WELCOME TO UPPER DARBY HIGH SCHOOL 2024-2025

Greetings from Upper Darby High School.  My name is Dr. Craig Parkinson and I am entering my first year as Upper Darby High School Principal.  I am extremely excited to join the Royals family, which has a history of academic excellence and producing students who are prepared to lead.  I am also fortunate to be joining an extremely dedicated staff, who are passionate about serving the children in UDHS.

With a career spanning over 25 years in the education community, I have served in various roles, including social worker, emotional support teacher, dean of students, assistant principal, high school principal, and superintendent.  Each role has provided me with the opportunity to have a significant impact on the lives of children whom I was fortunate to serve.  My passion for enhancing student outcomes and building strong, supportive communities within our schools is unwavering.

As principal of UDHS, my foremost commitment is to maintain an inclusive and equitable learning environment that celebrates the diversity of our remarkable student body. I firmly believe in a collaborative approach to education, where teachers, parents, and students are equal partners in the learning process. Together, we will equip our students not just to face future challenges but to lead confidently.

This school year I will host a parent-guardian/principal forum each month to provide you with valuable information about the great things that are taking place in UDHS as well as areas where we will continue to focus on growing.  I hope that you will join me at these meetings where we will engage in an open dialogue with the end goal of making sure our students have meaningful experiences while attending UDHS.  I look at the parents/guardians and true partners in our students' learning experience. 

I will provide a weekly communication to the school community that will keep all well informed on events taking place at the high school.  This will also allow me the opportunity to highlight students and staff who are doing extraordinary things representing UDHS and staying true to our mission.   

I am looking forward to an amazing school year that will provide our students and staff with positive memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. 

Sincerely,

Dr. Parkinson