Sharing Our Strength
Updates & Information for Families During the Closure
A Letter from Superintendent Dr. John J. Kopicki
I hope this newsletter finds our families safe and well. Last week we shared the governor’s decision to close schools for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. With the decision coming just as we approached a “break” of sorts, we have had some time to absorb this difficult news.
As we noted in our earlier communication, we have turned our attention toward long-term planning. Just today, some additional notes on our planning for recognition of our seniors was shared. Once again, we ask our families for their patience and understanding as these important conversations continue.
Despite the disappointments associated with this crisis, our teachers and students continue to share moments of joy, expressions of gratitude, and a great many examples of the ingenuity, innovation, and creativity that are the hallmarks of Central Bucks School District. This afternoon we invite you to enjoy this second edition of our “Sharing our Strength” newsletter, that shines a light on the inspired efforts of our teachers, students, and families.
Also included are reminders of the resources available for individuals who need help and support. We are sharply focused on providing clear, concise communication with our community that conveys important information and expresses our shared sense of Central Bucks pride. For this effort to be successful, we invite our families to continue to share questions and feedback that help us improve our service to you.
Finally, I wish to take a moment to thank those of you who have shared messages of encouragement with our teachers and principals; it means a great deal and lifts our spirits! Please continue to take care of one another and stay safe.
Stay Well,
John
John J. Kopicki, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Distance Learning - Phase 2
Central Bucks schools continue to create opportunities for students to learn and grow through the district's distance learning initiative. Now transitioned to new learning, participation in this virtual program is no longer optional.
Each school has a "Distance Learning" option on their website's main channel bar with resources, information, and links for students and families. Families are encouraged to visit these pages often to see what's new and stay engaged.
While students will be assessed using a PASS/FAIL model, the focus of DLP2 is student learning, not grades. Families are managing work, caring for loved ones, and facing a host of other challenges as we continue to move through the COVID-19 crisis. Home/school communication is more important than ever! If you need help, or if your child is struggling with any aspect of the distance learning initiative, please reach out to your teachers or building principal for support.
Below are some additional quick links for more information. All of these are found in the "School Closure News and Updates" section of our website at www.cbsd.org/covid.
- Emotional and Mental Health Resources
- Community Resources
- Technology Support and Assistance
- Food Assistance
- Questions & Answers
If you have questions, feedback, or wish to request additional information or resources on any topic related to the school closure, distance learning, or other operational area, please send email to Angela Linch at alinch@cbsd.org. Your question will be directed to a resource or promptly addressed.
#WeGotThis #CBDLP
CB Schools Raise $76,136 to Fight Leukemia & Lymphoma
The Eastern Pennsylvania chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society recognized the efforts of Central Bucks schools who took on cancer by participating in the Pennies for Patients fundraising initiative this year.
Sara Thurber, who serves as campaign manager of the society's student series, noted "I want to extend my deepest gratitude on behalf of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – we are celebrating your astonishing work, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you in the future!"
As a result of the efforts of students, faculty, and staff, more than $76,136.33+ was raised this year, to be donated to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in support of their efforts to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve quality of life for patients and their families.
Spotlight on - Holicong Teacher Marykate Blankenburg & Her Daughter Maddy!
Check out all of their posts on Ms. Blankenburg's website. "We have great ideas and we think this could create some really special moments at home," Ms. Blankenburg said, " Stay tuned for the fun!"
Spotlight on - The CB South Chamber Choir!
Messages of Hope and Thanks
In Full Bloom
Students Participate in "Virtual" Coffee House
Music and art teachers across the district have organized virtual celebrations of the arts as planned school events are cancelled as a result of school closures.
One example includes a recent "Corona Coffeehouse" organized by Tamanend Middle School Teacher and Choral Director Ian Sanchez (inspired by Lenape Music Teacher Jaime Rogers). The online concert for his Tamanend Gold n Blues chorus enabled students to have a great time performing for one another and hanging out "virtually." Check out Makayla McClintic's COVID-19 "Tangled" parody!
Spotlight on - Middle School "Positive Driveway Messages"
Every Storm Runs Out of Rain
Dr. Shillingford Chalks the Walk!
A Message of Hope!
The COVID Crisis from a Student's Point of View
Central Bucks High School South Senior Laura Bernert published an opinion piece in The Philadelphia Inquirer capturing her perspective on how the school closure and cancellation of the school year feels for high school seniors. Read the piece on the Inquirer's website here.
Weekly Farmer's Market
April's CB Cares Boomerang Asset is "Reading for Pleasure"
Do you know a young person who reads for pleasure most days of the week, either alone, with family members or friends? Nominate them for April's Boomerang Award!
Public Notice - April 14 School Board Meeting
The April 14, 2020 meeting of the Central Bucks School District’s Board of School Directors WILL NOT take place in person in order to comply with Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s state-wide stay at home order. In accordance with governor’s orders, the April 14, 2020 meeting of the Central Bucks School District's Board of School Directors will be conducted remotely and recorded for public review. Download meeting agenda. An audio recording of the meeting will be posted to the district’s website here within 24 hours of its conclusion. Meeting minutes, once recorded, may be reviewed via Board Docs.
Mark Your Calendars!
CB West Music Department Virtual Recital
- Nadia Przybylski - Movement 1 of Cello Concerto in Bb Major by Boccherini
- Jeffrey Fountain - Morceau de Concours for Trumpet by G. Alary
- Ellie Kuhnle - Where the Music Comes From for Soprano by Hoiby
- Natalie Repper - Giga from Partita No. 2 in D Minor for Violin by Bach
- Natalie Bear - Madrigal for Flute by Gaubert
- Grant Nalty - Non Piu Andrai for Baritone by Mozart
- Dana Zhang - Vocalise for Cello by Rachmaninoff
- Sierra Safran - Fair Robin I Saw for Soprano by Mechem
- Patrick Meeks - His own guitar arrangement of Dolphin Shoals from Mario Kart
Thursday, Apr 16, 2020, 07:00 PM
Virtual - Visit www.cbsd.org/westconcert at 7 p.m. on 4/16!
The Central Bucks School District
Email: alinch@cbsd.org
Website: www.cbsd.org
Phone: 267-893-2073
Facebook: facebook.com/cbschools
Twitter: @cbsdschools