: Our menu is carefully planned to include a variety of foods from all food groups, ensuring that your child receives the essential nutrients needed for growth and development while meeting all requirements of the federal National School Lunch Program.
- Fresh and Locally-Sourced Ingredients: We strive to use fresh, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible to provide the highest quality meals for our students.
- Allergen Awareness: We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students. Our kitchen staff is trained to handle food allergies and special dietary needs with care and attention. If your child has an allergy that requires specific meal modifications, please email dsundberg@ucfsd.net for more information.
- Menu Variety: Our menu rotates regularly to offer a diverse selection of meals, including vegetarian options, to cater to different tastes and preferences. Along with a daily hot entree, we offer a daily deli sandwich, entree salad and cold pack (typically yogurt, cheese and crackers, or a peanut butter and jelly uncrustable). Fresh fruits and vegetables are offered daily. The monthly menu can be found on the UCFSD website.
- Payment Options: You may send cash or checks to your school’s main office (labeled with your child’s full name or ID number), send it to the cafeteria with your child or pay online via RevTrak. You will need your child’s ID number to add money to RevTrak. For the 25-26 school year, elementary lunch is $3.10. Free and reduced priced meals are available for families that qualify. For more information, please see the Back-to-School Basics microsite.
- Checking Out: When they arrive in the cafeteria, your child will be directed to their class card holder. There, they will select the scan card with their name on it, take the card through the cafeteria line and use it to swipe at the register. The cashier will then collect the card for the following day.
We understand that transitioning to Kindergarten can be an exciting yet overwhelming time for both you and your child. Rest assured that we are here to support you every step of the way, including ensuring that your child receives nutritious and delicious meals during their time at school.
If you have any questions or concerns about our nutrition program, please feel free to contact me at dsundberg@ucfsd.net. We are more than happy to address any inquiries you may have.
We look forward to partnering with you to provide the best possible experience for your child.
Warm regards,
Devon Sundberg MDA RD LDN
Food Services Supervisor
Dear UCFSD Grades Pre-1-12 Parents/Guardians,
I hope this letter finds you well and excited for the upcoming school year. As we prepare to welcome your child, we wanted to take a moment to re-introduce you to the school nutrition program.
The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District (UCFSD) Food Services Department believes that providing nutritious meals is essential for the overall wellbeing and success of our students. Our program is designed to offer balanced and wholesome meals that meet the dietary needs of growing children while also accommodating various dietary restrictions and preferences.
Here is some important information to help prepare you for the school year:
- Availability: Breakfast is available daily for all students and is served at no cost to students in grades K-8. Lunch is available to all students.
- Nutritional Balance: Our menu is carefully planned to include a variety of foods from all food groups, ensuring that your child receives the essential nutrients needed for growth and development while meeting all requirements of the federal National School Lunch Program.
- Fresh and Locally-Sourced Ingredients: We strive to use fresh, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible to provide the highest quality meals for our students.
- Allergen Awareness: We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students. Our kitchen staff is trained to handle food allergies and special dietary needs with care and attention. If your child has an allergy that requires specific meal modifications, please email dsundberg@ucfsd.net for more information.
- Menu Variety: Our menu rotates regularly to offer a diverse selection of meals, including vegetarian options, to cater to different tastes and preferences. The monthly menu can be found on the UCFSD website.
- Payment Options: You may send cash or checks to your school’s main office (labeled with your child’s full name or ID number), send it to the cafeteria with your child or pay online via RevTrak. For the 25-26 school year, breakfast is free for all K-8 students. Elementary lunch is $3.10, middle school lunch is $3.35 and high school lunch varies, as menu items are offered a la carte. Free and reduced priced meals are available for families that qualify. For more information, please see the Back-to-School Basics microsite.
- Checking Out: Through second grade, when they arrive in the cafeteria your child will be directed to their class card holder. There, they will select the scan card with their name on it, take the card through the cafeteria line and use it to swipe at the register. The cashier will then collect the card for the following day. Students in third grade and above will use their student ID number on a pin pad at checkout. You will need your child’s ID number to add money to RevTrak.
If you have any questions or concerns about our lunch program, please feel free to contact me, at dsundberg@ucfsd.net. We are more than happy to address any inquiries you may have.
We look forward to partnering with you to provide the best possible experience for your child.
Warm regards,
Devon Sundberg MDA RD LDN
Food Services Supervisor
8/12: Health & Safety
Dear UCFSD Parents/Guardians,
At the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District (UCFSD), keeping our students, staff and schools safe is the most important thing we do. We are proud to collaborate with all members of our community from our public safety partners to you! Here’s how you can help this year:
1. Keep our schools secure. While UCFSD welcomes visitors, our six schools must remain secure at all times. Please arrive via the main entrance to register with your government-issued ID and to receive a visitor’s badge.
2. If you or your student see something, say something! In the event of an emergency, the best course of action is always to call 911. If talking to a trusted adult is not an option, any member of our community may also make an anonymous report 24/7 using Safe2Say via app, desktop or phone at 1-844-SAF2SAY.
3. Be response-ready. In the event of an emergency, UCFSD will ask our staff and students to follow the Standard Response Protocol (SRP). In addition to our website and social media channels, we will communicate with you directly by email, phone and text message using School Messenger. In these and other events, it is critical that we have updated health and contact information. Please complete the Annual Student Information Update in PowerSchool now! As a reminder, children whose parents/guardians have completed the Annual Student Information Update by Monday, September 15, will be entered into a raffle for a family fun pack! Those who wish to opt their child out of photo/video coverage are welcome to complete and return the 2025-26 FERPA Notice Form anytime.
4. Connect your student with support. We know that it takes a village to raise a child, and we are here to help. In addition to community resources, please contact your principal or school counselor to connect with academic, behavioral and mental health services at school.
I invite you to visit our website for more information on safety at UCFSD! And, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or your principal(s) at any time.
Thank you,
James Whitesel
Director of Facilities and School Safety & Security Coordinator
8/15: Transportation
Dear UCFSD Parents/Guardians,
Hello from the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District Transportation Department! Please read this message entirely, as it includes a lot of pertinent information and important transportation reminders:
First, be sure to check your email for your child's transportation assignment for the 2025-2026 school year!
Safety & School Bus Etiquette
All of our buses are equipped with audio and video recording cameras during all trips. Please help our drivers by reminding your students that the school bus is an extension of the classroom. We ask that they:
- Arrive at their bus stop at least 5 minutes before the designated pick-up time.
- Stay alert– look and listen.
- Stand at least 10 feet away from the bus as it approaches.
- Wait until the bus has fully stopped, its doors are open and all traffic has come to a halt before they approach.
- Remain safely seated and facing forward during the bus ride.
- Pick up any trash, as our drivers are individually responsible for sweeping leftover messes. Please note that eating is not permitted on the school bus.
There are also safety standards set forth by Pennsylvania Code, Title 67, Chapter 171 and overseen by the Pennsylvania State Police Commercial Vehicle Safety Division, that our department is required to enforce:
- Sharp objects such as blades, nails, screws or sharp tools are not permitted on the bus. Pens and pencils should not be exposed during transit. They should be secured in backpacks.
- Anything that could cause injury or become hazardous when broken, such as glass objects, pottery, clay projects, etc. should either not be transported or should be secured in backpacks and unable to be jarred loose while in transit or in the event of an accident.
- Heavy and cumbersome objects such as instruments or sports equipment should be able to fit on a student’s lap or stored under their seat in order to prevent them from becoming projectiles or causing injuries to passengers while in transit or in the event of an accident.
- Cleats should never be loose or hanging over bats. They must be secured in a bag and unable to be jarred loose while in transit or in the event of an accident.
By following the rules of the bus, your child can help make it a safe and smooth trip.
Afternoon Drop-Off
As a parent/guardian, you are required to receive your student if they are in Kindergarten or Pre-First. If you are not at the bus stop, the transportation office will call your home before returning your child to school.
If your child is in Grades 1-12 and you require them to be received by a parent/guardian, please notify the Transportation Department in writing and make sure your child knows not to get off the bus without you.
We do our best to predict afternoon drop-off times and appreciate your patience when we are met with unpredictable circumstances.
Alternate Bus Stops
Alternate bus stops for split custody or for day care do not carry over from year to year. If your student requires such an arrangement, please notify the transportation department using the following form.
If you have any questions, we invite you to visit the UCFSD website and contact us. Note that our peak operating hours are from 6 to 10 a.m. and 1:30 to 5 p.m. Our phone lines are busiest during these times. For any urgent requests, call (610) 347-0804. Non-urgent requests may be sent by email at transoffice@ucfsd.net.
Thank you,
Marco Sordi
Supervisor of Transportation
8/18: Academics
Class assignments and schedules are now available in PowerSchool. Please see your email for additional information from your Principal(s)!
8/19: Activities
Good Afternoon,
Welcome to the 2025-26 School Year! My name is Pat Clark and I am the new Director of Student Activities at the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District (UCFSD). My wife and I live in the community and our five children graduated from Unionville. In addition to their strong academic preparation, they all benefitted from lessons learned in extracurricular activities and athletics. I am a firm believer that our vast offerings give students a chance to explore their passions, build lifelong friendships and find meaningful connections to our schools.
As you are enjoying the last days of summer, I wanted to help you prepare by providing the following Student Activities updates.
Elementary Schools
Fall, winter and spring school-sanctioned student activities will again be offered in each of our elementary schools. Stay tuned for specific information from your principal! For now, please save the date for the opening of Fall Registration on Tuesday, September 2.
Charles F. Patton Middle School
Patton’s Fall Activities Night will be held on Wednesday, August 27 from 6 to 7 p.m. at CFPMS. Please plan to attend with your students to learn about the many athletics and activities available to them. Patton Fall Sports, with the exception of football, start on Tuesday, September 2.
Unionville High School
Fall sports at UHS are already underway and many of our teams have their first game this Friday, August 22!
While many of our high school clubs will be at New Student Orientation Night on Wednesday, August 20, there will be a full Activity Fair for students on Tuesday, September 30 and Wednesday, October 1 during Lunch and Learn. Any member of our community can mark their calendar to cheer on the Longhorns, including:
- September 26: UHS Homecoming Game v. Oxford at 7 p.m. in the UHS Stadium
- October 11: UHS March on the Brandywine in the UHS Stadium
- November 14 & 15: UHS Fall Play at 7 p.m. in the UHS Auditorium
We strive to provide a wide variety of offerings throughout the school year– and far too many to be fully represented here. Please check your school’s website for more information about upcoming events.
I look forward to serving the District in my new role and working with our staff and community to continue to provide a top-notch extracurricular experience for our students.
Kind Regards,
Pat Clark
P.S. Remember, we need parents/guardians of returning students to complete the Annual Student Information Update in PowerSchool! Completing this form takes two minutes, and kids whose families do so by September 15 get entered into a raffle.
8/24: Superintendent's Welcome
Happy First Day of School Eve!
We’ve missed you this summer and are excited to welcome you back for the first day of school tomorrow! As we get ready to start another school year together, I wanted to take this opportunity to share a few thoughts before the big day.
Our theme for the year is gratitude. Research consistently highlights the profound personal benefits of practicing gratitude. For example, studies have shown that individuals who practice gratitude often experience increased levels of happiness, reduced stress, and stronger social relationships. It can also lead to improved physical health, better sleep quality, and greater resilience in the face of adversity. A wealth of evidence underscores that gratitude is not just a pleasant emotion, but a powerful practice with tangible positive impacts on our well-being.
In keeping with this year’s theme, I wanted to express my sincere gratitude to you for the opportunity to serve this amazing community. Our lives often get so busy that it's easy not to take stock of all the reasons around us to be grateful. This year, we look forward to finding opportunities for our staff and students to celebrate gratitude and recognize the many people who make our community special.
So, here's to a great start to the year! Please join me this year in recognizing the people and things in your life that make you feel grateful.
Tim Hoffman
Superintendent
8/26: Annual Policy Notification
Dear UCFSD Community,
As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to ensure that you are aware of our ongoing commitment to transparency, communication and collaboration with our school community.
Each year, the district is required to provide annual notification of policies as outlined in Board policy documents. These policies cover a wide range of topics. As a helpful resource for the community, the list of the policies that require annual notification have been posted on our website. You can find the complete list of policies for notification under the "Board" section on our website.
We encourage you to visit the website regularly to stay informed about any changes and to familiarize yourself with our district's guidelines. Should you have any questions or require further clarification about any of the policies, please don't hesitate to reach out to our administrative team.
Thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to the success of our students. We look forward to a productive and rewarding school year ahead.
Best regards,
Dr. Leah Reider
Unionville-Chadds Ford School District
Director of Pupil Services
610-347-0970 x 3326
9/8: Technology
Greetings, K-5 Parents/Guardians:
As you may know, all Kindergarten, pre-1st and 1st grade students are provided an iPad, while 2nd-5th grade students are provided a Chromebook to use in their classrooms.
Beginning today, your child’s 2025-26 Electronic Device Contract is available to complete in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. To complete your child’s contract by September 26, please:
- Visit the Portal,
- Log in,
- Confirm that you see your child’s name is selected on the top of the left side menu,
- Select “Forms” on the left side menu,
- Select “2025-26 Electronic Device Contract”,
- Review information on the form,
- Complete all required fields and
- Select “Submit”.
To reset your password or to request your child’s Access ID and Access Password for account creation, call their school Monday - Friday during normal business hours.
You may also wish to refer to the attached guides for completing forms in app or on desktop.
This contract is a reminder of how to take care of the device. Repair for damages that occur outside of normal wear could be charged to the family. Because the devices stay at school, there are no additional fees.
Questions? Please contact Administrative Assistant to the UCFSD Technology Department Sapphire Sunyata at ssunyata@ucfsd.net.
Thank you,
Justin C. Webb
Director of Technology
610-347-0970 x3331
Greetings, 6-12 Parents/Guardians:
As you may know, all 6th-12th grade students are provided a Chromebook, charger and case that travels back-and-forth between school and home.
Beginning today, your child’s 2025-26 Chromebook Guidelines and Contract are available to complete in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. To complete your child’s contract by September 26, please:
- Visit the Portal,
- Log in,
- Confirm that you see your child’s name is selected on the top of the left side menu,
- Select “Forms” on the left side menu,
- Select “2025-26 Chromebook Guidelines and Contract”,
- Review information on the form,
- Complete all required fields and
- Select “Submit”.
To reset your password or to request your child’s Access ID and Access Password for account creation, call their school Monday - Friday during normal business hours.
You may also wish to refer to the attached guides for completing forms in app or on desktop.
This contract is a reminder of how to take care of the device. If a Chromebook is damaged, please have your student drop off their Chromebook to their school Library for repairs. Students will receive a loaner device until their assigned device is repaired.
You will have the option on the “2025-26 Chromebook Guidelines and Contract” form purchase Chromebook Insurance for $50 which will cover:
- All repairs during the school year
There is a family max of $100.00. Please email ssunyata@ucfsd.net if you have three or more 6th-12th students in the district to adjust the Chromebook Insurance Fees.
Thank you,
Justin C. Webb
Director of Technology
610-347-0970 x3331
Get ready for a year of Gratitude!
In 2025-26 the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District is celebrating everyone who supports our schools and our students. Watch our administrators kick off the school year by surprising some of our hometown heroes with a sweet treat and a sincere "Thank U"!
