Pennsbury On Point
May 19, 2023
May 19, 2023
Welcome to Pennsbury on Point!
If you have any photos or story ideas you would like to see featured, please email the Public Relations Department at publicrelations@pennsburysd.org.
Class of 2023 Retirees Honored at Monthly School Board Meeting
The Pennsbury Class of 2023 Retirees were honored at the May 18 School Board Meeting. Collectively, these retirees have dedicated almost 1000 years to the students of Pennsbury! We thank them for their outstanding dedication to our students and wish them all the best!
Pennsbury Students Recognized for Leadership
Congratulations to this month's LYFT Character Award Winners! Students Sophia Hunt, Cameron Campbell, Nola Hohman, and Jessica Daley were honored at the Pennsbury School Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, May 18, 2023. The purpose of the Pennsbury-LYFT Character Award is to recognize and reward students who embody exemplary character traits and behaviors. The character trait for May was Leadership. Click here to read the full press release.
Eleanor Roosevelt Students Present to School Board
Students from Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School proudly represented their school at this month's School Board Action Meeting. Fifth-graders Maddison Kandravi, Maggie Kean, Lilianna Lynch, Mikalynn Ratcliffe, and Annabelle Weissgerber, joined by Principal Lisa Follman, updated the School Board on all of the exciting events and learning taking place at ER. Each month, a different school provides an update to the Pennsbury School District Board of Directors.
Walk and Bike to School Day!
The weather was perfect for Pennsbury's Walk & Bike to School Day on Wednesday, May 17. As part of Wellness Month, students who live within walking distance of their school were encouraged to walk or ride a bike to school. Some parents even joined in on the action!
Don't forget to log your bike ride and any other Wellness activities this month! We will celebrate the school with the most entries. And, one lucky student from elementary, middle, and high school will be chosen at random and win a brand-new bicycle, courtesy of The Nutrition Group.
Armed Forces Day Celebration at Penn Valley
Tomorrow, May 20 is Armed Forces Day. To celebrate, Penn Valley Elementary School held an all-school assembly earlier today, led by guidance counselor Arlene Johnson and fourth grade teacher Martin O'Donnell. Active and retired military members were invited as special guests to be honored at this event. Linda Palsky of the Pennsbury School Board kicked off the event by welcoming everyone and thanking Penn Valley's invited guests for their service.
Students sang songs, read poems, performed a ceremonial folding of the flag, and shared interesting facts about the military and its different branches. Students also handed out hand-made red paper poppies to their invited guests. Click here to learn more about the significance of the red poppy flower and its connection to the military.
Students and staff members that had a military family member in attendance presented their special person with a certificate of appreciation for all they have done and continue to do to keep our country safe.
Sea Falcons Make a Splash At International Competition!
The award-winning Pennsbury underwater robotics club, "Sea Falcons" competed in their first international competition at the University of Maryland last Saturday, following the regional competition where they won the community service award.
For this international competition, they joined teams from around the world, including representatives from Dubai, Egypt, China, and New Zealand. They found success again, winning the Sportsmanship Award.
The special award recognized a commitment to fair play, ethical behavior and integrity, and general goodwill to others.
"You would recognize this team by their mascot and friendly team members who cheered on other teams, handed out giveaways to remember them by, and clearly made an impression on a large number of participants. This was their 1st time at the International SeaPerch Challenge, and they noted that "(their) goal was to make internationals a blast for everyone," said event organizers.
To compete, the club designed and manufactured an underwater robot. The bot was maneuvered through an underwater obstacle course. They were judged on a formal presentation, a team video, and robot performance.
This competition was significant as most of the PHS competitors are set to graduate in a few short weeks. During their freshman year, they won a coveted spot in the competition, only to be canceled due to the pandemic. Their freshman advisor, retired Pennsbury Tech Ed teacher John Sanders, joined the students to watch the competition. The students were also supported by their advisor and chemistry teacher Miguel Hermo and his wife, Emma, along with PHS's Falcon mascot, who helped Mr. Hermo lead a big FALCON chant that filled the entire University of Maryland natatorium!
Way to go, Sea Falcons! Thanks for representing Pennsbury, Pennsylvania, and the United States with Pennsbury Pride!
A Day for Professional Development & Staff Wellness
Schools were closed for students on Tuesday, May 17, for Election Day, but teachers were still learning! Staff district-wide participated in a multitude of professional development sessions, everything from curriculum review and creation to Courageous Conversations with the Pennsbury Ally Coalition (PAC.) PAC provides an opportunity for affinity groups (staff of color, LGBTQ, and allies) to connect with colleagues that share similar experiences and backgrounds and learn and build from each other.
The day also included staff wellness sessions focusing on mindfulness, meditation, and physical health. Some of the District's new therapy dogs were also in attendance! It was an essential day of staff collaboration and a reminder to care for one's physical and mental health.
Stop, Drop, & Move at Eleanor Roosevelt
As part of Wellness Month in Pennsbury, Eleanor Roosevelt held Stop, Drop, & Move Day on Wednesday, May 17. Throughout the day, 5th-grade Student Council representatives and officers hopped onto the school's loudspeaker and announced various one minute activity breaks that students did in their classroom. Activities ranged from yoga poses, to a breathing exercise led by Dr. Joanna Steere, Pennsbury School Board Director, to a dance party. Check out the video below to see some of the fun!
Senior Makes Pennsbury Speech and Debate History
Senior Amanda Qu finished second in Informative Speaking at the 2023 National Individual Events Tournament of Champions (NIETOC) held May 12-14, 2023 in Chanhassen, Michigan.
Amanda is the first student from Pennsbury to reach the finals at NIETOC. Her second-place finish for her piece entitled “The Root of the Matter, ” included a $400 scholarship award. Additionally, she placed 9th overall for her Original Oratory category piece entitled “A Change of Heart.” Amanda’s performance at the tournament earned Pennsbury an A1 Sweepstakes award.
NIETOC is a national tournament for Speech events. Participation is secured through a bid system where each competitor must earn a bid by competing in various competitions during the year. This year’s tournament hosted over 1,100 competitors from across the country.
Congratulations to Amanda and her coaches Scott Pollack and Chris Berdnik!
Living History Demonstration at Penn Valley
On Thursday, May 18, 3rd-grade students at Penn Valley Elementary School took a "field trip" to their school's backyard (and on Hat Day, no less!) Robin Moore - author, storyteller, and teacher - demonstrated a Tipi Raising with the help of the students. He also told stories, showed artifacts, and discussed the vast history of the tipi and its many uses. Students also created arrowhead necklaces in their classrooms.
The event is a hands-on living history project where students work as a team to erect a 16-foot Cheyenne Tipi. Robin compared and contrasted how the Lenape Native Americans who lived in Pennsylvania, and the Cheyenne Native Americans who lived in the high plains of the western United States, used the plants and animals in their environment to craft a life based on a respect for everything that is alive.
Robin Moore has been telling stories and conducting educational demonstrations for over 25 years. Tina Schlosser, a member of the Pennsbury Arts Foundation (PAF), was also in attendance for this special day. This demonstration was made possible thanks to the generosity of the PAF.
Fallsington Fun in the Sun!
Fourth & 5th-grade students at Fallsington Elementary School celebrated the end of the PSSAs with a fun luau! The gorgeous weather provided a beautiful backdrop for a fun time with friends.
Barre3 Visits Afton for Wellness Month Activity
Today, Afton Elementary School's SPARK teacher Kristin Slota collaborated with Barre3 Studios to provide students with a fun Wellness Month Activity. All Afton fourth-graders joined instructors Lauren Ziel and Alyssa DeLange for a fun workout class combining strength, cardio, mindfulness, and fun! Students were able to listen to fun workout music, release some energy, and then wrap up with some quiet and relaxing mindfulness exercises. Students and staff alike had a great time participating. Thank you, Mrs. Slota and Barre3!
Bravo! Bravo!
The Pennsbury High School Drama Department held its annual red carpet event, Dessert Theatre, at the "Cave" at PHS West on Saturday, May 13.
The evening is a swan song for seniors and featured student musical and theatrical performances. The event concluded with the induction of 24 new members to PHS's International Thespian Troupe, an Honor Society for the Dramatic Arts.
The Pennsbury Drama Department is open to all students and offers a full year of theatrical productions for actors and technicians. Activities are held year-round and include the fall drama, PA State Thespian Conference, the spring drama, Dessert Theater, DramaFest, A Night of One-Acts (usually student-directed one-act plays), and the International Thespian Conference.
Congratulations to the inductees!
9th Grade
Charlotte Block
Fae Templeton
Nate Vereb
10th Grade
Ty Decker
Alex Harkiewicz
Juliet Labrecque
Toria Porter
Ryan Leventhal
Rosie Reeves
11th Grade
Timothy Brachelli
Evan Capozzola
Haley Eliason
Maeve Healey
Jaymes Lewis
Amanda Marion
Ava Mascio
Gianna Mathas
Coral Ramos
Delaney Ryan
Lucas Weng
Caylee Van Veen
Annamarie Radzinski
12th Grade
Janki Namboodiripad
Jillian Lanctot
PHS Career & Job Fair
Pennsbury High School hosted its annual Career & Job Fair on May 10. Nearly 50 companies and organizations participated, allowing students to explore employment and volunteer opportunities. Representatives from Pennsbury's Office of Student Services were also on hand to process student work permits.
Participants included:
FVHD Architects – Planners
American Pool
Chick-Fil-A - Oxford Valley Road
Bucks County District Court 07-1-10 – Magisterial District Judge – The Honorable Jan Vislosky
Bucks County School of Beauty and Culture
PA State Judiciary – Magisterial District Judge – The Honorable Corryn L. Kronnagel
YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties
Dr. James Riesenberger DMD MSD
Falls Township Fire Marshal
Falls Township Police Department
Kaman’s Art Shoppes, Inc
Lower Bucks Dog Training Club
Pennsylvania State Police – Trooper 1st Class Yao-Ming Chen
Lower Makefield Township Police
McCormick Taylor, Inc.
Keller Williams – Ellen Petri, Realtor
Office of State Representative - Perry Warren
Pennsbury Scholarship Foundation
Pennsbury School District – Transportation and Bus Garage
Pennsbury School District – Human Resources Department
Sesame Place
Shop Rite
Snipes Farm & Education Center
ESS – Education Solution Services
The Nutrition Group
Falls Township Parks and Recreation
Yardley – Makefield Fire Company
Falls Township Fire Company
Penn Community Bank
Liberty Coating Company
Sam’s Club
Career Ready Bucks – Teaching and Learning Specialist
KidsCare
Lincoln Investment – Alexis Cain, CFP
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County
PA Career Link Bucks County
Fox Pool Management
Happy Teeth – Pediatric Dentistry
Six Flags Great Adventure
Hussian College
Bucks County Intermediate Unit – Extended School Year
Falls Township Parks and Recreation
Time for Jazz!
Please join us tonight for the 55th Annual Jazz At Pennsbury! The show begins at 6:00 p.m. in the Pennsbury High School East auditorium (705 Hood Boulevard.) Featured tonight are the Pennsbury Concert Jazz Band, Pennsbury Jazz Ensemble, Charles Boehm Jazz Band, Pennwood Jazz Band, and the William Penn Jazz Band. This year we will have a special performance from the Pennsbury Faculty/Alumni Jazz Band. You will not want to miss this night! We hope to see you there!
Karate Time!
At Penn Valley Elementary School, Special Education Teacher Kathleen Buff ran an after-school karate program on Tuesday afternoons in April and May. On the last day of the club, the students got to participate in a board breaking ceremony. Students had a great time learning and practicing together!
Where Does the Water Go?
Fifth-grade students from Afton Elementary School paid a visit to the Lower Bucks County Joint Municipal Authority this week for a wastewater treatment plant tour.
The students were accompanied by Gary Sanderson, vice president of the Pennsbury School Board of Directors and Dr. Smith, superintendent of schools. They gained first-hand knowledge of what happens to water when they flush a toilet or use a sink.
The students walked the grounds and facilities as Mr. Sanderson explained the various processes that wastewater goes through once it reaches the plant before ultimately being put back into the water cycle.
The students were fascinated by the process, which involves the removal of debris before the water moves to sedimentation tanks, followed by another set of tanks where bacteria are used to remove any remaining organic waste. Mr. Sanderson explained the importance of constantly testing the water to ensure the bacteria levels are at optimal levels to get the job done. Too much or too little bacteria can hinder the process. Once the bacteria has done its job, the water is treated with chlorine before it is piped three miles from the plant to the Delaware River and returned to the water cycle.
There's An App For That!
Download the new FREE, Pennsbury School District App today and receive important alerts, news, and information. Customize your app experience and follow specific schools, calendars, lunch menus, and more! Available for FREE in the App Store and Google Play.
Apple (iOS) - Click Here to Download
Android (Google Play) - Click Here to Download
Tomorrow - Food Truck Festival
Come one, come all to the annual Pennsbury High School Food Truck Festival to support the Class of 2023's Senior Prom, Prom to the Eighties! This year's event will be held on Saturday, May 20, from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., in the PHS East parking lot in front of the "Noodle." (705 Hood Boulevard)
We are excited to have the following trucks serving food this year:
- Awesome Little Cupcakes
- Blendlife
- Humpty Dumplings
- Menagerie Foods
- Rooster and the Chick
- Tot Rod
- Kresha Kreations
- United Crepes of America
- Hungry Moon
- Rita's Water Ice - New Falls Road
The Pennsbury High School Jazz band will provide the entertainment, so bring your chairs and enjoy good food, music, friends, and a great time!
Save the Date!
Pennsbury High School's Senior Prom is Saturday, June 3. This year's theme is Prom to the Eighties! Tickets will be on sale May 23-25 from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. in the PHS East Cafeteria. Tickets are $130 each. All attendees must be under 21 years of age and are subject to all Pennsbury Student Code of Conduct Policies.
The public is invited to tour Prom to the Eighties from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 3. The Prom Parade begins at 5:15 p.m.
Prom Help Wanted
It takes a village to make the BEST PROM IN AMERICA! Stop by and help out at one of the upcoming Staff & Family Community Nites.
Tomorrow - For the Kids!
Pennsbury High School is hosting its annual Mini-THON on May 20. While the event itself is only open to students, the community is welcome to support their efforts to raise funds for children and families battling pediatric cancer. Please click here if you would like to donate.
Event organizers would also like to invite any Pennsbury families that have been impacted by childhood cancer to participate in Mini-THON this year. Please complete this Google Form if you are interested.
Pennsbury Senior Spotlights - Class of 2023
Pennsbury is sharing "Senior Spotlight" social media posts for graduating seniors on the district's Facebook and Instagram pages. Posts include a picture of the senior, along with a custom caption.
Click here to fill out a Google Form so you can have your Pennsbury High School senior featured in our Senior Spotlight! *Only one post per senior, so please confer with other family/friends before submitting. A form must be submitted for a senior to have a post.*
Justin Marlin
""School is Important but Hockey is Importanter." Congratulations! Proud of you and love you! Mom and Dad"
Elham Maaz
"I am so so proud of you! Always continue to make your family proud. You are UNSTOPPABLE! There is absolutely NOTHING that can stop you from pursuing your dreams. I love you so much! -Ethar (your sister)"
Amanda Johnson
"Amanda, We are so proud of you and can't wait to see what you accomplish next. Love, Mom, Dad, & Dani"
Macey Webber
"Congratulations, Macey, on an amazing senior year. We are so proud of you! The sky is the limit! Love you to the moon and back, Mom, Dad, Meredith and Madison"
May is Pennsbury Wellness Month, and we have some exciting events planned.
District-wide Contest
During May, all Pennsbury students and staff are encouraged to focus on their physical, social-emotional, and nutritional health. Please track your activities on the May Wellness Log.
We will celebrate the school with the most entries. Activities include walking, biking, playing sports, yoga, practicing mindfulness, and making a healthy snack. The possibilities are endless!
Win a Free Bike! One lucky participating student from elementary, middle, and high school will be randomly selected to win a new bicycle courtesy of The Nutrition Group, Pennsbury's food service provider!
We are excited to see how our families participate in Wellness Month!
Safe2Say Something
Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the PA Office of Attorney General. Report a confidential tip to help prevent violence and tragedies.
Pennsbury Parent Academy
The Pennsbury Parent Academy (PPA) is a series of educational programs and presentations offered to Pennsbury parents and guardians to support school success and continued home-school partnerships. The PPA program includes monthly, live in-person and/or virtual programming on a variety of topics to promote parent and guardian community engagement, such as:
- Mental Health & Wellness
- Supporting School Success
- Social Media & Internet Safety
- Diversity & Inclusion
ACP - Bringing Affordable Internet to Families
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service. This new benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail-in application.
You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting www.fcc.gov/ACP, or by calling 877-384-2575.
Join SEPAC Today!
The mission of the Pennsbury School District's Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is to collaborate with administration and parents to facilitate communication, sharing of resources, and offering of support programs. SEPAC strives to improve the experiences and education of all students who receive special education, while promoting understanding, acceptance, and inclusion within the Pennsbury School District. Click here to learn more.
SEPAC holds monthly meetings, and all parents are welcome to join. Their next meeting is Thursday, June 8 at 1:00 p.m. If you are interested in attending, please fill out this interest form.
Confidential Residency Reporting Tip Line
The Pennsbury School District is making a concerted effort to ensure that students who reside within our District boundaries are able to attend the school they are assigned to based on their home address. To help us, we have established a Confidential Residency Reporting Tip Line. If you believe someone is falsifying their student's address to attend the Pennsbury School District, please call or email:
(215) 428-4100 ext. 84777 (TIPSS)
Pennsbury School District E-Flyers Page
Click here to visit the Pennsbury School District's E-Flyers Page.
These flyers represent current or ongoing announcements of interest to Pennsbury students and their families that emanate from local community organizations, sports leagues, scouting groups, and other non-profits. Browse through our gallery!
To obtain approval for a flyer to be posted on the E-Flyers Page, please email your request to Macy Cellitti at mcellitti@pennsburysd.org.
Part-Time Jobs for Students
Click here to view Pennsbury High School's Student Job Board and find local area businesses with open positions. Some positions allow applicants as young as 14 years old.
Click here for information on how to obtain a work permit.
2022-23 Chromebook Fees
The annual required Chromebook fee that allows students in grades 5-12 to take their device home can now be paid online. The price is $40.00 (reduced to $15 for students who qualify for free and reduced lunch). The Chromebook fee can be paid by logging on to PowerSchool through a web browser, not the PowerSchool mobile app. Cash or check payments are also accepted at each school.
Ask Penny
Have a question about Pennsbury? Don't trust the rumors, ask Penny!
Send Penny an email at askpenny@pennsburysd.org, or leave a message at 215-428-4100, ext. 73669 (PENNY).
The Nutrition Group is now hiring! Positions include Food Service Workers, Cooks, and Kitchen Managers with rates from $15 - $17 per hour. The hours are Monday-Friday, school hours only. No nights, weekends, or holidays! Apply today by calling the Nutrition Group office at 215-949-6740 ext. 2, or click here and search for "Pennsbury"!
2022-23 School Calendar
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About Pennsbury
215-428-4111
Email: publicrelations@pennsburysd.org
Website: www.pennsburysd.org
Location: 134 Yardley Avenue, Fallsington, PA 19058
Phone: (215)-428-4100