School Administration

Welcome to Drexel Hill Middle School!

My name is Jill Palladino, and I am absolutely thrilled to be rejoining the Drexel Hill Middle School community as Principal for the 2025-2026 school year! I can hardly believe this will be my fourth year leading the DHMS community—it feels like just yesterday I started, and yet we’ve already shared so many amazing moments together!

While my time at DHMS has flown by, I've been a proud member of the Upper Darby School District for many years. I first started 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. It has been a true joy to build relationships with our students, families, and staff over the past three years, and I look forward to continuing to nurture this 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 another exciting school year and to strengthening our partnership!