Welcome to Drexel Hill Middle School! 

My name is Jill Palladino and I am so excited to be rejoining the Drexel Hill Middle School community as Principal for the 2023-2024 school year! Although I am fairly new to the DHMS community, I have been a member of the Upper Darby School District for many years, starting my time as a Royal at Hillcrest Elementary School and Westbrook Park Elementary School as a special education teacher.  I then transitioned to Upper Darby High School as the Special Education Department Chair while also serving as Assistant Principal for six years, graduating the Class of 2019 and most recently working in the area of Climate and Culture.  

In all of my time as an educator, I have firmly believed that trusting relationships are the foundation for successful learning.  Students must feel loved and safe at school, supporting their growth and development, both educationally and socially.  I am looking forward to building new relationships with our students, families and staff, creating a warm and welcoming environment for all!

Thank you for taking the time to visit our school’s website. I am sure that you will be able to see the district’s values of Opportunity, Unity and Excellence shining through in all of the photos, information and links that you will find on this site. If there is something that you cannot find, and still have questions about, please don’t hesitate to contact us at the school at any time. We are always happy to help!   

Please consider participating in our school community through monthly Home and School meetings and events, as well as through our district social media accounts, Home Access Center and the Upper Darby School District website.  Also, as a mom of two young school-aged children, I recognize the importance of clear and consistent communication, so please be on the lookout for weekly updates via email and the Wednesday Electronic folder.  Again, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions throughout the year!

I look forward to getting to know you as we navigate another exciting school year!   

All the best, 

Jill Palladino