PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • OCTOBER 2012

James Mangiaracina, Brandon Ostrow, Alexia Across the DISTRICT Rauen, Amanda Rawlins, Sam Schacter, Benjamin Schreiber, Stephanie Shoneman, Pragya Singh, Christopher Spano, Zoe Spielvogel, Daniel Travis, PENNSBURY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Shaun Vadaketh, Niti Vora, and Katherine Webb. POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW AP SCHOLAR WITH HONOR The 2013-2016 Comprehensive Plan for the Granted to students who receive an average score Pennsbury School District was placed on display of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of in the reception area of the Central Administration 3 or higher on four or more of these exams: Ariel Building and also at the Fallsington Public Library Abir, Natasha Bednarz, Dashiell Brown, Mohona on the morning of October 11th and will remain Chowdhury, Daniel Chrzanowski, Genevieve there for the public to view Donahey, Liliana Frankel, through November 8th. The Connor Harriman, Melissa Plan will be considered for Hough, Alissa Johnson, final approval by the School William Johnson, Emily Board at the November 8th Kraeck, Thomas Martin, meeting of the Board of Julie Metkus, Juhi School Directors. Motiani, William Pelosi, Jesse Perlstein, Hannah AP SCHOLARS Schapiro, Tejas Shah, and RECOGNIZED David Sun-Chu. The PHS Marching Band welcomed musicians from all three Pennsbury High School Pennsbury middle schools (center) for the annual Be Our Guest AP SCHOLAR WITH event held at Falcon Field during a varsity football game. More than is proud to announce the 400 musicians joined together to perform the Star Spangled Banner. DISTINCTION many AP Scholars who “It was a special experience for all involved,” said Pennsbury Granted to students who scored as follows on the Bands Director, Frank Mazzeo. For more Band news, see page 7. receive an average score of AP exams taken last spring: at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of AP SCHOLAR these exams: Daniel Adler, Marisa Borusiewicz, Granted to students who receive scores of 3 or Eric Brennan, Elizabeth Carlson, Michael Duch, higher on three or more AP Exams: Tyler Bausinger, Lauren Fried, Isaac Gritz, Ramya Gurunathan, Andrea-Sylvia Biscoveanu, Chase Browndorf, Ann Herman, Rachel Hludzinski, Michael Karen Caruso, Aleksandra Chernyshova, Katherine Howland, Thomas Kappil, Alexander Kearns, Dillon, Julia Donahue, Michelle Fedun, David Aaron Levey, Jason Liu, Shu Wen Liu, Jonathan Frank, Lindsay Freuhauf, Bailey Kilkuskie, Sarah Mauro, Alexander Mayer, Ryan McCloskey, Koenig, Rebecca Laden, Jiovanni Maestrale, Brooks Mershon, Marisa Millenson, Alana Papula,

PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • OCTOBER 2012 1 Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.

Aishwarya Patel, Neil Patel, Matthew Rauen, Johnson, William Johnson, Alana Papula, Adam Nicholas Rizer, Zhixian Shen, Ian Sibner, Jonathan Sokol, Daniel Travis, and Brian Zdancewicz. These Soffer, Adam Sokol, Priyanka Solanki, Kaitlyn academically-talented high school seniors have Stocker, Rachel Thomas, Andrew Walker, Justin the opportunity to continue in the competition for Wang, Corey Weistuch, and Michael Wright. National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered next spring. Best of luck STATE AP SCHOLAR to all of these students! Granted to the one male and one female student in each U.S. state and the District of Columbia with BEST WISHES TO TWO RETIREES scores of 3 or higher on the greatest number of AP Exams, and then the highest average score (at least We salute two distinguished colleagues who have 3.5) on all AP Exams taken: Matthew Rauen. announced their retirements in the coming weeks.

NATIONAL AP SCHOLAR Tom Gillette, Director of Physical Plant, joined Granted to students in the United States who Pennsbury in 1998. Mr. receive an average of at least 4 on all AP Exams Gillette supervises a staff taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of approximately 200 of these exams: Ramya Gurunathan, Michael employees in maintaining Howland, Thomas Kappil, Alexander Kearns, Jason over two million square feet Liu, Alexander Mayer, Brooks Mershon, Marisa of building space. He is also Millenson, Neil Patel, Matthew Rauen, Nicholas responsible for all phases of Rizer, Zhixian Shen, Ian Sibner, Rachel Thomas, capital investment in facilities and Justin Wang. from long-range planning Thomas P. Gillette through design, bidding, and NATIONAL MERIT construction. In addition, STUDENTS ANNOUNCED he oversees all areas of environmental safety, mail operations, facility/field usage, and numerous Congratulations to these Pennsbury High School professional service and maintenance contracts. students who were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program for their exceptional Since he began working in Pennsbury, Mr. academic promise: Gillette has led multiple school renovation projects. In chronological order, these included Quarry Commended Students in the 2013 National Merit Hill Elementary, Manor Elementary, Penn Valley Program include Elizabeth Carlson, Karen Caruso, Elementary, Pennsbury High School, Walt Disney David Frank, Sarah Koenig, Emily Kraeck, Sean Elementary, Oxford Valley Elementary, Makefield Kropp, Jared Reibel, Hailey Riechelson, Stephanie Elementary, and Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary. Shoneman, Anastasia Tyryshkina, Farha Ulfat, He also worked with multiple District-wide and Shaun Vadaketh, Katherine Webb, Cassidy Board committees, including the Board Facilities Williams, Dashiell Brown, Marisa Borusiewicz, Committee, the Administrative Budget Committee, and Natasha Bednarz. and the District Safety Committee, while also serving as a member of the Superintendent’s cabinet. Mr. Semifinalists in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Gillette is an appointed member of the Board of Competition include Andrea Biscoveanu, Michael Trustees for both the Center for Student Learning Duch, Liliana Frankel, Connor Harriman, Alissa and the Valley Day School.

2 OCTOBER 2012 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.

Previous experience includes facilities management Ms. Russell holds a degree in Applied Science from positions in the Haverford Township School Bucks County Community College. While attending District, Enertech Services, Inc., the University of school, she worked with three fellow students in the , and Energy Management Services, college’s computer center, and joined Pennsbury Inc. Mr. Gillette began his career in the U.S. Marine soon after graduation. She met her husband, Elliott Corps in 1975 and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel Russell, in college as well. A lifelong Bristol Borough in the Marine Corps Reserve in 2001. He holds a resident, Ms. Russell enjoys living near her adult B.A. in Economics from Wittenberg University, an sons, Brian (a Pennsbury electrician), Keith (a A.A.S. in Energy Engineering from the University of substitute teacher at PHS), and Scott. Cincinnati, and an M.S. in Energy Management and Policy from the University of Pennsylvania. Having made the decision to retire a year ago, Ms. Russell eagerly anticipates this next phase of life. In After he leaves Pennsbury, Mr. Gillette may addition to spending time with her granddaughter, engage in some consulting work and construction Emma, she plans to pursue her love of traveling with arbitration. He also looks forward to spending more her husband and their friends. time with his family, which includes his wife, Ann, daughter and son-in-law, Dorie and Brian, and his AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE grandson, Tristan. He also anticipates some quality time spent traveling, golfing, and woodworking. FROM PENNDOT Driving is a complex activity – it involves putting Mary Russell began her together multifaceted evaluations, split-second career in Pennsbury in 1969 as decision making, and performing intricate an Electronic Data Processing maneuvers. As Oct. 21-27 marks National Teen Specialist. At that time, the Driver Safety Week, it is important for teen drivers School District’s Computer to develop and maintain the proper attitude about Center was located in Room driving. Remember – driving is a privilege, not 118 at Pennsbury High School a right. Parents/guardians should start an open East, adjacent to the school’s dialogue with their teens about safe driving skills Computer Department. Today, before they turn 16 and consider establishing a parent Ms. Russell is Supervisor of the /teen driving contract. A sample of this contract and Computer Center, where she Mary Russell more safety tips for teens and parents are available at administers District software www.JustDrivePA.com. The Web site also includes for the Finance, Purchasing, information on passenger and license requirements Payroll, and Human Resources departments, and that went into effect in 2011. These are important also oversees the student information database, reminders for parents and young drivers alike. SmartWeb, the HR Portal, and the Pennsbury Parent Portal. Over the course of her career, Ms. Russell has witnessed dramatic changes in how computerized information is stored and utilized. “The first In the SCHOOLS computer in Pennsbury was the size of a large desk and had a memory of 14K,” she said. “That computer “CHILDREN HELPING CHILDREN IN NEED” did less than today’s smartphone.” According to Ms. Russell, prior to 1982, all District software was written FOOD DRIVE LAUNCHED by Computer Center employees. Up to that point, “all Based upon the success of a similar effort last student information management was handled with year, the Pennsbury Partners office is pleased IBM cards,” she added.

PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • OCTOBER 2012 3 Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D. to announce another partnership food drive co-organized by the Levittown-Fairless Hills Rotary MAKEFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL and the elementary schools of Pennsbury. From October 3-28, students in all eleven schools are According to Principal, Donna McCormick-Miller, invited to drop off food donations in their lobbies to Makefield Elementary continued with the tradition be collected by the Rotary members and delivered to of its school-wide Walk to Remember in observance the homeless shelter in Levittown. Kudos to all for of 9-11. “Student Council officers assisted with this worthwhile initiative! several morning announcements and songs that related to Patriot Day, followed by a walk around the school grounds,” said Ms. McCormick-Miller. ELEANOR ROOSEVELT “Our fifth graders also walked in memory of 9-11 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL during their lunch recess.” As in past years, the Makefield school community gathered donations In late September, staff members participated in and made a generous contribution to the Garden the Great Strides Walk...Taking Care to Cure Cystic of Reflection in Lower Makefield, in addition to the Fibrosis in Lower Makefield Township. Coordinated Pennsbury Scholarship Foundation in memory of by teacher, Terri Boileau, Roosevelt employees PHS alumnus, Nate DeTample. Over the years, “we recognized and celebrated the efforts of one of their have donated more than $11,000 to the Garden of students who, over the years, perseveres in spite of Reflection,” said Ms. McCormick-Miller. life’s challenges. Collectively, the staff raised nearly $1,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Gifted Support teacher, Alison Majikas, shares that Petra Schlatter, a reporter for The Advance, Reading Specialist, Alisa Myles, reports that visited the fifth grade gifted support class to teach nearly 200 students celebrated their summer reading them about newspaper article writing. “The students efforts by picnicking with their friends and teachers are creating a newspaper for the school,” said Ms. in the school’s new outdoor classroom. “Faculty Majikas, who also hopes to invite student editors members were delighted to learn that students from the PHS monthly publication, The Pennsbury were reading throughout the summer,” said Acting Voice, to meet with her class. Principal, Gail Campbell.

Local reporter, Petra Schlatter, met with gifted students Students celebrated their summer reading efforts in the new at Makefield Elementary School to discuss news courtyard classroom at Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School. gathering and article writing.

4 OCTOBER 2012 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.

Another visitor to Ms. Majikas’ gifted support This month, Oxford Valley students will classes was Loretta Rush, a 4-H program assistant. participate in a scarecrow decorating contest. Look She presented a Penn State Extension lesson about for pictures in the next Superintendent’s report! embryology to all of the gifted support students in grades 3-5 in late September. Ms. Rush left the class PENN VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL with fertilized eggs to tend to while they were in an incubator and then as they hatched. All students at Reading Specialist, Kerry Bauerle, writes that Makefield were invited to visit with the newborn Penn Valley’s Summer Reading Celebration was chicks, and Ms. Majikas also presented enrichment held in mid-September to recognize students lessons involving eggs, chicks, and quantitative for their outstanding reading efforts during the reasoning to the first and second graders. summer months. “We are especially proud of our top readers at each grade level,” said Ms. OXFORD VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Bauerle. “They are Emma Santos (Kindergarten) who read 1,065 minutes; first grader, Keegan Oxford Valley students marked National Bullying Gregoire-James (1,980 minutes); second grader Prevention Month by welcoming educators from Mya Dudek (3,720 minutes); third grader Rocky the Bucks County Peace Center who focused on Moretti (2,303 minutes); fourth grader Jacob Dudek conflict resolution and peer mediation. Fourth (3,720 minutes); and our outstanding fifth grader, graders received instruction on the Respecting Me, Alexis Reed, who read 7,440 minutes this summer!” Respecting You program. The Peace Center, along with Families gathered at Penn Valley for the popular school counselor, Tricia Gunerman, are working to annual event, which included multiple student incorporate this new program into the many character prizes ranging from purchased and donated items education programs established at Oxford Valley. to special sports memorabilia once again generously provided by teacher, Scott Saunders. The school’s No Place For Hate banner is displayed proudly in the lobby. Oxford Valley was officially VILLAGE PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL designated as a No Place for Hate school during the previous school year. An assembly was held On October 2nd, Village Park Elementary in September to reiterate the message and for the kindergarten teacher, Mariealana Collins, was entire student body to take the No Place For Hate surprised to learn that her name was chosen pledge together. at random by Principal Helen Stopper for a generous delivery of donated classroom supplies. Recently, Fire Prevention Week was celebrated The materials were presented in person by at Oxford Valley. Kindergarten teachers, Terrie representatives of OfficeMax and its nonprofit Guarino and Danielle Michael, arranged a visit partner, AdoptAClassroom.org, as part of a national by the Falls Township Fire Department. Local fire advocacy program for teachers called “A Day Made company volunteers brought their fire truck and Better.” According to OfficeMax, which launched gave the kindergarteners a chance to see it more this annual recognition on a national scale in 2007, closely. First grade teachers, Lisa Breuer, Cherie the event helps to underscore the fact that for the Lynne Kooker, Liz Roberts and Dr. Joanne Smith, average American teacher, returning to school often embarked on a walking trip to the Fire Department means spending as much as $1,000 out-of-pocket for a special tour. “Thank you to Kevin Dippolito, on essential classroom supplies. Upon winning the Fire Chief of Fairless Hills, for providing such materials, Ms. Collins invited all of her colleagues to worthwhile experiences for our students,” said come to her kindergarten room to “shop” for their Principal, Fran Nitkin. own classroom needs.

PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • OCTOBER 2012 5 Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.

(Respectful); Nicole (Nikki) Naylor (Involved); Ryan McCarty (Determined); and Sam Murphy (Excellent). The unifying school event was topped off with a special flash mob performance of theMacarena dance by the entire faculty. Students also had the opportunity to sign a special No Place for Hate banner as a pledge to help reduce bias and bullying, increase appreciation for diversity, and to build upon their community of respect at the middle school. Co-leaders of the PRIDE program at Boehm are teachers, Pete Sienko and Donna Minnigh, with lots of support from the POS (positive) Squad of the following faculty members: Holly Barron, John Bertolette, Jessica Birkbeck, Donna Bradshaw, Susan Brennan, Linda Brescia, Village Park kindergarten teacher, Mariealana Collins (center) was surprised when representatives of OfficeMax dropped in with Jeanne Caputo, Meredith Hopkins-Williams, Barbara $1,000 worth of donated school supplies for the entire staff. Jelstrom, Christian Korn, Tom Mellon, David Murphy, Kevin Perkins, Joy Ream, Tish Savidge, Ms. Stopper learned last spring that a teacher from Sherry Snyder, Colleen Wierzbowski, and Principal her school could be selected for recognition. At a Theresa Ricci. The team in place to lead the No Place for faculty meeting held at that time, all of the teachers Hate initiative at Boehm includes: Donna Bradshaw, on her staff witnessed the random drawing of a Linda Brescia, Jeanne Caputo, Lauren Deery, colleague’s name for this honor. Also attending the Megan Edson, Meredith Hopkins-Williams, Brad meeting was Dr. Christine Zervos, Coordinator of McCormick, Michelle Meehan (Chair), and Principal Community Partnerships and Grants, who explained Theresa Ricci (Chair), along with parents, Shannon to the staff that OfficeMax is an official Pennsbury Poulton and Jody Travagline, community member, Partner. The teacher’s name was kept secret so that Maura Papazian, and twelve CAPS students. he or she could be surprised just after the start of the new school year. “I literally picked a name out of a hat,” said Ms. Stopper, who was pleased at the opportunity to have a teacher at her school be recognized by this generous Pennsbury Partner.

CHARLES BOEHM MIDDLE SCHOOL

Students, administrators, and faculty of Charles Boehm gathered recently in their gymnasium for a special assembly to mark the launch of the school’s No Place for Hate designation in connection with the Charles Boehm Middle School students, teachers, staff, and Anti-Defamation League initiative. The school’s administrators joined together in a Macarena dance to kick off the existing PRIDE program (promoting the concepts of school’s No Place for Hate designation at their annual PRIDE assembly. being Prepared, Respectful, Involved, Determined, and Excellent) was also celebrated with special recognition Principal Theresa Ricci is pleased to recognize the paid to five students whose behaviors exhibited each of special, above-and-beyond efforts of Jarrie Mullen, a the qualities of PRIDE. These students were: Josephine member of the custodial staff, who does an impressive (Jo) Tennant (Prepared); Ciara DeVenuto-Wyeth job of lifting the spirits of everyone at Boehm. “Jarrie amazes us all with her decorating talents and often

6 OCTOBER 2012 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D. contributes seasonal designs and materials that Orange Line performed at the International Rugby frequently involve her own out-of-pocket expenses,” Tournament, Sevens, in Hong Kong, said Ms. Ricci.”We all appreciate Jarrie’s extra efforts followed by an appearance in London’s New Year’s and her enthusiastic support of Charles Boehm.” Day Parade. The Pennsbury Marching Band also has the distinction of being the only band on Earth to have performed at all five Walt Disney Theme Parks, including Orlando, Anaheim, Tokyo, Paris, and Hong Kong. This year’s Long Orange Line is under the leadership of Drum Major, Karen Caruso. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead such a dedicated and hard working group of people,” said Karen. “Our hours of hard work have led to an incredible amount of progress of which we are all very proud.” The Long Orange Line will kick off the Fall parade season with a performance at the upcoming Pulaski Day Parade on Sunday, October 14. Be sure to catch the live television coverage of the parade from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. on 6ABC. Jarrie Mullen, a member of the custodial staff at Charles Boehm Middle School, inspires the entire Boehm community by going “above-and-beyond” in her daily work, according to Principal Theresa Ricci. Commendable ACCOMPLISHMENTS PENNWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL

Educational Technology Specialist, Laurel MOHANA CHOWDHURY RECEIVES Fish, shares that Pennwood Middle School held a LEADERSHIP AWARD Walk-A-Thon recently to build unity among the students. Teachers joined the students as they Please join in congratulating PHS walked five kilometers to take a stand against student, Mohana Chowdhury, who bullying. “Together, we were able to showcase our was recently honored by Widener strength and unity as a Pennwood family,” said Ms. University and WCAU-TV/NBC10 Fish. “To date, we have raised over $3,000 to sponsor in connection with their High School bullying prevention programs at Pennwood.” Leadership Awards program. Mohana was recognized for “demonstrating PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL academic excellence and character traits that mark her as a potential leader and future citizen of character,” This year marks the 63rd anniversary of the according to Widener University. Pennsbury High School Long Orange Line Marching Band! The Band is internationally PENNSBURY STUDENT recognized as one of the premier U.S. high school marching bands. Last spring, the group performed RECOGNIZED AT BCTHS internationally for the third time in five years David Hall, a sophomore from Pennsbury, has when they toured the nation of Argentina – on been named Student of the Month for September the band’s fourth continent. Previously, the Long

PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • OCTOBER 2012 7 Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D. at the Bucks County Technical High School. Congratulations!

PHS ART TEACHER TRAVELS TO FAR EAST

Pennsbury art teacher, Danyelle Lala, received a grant from the National Consortium for Teaching About Asia to participate in their 2012 Residential Summer Study Program in Hangzhou, . “Hangzhou is a remarkable city, known for the beauty of the West Lake,” said Ms. Lala. “The lake is surrounded by traditional Chinese architecture, while downtown is full of unique modern buildings that look like the sun and moon. While there, I Upcoming MEETINGS visited a tea plantation and several traditional craft museums (umbrellas, scissors, swords, and fans) in Board Revenue Development Committee Hangzhou. I plan on sharing this experience with 7:00 p.m., October 16, 2012 my classes through lessons on calligraphy, landscape Superintendent’s Conference Room painting of the West Lake, and ceramic tea bowls.” Elementary Enrollment and Space Utilization Committee Work Session New This Year in Pennsbury: 7:30 p.m., October 30, 2012 Pennsbury High School - West, Town Hall Meetings with Staff Development Room (Room E-12)

the Superintendent Board Facilities Committee 5:30 p.m., November 1, 2012 Join us as District Superintendent, Superintendent’s Conference Room Kevin J. McHugh, Ed.D., leads the discussion on various District-related topics and Board Agenda Meeting takes questions from stakeholders. 8:00 p.m., November 1, 2012 Fallsington Elementary School Tuesday, October 23, 2012, 7:30 p.m. Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School library Regular Board Meeting 8:00 p.m., November 8, 2012 Tuesday, January 22, 2013, 7:30 p.m. Fallsington Elementary School Pennwood Middle School library Board Revenue Development Committee Tuesday, March 26, 2013, 7:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m., November 13, 2012 Walt Disney Elementary School auditorium Superintendent’s Conference Room

8 OCTOBER 2012 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA