CSD Weekly Update
Friday, March 17, 2023

FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Panther Cub Summer All-Stars Camp
Two years ago, CSD began offering the Panther Cubs Summer All-Stars Program with the goal of closing the achievement gap for students with the highest risk in CSD using ESSER funds.
This four-week program is offered free of charge to students who qualify based on specific criteria. For three hours each day, teachers focus on the skills most important to lifelong academic success: reading, writing, and mathematics. Part of each day is devoted to group work and learning stations. Teachers meet with small groups to differentiate and individualize the learning experience. When students are not working with the teacher in their small group, they rotate among a variety of learning stations that reinforce the daily lessons, promote independence, and encourage problem-solving. Students will be placed based on the end-of-year data/assessed on the first few days of the program to determine summer placement.
In October, the School Board was provided an update showing the results of last year's cohort of students which showed outstanding improvement in student performance from the pre-assessment to post-assessment.
The Panther Cubs Summer All-Starts program last year had over 20% average academic growth for our student participants. The program is becoming an important part of CSD's efforts to combat "unfinished learning" and provide our elementary students with a wonderful 1/2 day of extended learning to strengthen their skills before next school year.
CSD is proud to announce Panther Cubs Summer All-Stars Program is returning for a third summer as well as the introduction of our new communications assistant, Cubby. The video can be viewed below.
New K-5 Reading Language Arts Curriculum
In last week’s CSD Weekly, the Office of Teaching & Learning shared an update regarding the process the district used for selecting a new elementary reading language arts curriculum.
The K-5 Literacy Task Force, facilitated by the Office of Teaching & Learning, led a collaborative group through four strategic phases:
Phase 1: Research & Review
Phase 2: Revise & Recommend
Phase 3: Pilot & Professional Development
Phase 4: Adopt and Implement
Phase 3 was reviewed in last week’s update. For Phase 4: Adopt and Implement, the K-5 Literacy Task Force accomplished the following:
Recommended that the Office of Teaching & Learning move forward for Board approval to adopt Wit and Wisdom for grades Kindergarten through 5th Grade.
At the March 14 School Board meeting, the Board of School Directors voted unanimously to approve the adoption of Wit & Wisdom as the new Tier I K-5 language arts program, with full implementation planned for the 2023-24 school year.
The adoption of this curriculum includes:
A 5-year license for a K-5 literacy program aligned to PA Core Standards and the Science of Reading (now required by PA law, House Bill 2045)
Student consumable workbooks
Student digital platform access
Classroom core texts
Teacher instructional materials
Teacher digital platform access
Multi-year professional development for teachers
For additional information regarding Wit & Wisdom, please access these publisher-provided resources:
Families of elementary students:
please anticipate additional communication regarding full implementation of this new curriculum.
Snow Make-Up Day - March 20, 2023
As a result of the inclement weather day on December 23, 2022, which was a scheduled early dismissal, the day will be made up this Monday, March 20, 2023. It will be a half-day.
CENTENNIAL HIGHLIGHTS
I Won't Grow Up, I Won't Grow Up
Peter Pan Jr's flight into the Klinger auditorium was a huge success. The students sang and danced all the way to Neverland and back. Students spent countless hours practicing songs and rehearsing scenes to pull off this spectacular event. The superb scenery transported the audience to the Darling Nursery, the lost boys hideout and finally Captain Hooks ship where he plunged off the stage (onto an awaiting mat) to escape the evil crocodile. Peter Pan saved the day with Captain Hook's demise. Thank you to everyone involved in helping to make this production one that the students will never forget!
Midterms Never Tasted So Good!
For the students midterm performance assessment in the WTHS Gourmet class, students had to create a menu that consisted of a beverage, an appetizer and a dessert. The students had some restrictions to follow during their planning process. They had to include a food item that was gluten free, a Cinco de Mayo themed item and a beverage. The students were given one day to create the menu, plan out the preparation of their meals, and create a market order for their menu. They had one day to prepare the three items and then on their assessment day they had 45 minutes to plate the food. They were judged by their parents, administration, and teachers, who then voted for their favorite items. The students were graded on their application, presentation, sanitation and time management skills. The top four items will be prepared for everyone to try at Showcase Night on Friday, May 5th at 7:00pm.
Log College's Annual Gym Night
The Annual Gym Night held at William Tennent High School is an exciting event for the 7th-grade students from Log College. This event features a variety of fun activities, including basketball games, lip-syncing battles, and much more. Students get to compete against each other in a friendly and competitive environment while also enjoying music, snacks, and refreshments. This event provides an opportunity for students to showcase their skills and have a great time with their peers. Overall, the Annual Gym Night is a highly anticipated event that students look forward to every year.
March Madness at Klinger Update
Here’s your update on Klinger’s March Snack Madness! Round 2 voting had some interesting outcomes with Twix and Oreo having a tie. Both snacks moved onto the third round and went up against Skittles. It was a close competition between the three, however, Skittles came out on top! Third-round voting gave our Elite 8 snacks:
Family and Consumer Sciences Classes at WTHS
The Child Development class works with students and classes every Wednesday throughout the year at McDonald Elementary. This week, the students were proud to finally finish a 300 piece puzzle they have been working on together for the last month. This partnership with McDonald Elementary provides students the opportunity to work with and teach school-aged children, to gain practical experience in the childhood setting, to relate content discussed in class, and to study how children between the ages of 5-10 develop physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. This opportunity also provides a framework for those who want to work in the childcare industry, the medical field, or in education.
Debate Team
Seven members of William Tennent's Speech and Debate Team participated in the Warminster Rotary Club's Four-Way Test Speech Contest on Tuesday evening. Congratulations to sophomore Nicholas Mento who captured 1st Place and has advanced to the regional speech competition! Senior Skylar Cataldi came in 2nd Place and sophomore Josef Fontanos came in 3rd Place. Special thanks to the Warminster Rotary Club for supporting our students and providing them with this opportunity to showcase their talents to our local community!
WTHS Blood Drive
This week, the WTHS Key Club held their Spring Blood Drive and achieved great success. There were over 100 donors and 83 units of blood was collected. Our students helped to save approximately 250 lives. Several students were first time donors and had a great experience. William Tennent's Key Club members volunteered their time to make sure the event ran smoothly. Everyone did a fabulous job and thanks the Red Cross for their involvement in this event.
Klinger's Baking Club Makes Harry Potter Themed Delights
The 7th and 8th-grade baking club created some amazing desserts this week inspired by a Harry Potteresque recipe. Students worked hard baking their Sorting Hat Cupcakes. The vanilla cupcakes were filled with butterscotch buttercream that was colored to represent each house at Hogwarts. They were then topped with more butterscotch frosting and a sorting hat. The cupcakes were mixed up, so each student was surprised to reveal what house they were in!
Calling All Scholars!
William Tennent High School hosted a college fair on Thursday, March 16, that hosted more than 70 colleges and universities. The fair, which was attended by students and families, was a great opportunity for students to learn more about the various college options available to them.
Representatives from each institution set up tables to showcase their respective schools, allowing attendees to gather information about the admission process, academic programs, campus life, and financial aid opportunities. The fair also provided students with a chance to ask questions and interact with college representatives face-to-face.
Southampton Kiwanis Students of the Month
Congratulations to WTHS students recognized as the Southampton Kiwanis Students of the Month for March. The criteria for which the students are selected by the Southampton Kiwanis are the student must be a resident of Southampton, the student is involved in school and community activities, and the student must display academic achievement. Congratulations to Emma Torok, Grade 12; Rishi Dadlani, Grade 12; Katrina Puls, Grade 11; and Brielle Prutzman, Grade 11.
MBIT and HBA Team Up for a Successful Career Fair
The Middle Bucks Institute of Technology (MBIT) and Home Builders Association of Bucks and Montgomery Counties (HBA) recently teamed up to host a career fair for MBIT students, and the event was a resounding success. Held at the Middle Bucks campus, the career fair provided students with the opportunity to connect with local industry partners and learn more about potential career paths.
Social Emotional Academic Learning in CSD
Dr. Nicole Kelly, Principal of Willow Dale Elementary and Ms. Michelle Gill, Social Emotional Academic Learning Coordinator, sat down to discuss the role of SEAL in Centennial and what it looks like in our Elementary Schools. Ms. Gill also had the opportunity to be a guest reader to the children, in a book that reflects how SEAL may look to elementary students.
In alignment with the mission, vision, belief, and values of Centennial School District, we are continuing to prioritize students' Career Ready Skill development and wellness. Take a look at these resources to learn more:
ENGLISH LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT (ELD)/INCLUSIVE PRACTICES
My Story
Shout out to William Tennent High School teachers Theresa Trageser and Molly Bovard, and their amazing English Language learners who shared their stories and experiences about what it is like to be in ELD, things they miss about home, and things they love about being here at Centennial. This video production will continue filming and capturing the stories of our ELD students and teachers!
March - Women’s History Month
Women's History Month is an annual declared month that highlights the contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society and runs between Wed, Mar 1, 2023 – Fri, Mar 31, 2023. Many of our CSD buildings, libraries, and student equity groups will be celebrating the contributions of women throughout the month by creating interactive bulletin boards, morning announcements, videos, and fun facts.
Morning Meetings at McDonald
All students were included in Mrs. Haney’s morning meeting where students were invited to share the things in their lives that are “big” feelings and “small” feelings. The sense of belonging, engagement, and community of Mrs. Haney’s class was evident from the moment students came into class to the moment they left. Way to go Bulldogs!
Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide and by many of our CSD students as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community. This year, Ramadan will begin in the evening on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 and end on Thursday, April 20, 2023. Ramadan lasts between 29 - 30 days and it always ends with the arrival of Eid al-Fitr which translates to ‘festival of breaking the fast’. Eid al-Fitr will fall on Friday, April 21, and end on the evening of April 22.
CENTENNIAL VIRTUAL LEARNING ACADEMY
In the Works
CSD has applied for a grant from the Division of Instructional Quality that will fund expansion of our dual credit program. Currently, CSD partners with Gwynedd Mercy University to offer dual credit in Marketing and Accounting within WTHS. Our new partnership with Bucks CCC already had plans to expand our dual credit offerings with online 100-level courses that provide a natural next step to our current WTHS pathways during the 2023-2024 school year. This grant, if earned, could provide the district with up to $75,000 of support in expanding these dual credit programs. Grant recipients will be informed by month's end. Fingers crossed!
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Subscribe the the CSD Youtube page to see all the great things happening in our district!
ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS
CSD IN THE NEWS
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Behind the Lens Film Festival
The 8th Annual Behind the Lens Film Festival is May 3th at 7 p.m. in the WTHS auditorium. The red carpet entrance begins at 6:30 p.m. Student film entries are being accepted through April 10. Once again students in middle school and high school are invited to submit their work. Films will be judged by industry professionals, including:
- Brad Herman, co-founder of SPACES, Inc. & former DreamWorks animator, whose resume includes Monsters vs. Aliens, and Kung Fu Panda.
- Karin Kelly, the Department Head of Cinema & Television at Drexel University. She has worked on sitcoms including Home Improvement, In the House, and Soul Man.
- Scott Randolph, a local producer and director who has worked on several productions with the Greater Philadelphia Film Office. His work includes producing "Christina Cooks" on PBS, and several documentaries including the award-winning, "The Battle of the Crooked Billet."
- David Raynor, a Philadelphia-based producer of motion pictures, television, and multimedia. His credits include: "Split," "Creed," "Silver Linings Playbook," "Limitless," "The Visit," and "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen."
- Ethan R. Sklar, a producer, filmmaker, and photographer. He founded Blue Eye Visual, a media production start-up. He works with up and coming music artists in the Philadelphia area.
- Neal Wiser, an award-winning screenwriter who began his career in Hollywood at Paramount Pictures and the former Paramount Network Television working on shows such as: "The Watcher," "The Marshal," and "America's Most Wanted." His credits also include working as an Assistant Art Director on the original "Space Jam."
Don't miss your chance to enter! Visit the Behind the Lens Film Festival site for requirements or scan the QR code for more information. Any questions, please contact the WTHS Media Production teacher and Film Festival coordinator, Mrs. Dina McCaffery at mccadi@centennialsd.org.
MARY POPPINS
Support the Arts in Centennial! Come and join us for William Tennent High School's production of Mary Poppins on March 24th & March 25th. Showtimes and Ticket Info are list below.
The Centennial Farmer's Market at Klinger
We invite you to visit the next Centennial Farmer’s Market at Klinger Middle School, Thursday, April 13, 2023, from 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm.
Centennial School District, in conjunction with Bucks County Opportunity Council and Philabundance, is proud to offer a monthly Farmer’s Market. This event is free for families in the Centennial School District that need a little extra assistance at this time.
Klinger Middle School
1415 2nd St Pike
Southampton, PA 18966
Thank you everyone for your continued support. Bring your family and come pick up some fresh fruits, vegetables, and supplies. Hope to see you there. Future dates are April 13th, and May 11th.
IMPORTANT LINKS
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
MARCH
March 20 - Snow Make-Up Day #1 - Early Dismissal Grs K-12
March 24 - Early Dismissal Grs 6-12 Grading Day; Grs K-5 Full Day of School
March 28 - CSD School Board Meeting
APRIL
April 3-7 - All Schools & Offices Closed - Spring Break
April 11 - CSD School Board Meeting
April 25 - CSD School Board Meeting
For the Full Calendar Click HERE.
UPCOMING SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
CSD School Board Meeting (Work Session/Regular Meeting)
- This meeting is public and can be viewed on the CSD Cable Stations or via the CSD Website or YouTube Channel.
- Click HERE for CSD Public Comment Procedure.
Tuesday, Mar 28, 2023, 07:00 PM
48 Swan Way, Warminster, PA, USA
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Start Your Career at Centennial!
Please spread the word that Centennial School District is hiring:
If you know anyone who would be interested in these positions, please have them apply. We offer competitive rates, excellent perks, and benefits, including a pension. For questions, please call 215-441-6000, Ext. 11034.
Please check out our employment website for a complete list of our vacancies. https://www.centennialsd.org/employment
Now Hiring Substitutes
Have you ever considered a job in education? Do you need a flexible work schedule? Why not try substituting?
Open Opportunities:
- Daily Substitute Teachers
- Long-term and Building Substitute Teachers
- Paraprofessionals (Instructional Aides and Personal Care Assistants)
CENTENNIAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION
CENTENNIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT eFOLDER
Every year, more and more people and organizations are turning to our District to help get the message out about various activities, events, fundraisers, etc. The intent of this process is to support student achievement and to provide mutual assistance and benefit through shared information. Our district spends a great deal of time collecting, reviewing, and posting flyers to the District eFolder. The District no longer is posting eFlyers to any social media outlets or the District cable channel. You may refer to Policy 913 for additional information.
Please click on this link to connect with all the community eFlyers of the month
Centennial School District
Email: info@centennialsd.org
Website: www.centennialsd.org
Location: 48 Swan Way, Warminster, PA, USA
Phone: (215) 441-6000
Facebook: facebook.com/centennialsd
Twitter: @Centennial_SD