Pennsbury On Point
April 28, 2023
April 28, 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.
Pennsbury Staff Members of the Year Honored at School Board Meeting
Congratulations once more to the 2022-2023 Educators and Support Staff Professionals of the Year! All winners were honored at the most recent Pennsbury School Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, April 20.
This year, honorees were surprised with the announcement of an overall District Support Staff Professional and District Educator of the Year. Congratulations to:
- District Educator of the Year - Brian Doron
- District Support Staff Professional of the Year - Theresa Mangone
Pennsbury Students Recognized for Integrity
Congratulations to this month's LYFT Character Award Winners! Students Dillon Brady, Arya Zadnik, Veronica Zadnik, and Ashley Makovsky were honored at the Pennsbury School Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, April 20, 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 April was Integrity. Adam Revness, a winner of March’s Safety LYFT award, was also honored at the meeting. Click here to read the full press release.
Afton Students Present to School Board
Students from Afton Elementary School proudly represented their school at this month's School Board Action Meeting. Fourth-graders Avery Cumberland, Jack Fitch, and Ahmed Kareem, joined by Principal Joseph Masgai and Eileen Koch, Gifted Support Teacher updated the school board on all of the exciting events and learning taking place at Afton. Each month, a different school provides an update to the Pennsbury School Board of Directors. Click below to see their presentation.
Come Walk Tomorrow!
Pennsbury's Best Buddies Friendship Walk will be taking place on Saturday, April 29th, at the Middle School campus track! Check-in opens at 9:00 a.m., and the walk begins at 9:30.
Please click here to register for the walk. There is also a link in the form that takes you to the Best Buddies Website, where you can register and fundraise to help support Pennsbury's Best Buddies program!
The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is the leading walk in the country supporting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Since 2009, more than 150,000 participants in 60 cities have walked to raise awareness for inclusion, friendship, leadership development, and integrated job opportunities for people with IDD.
Charles Boehm Celebrates Autism Acceptance
Students and staff at Charles Boehm Middle School celebrated Autism Acceptance on Thursday, April 27 by forming a giant infinity symbol outside of their school. Created in 2005 by neurodiversity advocates, the infinity symbol represents the idea that autism is a lifelong condition that cannot be cured or fixed, but rather accepted and embraced. Thanks to Mrs. Dale for spearheading the event!
Fallsington Kindergarteners Are Ready to Change the World
Fallsington Kindergartners celebrated Earth Day by writing about ways they would change the world! They also demonstrated how they would change the world by recycling paper scraps, reusing objects such as water bottles to grow plants, planting seeds in biodegradable pots, and saving electricity by turning off the lights!
Earth Day at Afton!
Afton Elementary was bursting at the seams with Earth Day activities this week! Yogamazia, the Pennsbury Partners Program Business Partner of the Year led yoga sessions for students and school board director Linda Palsky joined in! Students also learned about renewable and nonrenewable resources with the PA Resource Council, Skyped with a scientist, received gardening tips from Chip Taylor, Pennsbury School Board Director, and explored Starbucks' sustainability efforts, and more!
Students also decorated paper grocery bags for ShopRite, another Pennsbury Partner, with Earth Day messages and began work on a mosaic that will be constructed at the school in the future using recycled materials. The staff at Afton would like to thank Kids Care of Pennsbury for their generous donation to help offset the costs of their Earth Day activities.
The Big Sing
The Pennsbury Choral Department was thrilled to return to the Princeton University Chapel for The Big Sing! Families and friends packed the beautiful Gothic Revival-style chapel on April 26 for a night of powerful performances and beautiful harmonies featuring the Pennsbury Middle School Honor Choir, the Pennsbury High School 9th Grade Chorus, Chorale, Treble Choir, Chamber Choir, and Concert Choir. The evening also featured a stunning performance by the Pennsbury Community Chorus.
The choruses performed various works from their extensive repertoire, including songs from Mozart, Handel, Clausen, Pergolesi, and more. The evening concluded with a performance of All Shall Be Amen and Alleluia by James Whitbourn, featuring all the choirs. The piece was commissioned by the Pennsbury High School Choral Music Department and the Pennsbury Community Chorus in 2009 for "The Big Sing."
Mr. James D. Moyer is the Coordinator of Vocal Music for the Pennsbury School District. Ms. Lindsey Strauss is the Choral Director. Mr. Josh Suslak is the Collaborative Pianist and Vocal Instructor. The Middle School Honor Choir is under the direction of Ms. Jordan Dalbenzio.
Congratulations to all of our talented musicians and directors. The evening was a true celebration of music!
Successful Student Theatre Festival for PHS Drama
Pennsbury High School Thespian Troupe 830 was well represented yesterday on the final day of the 2023 Bucks County Playhouse Student Theatre Festival. Originally known as Dramafest for one-act plays, the Student Theater Festival, now in its 55th year, has evolved into a multi–week celebration showcasing talented student performers from all over the region. Students perform on the historic stage, take workshops to develop their knowledge and skills in the arts, and receive feedback from theater professionals.
Pennsbury Thespians presented three one acts - Chairs, The Insanity of Mary Girard, and How I Learned to Drive - and walked away with such awards as Phenomenal Dramatic Ensemble, Spotlight Award for Student Direction, Best Motherly Performance, Outstanding Scene Partners, and Spotlight Award for Featured Actor.
The PHS Drama Troupe will perform these one-act plays on Saturday, May 6, at 7:00 in "The Cave" (Orange Auditorium) at PHS West. Admission is free.
TONIGHT & TOMORROW - The Verdict is in! Or is it...?
Following the closing arguments of a murder trial, members of the jury battle between sympathy and empathy with a potential death penalty verdict at stake. As the jurors try to reach a unanimous decision while sequestered in a room, one juror casts considerable doubt on elements of the case. Personal issues soon rise to the surface, and conflict threatens to derail the delicate process that will decide one boy’s fate.
12 Angry Jurors, adapted by Sherman L. Sergel, is the last mainstage of the school year presented by Pennsbury High School’s Thespian Troupe 830 in the Orange Auditorium at Pennsbury High School West. Show dates are Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online or cash only at the door.
Casting includes thespians: Tim Brachelli, Andrew Capozzola, Evan Capozzola, Meghan Crohe, Cassi Daley, Michael Hartman, Maeve Healey, Janki Namboodiripad, Shaelyn Nuschke, Coral Ramos Saturria, Nate Vereb, Macey Webber, and Scott Wilson. Swings include: Charlie Block, Alex
Harkiewicz, Jason Kaplan, Fae Templeton and Caylee VanVeen
It's hard to believe we are almost in the month of May! 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 on our website.
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!
Other District Events
April 30 - The Yes You Can 5K is this Sunday, April 30. It's a great way to kick-off Pennsbury's Wellness Month and support our school PTOs. If participating in the 5K, remember to enter the event on the Wellness Activity Log.
May 17 is Walk & Bike to School Day. Students who live within walking distance of their schools are encouraged to walk or ride a bike to school with parental permission. Don’t forget your helmet! More information to come.
We are excited to see how our families participate in Wellness Month!
en Plein Air
Pennsbury High School students in Ms. Weber's Art Major I classes visited AOY Art Center on April 24 and 25 to paint Plein Air with local artists and AOY members Renee Eagan, Pat Proniewski, Jo-Ann Osnoe, Dorothy Hoeschen, Donna Sheehan, Anne Gannon, and Bette Sovinee (AOY Director).
En plein air is a French expression meaning "in the open air" and refers to the act of painting outdoors with the artist's subject in full view. Students chose an area on Patterson Farm in Yardley with their viewfinders and painted on-site with acrylics.
The students enjoyed a new experience in art by painting on location and experienced the local treasure of The AOY Art Center located at the historic Janney House on Patterson Farm in Lower Makefield. AOY member and operations assistant Devon John Chebra photographed the students while they worked. Thank you to Ms. Weber and Pennsbury Partner AOY Art Center for this incredible experience!
Photo credit: Devon John Photography
PHS Students Win Awards in Tri-State DisAbility Art Show
Congratulations to Pennsbury High School students Zachary Sryfi and Caroline Lanctot, who won awards in the Tri-State DisAbility Art Show hosted by the Y.A.L.E. School NJ.
Zachary Sryfi won first place in the juried PA high school category for his 3D Architectural Door relief sculpture. Caroline Lanctot placed third in the Art, Mind, Body Category sponsored by the Perkins Art Center for her found object identity project.
Check out the video below for more information on the Tri-State DisAbility Art Show.
Take Your Child to Work Day
Thursday, April 27 was Take Your Child to Work Day. Pennsbury staff throughout the district brought their children along to work with them, giving them the opportunity to see what a day in the life of their parent/guardian is like, and maybe even help out! Here are just a handful of examples:
Eleanor Roosevelt
Charlie Behrle, a freshman at Penn State and a 2022 Pennsbury grad, visited his mother's kindergarten class at ER. The students enjoyed listening to him read a book and helping them throughout the day!
Central Office
Fallsington
Principal Secretary Jennifer Pringle and her son.
Fallsington
Kindergarten teacher Cherie Lynne Kooker and her children. (Click here to view more photos from Fallsington!)
Central Office/Fallsington
Facilities staff member Sandy Pellegrino and her granddaughter.
Charles Boehm Middle School
Do-nut Stress!
Recently at Walt Disney Elementary School, Ms. Becker's first grade students and their buddies from Mrs. Holzerman's third grade class came together for a fun "donut stress" party to kick off the PSSAs. Students worked together to make motivational donuts with sayings such as "persevere" and "best effort" as the sprinkles. The party ended with a special donut treat!
Para Appreciation From Edgewood Elementary
Click below to watch a heartwarming video created by Edgewood Elementary School's Special Education staff to say "thank you" to their incredibly dedicated and talented paras!
Pennwood Life Skills Earth Day Project
In honor of Earth Day, Ms. McLaughlin's Life Skills Class at Pennwood Middle School created a special recycling project. Students worked together to create bird feeders out of recycled materials. This project was a fun way to culminate their unit learning about the process of recycling and its importance.
Art, SPARK, and Literacy Night at Penn Valley
On Thursday, April 27, Penn Valley Elementary School held its Art, SPARK, and Literacy night. Students showed off a variety of their artwork, SPARK projects, and writing throughout the halls and gym of the school. Playing mini-golf, admiring clay snow people, and enjoying an ice cream social made this one special!
PHS Marching Band Honors Area Veterans
On April 24, 2023, the Pennsbury High School Marching Band, also known as the Long Orange Line, performs for area veterans at Parx Casino after returning from the Bucks County Tour of Honor.
"The mission and sole purpose of Bucks County Tour of Honor is to transport United States Military Veterans from the Bucks County area to Washington DC to visit memorials, buildings and other places that promote and represent the ideals of the United States of America." www.buckscountytourofhonor.org
Video credit - Audrey Donaghy
PHS Students Support Efforts to Help Veterans
Pennsbury High School students helped raise nearly $30,000 for Alpha Bravo Canine, a non-profit organization that trains and provides service dogs to help our nation's veterans. The 2nd annual Strolling for Service Dogs was held last Saturday at the Garden of Reflection in Yardley. Dog lovers packed the park with their pups to enjoy the beautiful weather and community vendors supporting ABC's efforts. The cost of training one service dog is $25,000.
Strolling For Service Dogs was the idea of Pennsbury High School student Nicholas Christopher.
Girl Scout Creates Sensory Boxes for Makefield Classrooms
Makefield Elementary School has new sensory boxes in each of its classrooms thanks to the hard work of 5th-grader Madison Obermeier-Price.
Madison developed the idea to create the sensory boxes to complete her Bronze Award, a community service project, for her Girl Scouts Troop. She worked over 11 hours and made 20 sensory boxes for each classroom in the school.
"Sometimes I get stressed during the school day when I have a big test or a very busy day, and I know some of my classmates feel the same," said Madison.
"My sensory boxes have stress balls, textured stickers, affirmation cards, and more. I hope these boxes help our Makefield students learn more, stay calm, and not feel stressed during hard times."
Great job, Madison!
Penn Valley Earth Day Activities
Students at Penn Valley marked their Earth Day with various fun and helpful activities. Third-grade students spent part of the day exploring the Falls Township Park. Back at the school, the Penn Valley Student Council and the Green team joined forces to collect broken crayons that will be repurposed and made into new ones. All classes enjoyed the beautiful weather with picnic lunches. Students, joined by School Board Directors Linda Palsky and Chip Taylor, also helped clean the garden area by collecting the spiky gum balls produced from the Sweet Gum trees. Lastly, the younger students at made signs of encouragement to support the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders who are taking the PSSAs.
Edgewood's Amphitheatre Gets a Makeover!
Edgewood Elementary School's art teacher, Mrs. Aphrodite Crane, has partnered with retired artist and former Pennsbury teacher, Mr. Tony Napoli, to create a theatrical backdrop for their outdoor performance space. Mr. Napoli brought in other artists, both students and staff, to assist in the work including: Mr. Curtis May (PHS teacher), Taylor Drake and Courtney Kalinowski (former EW students), and parent helpers Mrs. Culley and Mrs. Kleish.
Dubbed the Edgewood Amphitheater, this space has been in development since last year, with the successful completion of both a stage and seating, thanks to the crafty work of Scout Benjamin Pulka (PHS Senior). The mural, mirroring the infamous backdrop in downtown Yardley, celebrates Edgewood's mascot and welcomes performers of all ages! Special thanks to the Edgewood PTO for sponsoring this project! The mural is slated to be completed in the coming weeks before opening night!
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.*
Nkengi Guity
"Nkengi, thank you. You are such an amazing friend and great role model. You have done more for me than I could ever ask for. I can't wait to see you shine bright and pursue you dreams. You deserve everything good coming your way. I love you 💜 -Jyssel"
Daniella Zalot
"Ella, We can't wait to see all of the wonderful things you will do. We love you! Love, Mom, Dad, Anna & Gabby"
Shane McGurrin
"Shane, thanks for making your high school career an awesome ride for us. You are a humble, kind, and caring leader and we love you very much! Your future is bright! 🤩 Love, Mom, Dad, Alyssa, Rachel, Ryan, & Baxter 🖤🐾😂"
Marsilio Tufo
Your path has been different and you have worked hard to be the best Marsi Tufo. I am so proud of you, and will always be supporting you as you start this next great chapter and all the chapters that follow. Love you, Mom
Sarah Calderone
"Congrats, Sarah! We are super proud of you! Love, Mom, Dad and Ryan"
Jacob Moreno
"So proud of you and all you have accomplished. Love, Mom and Dad"
Isabella Ruta
"Dear Isabella - You make me so proud! I love you, Amore. -Daddy"
Katie Clampffer
"We are so proud of all your accomplishments! We know your high school years were different because of Covid and virtual learning. Wishing you much success on your Holy Family University journey. Love, Dad and Mom"
Evie Goldstein
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” –Ferris Bueller. Wishing our amazing young lady a crazy and awesome ride ahead! We love you! Mom, Dad, and Dari"
Deadline This Monday, May 1
The Pennsbury Scholarship Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year! All PHS seniors planning to attend college/trade school can apply, and PHS graduates can apply each year they are in school! Click here for more information and to apply.
Tomorrow!
Set up shop and refresh your child's wardrobe at no cost by swapping gently worn clothing! This event is FREE to all Pennsbury families! Click here to reserve your table! Questions? Email Patty Kropp at pkropp@pennsburysd.org.
Lace Up Those Sneakers this Sunday!
Come out on Sunday, April 30, for a healthy, fun, family day in support of Pennsbury School District PTOs! Click the link below to sign up. All proceeds benefit Pennsbury PTOs and the non-profit, Pennsbury Kids.
This Tuesday - Teen Safe Driving ROADeo
TMA Bucks Community Traffic Safety Program is hosting its 3rd annual Teen Safe Driving ROADeo. This FREE event is open to all high school students in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. The event is designed to keep teens safe on the roadway through education, interaction, and fun. Click the link and sign up today!
Save the Date!
The annual Pennsbury School District Art Show is fast approaching. The tradition gives students in grades kindergarten through 12th to display their artistic abilities and works of art created under the guidance of the district's talented and knowledgable art teachers. Mark your calendars and check out student photography, paintings, mixed media, ceramics, and more! The PSD Art Show is May 2-4, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at PHS East Gymnasium.
Do you know a Pennsbury Gold Card holder or older adult in the community who appreciates art? Let know that the Pennsbury Art Department is holding a special PSD Art Show Preview for them on May 3, from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be offered. Spread the word!
This year, the PSD Art Department is excited to our its first-ever District Art Show T-Shirt. The shirt was designed by Ben Pulka, a student at Pennsbury High School. Grab yours today! T-shirts are limited and are on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can order online via this link, or you may pay by cash or check by printing out this order form and returning it to your favorite art teacher or school's main office. T-shirts will be delivered to Homerooms or PHS B-Period teachers prior to the Art Show.
This Thursday - Battle of the Bands at Charles Boehm
Come on out for the Battle of the Bands at Charles Boehm Middle School! Proceeds from the event support the Charles Boehm 8th-grade class! Enjoy a night out with talented Pennsbury musicians!
Holocaust Remembrance Event - Recording Available
The recording of the Holocaust Remembrance livestream event on April 24 is now available.
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, May 18 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).
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.
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