cross the istricts report 6 17.pdf · 2 june 2017 • pennsbury school district • fallsington, pa...

1PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • JUNE 2017www.pennsburysd.org

PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • JUNE 2017

Across the DISTRICT

On May 11th, the Pennsbury Board of School Directors approved the District’s new 1:1 initiative for grades 6-12. The goal of this initiative is for every student to have ubiquitous access to the same technology at both home and school starting with the fall semester of the 2017-2018 academic year.

PENNSBURY LAUNCHESCHROMEBOOK 1:1 INITIATIVE

Upon launching this new initiative, Pennsbury will join the top-tier school districts in the state that already have similar programs in place. The “Future Ready” theme of the School District’s 1:1 program signifies the forward-thinking culture of digital learning that will take hold.

An annual insurance fee of $40 will be assessed per student, with a discount available for families who provide documentation of financial hardship. This insurance fee covers the cost of a shell case as well as the following accidental damage, including, but not limited to: damage from spilled drinks; broken AC power pins or USB port; cracked LCD screen; missing keys; and premium battery support.

Please visit the 1:1 Chromebook Initiative website frequently for updated information over the next

several weeks. The website already contains an FAQ page that is being updated weekly as well as a distribution calendar. The website may be accessed at www.psd1to1.org.

Congratulations to the following three schools, each of which was selected for national recognition for initiatives tying in character education with specific school activities. These Pennsbury schools were recognized by Character.org in Washington, D.C. for the programs described below:

FALLSINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (2)• CharacterDay - Students participated in activities

that were designed to promote their character education awareness, to identify their character strengths, and to guide them in their character development journey.

• JoinUsinPeace - Students reflected on their beliefs, identified a cause, and engaged in a march to celebrate diversity, to promote acceptance, and to embrace others with caring hearts.

SeemoreinformationontheseinitiativesintheFallsingtonElementarySchoolsectionof“IntheSchools”onpages7-8.

MAKEFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (1)• PersonalSafety - Safeties at Makefield help to

maintain, encourage, and foster good character through leadership and modeling behaviors

SCHOOLS EARN“PROMISING PRACTICE” AWARDS

2 JUNE 2017 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA

superintendent’s report • WILLIAM J. GRETZULA, Ed.D.

www.pennsburysd.org

that promote good character. The school’s safety patrol program has existed for 30 years.

PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL (2)•WelcometotheNest - The “Welcome to the Nest”

event is a full day of activities that serves to introduce incoming freshmen to the Pennsbury PEACE Challenge, the school’s character education program.

• LittleAngels - The Little Angels program is a service project where faculty, staff, and students, in conjunction with the Salvation Army, “adopt” children within the school community, purchasing gifts for the holidays.

Sherwood Taylor, beloved by all who have worked with him and known far and wide as a Pennsbury “institution,” is about to retire after 40 years with the School District. This is an unfathomable fact for many of us.

“There are seven words that I believe describe Sherwood

Taylor,” said former Pennsbury Superintendent, Ralph Nuzzolo. “They are professionalism, respectfulness, dependability, determination, accountability, dedication, and humility. In all the years that I have known him, he has always been a quiet, unassuming man easily acknowledging the contributions of those around him and often giving them credit for what he was able to achieve. One felt a level of comfort knowing he was on the job and responsible for the health, safety and welfare of Pennsbury’s students and staff. It was truly a privilege for me to be able to work with him and call him a friend and colleague. He will be missed.”

While the names “Sherwood” and “Taylor” mark two streets in a nearby Falls neighborhood that will

SHERWOOD TAYLOR TO RETIRE

sherwood tAylor

always memorialize him and his father, Mr. Taylor leaves his own lasting marks on Pennsbury for his countless contributions and meaningful leadership on an array of studies and initiatives.

Born and raised in Fallsington, Mr. Taylor attended Pennsbury schools from grades K-12, graduating with the Class of 1972. He furthered his education at Bucks County Community College and Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey), earning degrees in Criminal Justice, with a minor in Psychology. He joined Pennsbury in 1977 as a shipping and receiving clerk and soon added security guard to his list of duties. He was appointed Attendance Officer in 1979 and became certified as a Home and School Visitor in 1981. He was named Chief of Security in 1985.

Prior to earning his current title of Director of Administrative Services in 2008, Mr. Taylor served as Supervisor of Pupil Accounting and Related Services. In his current capacity, he oversees pupil accounting, attendance and truancy, nursing services, school security, and serves as the liaison for prevention services. His department also handles census data, registration for free and reduced meal eligibility, safe schools grants, and student transcripts, among other duties. Throughout his career with Pennsbury, Mr. Taylor has garnered over a half million dollars in grants for the School District for such purposes as improved security equipment, school resource officers, and other initiatives that promote the safety and well-being of students.

Mr. Taylor has overseen or taken part in numerous stakeholder committees, including the redistricting of voting regions, student enrollment redistricting, space utilization, and school closures. He is also responsible for continually reviewing and updating the Pennsbury Student Conduct Policy manual and the Crisis Response manual. Through his close relationships with local law enforcement officials, Mr. Taylor has arranged for the donations of used patrol cars for use by the School District. He has worked with local police and municipalities for over three decades to support the delivery of the DARE

3PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • JUNE 2017


www.pennsburysd.org

program for elementary and middle schools. Mr. Taylor has handled the logistics and/or security for a total of 80 Sports Nite events (two per year) and 40 commencement ceremonies!

He and his wife, Elaine, have been married for 37 years, and they are devoted parents and grandparents. They have three children: Chip (Shannon), Kelly (Shaun), and Matt, along with four grandchildren – Katherine, Ellyana, Sherwood IV, and Braydon.

As a concerned citizen for those less fortunate, Mr. Taylor frequently donates his home-grown vegetables to local community members in need. In addition, Mr. Taylor and members of his family have long been active with Falls Township Fire Company No. 1, Engine 30. Mr. Taylor enjoys such hobbies as hunting with his family members and soap box derby racing. In his retirement, he plans to spend as much time as he can with his wonderful grandchildren.

Thank you, Mr. Taylor, for all that you have given to the School District and the many ways that you have shaped, protected, and fostered our students’ well-being for four decades. You will be missed immeasurably and never forgotten.

We offer a fond farewell to David Oppenheimer, who is retiring from his position as Assistant Principal at Charles Boehm Middle School after 30 years in Pennsbury, 25 of which were spent at Boehm. Prior to becoming an administrator, he taught Health and Physical Fitness at Pennwood and (the former) Medill Bair. He also coached 9th grade football and wrestling and served as an assistant coach for varsity track. Before joining Pennsbury, Mr. Oppenheimer was an elementary

DAVID OPPENHEIMER SAYS GOODBYE

dAvid oppenheimer

teacher in the Chesterfield and Columbus school districts in New Jersey, where he also served as an athletic coach in various sports at Northern Burlington High School.

A proud Pennsbury graduate from the Class of 1974, Mr. Oppenheimer spent his entire K-12 career here in the School District. He participated in both football and track while a student. He is the son (and step-son) of Pennsbury teachers and a Pennsbury administrator. Mr. Oppenheimer also has a brother, sister, sister-in-law, and brother-in-law who all work in education.

Mr. Oppenheimer earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education from West Chester University and he holds a Master’s degree in Physical Education from Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey). He also obtained his administrator’s certification from Trenton State.

“I cannot express how much our Boehm community will miss Dave Oppenheimer,” said Principal Theresa Ricci. “He has touched so many lives and has been a true model of character in all of his years in Pennsbury. He has always been a strong advocate for kids and has exemplified what it means to bleed orange and black. I want to thank him for our amazing partnership for ten years and remind him as he always reminds me, ‘Once a Boehmer, always a Boehmer!’”

“I would like to thank the Pennsbury community, coaches, teachers, and administrators, past and present, who were a positive influence in my life as a student and on into my adult life,” said Mr. Oppenheimer. “Always proud to be a Falcon! Thanks to you all!”

Frequent visitors to the PHS main office may have noted someone there whose presence has lasted nearly 43 years. Now, after a total of almost 48

AFTER NEARLY 48 YEARS,JEANIE MARKLEY RETIRES



www.pennsburysd.org

JeAnie mArkley

years working in the Pennsbury School District, school secretary Jeanie Markley is retiring.

She started on September 4, 1969 – the first day of school that year – and worked first as a library clerk, splitting her time each week between Manor Elementary and Pennwood Middle School. Following this schedule, she served in the same capacity at Manor and Penn Valley Elementary from 1972-1974. Her role at PHS began as a receptionist in 1974, and then in 1981 she moved into the school secretary position, where she has remained ever since.

Handling all forms of correspondence, incoming calls, managing sub coverage, and overseeing the use of multiple office machines, among many other duties, Ms. Markley is used to juggling it all. During her time at Pennsbury High School, the Principals in office have included Bruce McFarland, Duane Bair, Naomi Kelly, Bill Katz, David Bowman, Shawn Neely, and Reggie Meadows.

“I will miss the people most of all,” said Ms. Markley, reflecting on what life will be like after she moves on. “This has been my home all these years. I’ve hardly ever missed a day of work because I love my job,” she added.

Known to students and faculty as a familiar voice during the school announcements, Ms. Markley regularly bids farewell at the end of each school day with, “See you bright and early tomorrow morning!” One day soon that won’t be the case any longer, but we know that Ms. Markley will be brightening the lives of many others in her active retirement. Best wishes to you, Jeanie, and thank you for your extraordinary devotion to Pennsbury!

Please join in congratulating David G. Schwind, M.Ed., who was appointed by the Board of School Directors to be the next Assistant Principal at Charles Boehm Middle School during the public School Board meeting held on May 11th. Mr. Schwind will replace outgoing Assistant Principal, David Oppenheimer, who is retiring from the Pennsbury School District.

Mr. Schwind has been serving as a seventh grade science teacher at Charles Boehm Middle School since 2015. Prior to that, he taught science at Pennsbury High School West from 2009-2015, and high school biology at University City High School in the School District of Philadelphia.

“The search process that led to the selection of Mr. Schwind included many stakeholders representing various roles in our system,” said Pennsbury Superintendent, William J. Gretzula, Ed.D. “These included School Directors, administrators, plus professional and support staff members, as well as parents from the school community. Mr. Schwind has demonstrated initiative on many important projects supporting the academic, social and emotional needs of our students. It became clearly evident that he has a passion for helping students achieve their best. Theresa Ricci, Charles Boehm’s Principal, along with our entire leadership team, look forward to supporting Mr. Schwind in his leadership development.”

As an Assistant Principal at Charles Boehm Middle School, Mr. Schwind will report to Principal Ricci. He will be responsible for assisting with the general administration of the middle school. Duties include staff evaluation, supervision, and development, the evaluation and administration of the instructional and educational programs, scheduling, office

DAVID SCHWIND NAMED ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AT CHARLES BOEHM

dAvid schwind



www.pennsburysd.org

management, organizing of student activities, special education support, student discipline, and other responsibilities as assigned. “I am excited for the opportunity to form a partnership with David,” said Ms. Ricci. “He has innovative ideas and a true desire to work with our Boehm community.”

Mr. Schwind holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rider University, a Master’s degree in Education from Cabrini College, and obtained his Principal’s Certification K-12 from the California University of Pennsylvania.

in the SCHOOLS

Gifted Support teacher, Eileen Koch, shares that the fourth grade students from Afton and their teachers recently had the opportunity to participate in a day of renewable energy activities at the Exelon Energy Education Center in Morrisville. “Through the coordination of Diana Andrejczak of the Pennsylvania Resources Council and the Pennsbury Partners Program, the students learned how renewable energy is the safest type of energy for our world,” said Ms. Koch. “Students observed energy models and built wind turbines and energy pathways with various materials provided at the center. The hands-on activities offered genuine experiences in green engineering technologies. Ms. Adrejczak presented the history of renewable energy and the key scientific concepts involved in Exelon’s production of alternative energy that is clean and sustainable.” As a review of the day, each student had a chance to participate in an interactive energy game show. Some students shared, “It was the best field trip ever!” Ms. Koch added, “We appreciate Exelon and Ms. Andrejczak for helping us understand the importance of alternative energy and its essential role in our daily lives.”

Principal Dr. Joseph Masgai shares: “Afton Elementary is piloting the use of Google Expedition

AFTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

These Afton Elementary teachers tried out the wonders ofGoogle Expedition during a staff development session prior to

using it with their students in the classroom.

in our classrooms. With this technology tool, teachers can take students on virtual journeys around the world to explore the geographical diversity of the planet, visit historical sites and museums, or explore the wonders of the ocean and the mysteries of outer space! During a recent session devoted to staff development, teachers had the opportunity to explore the Great Barrier Reef and inside the Space Station using special devices. Likewise, at the May PTO meeting, parents and guardians visited Hawaii and other exotic locations. We look forward to our students’ stories about their fantastic journeys via Google Expedition!”

Children have always been asked the question, “What will you be when you grow up?” Time moves on, the answers change, and education follows as needed. But what if we could get ahead of the game? Students today look to their parents who are designing apps, marketing using digital data, growing heart cells on spinach leaves, and pushing the envelope of architectural design. STEM is at the heart of these career goals. Under the guidance of third grade teacher, Bronwyn Bergen, and PTO member, Julie McGoldrick, Edgewood’s third grade spent a week completing a STEM challenge, building launchers with limited supplies with the goal of

EDGEWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL



www.pennsburysd.org

“Twenty-five fifth grade students participated in the Eagles Play 60 Field Day at Lincoln Financial Field sponsored by the Philadelphia Eagles and The American Heart Association,” writes fifth grade teacher, Jason Miller. “After attending a Play 60 Assembly in December, students logged their daily activity minutes for a month. The 25 students with the most minutes logged were chosen to participate in the Field Day.” With the support of Principal Lisa Follman, the lucky students, accompanied by fifth grade teachers Mr. Miller and Roger Kean, and Physical Education teacher, Brian Doron, competed in relay races, caught passes from Eagles players, and even kicked field goals through the uprights. Eagles players Trey Burton and Paul Turner joined the students on the field for this enjoyable event. The Eagles mascot, Swoop, also made an appearance to help the students remember the importance of staying active and living a healthy lifestyle.

ELEANOR ROOSEVELTELEMENTARY SCHOOL

shooting a toy soldier the farthest distance. With a short period of time to plan, build, and test their launchers, the students showed an array of skills that included time management, problem-solving, and teamwork in creating catapults, slingshots, cannons, and the like. The students were creative, motivated, and enthusiastic – on top of being both competitive and supportive of one another in a way that was in keeping with the school’s ROAR tradition.

Edgewood will incorporate these challenges into the third grade science curriculum next year. In addition, STEM carts, for use during free time and indoor recess, are being stocked with age-appropriate STEM activities for each grade level. STEM-focused games and challenges are being organized to enhance the Friday math game time for each class.

Outside of the classroom, the Edgewood PTO is planning monthly STEM nights that will involve families working together in STEM competitions, such as “building the tallest balloon tower” or “building the longest bridge.” They also plan a STEM-At-Home section for their newsletter that will offer monthly challenges for students to complete on their own time.

“STEM education is our children’s future, and Edgewood Elementary is off to a great start!” shared Ms. McGoldrick. “We are excited about these fun, enriching activities, and look forward to watching our students bloom in this creative learning environment.”

These fifth grade students from Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary attended an Eagles Play 60 Field Day with their teachers at

Lincoln Financial Field.

Edgewood Elementary third graders spent a week completing a special STEM challenge. The school’s PTO is planning monthly

STEM nights that will involve families working together in science-based competitions.



www.pennsburysd.org

FALLSINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The fifth graders at Fallsington created an Everyday Math 4 Carnival for grades K-2. Led by teachers Courtney Gould and Sara Long, the students studied EM4 games from the K-2 curriculum and brought them to life. Along with these games, students took part in other math-related activities, such as estimation jars and long jump distance measurement. “It was a great way to celebrate the first year of EM4 implementation,” said Ms. Long.

The Everyday Math 4 curriculum inspired a special carnival with games for students in grades K-2 at Fallsington Elementary.

Social Worker Tammy Kehan-Leimer writes: “Fallsington’s second and third graders have been participating in an amazing program called Marathon Kids. I partnered Fallsington with the Fuel Up to Play 60 program and was awarded grant money to start Marathon Kids at the school this spring. The program works for any child at any fitness level. Students set their goals and track their progress on a journey to complete one to four marathons, or 26.4 to 104.8 miles, over the course of the running club season. They run, play, or walk, a lap at a time, a day at a time, and before they know it, they’ve gone farther than they ever dreamed. The Fallsington students have been super enthusiastic about this

program, held weekly during their scheduled recess time.” School counselor, Kristin Cahill, partners with Leimer to help the kids run their lap(s), track their progress, and facilitate pro-social games to help them accomplish their goals. Nike also sponsors the program and supplies incentives for the students, such as t-shirts, shoe laces, bracelets, and certificates. Research shows that inactive kids often grow into inactive adults and Ms. Cahill and Ms. Leimer, along with principal, Brian Shaffer, believe that “helping the students be active, social, and part of a team to achieve a common goal will lead to a better future for the kids and the community!”

In May 2017, Character.org awarded Fallsington Elementary with two Promising Practice awards in character education. According to the organization, “the Promising Practice program highlights what’s going well in classrooms across America and the world. Each Practice must be tied to one or more of Character.org’s 11 Principles of Character Education.” Fallsington’s Peace March was one of the events recognized. In January, the school community honored Martin Luther King, Jr. through the facilitation of a Peace March. The march provided a venue for students to freely express themselves while learning to respect and embrace the beliefs and feelings of others. Students at each grade level participated in developmentally-appropriate activities and created symbols of peace

A grant-funded program called “Marathon Kids” was introduced to Fallsington Elementary’s second and third graders this spring.



www.pennsburysd.org

Accompanied by a parent chaperone, these girls from Makefield Elementary were hosted by Bucks Ship & Print owner, Glen Lowe

PHS ‘05, during Students Go to Work Day.

Each year, under the guidance of Donna Merriman, the Education Technology Associate at Makefield, the fifth grade students participate in “Students Go to Work Day.” Sixty-five fifth grade students were divided into small groups and transported to over 25 different businesses in the Yardley/Morrisville/Fairless Hills vicinity. The busing was funded through the Pennsbury Partners Program. “This school-to-work program was designed to give students the opportunity to get first-hand experiences at various careers in our community and to help link classroom learning with the workplace,” said Ms. Merriman. “Two to four students spent several hours at the businesses they were assigned to, where they worked the phones,

MAKEFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

to carry during the march. Students donated their symbols of peace to decorate the doors in central administration, spreading their messages beyond the school community. The Peace March served as an authentic learning opportunity in which students demonstrated the school’s Core Beliefs by displaying respect and by assuming responsibility for promoting peace and embracing diversity.

Character.org also awarded Fallsington with a Promising Practice for the celebration of Character Day, which was a global phenomenon that included 92,000 events in 124 countries. At Fallsington, the school counselor delivered classroom lessons and coordinated a celebration in which the fifth grade students assumed the role of superheroes and Kindergarten students served as their sidekicks. The superheroes and sidekicks engaged in literacy activities that were designed to define “super” character traits while promoting a partnership across grade levels. Teachers throughout the school led their own activities, integrating character education and development as they delivered their respective grade level curricula. Character Day served as a catalyst to open up dialogue on what character education is and to help identify what makes us each unique.

stocked shelves, took lunch orders, and sampled life beyond the classroom. Each business provided the students with a unique work experience. The program began in 1998 with 12 students and has continued to grow each year.”

The businesses participating this year were: William Penn Bank, Yardley Jewelers, Yardley General Store, Bucks Ship & Print, Charcoal BYOB, Giant Food Stores Yardley, McCaffrey’s Supermarket, Carlucci’s Grill, Endurance Sports, The Pink Daisy, Chick-Fil-A, Firehouse Cycle Shop, Red Robin, Dunkin Donuts, Salon Metro, Wells Fargo Bank, Flowers by Jennie Lynn, Mil-Lee’s, Old Navy, Giant Food Stores Morrisville, Thornridge ACE Hardware, Shady Brook Farms, Lilac Consignment, The Market at Styer’s Orchard, State Rep. Perry Warren, Lower Bucks YMCA, and Villa Rosa.

Gifted Support teacher, Alison Majikas, shares: “Every student at Makefield was encouraged to go outside, exercise, and spend time with family and friends instead of using their electronics for entertainment. Students were rewarded with a large bubble wand and bubbles for their efforts. We hope to continue this next year at Makefield.



www.pennsburysd.org

Our PTO President, Danielle Frost, and Principal Donna McCormick-Miller congratulated the students who completed their calendars for a “Week Free of Electronics.”

Makefield Elementary’s Principal, Donna McCormick-Miller (right, rear) and PTO President, Danielle Frost, celebrated these students

for completing a “Week Free of Electronics.”

Teacher MaryBeth Davis is pleased to report that “the Manor Student Council assisted the Primary Grades (K-2) in recognizing the Falls Township and Bristol Township Police Departments for all of

MANOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Student Council members at Manor Elementary joined forces with students in grades K-2 to prepare gifts of gratitude for local police.

their hard work and dedication to the community. In honor of Police Appreciation Day on May 15th, the students took time to write letters and assemble gift bags to distribute to the 120 police officers who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving our community. We would like to extend our thanks to both departments from all of the students and staff at Manor!”

Physical Education teacher, Ryan Davidson, challenged his students to raise $1,500 for Penn Valley’s Hoops for Heart campaign. “This program donates money to children with various heart conditions,” said Mr. Davidson. “My students raised $1,900 for the cause!” So he rewarded them by kissing a large pig that came to visit the school on Field Day. “I want to say how proud I am of our students, and that their generosity earned them the right to another fun field day ending!” added Mr. Davidson.

Penn Valley has received two park benches from Giant Food Stores through their Bags for Benches Program, writes School Counselor, Arlene Johnson. “Giant promotes the recycling of plastic bags and turns those bags into benches. It takes 10,000 bags to make one bench. The Penn Valley Student Council collected over 10,000 bags to support this program for Giant. We applied for a bench, and the company chose to donate two to our school. One bench will be placed at each of our two playgrounds.” Well done!

PENN VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Ryan Davidson, Physical Education teacher at Penn Valley Elementary, rewarded his students for exceeding a fundraising

goal by kissing this large pig at the close of Field Day.



www.pennsburysd.org

Quarry Hill proudly participated in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s fundraiser, “Pasta for Pennies,” reports teacher, Jessica Wagman. “Our school was able to raise $8,217.39, making us one of the top 10 Greater Philadelphia schools to participate! Ms. Snyder’s third grade class raised a whopping $700.46 during the fundraiser and earned a pasta party at Olive Garden as well as Philadelphia Soul Tickets for their hard work. Ms. Brim’s first grade class also worked extremely hard to raise $638.14, and they were able to celebrate with a Dominos pizza party. We are so proud of the kindness, effort and generosity that the Quarry Hill family put forth towards such a worthy cause and we look forward to participating next year!”

Thanks to a grant from the Pennsbury Education Foundation, teacher Valarie Engle was able to welcome a presentation on rocks and minerals to Quarry Hill for third graders. The visit included an assembly followed by actual “digs” for the students that enabled them to make more knowledgeable “discoveries” on their own.

QUARRY HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Carol Snyder’s third grade class at Quarry Hill Elementary wonprizes for raising the most money in a school-wide effort to

support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Teacher Tom Mellon writes, “Students on Team 8B participated in a day-long STEAM Field Day. In small groups, students visited ten different stations throughout the day where they cooperatively problem-solved and reinforced concepts covered throughout the year. STEAM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math - is an initiative that Pennsbury has embraced to help prepare students for the 21st century. Students used geometry to calculate the altitude of rockets while others timed each flight so that they could convert the average speed in ft/sec to mph. Airplanes and Frisbees were thrown to demonstrate Bernoulli’s Principle while careful calculations were recorded. Students were presented with challenges and designed structures with K’Nex and later made blueprints of their structures. Observations of plant diversity were noted and recorded with drawings. Students played kickball and recorded how Newton’s Laws of Motion related to the game. They rode bikes on different surfaces to compare types of friction and referenced simple machines that made their ride possible. Some students offered to cover the day’s events in a newspaper called TheFlyingScience

CHARLES BOEHM MIDDLE SCHOOL

A STEAM Field Day at Charles Boehm Middle School had students rotating through ten different activity stations to solve problems

and reinforce curriculum-based concepts.



www.pennsburysd.org

Report. They interviewed teachers and students and captured the activities on camera. Their publication should be out soon! The entire day was a huge success and never would have been pulled off without the help of the 8B teachers, Martin Corcoran, Meaghan McCafferty, and Melanie Nitkiewicz.”

Social Worker Tammy Kehan-Leimer reports that students from Charles Boehm’s Buddy Club participated in a service learning project for the last few months that culminated in a visit to the Women’s Humane Society. “The students participated in an educational presentation, tour, and visit with the animals. They also dropped off donations. During bi-weekly, after school meetings, the students developed and executed a plan to raise awareness for the Humane Society. They created a video and posters to educate classmates and get them to participate in a donation drive to benefit the animals.” CB staff Alyssa Sunday, Patty Dormer, Eileen Aranda, Becky Bussmann, and Ms. Kehan-Leimer facilitate the group.

Working with the District’s Communications office, Principal Elizabeth Aldridge organized a special press tour that enabled local media representatives to get a peek inside Pennwood and view the new classroom wing and other features that are part of the ongoing, two-year school renovation. School Directors Christian Schwartz and Jacqueline Redner also participated in this tour, along with Superintendent Dr. William Gretzula and Facilities Director, Scott Millward. RVB architect Annina Hogan and D’Huy Engineering’s Jamie Lynch were also on hand to answer questions. Sixth grade students and teachers, who now occupy the classroom addition, fielded reporters’ questions and demonstrated the features of the wing’s new interactive TVs.

PENNWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL

Forty eighth grade students taught by Ms. Blackshire, Ms. Giacomelli, and Ms. Slota traveled to The National AeroSpace Training And Research (NASTAR) Center in Southampton in May. NASTAR is the premier commercial air and space training, research, and educational facility. It combines state-of-the-art flight simulation with physiology-based courseware to optimize human performance in extreme environments. The student tour was led by NASTAR’s Director of Education, Greg Kennedy, who was this year’s recipient of the Pennsbury Business Partner of the Year Award. While touring the NASTAR facility, students were introduced to the world of aerospace training and equipment. Pilots and astronauts train at this facility using the ejection seat trainer, gyro lab, altitude chamber, and flight simulator. NASTAR also hosts teacher trainings and student summer camp programs.

“The highlight of the tour for students was the opportunity to sit in the altitude chamber and learn how it is used to train pilots and astronauts,” said Ms. Slota. “Mr. Kennedy explained the danger of a condition called hypoxia (oxygen deficiency) and provided examples of different symptoms

WILLIAM PENN MIDDLE SCHOOL

Eighth graders from William Penn Middle School were ledthrough the National AeroSpace Training and Research Center

by Pennsbury Partner of the Year, Mr. Greg Kennedy.



www.pennsburysd.org

Congratulations to the 68 students in the Spanish Department who participated in the National Spanish Exam. This is a motivational contest to recognize student achievement in the study of Spanish. World Language Curriculum Coordinator Andrea Garberina extends special thanks to World Language teacher, Phil Wert, for the successful organization and administration of the 2017 National Spanish Exam.

PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL

that pilots display when hypoxia begins. Students were surprised to learn that when some people experience hypoxia they cannot see color, may feel slight tingling in their fingers, or may be unable to do simple math calculations, while other individuals will experience euphoria and laugh uncontrollably like a hyena. The students also enjoyed seeing the oxygen masks and trying on the flight helmets that are worn by pilots.”

After touring the NASTAR division of the facility, students visited the Environmental Tectonics Corporation (ETC) fabrication warehouse where they saw the building and preparation of equipment like altitude chambers, gyro labs, and hyperbaric chambers. Mr. Kennedy shared with the students that the popular Mission Space attraction now at EPCOT in Walt Disney World was built in this facility. The warehouse also included an area for assembling military-grade sterilizers, a welding shop, a sheet metal shop, and an area where equipment is prepared to ship out to pharmaceutical companies and medical supply houses. Mr. Kennedy made students aware of the cross-section of career fields available in an aerospace technical environment like NASTAR. He indicated that the demand for STEM careers in the near future is predicted to grow at least two times as much as in other job markets because of the need for individuals specializing in fields like energy advancements, computer sciences, and computer systems. Mr. Kennedy encouraged students to pursue a career in the STEM field. “If you are interested, stay with it. The math is tough, but you get to do so many cool things.”

This is an online, standardized assessment tool taken by over 150,000 students throughout the United States to measure performance (interpretive communication) of student language skills in vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, and listening comprehension.

The Purpose of the National Spanish Examination is 1. To recognize achievement in the study of the Spanish language, 2. To promote proficiency in interpretive communication in the Spanish language, 3. To assess the national standards as they pertain to learning Spanish, and 4. To stimulate further interest in the teaching and learning of Spanish.

Forty-nine of our Pennsbury students achieved national recognition for their performance in this test. The standings are as follows:

Gold Medal Placement (95th percentile or higherin the country)

Level 3 – Anthony MannarinoLevel 4 – Samantha Kraus, Nathan Silverman, Rebecca SwenkLevel AP – Emmeline Evans, Paul Secchia

Silver Medal Placement (85th - 94th percentile)Level 3 – Dawson Grimm, Tiffany Milosav,Elise Palatine, Leah Thomas, Madeleine UmsteadLevel 4 – Ramya Jagadeesh, Jimmy Kim,Aaron Newitt, Julia WitoshkinLevel AP – Julianna Nails

Bronze Medal Placement (75th - 84th percentile)Level 3 – Caylee Jumbelic, Elisa Macera,Abby WilliamsLevel 4 – Miles Borowsky, Sean Collins,Brendan Polo, Carolyn Priestly, Ryan MacElroyLevel AP – Charles Bluestein, Eric Festa,Trevor Frantz, Ninad Mahajan, Anthony Chiarello

Honorable MentionLevel 3 – Hannah Hamilton, Isabella Mancini, Victoria Parisen



www.pennsburysd.org

Level 4 – Alec Epstein, Hannah Erdogan, Nolan Lombardo, Katherine Mix, Sophia Parrish, Makenzy Portney, Alexa Tannenbaum,Dylan Thomas, Jacob Troiano, Om Patel,Anthony WitoshkinLevel AP – Sam Beidler, Kate Delaney,Gianna Pinto, Saloni Shah, Sima Noorani

On Thursday, May 25th, the World Language Department inducted 88 students into the French, German and Spanish National Honor Societies. In order to be eligible for the World Language National Honor Societies, students must have a final average of a 93% in levels 3H, 4H or AP and an overall World Language average of 91% in all of their levels of language study. Congratulations to the following students:

French Level 3 honors students:Logan Bennett, Andrew Delworth,Isabelle Durbin, Brielle Estepp, Lauren Frank, Evan Kashinsky, Zachary Kirk, Samantha Kovacs, Shagun Lakhia, Calli Lambard, Madigan Leventhal, Cheyenne Moses, Olivia Pfender, Jackson Simon, Sydney Sobkowiak, Leah Stoogenke, Shaine Stuhlmuller, Shannon Stumbaugh, Alaina Tarallo, Georgia Young, Madison Weber, Emma Zawacki

French Level 4 honors students:Anna Bywater, Anastasia Clayton

French Advanced PlacementMeghan Lucas

German Level 3 honors students:Nathan Carr, Samantha Jones, Heather Lohrey, Taylor Matulis, Kaleb Raymond, Anna Sassaman, Brooke Weaver, Julia Westphal

German Level 4 honors students:Joely Gardner, Colin King, Savannah Sim

German Advanced PlacementKayla Carlson, Jeffrey Cragin, Madelyn Frank

Spanish Level 3 honors students:Kyle Anderson, Miles Borowsky, Eliana Bortman, Peter Bria, Matthew Caissie, Apalonia Chiarello, Brandon Ferraro, Trevi Galemmo, Hannah Hamilton, Ramya Jagadeesh, Steven Kearns, Alicia Lorantas, Isabella Mancini, Anthony Mannarino, Christian McKernan, Katherine Mix, Ella Palmieri, Sophia Parrish, Om Patel, Makenzy Portney, Carolyn Priestley, Anna Sharp, Nathan Silverman, Rebecca Swenk, Kevin Sun, Dylan Thomas, Abigail Williams, Julia Witoshkin, Ryan Zajdel

Spanish Level 4 honors students:Emily Baik, Sean Collins, Samantha Kraus, Steven Pellegrino, Gianna Pinto, Brendan Polo, Brandon Szwalbenest, Alexa Tannenbaum

Spanish Advanced PlacementEmmeline Evans, Eric Festa, Ninad Mahajan, Aarti Patel, Paul Secchia, Saloni Shah

Business, Computers, and Information Technology teacher, Mike Zisa, commends the Young Investors Society Club members for their outstanding stock research and presentations at the 2017 YIS Stock Pitch Competition. The event was held on the evening of May 15th in the new S.T.E.M. building

Members of the PHS Young Investors Society Club competed in a stock pitch competition at Bucks County Community College.Two of our students won the contest and moved on to compete in nationals!



www.pennsburysd.org

on the Bucks County Community College campus. Finance professionals from various investment firms volunteered their time to judge the presentations, choose a winner, and provide insight on careers in the finance industry. Congratulations to Hiral Patel and Amari McKoy for winning the contest! They will now compete against five other teams in the YIS National Stock Pitch Competition. Additionally, Jacquelyn Gage and Isaac Kravitz each won a YIS national essay contest and will receive matching contributions for their investment accounts. All YIS members had the opportunity to network with finance professionals after the contest. Mr. Zisa is very proud of their accomplishments and is looking forward to mentoring new members next school year.

On Thursday, May 11th, students from Pennsbury High School were selected by faculty, staff and administrators as the recipients of the 2016-2017 Dr. Martin Luther King “Keeping the Peace” Certificate of Recognition for being instrumental in maintaining a peaceful and harmonious environment within the Pennsbury community. John Sanders, a teacher in the Applied Engineering and Technology Education Department, was the creator of this award. “Students should be recognized for their good deeds, both in and out of the classroom,” said Mr. Sanders. “This, by far, is the largest number of recipients we’ve ever had at one time, which is a

Pennsbury High School students – primarily members of the Environmental Science Club – participated in the 32nd annual

Beach Sweep hosted by Clean Ocean Action in New Jersey.

great thing.” The students who received the award included: Nehemiah Alexander, Benjamin Aronson, Diba Atar, Ngakiya Camara, Diya Cherian, Mark Czajkowski, Sonali Deliwala, Alice Desroches, Jack Donan, Jess Eden, Caroline Estey, Andrew Fedun, Katie Kahn, Calista Kleintop, Kelly Koob, Darlyn Kumeh, Joshua Kwak, Timothy Lorandeau, Anthony Mannarino, Nicholas McGrath, Jacob Mohacsi, Samantha Mongiello, Zachary Moonay, Nicole Navarra, David Pacholick, Alex Palmer, Sankalp Patel, Japesh Patel, Dominick Peake, Conor Perdoch, Charlie Santella, Abigail Schrandt, Samantha Tosh, Jason Turner, Nathaniel Waksman, and Henry Zhang.

On April 22nd, the 32nd annual Beach Sweep was hosted by Clean Ocean Action, and once again, Pennsbury High School was part of this activity. COA’s Beach Sweeps are among the longest-running cleanups of their kind in the world, according to their website. This tradition began in 1985, and each year the number of volunteers continues to grow. In 2016 over 5,000 volunteers showed up and collected valuable data about the trash and debris that works its way down the river and onto our beaches. Teacher Kristen Realdine is proud to announce that 18 students, mostly members of the

A record-setting number of PHS students were nominated to earn the 2016-2017 “Keeping the Peace” recognition. These students’

actions were deemed instrumental in maintaining peace and harmony in the Pennsbury community.



www.pennsburysd.org

A student Color Guard led off the proceedings at the Wall of Honor ceremony at PHS West on the Friday before Memorial Day.

Environmental Science Club founded by PHS junior, Ben Aronson, volunteered on a Saturday morning to clean non-point source pollution off the beaches in order to protect the wildlife and to get the beaches ready for the upcoming summer season. “Principal Lisa Becker was able to arrange for a school bus so we could all travel together to the Belmar site at 16th Street,” said Ms. Realdine. In her Environmental Science class, the students learn about non-point source pollution and how this impacts their local community and the watershed. “We all live in the Delaware Estuary Watershed and this pollution accumulates and can cause problems for the aquatic ecosystem,” she explained. “Fish, whales, birds, and other animals often mistake litter for food and can die after ingesting such debris as cigarette butts and plastic bags. Most of the items collected are plastic and foam products and the students are always shocked at the amount of pollution that they find. We all must do our part to protect our watershed and make our estuary a beautiful, productive ecosystem. As we walked along the beach picking up trash, Ms. Hemmerle (who teaches Aquatic Biology) identified some of the shells that we found and made the trip even more educational. If you are interested in making a difference in our community and environment, come out for the next beach sweep in October!” For more information please see Ms. Realdine in West G-205, Ben Aronson, or visit cleanoceanaction.org for more information. Until then, please do not pollute our waters because “we all live downstream!”

Following tradition, the annual Wall of Honor ceremony took place at PHS West on the Friday before Memorial Day. This year, two names were added – bringing the total number of those memorialized on the Wall to 200 – following nominations submitted by a faculty member and a student. The somber event included musical performances by the Falconairs singing group and echo taps played by two members of the Pennsbury High School Marching Band. Readings were presented by a number of students, and the featured guest speaker was Pennsbury alumnus, Tim Stives, an Army veteran who served our country during the Vietnam War. Organizing this

year’s ceremony were teachers, Alison McBryar and Robin Skogen. Assistant Principal Cherrissa Gibson served as the lead administrator.

Jessica Perfetto, Curriculum Coordinator for Applied Engineering and Technology Education, writes that her department joined the District Art Show this year for the first time. “The department provided engaging and interactive displays, including a T-shirt making station, a 3D printing station, and a VEX robot driving station. Each station was packed with students of all ages all three nights of the show. The activity stations were facilitated by AE/TE high school teachers and current students. This display was a great representation of the progressive curriculum and updated technology that we have infused into the middle and high school technology AE/TE program.”

The Pennsbury Prototyping Team made it to the state competition at Thaddeus Stevens College after winning regionals in February this year, writes Ms. Perfetto. “The PA STEM competition involves developing a one-of-a-kind solution to a current community problem,” she explained. “The Pennsbury team decided to solve the problem of students missing class time due to concussion recovery at home because of harmful school lighting and noise. The team designed and 3D-printed



www.pennsburysd.org

commendAbleACCOMPLISHMENTS

From May 24th to 28th, the Pennsbury Odyssey of the Mind team from Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary traveled to Michigan State University to compete in the OM World Finals competition. The team, consisting of seven fifth graders, had placed second in both the OM regional and PA state competitions

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT TEAM RANKS13TH IN WORLD COMPETITION

Maya Stoogenke (William Penn MS) and Leah Stoogenke (PHS), along with Maggie Cole (PHS) Regan Stump (PHS), and Francesca Miller (Council Rock HS) won 1st prize in the high school division of the recent Destination Imagination (DI) Global Finals in Knoxville, TN! The girls worked on a service project and an eight-minute musical play that described it since September, according to their team manager, parent Scott Stoogenke. Destination Imagination is an off-shoot of Odyssey of the Mind that is gaining popularity in Pennsylvania. There

PENNSBURY STUDENTS TAKE FIRST IN DESTINATION IMAGINATION FINALS

glasses that have six interchangeable therapeutic lenses. Under the leadership of PHS senior, Alyson Farkas, (who is headed to Penn State in the fall), they designed a fully-functioning, active noise cancellation device to use inside the classroom. The earpiece was also 3D-printed with a flexible plastic. The product was complete with a functioning app and laser cut packaging. Each member of the team completed UnderstandingDesignThroughPrototyping, a course offered at the high school that engages students in design challenges through real-world problem solving.”

The PHS Prototyping Team made it to a state competitionafter winning first place at the regional level with products

designed to assist concussion victims.

These students won first place in the high school division of the recent Destination Imagination global finals in Knoxville, TN!

to earn a spot to go to MSU. Coach and Pennsbury parent, Krista Oleynick, writes, “With more than 850 other teams in attendance from all over the country and the world, our team placed 13th out of 64 other teams in their division’s problem. This included a second place finish in their spontaneous problem! Highlights of the trip to this year’s creativity extravaganza also included attendance at amazing opening and closing ceremonies, a creativity festival with booths from other countries and states, and lots of pin trading, which enabled the ER team to meet children from all over the world.” Congratulations to this outstanding elementary team for taking Falcon Pride to a world-class level!



www.pennsburysd.org

With only three weeks to audition, cast, collaborate, and rehearse, Pennsbury High School’s Thespian Troupe 830 gave four outstanding

Teachers Pam McDannell, Jessica Berkey, and Elizabeth Price are pleased to announce that Pennwood Middle School received an Honorable Mention in the Pennsylvania K’Nex STEM Design Challenge held at Harrisburg University on May 19th. Pennwood was one of 40 participating schools in addition to the dynamic team of students from Makefield Elementary led by Gifted Support teacher, Alison Majikas.

“Our District was well represented! Great job by the students and staff at both schools,” said Jamie Swanson, Science Curriculum Coordinator. The Pennwood team consisted of Raj Jagirdar, Varun Nair, Matthew Nuzzolo, and Steven Nuzzolo. “In order to qualify for this state competition, the boys initially placed in the top two at the school-level competition, and then in the top two at the county-level competition. They designed an amusement park called Slater’s Serpent out of K’Nex.”

Ms. Swanson continued: “STEM is a popular buzzword right now at the county and state levels, and in Pennsbury we are committed to providing STEM design activities to all students. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Add an ‘A’ and we use our art skills. Add an ‘R’ and we Report, Read, and w”R”ite to communicate our findings. We are demonstrating our science and engineering literacy by applying concepts of motion, forces, and energy in the STEM model. This is the trans-disciplinary approach we are committed to at the middle level.” Well done, and congratulations to all!

PHS Biology teacher, Ryan Boylan, is pleased to report that one of his Advanced Placement students, Samantha Fallacaro (daughter of PHS Athletic secretary, Damari Fallacaro), was “one of just three students selected for the Neurology High School Scholars Project at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia! Sam’s off to Carnegie Mellon next year to study neuroscience and mathematics, so this is such a fantastic opportunity for her! I’m not surprised that Sam was awarded the position as she’s one of the finest Biology students that Pennsbury has produced since I begin working here in 2005! I’m very proud of her as I really believe she will play an important role in meaningful advancements in neurological sciences!

Proud parent, Ms. Fallacaro, adds, “Samantha has been very lucky to have been taught by some of the finest Pennsbury teachers.”

STUDENT THESPIANS SHINE ATTHEATER FESTIVAL

PENNWOOD STEM TEAM WINSHONORABLE MENTION AT STATE CONTEST

SAMANTHA FALLACARO SELECTEDFOR SCHOLARS PROJECT AT CHOP

were approximately 1500 teams competing from 17 countries at the competition this year. “Our girls won 1st place in the PA State competition (as well as the Renaissance Award) back in March,” reports parent Deborah Blumenthal. “Then they went to Knoxville for the huge competition and in their division competed against 55 other state winners – and won!” According to the organizers, one of the advantages of DI is that it is the world’s largest creative competition that allows students from multiple schools and in different age groups to compete together. “Another advantage is that they have a challenge that combines the creation of original theater and the creation of a service outreach project, which really appealed to these kids,” added Ms. Blumenthal. Congratulations to all!

sAmAnthA FAllAcAro



www.pennsburysd.org

Thanks to a generous endowment fund established by Pennsbury ’64 alumnus, Arthur J. Lendo, Ph.D., selected students at Pennsbury High School receive Lendo Fellowship awards each year to help support their academic and co-curricular pursuits. This year, the following students were approved by the Board of the Pennsbury Education Foundation (which oversees the endowment) for the 2017 Lendo Fellowship awards:

STUDENTS RECEIVELENDO FELLOWSHIPS

performances at the 2017 Student Theater Festival in New Hope and rose to receive Best Actress (Thea Fogel), Best Ensemble (TheExceptionalChildhoodCenter) and Best Student Director (Victoria Vouk) awards. The Student Theater Festival, staged at Bucks County Playhouse in collaboration with the Newtown Arts Company, provides an opportunity for teens from across the Delaware Valley region to experience master workshop classes, perform at a famous regional theater, and receive adjudication from career professionals. Pennsbury was one of the 30 schools participating in this year’s festival, better known as Dramafest, which ran April 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, and 20. “Pennsbury High School has been a constant presence at Bucks County Playhouse Student Theater Festival and continues to present thoughtful and creative performances, giving their students a stage to showcase their many talents,” commented Joann Bull, Student Theater Festival Coordinator for Bucks County Playhouse.

Sylvia Fisher, Lea Asplen, Victoria Vouk, and Baillie Poulton were the four seniors selected from PHS to student direct and take to the stage with cast and technical crew members for each show. “I’m sure I speak for all four of us when I say that Dramafest was a gratifying experience,” said Baillie Poulton, who also serves as president of the Thespian Troupe. “My play went from an idea to a reality on stage, and my cast couldn’t have done a better job in bringing my vision to life. [All four student directors] are so proud of all our wonderful actors!”

The tenth anniversary of the Lendo Fellowship Programwas marked with a record-setting number of student recipients

(listed below).

• Benjamin Aronson, 11th grade, Drexel University Materials Science and Engineering Summer Program

• William Bednarz, 10th grade, Program in Algorithmic and Combinatorial Thinking - Princeton University

• Miles Borowsky, 10th grade, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program, Villanova University

• Ngakiya Camara, 11th grade, International Thespian Festival in Lincoln, Nebraska

• Kaitlyn Currid, 11th grade, Stanford Intensive Law & Trial Program

• Sonali Deliwala, 11th grade, Engineering Summer Academy - University of Pennsylvania

• Avi Gajjar, 10th grade, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Research Experience

• Brett Garretson, 11th grade, Bucknell Academy Summer Experience (BASE)

• Ryan MacElroy, 11th grade, Lehigh University - Blueprint Summer Program - Careers in Engineering

• James Moyer, 11th grade, Westminster Choir College - Beginning Choral Conducting

• Derek Quinn, 8th grade, FAES Course - NIH on Cytometry

• Shefali Raghavan, 11th grade, NYU Summer Career Edge: Finance NYC

• Anirudh Ramanathan, 9th grade, Robotics/Electrical and Computer Engineering at Temple University



www.pennsburysd.org

Pennsbury’s ongoing character education initiative includes the monthly recognition of students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels as we spotlight important character assets. For the month of May, students were recognized for their “Service to Others.” The students selected to be recognized this month are Ava Jones, Julia Gunter, Casey Schaeffer, and Edna Masic.

This month there are co-winners at the elementary level; Ava Jones and Julia Gunter are both in the fifth grade at Quarry Hill Elementary. Ava and Julia were nominated by teacher, Kimberly Dender, who shared in her nomination that Ava and Julia signed up to be Kindergarten helpers this year, supervising a group of younger students on their arrival and dismissal from school. They assisted Ms. Dender in other ways as well, taking the responsibility for logging in Kindergarten students for a computer reading application every morning. According to Ms. Dender, the girls made this job their own, creating a system for tracking students and ensuring that no one missed an opportunity to complete reading work. During lunch and recess, they assisted the Kindergartners in the lunch line, with math games, and filling students’ folders with papers and information that needed to go home. Ms Dender says that Ava and Julia are “bright lights at Quarry Hill” and that she is sure they will share their talents and willingness to serve others at Pennwood Middle School next year.

The middle school award recipient is Casey Schaeffer, who is in the seventh grade at Charles

LYFT CHARACTER AWARDWINNERS ANNOUNCED

• Delaney Weed, 10th grade, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program, Villanova University

To learn more about Dr. Lendo and how to apply for a Fellowship, please visit www.pennsburysd.org > Community > Foundations > Pennsbury Education Foundation > Fellowships.

Boehm Middle School. Casey was nominated for this award by Trish Shallenberger, a community member and founder of the charity, “A Soldier’s Hands.” Casey has supported this organization in various ways over the last four years, including running a lemonade stand in the third grade, holding a bake sale in the fourth grade, and holding a kids’ carnival in the fifth grade and again this year. Casey is a straight A student, involved in multiple extracurricular activities, and is known in her neighborhood as a “go-to” babysitter and petsitter. According to Ms. Shallenberger, Casey demonstrates persistence, commitment, leadership, unselfishness, and an ingrained desire to make a positive difference in others’ lives.

This month’s honoree from Pennsbury High School is Edna Masic, a ninth grader nominated by teacher Natalie Spatafora. Ms. Spatafora shared in her nomination that Edna’s service to others includes volunteering regularly at pet adoption events. She notes that Edna is very humble about her volunteer efforts, only offering the information when students were asked what they did over the weekend. Edna is an excellent student, actively participates in class, and completes all her assigned class work. She cares deeply for her family, expressing pride over the prom float her cousin constructed.

LYFT is also awarding a “Character Builder” award this month, given to a teacher, administrator, or staff person who inspires and supports character in students. The winner of the Character Builder award this year is Lynn Holck, a teacher from Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School, who was nominated by staff members, Rosemarie Shire, Kris Bria, Janet Boone, Bruce Perlman, Kim Behrle, and Audrey Wunder. According to the team, Ms. Holck gives all students in her class opportunities to develop their character, acknowledging individual, team, and whole-class accomplishments. She treats every student with respect and dignity, creating an environment and culture that stimulates character development. She herself models good character, speaking kindly to students in any situation and demonstrating calm, care, and concern. By providing



www.pennsburysd.org

Assistant Superintendent Donna M. Dunar, Ed.D. is pleased to introduce the following Pennsbury educators as Demonstration Teachers for 2017-2018: Shawn McElhaugh, Angela Minor, Kristin Slota, and David Woods. “I am delighted to be working closely together next year with these teachers to help inductees and veteran teachers better understand best practices associated with being a professional educator,” said Dr. Dunar. “These individuals distinguished themselves among their peers in the eyes of the selection committee for contributions that they have made to the profession during their time at Pennsbury or may make in the future.” Congratulations to these distinguished teachers!

2017-2018 DEMONSTRATIONTEACHERS NAMED

multiple opportunities to display good character, she is able to reach each learner in her class and have everyone experience success. Ms. Holck is an inspiring mentor and role model to her colleagues as well, who describe her as a grade level quarterback, a fearless leader, and a consummate professional in all she does for her students and her colleagues.

To learn more about this recognition program, call LYFT at (215) 949-1660, ext. 104, or email [email protected].

During the Charles Boehm Middle School book fair held at Barnes and Noble on May 30th, the annual MyFavoriteTeacher award ceremony took place. Boehm student, Graham Sudol, read his winning essay that paid tribute to his teacher, Meaghan McCafferty. Congratulations to both Graham and Ms. McCafferty!

The evening also included poetry readings and various activities for the students, with fifth graders from Boehm feeder schools, Manor, Fallsington, and Edgewood, joining in. There was also a display of

BARNES AND NOBLE HONORSPENNSBURY TEACHER

student art from Penn Valley Elementary on exhibit in the store the same evening.

The MyFavoriteTeacher awards are organized each year by Pennsbury Partner Advisory Board member, Debbi Carr, who is the store’s Community Business Development Manager.

BOArD PArTNErSHIPS & MArkETINg COMMITTEE7:00 p.m., June 14, 2017

Fallsington Elementary School Cafeteria

ACTION BOArD MEETINg7:30 p.m., August 3, 2017

Fallsington Elementary School

ACTION BOArD MEETINg7:30 p.m., August 17, 2017

Fallsington Elementary School

Upcoming MEETINgS

Charles Boehm Middle School student, Graham Sudol (right), honored his teacher, Meaghan McCafferty, at Barnes and Noble Oxford Valley after Graham’s essay won the 2017 My Favorite

Teacher contest.

Come to the Pennsbury Job Fair!

Are you interested in exploring job opportunitiesin the Pennsbury School District?

Full-time, part-time, and substitute positions are available in these categories:

TeachersNurses

Health Room AidesBus Drivers (CDL training provided)

ParaprofessionalsCustodial WorkersClerical Workers

Garage MechanicsSchool Aides

Cafeteria Workers

Stop in during the Job Fair hours to meet Pennsbury administratorsat individual stations. Please bring your resume and come ready to learn

more about these job openings!

Thursday, June 22, 2017 • 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.Pennsbury High School East – Student Dining Room

705 Hood Boulevard, Fairless Hills

Representatives from the District’s substitute service will also be available.

Pennsbury School District1:1 Chromebook Initiative

StartingThe 2017-2018 School Year forStudents in 6th to 12th Grade

Insurance Fee$40 per Student Each School Year

*Includes Protective Case*

Acceptable forms of Payment (Beginning 8/1/17)Cash

Money OrderCredit Card via SchoolCafe ($2 fee per Student)

Economic Hardship Fee$15 per Student Each School Year

Deployment InformationPlease Check the Pennsbury 1:1 Website

Frequently for Updated Information

Please email Questions to: [email protected]

psd1to1.org

cross the istricts report 6 17.pdf · 2 june 2017 • pennsbury school district • fallsington, pa...

Documents