Upper Dublin Schools Get Donation To Support Planetarium

UPPER DUBLIN, PA — Great news for the Upper Dublin School District: a significant donation will support the upkeep of the recently renovated planetarium.

The donation of $5,000 was provided by Ambler Savings Bank. School officials said that while planetariums were once common in schools around the country - with more than 350 extant at one point - they have continued to dwindle in recent years as funding is allocated elsewhere.

“We are thrilled to support Kim (Small's) efforts at the planetarium,” Roger Zacharia, president and CEO of Ambler Savings Bank, said in a statement. “As a parent of four young children progressing through the District, I see the program’s wonderful and unique impact first-hand."

The planetarium, located at Sandy Run Middle School, was outfitted with updated technology during the recent renovations. It serves students from kindergarten through 12th grade, as well as community events and educational opportunities.

"The planetarium is tightly woven into the fabric of a student’s education at Upper Dublin across multiple disciplines," Zacharia added. "Trips to the planetarium highlight a child’s week bringing to life concepts learned from textbooks and Chromebooks. But most importantly, the planetarium fosters a love of learning planting the seeds for tomorrow’s scientists, doctors, teachers, and entrepreneurs.”

Image via Upper Dublin School District, (from left) Roger Zacharia, Ambler Savings Bank President and CEO; Upper Dublin Education Foundation Board Member Sue Diehl; Kim Small, SRMS Planetarium Director.