Spotlight

Cheltenham Elementary fifth grade teacher Dr. Andrew Vassall was recently featured in the online outlet “Dosage Magazine” for the launch of “The Blue Crayon,” the second book in Vassall’s “Compassionate Crayon” series, following last year’s release of “The Black Crayon.” The magazine story chronicles Dr. Vassall’s journey from self-publishing to receiving a 10-book deal from Winged Publications, and growing up with a learning disability.

“The Blue Crayon” is a heartfelt story about emotions, self-control, and learning how to stay calm during difficult moments. Released during Mental Health Awareness Month, this inspiring book encourages children to express their feelings, build confidence, and understand that being calm can be a true superpower.

Be sure to pick up your copy at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart or drandrewvassall.com.

Pending the approval of the CSD Board of School Directors at its August legislative meeting, Mrs. Shareese Nelson has been named principal at Cheltenham Elementary. Mrs. Nelson, who has served in the role in an interim capacity since March 30, was previously the vice principal/lead administrator at Cedarbrook Middle School East, and the interim principal of Elkins Park School, following four years as building vice principal.

“I am thrilled to continue serving the Cheltenham Elementary School community as principal,” Mrs. Nelson said. “It is truly an honor to lead such a caring, dedicated, and inspiring school community. I look forward to continuing our work together with students, staff, and families as we build on our successes, strengthen our partnerships, and create even more opportunities for every child to learn, grow, and thrive.”

A recognized leader in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), Mrs. Nelson has had her work showcased at the Pennsylvania Positive Behavior Support (PAPBS) State Forum, where she shared innovative student engagement strategies with educators from across Pennsylvania, and was featured on the University of Oregon's “Teach by Design” blog. She has served as a guest lecturer at Arcadia University on developing effective PBIS systems, and presented at the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) Conference on advancing equity in schools. 

Known for her systems-driven approach to leadership, Mrs. Nelson has strengthened family and community engagement by building meaningful partnerships with local businesses, universities, and community organizations. Her initiatives—including Lunch and Learn programs, community service opportunities, restorative practices, and strong PTO collaboration—have fostered authentic connections between schools and families while creating positive, inclusive learning environments where students can thrive.

Mrs. Nelson joined the Cheltenham School District in 2017 as the administrator for climate and culture at Elkins Park School. In that role, she developed and implemented PBIS systems, trained staff in proactive behavior supports, created schoolwide programs that strengthened climate and culture, coached teachers in classroom management and instructional practices, mentored students, and championed restorative approaches to discipline.

Prior to joining Cheltenham, Mrs. Nelson spent 11 years as a classroom teacher at Thomas Fitzwater Elementary School in Upper Dublin School District, where she taught first, second, and fifth grades. During her time in Upper Dublin, she also served as a writing curriculum leader, co-founded the district's Excellence Through Equity Committee, and helped establish the Connections mentoring program. She also was in La Salle University's inaugural class of the Pennsylvania Instructional Coach endorsement and mentored pre-service student teachers.

The author of the children's book “The Me Inside,” Mrs. Nelson resides in Wyncote with her husband and two children.

Congratulations to Cheltenham Elementary fifth grade teacher Dr. Andrew Vassall on the release of “The Blue Crayon” on May 22. “The Blue Crayon” is the second book in Vassall’s “Compassionate Crayon” series, following last year’s release of “The Black Crayon.”

“The Blue Crayon” is a heartfelt story about emotions, self-control, and learning how to stay calm during difficult moments. Released during Mental Health Awareness Month, this inspiring book encourages children to express their feelings, build confidence, and understand that being calm can be a true superpower.

Be sure to pick up your copy at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart or drandrewvassall.com.

A fifth grade teacher at Cheltenham Elementary, Dr. Andrew Vassall recently announced his book, “The Black Crayon” has been picked up as book one in the 10-book Compassionate Crayon Series: Helping Children Embrace Differences in a Colorful World — a powerful new children’s collection that helps kids discover their value, embrace differences, and understand that every color (and every child) has a unique place in life’s masterpiece. Vassall is working on the Blue and Red Crayons’ stories next.

According to Vassall, The Black Crayon is a colorful, vibrant and captivating story of a box of colorful crayons with one black crayon who struggles to be accepted. With the love of a little girl, Laila, the black crayon begins to see his inner beauty. 

“This book teaches self-awareness and cultural awareness to young children,” Vassall said. “The journey of the Black Crayon is especially meaningful to me because it reminds children (and adults too!) that every child matters, every gift is valuable, and every person has a place.”

The Compassionate Crayon Series focuses on identity, self-love and social acceptance in a colorful world. Educators and parents can use them as resources to teach Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Each book in the series has two companion pieces: a coloring book; and a workbook aligned with common core standards. The Blue Crayon is next, followed by the Red Crayon.

“My mission is to provide engaging social emotional learning resources that inspire children and parents with hope, joy, and emotional literacy, all while creating a love of reading!” said Vassall.