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All Pennsbury schools will be closed this Monday, October 24 in observance of Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights. We would like to wish a happy Diwali to all of our Pennsbury families who celebrate!

Today, the students of Quarry Hill Elementary had the opportunity to learn about Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights. Presenters Krupa and Dishant Patel taught everyone about the history and traditions of the holiday, and the different ways people celebrate each year. Students also got to watch some educational videos, including an animated cartoon telling the story of Diwali, and a time lapse showing the creation of Rangoli sand art, a traditional part of Diwali celebrations. After the presentation, students got to create their own version of a Diya, which is an oil lamp that is lit during Diwali to symbolize prosperity in the new year. Thank you to Quarry Hill teacher Kimberly Dender, and Pennsbury parents Krupa and Dishant Patel, Jigna Patel, Omarpreet Kaur, Meis Ibrahim, and Mariam Whitlock for making this educational event possible.

Happy Birthday to Afton Elementary School! Afton, a National Blue Ribbon School, opened its doors in the fall of 1997. A dedication ceremony was held on Friday, October 24,1 997, in a beautiful ceremony that featured guest speakers from the Philadelphia Phillies, former Philadelphia television personality Gene London, the Pennsbury High School Marching Band, and a host of dignitaries. Students and staff celebrated today, wearing black and orange and proudly showing their school spirit!

Navigating public transportation was the focus of a lesson for students enrolled in Pennsbury's More Opportunities for Student Training (M.O.S.T.) program. SEPTA paid a visit to Pennsbury High School West on October 19 to help teach students about proper bus etiquette, how to plan their bus route, how to pay for their bus ride, tips on being a safe rider, and more.

The SEPTA visit was planned in collaboration with TMA Bucks, a non-profit organization that provides leadership and advocacy for transportation management services and solutions that impact Bucks County. Thank you to SEPTA occupational therapists Catherine Fleming and Amy Raphael for showing our students the ropes!

The M.O.S.T. program is Pennsbury School District's 18-21-year-old program that changes the focus from academic credits to post-secondary outcomes. Employment and independent living are the focus of the program through functional curriculums and authentic experiences in our community.

Forty-seven students were inducted into the National Honor Society at Pennsbury High School on Friday, October 21. Family members came out in support as the student pledged to uphold the four pillars of the NHS - scholarship, service, leadership, and character. The ceremony was led by NHS advisor Tara Bellman, and NHS officers Katelyn Baik, president; Riya Lakhani, vice president; Jos Raj, secretary; Lily Erodgan, parliamentarian; Vinnay Belagodu; treasurer; Abigail Wesolowski, historian; and Stephanie Adamousky, public relations. Principal Meadows was also in attendance, along with Dr. Tom Smith, superintendent of schools, Dr Theresa Ricci, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, and school board members Linda Palsky and Dr. Joanna Steere.

To be inducted into the NHS, students must meet the following criteria:

Scholarship

Per national guidelines, at a minimum, students must have a cumulative GPA of 85, B, 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or equivalent standard of excellence.

Service

This involves voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation.

Leadership

Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, and idea contributors. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others.

Character

The student of good character is cooperative; demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability; shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others; and generally maintains a clean disciplinary record.

Congratulations to the following students:

Casey W. Alexander

Daniel M. Awadalla

Lilyann C. Bartos

Emma Bickel

Juliana Ellen Bielawsky

Christopher Birkenstamm

Ralphene Brapoh

Timothy Bria

Lillian Kacy Carlson

Jessica Daley

Charles Darrington

Maxwell J. Donaghy

Alyson Epperson

Lorelei R. Graffius

Shawn P. Gray

Emily Huang

Alexa Laborde

Jillian Lanctot

Margaret A. Lloyd

Gianna Longo

Lourdes E. Moore

Jacob Moreno

Janki R. Namboodiripad

Anuja J. Nanavaty

Miranda Newton

Joshua Oladele

Alexa Pagonis

Khushi Patel

Gabriel R. Peralta

Madison Pinar

Peyton Prendergast

Jessica T. Quach

Alexa Ramos-Gutierrez

Camille Roi Padilla

Peyton L. Scratchard

Anna Shin

Shiven Singh

Rhea Slaughter

Nathaniel J. Smith

Seraphine Solor

Kelci P Sonnon

Emily K. Sryfi

Caroline A. Tolbert

Angeline R. Tyler

Grace A. Venkatesulu

Camille Wallace

On Monday, October 17, Pennsbury High School’s chapter of the National Business Honor society was proud to induct thirty-eight new members. These students were recognized for their academic achievement, leadership, and overall character. Many of these juniors and seniors plan to major in business-related disciplines in college. Eleven seniors were recognized for achievement in advanced (AP and Honors-Level) business courses. They received nationally recognized curriculum certificates for their pursuit of a rigorous, business-focused program of studies throughout high school. Congratulations to the following students:

Abigail Aidee

Ahtesham Alvi

Sriya Amineni

Reva Arun

Katelyn Baik

Laura Bezio

Owen Block

Jacob Bogdan

Sam Bortnichak

Tim Bria (National recognition for AP/Honors Marketing)

Anthony Chirichella

Maya Chojnowski (National recognition for AP/Honors Marketing)

Daniel Cohen

Eric Donovan

Jackson Duncan (National recognition for AP/Honors Business Administration, Finance, and Marketing)

Lucca Frederico

Braxton Furiness

Dominic Gentile

Connor Given

Matthew Hicks (National recognition for AP/Honors Business Administration & Accounting)

Shaiden Jahanbini

Neda Jonaitis

Jake Kanoff

Kendall Kealey

Tyloer Kocak (National recognition for AP/Honors Marketing)

Ava Kusler

Luke McKeon

James Bryce Mosmen (National recognition for AP/Honors Accounting, Finance, and Marketing)

Dina Nguyen

Jack Nichols

Shivani Parekh

Mahi Patel

Vaunsh Patel

Peyton Prednergast (National recognition for AP/Honors Business Administration)

Landon Pevzner

Ian Pollack

Amanda Qu (National recognition for AP/Honors Finance)

George Rittenhouse

Skylie Sandy

Aneesa Shaik (National recognition for AP/Honors Business Administration and Marketing)

Ava Storlazzi

William Taylor (National recognition for AP/Honors Marketing)

Camille Wallace (National recognition for AP/Honors Accounting)

Earlier this week, students at Edgewood Elementary School participated in a school-wide brain break called "Jam on the Hill." The annual event, is hosted by physical education teacher Joe Gallo and reading specialist Kaitlyn Hall. The school's FuelUp to Play 60* student ambassadors lead their fellow schoolmates in a series of physical activities to wake up the mind!

*Fuel Up to Play 60 is the nation's leading youth wellness program empowering students, parents, and educators to work together to build healthier communities.

Students at Afton Elementary School recently learned about energy efficiency thanks to PECO and The National Theatre for Children (NTC.)

Energy Endgame is a live performance that presents educational content in a creative, engaging way. The show follows video game designer Heironyma Tru, whose new game is about to be released until the power suddenly goes out at her company GameCo. The nefarious internet Troll may be to blame. Hieronyma sets out to learn about energy efficiency and get power back and running at GameCo.

The performance was interactive, and students took part, offering suggestions on how to conserve energy. Teachers also received digital games and activities to share with their students, reinforcing the important concepts presented during the show.

Thanks to PECO for sponsoring this energetic, informative, free program!

Congratulations to the Pennsbury-LYFT Character Award winners for October. Justin Radcliff of Penn Valley Elementary, Drew Wiggins of Afton Elementary, Elise Rubacha of William Penn Middle, and Addison Blumberg of Pennsbury High School were honored at the Pennsbury School Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, October 20 for embodying the character trait of respect. Click here to read more.

The purpose of the Pennsbury-LYFT Character Award is to recognize and reward students who embody exemplary character traits and behaviors. Each month, students are nominated by teachers, staff, or administration, and the winners are selected by LYFT and other community partners. LYFT is a group of volunteers, individuals, and organizations throughout the community that shares the common goal of strengthening and supporting Pennsbury students.

Students from Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School proudly represented their school at this month's School Board Action Meeting. Fifth grade students James Jung, Ella McCormick, Teddy Frost, and Arslaan Choudry 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 Board of Directors. View ER's presentation by clicking here.

Pennsbury Thespians attended a student matinee of EVITA at the Bucks County Playhouse on Thursday, October 20. They got to see a piece of musical theatre history portrayed in a new way with an extremely small cast. After the show, they attended a talk back with the cast. Students were amazed at the short two week rehearsal period, the amazing design, and the more than 15 costume changes for the lead role. They received advice from the cast with the biggest takeaway being “get as much experience and training as possible. Never stop learning!” Pennsbury Thespians are thankful to the Pennsbury Drama Parents for helping fund their theater visit and to their teachers and principals for their continued support of the arts!

First grade students at Oxford Valley Elementary recently paid a visit to the Fairless Hills Fire Station to learn about fire safety. Students had the opportunity to meet some of our local fire fighters and even see their tools and firetrucks up close!

At Walt Disney Elementary School, the Tullytown Fire Company stopped by to help with a recent school-wide fire drill. Firefighters also spoke to pre-k and kindergarten classes about fire safety. Students learned what to do in the event their clothes caught fire, saw a firefighter in full gear, and took a tour of a firetruck!

Thank you to both fire stations for taking the time to teach our students about these important safety precautions.

Keep the PEACE is an existing school-wide initiative that was designed to support and reinforce positive student behavior. PEACE is an acronym for Persevere and Grow, Embrace Diversity, Advocate for Self and Others, Cultivate Relationships and Exemplify Kindness. This school year, we introduced three positive behavior expectations to promote PEACE. Also known as PHS, the three positive behavior expectations are Prioritize Safety, Have Respect for Self and Others, and Strive for Success.

As part of their school-wide positive behavior program, students who are observed Keeping the PEACE at PHS are awarded a PEACE point by any high school faculty or staff member. During the short month of August and all of September, 64 students were awarded PEACE points.

William Penn and Charles Boehm Middle Schools students were awash in various shades of pink this week for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As a sign of solidarity and to raise awareness for the fight against breast cancer many students and staff dressed in pink from head to toe!

This November, Pennsbury High School's Thespian Troupe 830 will be performing murder-mystery comedy thriller Clue: On Stage, a stage adaptation of the 1985 cult classic film. Click here to read the full press release.

Pennsbury High School West - Orange Auditorium (The Cave)

Friday, November 4 at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 5 at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets $10 for adults, $5 for students. Click here to purchase! Cash only at the door.

The world-famous Harlem Wizards are coming to Pennsbury on December 3, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.! This fun-filled, family event is open to the entire Pennsbury community and all proceeds from the evening will benefit the Pennsbury Education Foundation. Tickets are now on sale! Click the link below to purchase.

The Pennsbury Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) committed to supporting the best possible curriculum, instruction, and programs for all Pennsbury students. Click here to learn more about the PEF.

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:

residency@pennsburysd.org

(215) 428-4100 ext. 84777 (TIPSS)

Please click here for more information.

Free breakfast is now available to all Pennsbury students. The Universal Free Breakfast Program will run through the end of the 2022-23 school year. More than 1.7 million Pennsylvania children enrolled in public schools, intermediate units, charter schools, career and technology centers, and childcare institutions that participate in the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs will benefit from this state-funded program.

November 7 - How to Help Your Child Manage Emotions
March 6 - Anxiety: How Caregivers Can Help

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. If you are interested in attending meetings, please fill out this interest form.

Their next meeting will be Thursday, November 17 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

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.

Please click here for more details

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).

Click here to visit the Pennsbury School District's E-Flyers Page. On this page, you will find flyers that represent current or ongoing announcements of interest to Pennsbury students and families. 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.

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.

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.

Click here to submit an anonymous tip.

The Nutrition Group is now hiring! Positions include Food Service Workers, Cooks, and Kitchen Managers with rates from $13-$15/hr. 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"!

tsmith@pennsburysd.org

215-428-4111

Email: publicrelations@pennsburysd.org

Website: www.pennsburysd.org
Location: 134 Yardley Avenue, Fallsington, PA 19058
Phone: (215)-428-4100