School Board Snapshots- October
Covering the monthly news of the Pennridge School Board
An Overview of "Snapshots" and its goal
The Snapshot page is intended for a “one-stop shop” approach to the happenings of our monthly school board meetings.
The School Board welcomes you at the meetings and invites you to participate in the meetings' public comment sections.
If you have comments or concerns about Pennridge School Board matters, please e-mail psdschoolboard@pennridge.org.
- Please visit our “Board Docs” page by clicking here for more detailed information, agendas, and policies.
- You can also watch the entire meeting from October 24th by clicking the YouTube video link below. We have also divided the meeting into sections for easier viewing. This link takes you to our 'Ridge Channel' on YouTube where you can subscribe and watch this and all of the Pennridge School Board meetings as well as all kinds of videos made for the Pennridge School District.
Top Stories of October
- Superintendent's Report including recognition of National Merit Scholarships
- Grants awarded through the PCEF
- Curriculum & Policy Committee Report & School Board Decisions
- Going GAGA for Bedminster!
- New Real Estate Tax Laws help new Homeowners.
- ... and more!
Dr. Bolton & Mrs. Cullen honor all five students commended by National Merit
From Left to Right: Dr. David Bolton, Superintendent, Kaden Kwon, Pete Derro, Caroline Bailey, Ava Oliphant, Dylan Bariexca, Mrs. Joan Cullen, School Board President
Ava Oliphant and her family members
Caroline Bailey and her family members
Kaden Kwon and his Mother
Pete Derro and his Family
Dylan Bariexca and his Family
The 5 students stand outside PHS
Click the video below to watch a more in depth video about our National Merit Students
Pennridge School Board Policy Decisions this month
Policy 217- Graduation Requirements
Overview – This policy governs the number of courses and credits required by Pennridge High School students in order to earn a High School diploma. This policy and the specifics of the curriculum were discussed numerous times throughout the month and in different meetings.
Policy 217, Graduation requirements at Pennridge High School, was scheduled for Final Approval at the September meeting. However, the Board decided, by a majority vote of 5-4 to continue the discussion and table the policy for another month.
Throughout the month of September and October, many of the public comment speakers dedicated their time at the podium to this policy. Among them were Pennridge staff members, parents, and students.
Policy 217 remains unchanged.
Policy 217 – Graduation Requirements- Click here for the link to the policy- as of 9/30/22.
Specific discussions on this Policy can be seen and heard at two different meetings in October.
Links to all of the Committee meetings can be accessed and re-watched below.
The PCEF awards more than $6200 in Classroom Grants
Grants approved for more than $6200!
Each year, the PCEF receives applications from PSD teachers and awards grants to help support their classroom excellence.
This Fall, $6231.36 in Grants were approved and are being distributed to nine different teachers for their respective projects.
Emergency Care: First Aid/CPR/AED Course Approved
This course allows them to become qualified first responders who can care for members of our community in emergency situations. This also provides an opportunity to experience a course in the health sciences career pathway.
Unified Physical Education Course Approved
The Unified Physical Education course is structured around the national physical education standards and grade-level outcomes, which include gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain a health-enhancing level of fitness.
Additionally, the class supports the development of leadership skills for all students, and the empowerment of ALL students to foster an inclusive class and school-wide environment. Unified Physical Education courses can be a gateway for further participation in Special Olympics programs and events.
Additionally, schools that have implemented the Unified Physical Education concepts have indicated that their student body has become more accepting of all students, and more apt to celebrate individual differences. Examples include students with and without disabilities eating lunch together, doing activities together on the weekends, and inspiring social change throughout the school.
Civil Service & Military Fitness Course Approved
Many students also pursue careers in Civil Emergency services that require a high level of fitness to fulfill the duties of but are not limited to Police officers, Firefighters, and Emergency Medical Technicians.
This course is available to students in grades 11-12, who anticipate applying for one of the U.S. Military Academies, Police/Fire/EMT academies, or becoming a recruit for a branch of the military after high school, or for ROTC that requires a high-level fitness.
Bedminster is going "Gaga" over this announcement!
The board unanimously approved multiple district facilities projects this month. Among the most notable is the approval of the Bedminster Parent-Teacher Group donating the funds to build a Gaga pit at Bedminster Elementary School.
In addition to the funding, which exceeds $5500.00, the Bedminster Parent-Teacher Group also connected with a Landscaping Company that will donate their time and resources to install the Gaga Pit.
Act 57 of 2022 authorizes a waiver of additional charges for late payment of real estate taxes in certain circumstances
In October, the School Board passed a resolution authorizing the waiver of additional charges for the late payment of Real Estate taxes in certain circumstances to comply with Pennsylvania Act 57 of 2022.
The School District adopts its annual budget on or before June 30 of each year and issues its real estate tax bills thereafter on or about July 1 of each year.
Typically, the real estate tax bills provide for payment by certain dates, however, from time to time there may be errors and/or delays with the distribution and/or delivery system of real estate tax bills and property owners may not receive their real estate tax bills and/or do not receive them in a timely manner.
Act 57 of 2022 amended the Local Tax Collection Law to authorize, in limited and certain circumstances, the waiver of additional charges and other forms of relief for taxpayers’ late payment of the face amount of real estate taxes.
Act 57 of 2022 requires the School District to adopt a resolution to require its real estate tax collector(s) to waive additional charges for real estate taxes, subject to a taxpayer’s compliance with the requirements Act 57 of 2022, beginning July 1, 2023 and each tax year thereafter.
For more information on Act 57 of 2022 from the PSD School Board agenda, click here.
For more information on Act 57 of 2022 from the PA website, you can click here.
About Pennridge School District
Email: dthomas@pennridge.org
Website: www.pennridge.org
Location: 1200 North 5th Street, Perkasie, PA, USA
Phone: 215-257-5011
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PennridgeSchoolDistrict/
Twitter: @PennridgeSD