Pennsbury On Point
April 5, 2024
April 5, 2024
Welcome to Pennsbury on Point!
Pennsbury on Point is a weekly newsletter designed to keep the Pennsbury community up-to-date on district news, events, and information. The newsletter is emailed to families weekly and archived on the district's Public Relations webpage.
If you have any photos or story ideas you would like to see featured, please email the Public Relations Department at publicrelations@pennsburysd.org.
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Quick Links
Find details for each link throughout the newsletter!
- Affordable Connectivity Program - Bringing Affordable Internet to Families
- Confidential Residency Reporting Tip Line
- District Emails Archive
- E-Flyers
- Employment Opportunities at Pennsbury School District
- Part-Time Jobs for Students
- Pennsbury Parent Academy - Events & Recordings
- Pennsbury Sports Schedules
- PHS Project Updates
- Remote Learning Information
- Safe2Say - Anonymous Tip Line
- Special Education Advisory Council (SEPAC) - Events and Info
Solar Eclipse Info and Other Reminders
All Pennsbury schools will be CLOSED for students on Monday, April 8, 2024, for a Grading/Staff Development Day.
Also, the Pennsbury Board of Directors recently approved the 2024-25 calendar. This calendar contains changes from the previous version, please review it carefully. You can find the calendar here - https://bit.ly/3Ueg0B3
As you may know, a solar eclipse will occur on Monday afternoon, beginning in our area at 2:08 pm (peak at 3:24 pm). Please view this safe eclipse viewing video prepared by our Science Department - https://bit.ly/3VLa0AJ
Eclipse Resources Compiled by the Bucks County IU:
-Why the 2024 total solar eclipse will be such a big deal - https://bit.ly/3xpjAzd
-What is a Solar Eclipse? NASA Space Place - NASA Science for Kids - https://bit.ly/3Ueg8R3
-Solar Eclipses PBS Learning Media - https://bit.ly/3PPTOdB
-Eclipse Resources - Wakelet - https://bit.ly/3PQeHWe
-2024 Total Solar Eclipse in Pennsylvania (pa.gov) - https://bit.ly/3U4sT0o
-Educational Resources for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse - The National Environmental Education Foundation - https://bit.ly/3U35jRx
-The Solar Eclipse is Coming. How to Make it a Learning Opportunity (Opinion) - https://bit.ly/3xrqofO
-For grades 6-12: Eclipse Webinar - https://bit.ly/3xnQwYK
Pennsbury Awarded Best Community for Music Education
The Pennsbury School District has once again been honored by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) as a "Best Community For Music Education!" (BCME) This year marks the 19th consecutive year the District has received this distinction.
This prestigious recognition highlights Pennsbury's unwavering dedication to providing exceptional music education opportunities for all students.
For the past 25 years, the BCME award has celebrated schools and districts across the nation that prioritize music education as an essential component of a well-rounded academic experience. With over 1,000 schools and districts in 43 states recognized, Pennsbury is honored to be counted among this esteemed group.
This achievement is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our students, educators, administrators, and community members who recognize the profound impact of music on the holistic development of our students. Music education fosters creativity, discipline, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
We extend our deepest gratitude to The NAMM Foundation for this recognition and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that music remains an integral part of the educational experience in the Pennsbury School District.
Let's continue to celebrate the power of music in our schools and communities!
Charles Boehm Teacher Nominated for All-Pro Teacher of the Year
Charles Boehm Middle School science teacher Sandy Metzger was recognized on Tuesday, March 19 at Lincoln Financial Field as a nominee for All-Pro Teacher of the Year. The Philadelphia Eagles/Nouryon All-Pro Teachers program honors 5th-12th grade Philadelphia-area teachers for their commitment to education.
Mrs. Metzger, along with colleagues and family, gathered at Lincoln Financial Field for a special ceremony to recognize and celebrate her achievements and dedication to her students through science and sustainability. As part of the celebration, Metzger received Eagles tickets, a personalized jersey and football, and a grant of $3,000 that she can use to enhance her classroom by providing necessary supplies, implementing innovative programs, and supporting academic initiatives. Kylie Kelce, wife of recently retired Eagles center Jason Kelce, appeared at the event, sharing inspiring words of wisdom and encouragement.
Mrs. Metzger has been teaching science in Pennsbury for 30 years, but her Pennsbury roots run deeper. She is a member of the Pennsbury High School Class of 1988, graduating alongside former Eagles cornerback and PSD alumni Troy Vincent.
In addition to her teacher duties, Mrs. Metzger is a representative for the Pennsbury Partners Program, which connects the school district to community businesses and non-profit organizations to enhance education opportunities and student learning in Pennsbury. She also serves on Pennsbury School District's Sustainability Committee, whose mission is to reduce the District's environmental footprint, conserve resources, decrease consumption and waste, and create green school settings and healthy indoor environments.
Congratulations, Mrs. Metzger!
William Penn Student Wins NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award
Congratulations to William Penn Middle School student Alyssa Thomas for being selected as a National Junior Honor Society Outstanding Achievement Award (NJHS OAA) recipient. Alyssa will receive $500 in a 529 college savings account to be applied toward her higher education. Recipients are chosen based on their demonstrated work to support the five pillars of NJHS: Scholarship, Service, Leadership, Character, and Citizenship. Join us in congratulating Alyssa and her accomplishments!
An ideal applicant for the NJHS OAA will:
- Demonstrate a service mindset by seeking out and voluntarily fulfilling needs to help others.
- Commit to learning, growing, and making the most of educational opportunities.
- Take ownership and responsibility as a leader, in title or in action, in school and community.
- Display perseverance, honesty, integrity, and ethical and compassionate decision-making.
- Exemplify good citizenship through a demonstrated commitment to supporting and bettering the local community.
SPARKtastic!
Check out various SPARK projects, activities, and events taking place at Pennsbury.
SPARK stands for STEM through Perseverance, Application, Resilience, and Kinetic Knowledge.
This Wednesday!
SPARK Professional Development Day with NEED
On Thursday, April 4, Pennsbury SPARK teachers and other STEM faculty attended a one-day professional development opportunity, hosted by the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project. During this workshop, attendees learned about energy in Pennsylvania and throughout the United States, received new curriculum resources, and practiced some great new hands-on activities with Emily from NEED.
Since its founding over 40 years ago, NEED has kept its Kids Teaching Kids philosophy as a fundamental principle of NEED programming – encouraging students to explore, experiment, engage, and encouraging teachers to embrace student leadership in the classroom. NEED trains and assists teachers in harnessing the energy of the classroom, and the energy of students. For more information and resources, visit need.org.
Afton Engineering Design Challenge & SPARK Expo
The inner engineering genius of fifth-graders was revealed during a recent Engineering Design Challenge at Afton Elementary School.
Students crafted teams of skiers and snowboarders using repurposed materials and basic craft supplies to conquer the slopes with unparalleled speed and precision. The mission? Build skiers and snowboarders that can navigate the slope without any extra force, staying on their feet throughout the race. Individual skis and snowboards should not exceed certain dimensions, and competitors must sport helmets, team uniforms, and matching gear.
On competition day, the teams faced off, with only the fastest advancing to the next round, culminating in a final round where finalists raced with no extra force permitted. Fifth grade students enjoyed their time designing, testing, and dominating the slopes!
Join us on Thursday, April 18 between 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. for the Afton SPARK Expo. At this open house, you can see and try out the creations made by the more than 500 students at Afton. Experiment with sinking and floating with kindergarten students, play mini-golf holes designed by 1st-graders, try animal magnet mazes designed and built by 2nd-graders, play games made by 3rd-graders, try marble runs built by 4th-graders, and see 5th grade ski and snowboard teams compete on Afton Alps. You are sure to have fun and leave feeling SPARKletastic!
Eleanor Roosevelt SPARK Expo
Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School hosted its third annual SPARK Expo on Tuesday, March 19. Students in kindergarten through fifth grade had been working on an Engineering Design Project in their weekly SPARK class.
The theme this year was, "Waves of Green: Protecting Planet Earth" to coordinate with ER's One School, One Book, Under the Kapok Tree and the district's goal to be more sustainable. Students developed solutions for real-world problems by designing inventions that they believe could help our planet be more sustainable and green!
Then students constructed prototypes of their inventions using mostly recycled materials. 240 SPARK projects were on display, along with over 50 STEM projects that students created at home. Families and friends of the ER community came out to support and enjoy this wonderful evening celebrating students and STEM.
Twelve Pennsbury High School students also volunteered their time at the expo. In addition to viewing the hard work of young engineers, visitors had the opportunity to test out VEX robots, mice robots, build with K'Nex and Legos, create a parachute and test it out with a wind tunnel, experience a green screen, dive into a jelly bean STEM activity, and explore coding with a local business, Code Ninjas. Children of all ages and grown-ups had a SPARKtastic night celebrating all things STEM!
PHS Students Achieve Recognition at PJAS Regional Competition
Congratulations to the Pennsbury students who achieved first place in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) Region 1C Competition that was held in-person at Cecelia Snyder Middle School on February 24.
PJAS is a program that promotes interest in STEM fields by encouraging students to conduct and present their research, experimentation, and documentation. It also has multiple talent search opportunities, awards, and scholarships to offer. The PJAS program has been operational for the past 86 years and seeks more than 500 participants at the Bucks and Philadelphia County Regional level, and over 3,500 participants at the State level every year.
This competitive program has been available to Pennsbury students through the Science Discovery Club, under the guidance of K-12 Science Curriculum Coordinator, Jamie Swanson, with support from Samarth Mannikeri, President of the Pennsbury Science Discovery Club.
Over the years, many students joined the Science Discovery Club at Pennsbury, of which three participants won first place at the Regional meet this year, and they will attend the State competition to be held at Penn State University from May 19 - May 21. Congratulations to:
- Samarth Mannikeri, Grade 12
- Harshavi Birla, Grade 12
- Meha Koul (PERFECT SCORE), Grade 11
In addition, we would like to recognize Naima Doraiswamy who has competed in the Bucks County Research competition and qualified with her project on The Utilization of Sound Frequencies to Improve Cognitive Impairment. Good luck to Naima as she continues on the prestigious Delaware Valley Science Fair and participates to win a spot to the ISEF International stage.
We wish the team good luck at States!
Eclipse Excitement at Penn Valley
Penn Valley Elementary third-graders are preparing for Monday's Solar Eclipse by writing stories, watching the district-provided safety videos and lessons from the amazing Pennsbury science department, and learning with models of the earth, moon, and sun to demonstrate how the eclipse occurs. Thank you to student teacher, Miss Tobin, for providing the materials for the eclipse demonstration and to the science department for the learning activities. It was so much fun!
M.O.S.T. Program Caters Brunch Event for Pennsbury Staff
On Wednesday, March 20, Pennsbury's Special Education Department invited the entire Administration Building for brunch.
Young adults in the M.O.S.T. program were invited to be catering staff for the event. These volunteers enjoyed the learning and skill-building opportunity. The young adults transferred both their employability skills and independent living skills into the Fallsington Kitchen. Everyone enjoyed the delicious food and great service!
The M.O.S.T. Program changes the focus from academic credits to post-secondary outcomes. It streams the students' IEP goals and breaks them into objectives so that the barriers for post-secondary outcomes can be targeted. Employment and daily living skills are the focus of the program through functional curriculums and authentic experiences in our community.
Middle Schoolers Master March Mammal Madness
Students in Charles Boehm and Pennwood Middle Schools challenged their ecological knowledge with some March Mammal Madness (MMM) brackets. This annual science outreach project pits various species of mammals against each other in hypothetical combat scenarios, and the matchups are decided based on the ecological and physiological attributes of the animals and participants.
MMM aims to engage people of all ages in science, ecology, and conservation by using a creative and entertaining format. The tournament sparks discussions about the natural world, animal behavior, and the importance of biodiversity conservation.
Congratulations to All of our Outstanding Student Athletes!
Pennsbury Girl Scouts Earn Highest Awards
Earning one of the Girl Scouts’ highest awards challenges girls to be their best and develop, plan,
and implement a Take Action project. Silver Award Girl Scouts are making the world a better
place. The Silver Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout Cadette (6th - 8th grade) can earn and
requires a minimum of 50 hours to complete. Nationwide, approximately 10% of registered Girl
Scouts in grades 6-8 earn the Girl Scout Silver Award. In membership year 2023, nine Sandy
Run Girl Scouts earned the Silver Award. All of the Silver Award Girl Scouts will be honored at
an upcoming council-wide ceremony this spring.
Congratulations to Pennsbury students Annie Lordi, Paige Gould, Ora Weinstein, Ana Cheeseman, Sasha Cheeseman, Clare Jordan, Anna Chiang, Julia Fugowski, and Amelie Pegliese!
The Pennsbury School District is partnering with our PTOs, PEA, PESPA, and PASA for a great community event that supports our district's wellness mission. We cordially invite you to join almost 900 family members, district administrators, building principals, teachers, staff members, and students walking and running together in the YesYouCan 5K.
When: April 28, 2024 @ 9:00 A.M. (check-in 7:30-8:30)
Where: Behind Pennwood Middle School
Register: www.YesYouCan5K.com
First time going this distance? You can do it! Here is a link to a 4-week plan and article shared by Tom Stoddart, our K-12 Health and Physical Education Curriculum Coordinator.
Each participant will check a box for a school affiliation. School PTOs will share the profits of the event based on the number of runners connected with each school. A portion of the proceeds will also be donated to the charity Pennsbury Kids.
We hope to see you on April 28, 2024!
29th Annual High School Art Exhibition
We are are thrilled to announce that 15 Pennsbury High School students will have their artwork displayed at the BCCC 29th Annual High School Exhibition this month!
The award ceremony and the PA 1st Congressional District Art Competition presentation of awards by the Honorable Brain Fitzpatrick is April 14 at 1:00 p.m.
Gallery hours are:
- Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Saturdays - (March 30, April 6, & 13) from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Pennsbury Community Chorus Presents:
Donald McCullough's Holocaust Cantata
with special guest Avi Wisnia
WHEN: Monday, May 6, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Shir Ami - 101 Richboro Newtown Rd, Newtown, PA
Key Club Hosting Sports Equipment Drive
Pennsbury Community, are you interested in helping give kids in your area the ability to have fun and play sports AND looking to do some spring cleaning?
Key Club is hosting a sports equipment drive, used and new, running from now until April 19. All donations benefit Leveling the Playing Field.
Donations can be placed in the donation boxes by the main office and at Keller Hall at Pennsbury High School West. Please reach out to Vanessa Fry (vfry@pennsburysd.org) or Oksanna Cheeseman (ocheeseman@pennsburysd.org) with any questions. We thank you in advance for your donations!
Pennsbury Instrumental Music Summer Program 2024
Join us for the 2024 Pennsbury Instrumental Music Summer Program, being held Monday evenings, July 1 - August 19, 2024! This program is open to all current 4th - 8th grade Pennsbury Band and Orchestra students. Students will participate in full ensemble rehearsals and sectionals! Attendance at all sessions is encouraged but not mandatory, so come play your instrument with us as much as you are able!
When: Monday evenings 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Aug 5, 12, 19
Culmination Concert: Monday, August 19 at 7:00 p.m. @ PHS East
Where: Currently in Grades 4 & 5 - William Penn Middle School (1524 Derbyshire Rd, Yardley, PA )
Currently in Grades 6, 7, & 8 - Pennwood Middle School (1523 Makefield Road, Yardley, PA)
Cost: $100 on or before 5/15/24; $125 after 5/15/24
To Register:
Complete the ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM here: https://rb.gy/hvs0hw
Send payment to:
Pennsbury Instrumental Music Summer Program
℅ Adam Pfannenstiel
Pennwood Middle School
1523 Makefield Rd, Yardley, PA 19067
- Checks or Money Orders must be made payable to: PIMB
- Please put STUDENT NAME & “SMP” in the memo line
- PLEASE NO CASH!
Cancellations on or before June 23, 2024 will incur a $25 charge. No refunds after June 23, 2024.
Many parents and caregivers struggle with how to help their child or teen with behavioral health issues. By attending one of these FREE workshops targeting specific age groups of the child, we will provide you with useful, age-appropriate information and practical strategies you can use at home right away. You’ll also meet other caregivers facing similar issues. Presenters are both skilled clinicians specializing in children and teens, and parents themselves.
All caregivers are welcome, including but not limited to: parents, step-parents, grandparents, foster parents, and professional caregivers! All classes will be held in person at: Lenape Valley Foundation 500 North West Street, Doylestown, PA. Attendees must complete the form to register and attend. One form must be submitted for each attendee. Click here to register!
Run by Pennsbury teachers Dana Hoffman and Aphrodite Crane. It will be taking place at Eleanor Roosevelt for a few weeks this Summer, but open to all Pennsbury students in that age range.
The Entire Pennsbury Community is Welcome to Participate!
A SWAP Meet, short for "Swap and Share" or "Stuff We All Possess," is a great way for people to exchange gently used items they no longer need for things they can use or want. These events are environmentally friendly and promote sustainability by reducing waste and promoting the reuse of items. Here's how a SWAP meeting typically works:
- Gathering Items: Participants gather items from their homes that are in good condition but are no longer needed or wanted. These items can include clothing, toys, household items, books, and more. The idea is to bring items that someone else might find valuable.
- Sorting and Display: When you arrive at the SWAP meeting, items are usually sorted into categories and displayed in an organized manner. This makes it easier for participants to find what they're looking for.
- Giving and Getting: Participants can either give, get, or both. If you have items to give, you can place them on designated tables or in specific areas for others to take. If there are items you need or want, you can browse through the items brought by other participants and take what you need.
- No Money Exchange: The key principle of a SWAP meeting is that no money is exchanged. Everything is based on the principle of sharing and swapping items freely.
- Unclaimed Items: After the SWAP meeting, any unclaimed items are often donated to local charities or organizations, ensuring that even items that weren't swapped find a useful purpose. You can take it to the nearest location and support another person by donating any items you have left.
SWAP meetings are a win-win for both individuals and the environment. They promote recycling and reusing, reduce waste, and provide an opportunity for community members to connect while helping one another. It's a great way to declutter your home and acquire items you need without spending money.
We hope you can join us. If you would like to join us, click here and complete the Google Form.
Join us for the 2024 Pennsbury Instrumental Music Summer Program, held Monday evenings from July 1 - August 19, 2024. This program is open to all current 4th - 8th grade Pennsbury Band and Orchestra students. Click here for more information and to register!
Pennsbury Parent Academy
The Pennsbury Parent Academy 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
Tale as Old as Time
We've Got Spirit, Yes, We Do!
Pennsbury High School Cheerleading announces **SAVE THE DATES** for clinics and tryouts for the 2024-2025 Season. Male and female athletes with experience of all levels are welcome. Parents and guardians of interested athletes are strongly encourage to attend the May 6 meeting so that all parties involved understand the level of commitment expected of Pennsbury cheerleaders. All questions can be directed to pennsburyhscheercoaches@gmail.com
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.
Remote Learning Information
Now that the we've had two "traditional snow days," Pennsbury schools will transition to remote learning for all students in the event of another weather-related issue. This will allow us to count these days as instructional days and avoid lengthening the school year.
Please click the button below to familiarize yourself with the District's Remote Learning procedures.
Become a Paraprofessional
The Pennsbury School District can help you earn your paraprofessional certificate of competency.
How to Get Started:
- Create a training account at PaTTAN: pattan.framwelder.com
- Complete the 7 online courses: Bureau of Special Education Para Credential of Competency Entry Level Training Series and save your certificates.
- Email paras@pennsburysd.org to set up an interview to complete the process.
Questions? Email us at paras@pennsburysd.org
Become a Bus Driver
The Pennsbury School District can help you earn your CDL.
Do you enjoy working with children? Do you like working close to home and earning a competitive salary? Then becoming a Pennsbury Bus Driver is the job for you!
We offer:
- A competitive salary
- Flexible hours
- Student-centered work environment
- Paid training for your CDL
Questions? Email transportation@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.
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.
PHS Key Club Requesting Empty Pill Bottle Donations
PHS Key Club is cleaning pill bottles to be donated to developing Latin American countries. These pill bottles will be used to package medical supplies for those in need. Students have cleaned over 180 bottles and are looking to clean even more throughout the school year. If you are looking to declutter your medicine cabinet, please reach out to Vanessa Fry (vfry@pennsburysd.org) or Oksana Cheeseman (ocheeseman@pennsburysd.org) to donate!
Pennsbury Sports Schedules
Click the links below to view the current schedules for Pennsbury Athletics.
Current Team Schedules - Schedules are subject to change at any time. Check this page often for the latest updates!
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"!
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)
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).
2023-24 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