Superintendent PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • DECEMBER 2020

• Pennwood Middle School – Derek Majikas, Across the DISTRICT Principal Tier I - Sustained Implementation with Fidelity PENNSBURY SCHOOLS RECOGNIZED • Fallsington Elementary School – Vinny DePaola, FOR BEHAVIOR SUPPORT PROGRAMS Principal Please join in celebrating • Oxford Valley Elementary School – Donna the accomplishments of nine Minnigh, Principal Pennsbury schools, as each was • Walt Disney Elementary School – Laurie recognized recently by the Ruffing, Principal Positive Behavior Support Network (PaPBS). Fidelity at all Three Tiers According to Regina Rausch, • Manor Elementary School – Terri Salvucci, Director of Special Education, the schools are among Principal the 2020 recipients of recognition for high fidelity implementation of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). STARBUCKS OF OXFORD OAKS FEATURES STUDENT ART ON DISPLAY The PaPBS Network recognition system annually identifies and publicly distinguishes Pennsylvania’s Thanks to Colin Rooney, a Pennsbury alumnus sites for successful implementation of PBIS. Despite and store manager of the Starbucks of Oxford Oaks the unprecedented challenges in education this year, in Lower Makefield (by Kohl’s), Pennsbury student our schools listed below have been committed to work is proudly on display there throughout the high fidelity implementation of PBIS and supporting holiday season. all children to meet their academic, behavioral, and social/emotional needs: The artwork was created by students enrolled in the MOST Tier I - Initial Implementation with Fidelity Program. MOST, which stands for More Opportunities for • Edgewood Elementary School – Stephanie Student Training, is a special Hultquist, Principal education program that serves • Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School – Lisa students who are 18-21 years old. The goal is to Follman, Principal prepare them for the transition into adulthood • Makefield Elementary School – Donna and post-graduate life in their community. MOST McCormick-Miller, Principal teachers aim to provide as many authentic work and • Penn Valley Elementary School – Barbara community living experiences as possible to help Hidalgo, Principal www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • DECEMBER 2020 1 District Highlights Report

are awarded through an application process that occurs twice each year.

The following grant recipients were announced by PEF President, Annette Young:

• Charles Boehm Middle School Principal Travis Bloom and school counselor, Donna Bradshaw - $479.50 was approved to purchase 50 pairs of noise-cancelling headsets. • Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School Principal Lisa Follman and teacher Brian Doron - $527.24 was approved to purchase movement-based equipment that reinforces literacy and numeracy Colorful, superhero self-portraits by students in Pennsbury’s skills. MOST Program adorn the tables at Starbucks of Oxford Oaks in Lower Makefield. • Pennsbury High School East Principal Reggie Meadows and teacher Kelsey Adair - $969.99 was students develop transferable skills that will lead to approved to purchase a Laguna Pro-X seamless independence. art spray booth. • Walt Disney Elementary School Principal Laurie Pennsbury art teacher, Maggie Weber, explains Ruffing and teacher Scott Kennedy - $979.95 was the student assignment that generated this work approved to purchase disc golf equipment. currently on exhibit: “The MOST students have been creating art at home through virtual learning and In addition to gathering generous donations our first unit was called Superheroes & Self. Students from local funding sources and individual donors, designed their own superheroes and then emailed the PEF also participates in the PA Department photos of their work to me. I turned them into of Community and Economic Development’s SuperHero Trading Cards and distributed them. The Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program, students really enjoyed having copies of their own which awards tax credits to businesses making artwork as well as seeing the others made by their contributions to the PEF. For more information, visit classmates. It became an interesting way to show the following site: connections through art in the time of COVID-19!” https://dced.pa.gov/programs/educational-im- provement-tax-credit-program-eitc/ EDUCATION FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES GRANT AWARDS In the SCHOOLS The Pennsbury Education Foundation (PEF) recently awarded four grants to schools across AFTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL the Pennsbury School District, totaling nearly $3,000. The PEF is a Fourth and fifth grade students attending Afton 501(c)3 organization that relies on and Quarry Hill enjoyed the second annual donations and supports the purpose Friendsgiving to kick off the Thanksgiving break. of improving teaching and learning in Pennsbury The celebration, organized by teachers Meghan through innovative educational initiatives. Grants Frederick, Katie Veneziale, and Speech and

2 DECEMBER 2020 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org District Highlights Report

Language Pathologist, a cozy day of teaching and learning in their pajamas Erin McNally, was while raising over $300 for this important cause. held virtually so that all Fallsington is proud to support CHOP in its mission students and teachers to create breakthroughs for sick and injured kids could participate. “The right here in our community and all around the event looked much world!” said Ms. Cahill. different this year since we were unable to meet Fifth grade students competed against the staff in person, but our students enjoyed every minute in Fallsington’s annual Thanksgiving Turkey Bowl. of this unique experience,” writes Ms. Frederick. “This year it may have looked a smidge different, “Students played a Thanksgiving ‘Would You but it was just as fun!” said teacher, Cherie Lynne Rather?’ game, stretched out and tried some ‘turkey Kooker. Students and staff submitted videos of yoga,’ and also learned about rude and polite themselves scoring a basket in a variety of ways. holiday etiquette. The celebration concluded with Some threw a basketball into a hoop, some scored holiday songs and students making their own by throwing a ball into a dog’s mouth, some threw butter for a group snack. We are so very thankful water bottles into the recycling bin, and even the that we were able to continue this special holiday Fallsington Tiger got in on the competition! “In tradition virtually for our students as we know how the end, the fifth graders pulled out the win over important it is to them!” the teachers and staff with a score of 15-11,” said Ms. Kooker. “Way to go, fifth graders! And by the FALLSINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL way, Fallsington staff is already practicing for their comeback next year.” On Friday, December 4th, Fallsington Elementary staff and students participated in a virtual Pajama Fallsington and Manor Day to raise funds for the Children’s Hospital of Elementary teachers Caty (CHOP), writes school counselor, Ritchie, Cherie Lynne Kristen Cahill. “The Fallsington community enjoyed Kooker, and Jennifer Tietz partnered with Discover Dairy, an adopt-a-cow program, to help their students learn about dairy farming. The Kindergarten and Pre-K classes receive pictures and videos of their cows as well as updates on daily farm life. Pre-K students got a picture of their cow, Edith, to keep at home and take on adventures. Pre-K student, Lily Duell, said, “I love Edith because she is so cute. I know she lives on a dairy farm. She is so funny because she is licking her nose!” Kindergarteners loved seeing the cows get milked, according to Ms. A virtual Pajama Day helped raise funds for CHOP thanks Kooker. Kindergarten student, Paxton Jennings, to generous donations from Fallsington Elementary faculty said, “It’s so cool the cows use sanitizer to clean and families. just like us!” The students are excited to learn more

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • DECEMBER 2020 3 District Highlights Report about their cows, Adele, Bella, and Edith, as well as and learned about animals living in this area. “The their life on the farm throughout this school year. students had to guess the different animals by looking at an animal’s fur, feet, and skull. There PENN VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL were six animals to discover. Although none of these animals are endangered, it gave the students good Prior to Veterans Day, third grade teacher, Janice insight into the different aspects of all animals and Portland, taught her students how to write a friendly how they can survive. The students plan to use the letter. “We decided to write to our veterans,” said Ms. knowledge they gained for the UNLESS Challenge Portland. “I mounted and took the letters to the VFW project, as well,” said Ms. Rowlands. Association on Veterans Day and presented them to the Commander. Soon after my visit, a letter of thanks WALT DISNEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL appeared in my mailbox at school, with answers to the questions my kids had asked the veterans, along Principal Laurie Ruffing writes: “With the help with a Certificate of Appreciation. So, with this first and support of quite a few members of our school hybrid group of students, I did a screenshot of what community, we were able to provide 22 families we received. The whole class was in awe!” in need with a Thanksgiving meal. We recognize this year has been extremely difficult for many and therefore we were determined to make sure our Thanksgiving tradition continued. I want to thank Walt Disney Elementary staff, the PTO, as well as community members that reached out to donate the needed food basket items. While we were unable to have the students participate in the packing and distribution of the food baskets, as we have in years past, the event was still a success!” Third graders in Janice Portland’s class at Penn Valley Elementary enjoyed the responses they received after sharing good wishes Fourth and fifth graders in Katie Duncan’s Gifted with local veterans. Support classes participated in the Artemis Moon Pod Essay Contest sponsored by NASA and Future Engineers. “Students were tasked with writing QUARRY HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL an essay that would describe their vision for a one-week expedition to the moon’s south pole,” said The fourth grade students Ms. Duncan. “They also explained what kinds of in Robyn Rowlands’ Gifted traits or attributes an astronaut would need to go on Support class are participating the mission and what kinds of technology would be in the UNLESS Challenge required. The students prepared by reading about sponsored by the Philadelphia the expedition and watching videos from NASA.” Zoo. “This challenge has the students researching endangered animals as well First grade students at Walt Disney took part in a as the challenges that cause many animals to be special online balloon parade, writes teacher, Lorie endangered,” said Ms. Rowlands. “So far the students Becker. “Students listened to the story, Balloons Over have met with a Philadelphia Zoo representative and Broadway, the story of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day are about to go there on a virtual field trip.” Parade. Each student used a STEM design challenge to create a customized balloon, and then we were In addition to this project, the students met able to share our balloons during the last live Google virtually with Bonnie Tobin from Tyler State Park

4 DECEMBER 2020 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org District Highlights Report

PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL

PHS art teacher Danyelle Lala has inspired ways for her students to enjoy community outreach activities, even in a pandemic. Working with the Program Chair at the Falls Township Senior Center, Ms. Lala arranged the delivery of hand-made holiday cards for senior citizens who will receive Meals on Wheels at their homes this month. A total of 37 cards Lorie Becker’s first graders at Walt Disney Elementary had fun were created by Art II and PHS Art Club students. learning about the balloons traditionally featured in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. In addition, the annual Woodmere Art Museum Meet of the day. The children were able to talk (Chestnut Hill) Kids Care about their balloons and share their creations with exhibit included the works the class. This may become a new tradition for first of 17 of Ms. Lala’s Art grade students at Walt Disney. Everyone had fun!” II and Art 3D students. said Ms. Becker. Presented virtually this year, the theme was PENNWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL “Hope.” Students were encouraged to create work The students of Pennwood are being recognized that is pleasing to look for showing Respectful, Responsible, and Ready at, based on the idea of (3Rs) behaviors during virtual learning, reports bringing hope and joy to a Visually-pleasing art that Assistant Principal, Ryan Kennedy. “Virtual ‘R’ person in need. According gives hope, like this PHS student work, was requested slips are emailed to students and their families for to the Woodmere Art displaying the 3 Rs,” said Mr. Kennedy. “Monthly for the 2020 Woodmere Museum, the students’ Kids Care show. ‘mystery motivator’ prizes are then given to generous contributions randomly-selected students will be wrapped and delivered along with holiday who received an ‘R’ slip. meals by the Metropolitan Neighborhood Nutrition This month, the Pennwood Alliance (MANNA). The beautiful artwork will administration would like to spread holiday cheer to those who are homebound congratulate the following with illness. “The works featured in this exhibition, winners: Sulaiman Al made by hundreds of children in the Philadelphia Zouabi, Charlie Block, region, will be given as holiday gifts to families Samantha Costello, Anjur in need,” said Ms. Lala. “This partnership with Curevac, Jackson Kuoh, MANNA engages young people with the beauty of Jaiden Laster, Hannah Lowry, Layla Rivera, and sharing and caring about others.” Matthew Wylie. These students received their mystery motivator packages in the mail, each of On the Monday before Thanksgiving, Pennsbury which included a Pennwood mask, two pencils, and High School hosted its annual Powderpuff a Corner Bakery Cafe certificate. We would like to Football Game. The traditional Pink vs. Black thank all the Pennwood students for showing the teams – comprised entirely of senior girls – played 3Rs. We aRe Pennwood! We aRe United!” with “Puff Daddy” male cheerleaders generating enthusiasm on the sidelines. In the end, the Pink

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • DECEMBER 2020 5 District Highlights Report team was victorious with a final score of 19-18 in successfully participated in, even while practicing overtime. PHS Student Life advisors are Kim Class social distancing and wearing masks the entire time. and Alyssa Romero. Volunteer coaches for this The Pennsbury students did not disappoint and I year’s Powderpuff teams were Robinson Gautier am extremely proud of these young, active citizens for Pink and Dave Sanchez and Matt Martin for who are determined to live more sustainably and Black. Serving as the game announcer for the event to improve both the aesthetic appeal of our special was PHS East Principal, Reggie Meadows, with places, while helping to protect the wildlife and English Curriculum Coordinator, MaryAnn Daley, health of our important ecosystems. Nature has the providing music as DJ! power to heal us and reduce our stress, and there is plenty we can do to make a positive difference. Thank you PHS Environmental Science students and National Honor Society students for showing us and the rest of the world that you do care and you are the hope for the future! Several students participated in a local clean-up on November 7th at Magnolia Drive in Levittown, sponsored by the group known as G.O.A.L. In class, they learn the importance of water quality and the function of a riparian zone. These students helped to pick up nonpoint source pollution near the creek. They were able to see an immediate difference within several hours, giving them a great “Puff Daddy” cheerleaders generated enthusiasm for the Pink and sense of accomplishment.” Black senior girls’ Powderpuff Football teams at the annual game held during Thanksgiving week. Student Erin Mraz stated, “There was so much trash along the creek, but it was great to see all Environmental Science teacher, Kristen Realdine, the students who came out to help clean it all up. writes: “Do we color a rock in AP Environmental Thanks for letting me know about this opportunity.” Science Class? Yes, we do! It is a symbolic reminder that we must become actively involved in our own “Several students also participated in the Beach learning and that individuals matter, even during Sweep, sponsored by Clean Ocean Action,” added this pandemic.” Ms. Realdine. “We had over 25 Pennsbury students

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot... nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – Dr. Seuss, The Lorax

Ms. Realdine continued: “We started the course with one word: UNLESS. We took the message from The Lorax movie and challenged the AP Environmental Science students to become actively involved in their own community. We wanted them to apply what they were learning in class to the environment that we share. Of course, because of COVID-19, we had to make sure that Pennsbury Environmental Science students contributed time and our participation was done safely. I am so proud energy to the annual Beach Sweep in New Jersey, sponsored by Clean Ocean Action. to share with you some of the activities that we

6 DECEMBER 2020 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org District Highlights Report at various locations working hard to clean up the at the elementary level. Chase was nominated by nonpoint source pollution that accumulates on our Principal Stephanie Hulquist, Mr. Gallo, Ms. Axler, beaches. The most common items retrieved this and Ms. Merz. In Physical Education class, Chase is year were plastic straws, plastic water bottles and kind and will work with any other student willingly. caps, and candy wrappers. According to Clean He is patient with other students, even if they are Ocean Action, 83.19% of debris collected was not on the same level of skill or activity. During plastic, including foam. Once again, our school games, Chase always works hard to do his best, but was strongly represented and we are proud to not at the expense of others’ success or following the participate each year in this event!” rules of the activity. Ms. Merz says Chase is always the first person to arrive for online classes. He is a natural problem-solver and always willing to help Commendable and work with others. ACCOMPLISHMENTS At the middle school level, the award this month goes to Carley Sicilia, who is in the eighth grade at Charles Boehm Middle School. Carley was LYFT-PENNSBURY CHARACTER AWARD nominated by Pete Sienko and Dave Murphy. They WINNERS ANNOUNCED say that Carley chose to give up her afternoons as a sixth grader to be the manager of the seventh and In conjunction with the Pennsbury School eighth grade basketball team. She was the very first District’s ongoing character education initiative, to practice and assisted willingly wherever there was students at the elementary, middle, and high a need. As a seventh grader, she played on the team. school levels are being spotlighted each month A great team player, Carley was more concerned for possessing specific positive character assets. about the team than her own statistics. She is the For the month of December 2020, students were type of individual who tries to better herself in all recognized for exemplifying the trait of “Fairness facets of her life. and Sportsmaship.” The students recognized this month are John Kokinda, Chase Harrison, Carley At the high school level, this month’s honoree is Sicilia, and Evan McNeely. Evan McNeely. Evan is in a junior at PHS and was nominated by teacher, Nick Ruggieri. Mr. Ruggieri John Kokinda is a third grader from Fallsington says that on the basketball court, Evan exemplifies Elementary School and was nominated by Kimmie fairness and sportsmanship. While competitive, he is Massaroni, Tim Behe, Kristen Cahill, Ann Murray, always the first to demonstrate a drill to the younger and Principal Vinny DiPaola. The team at Fallsington players. He is a great listener who keeps an open says that John stands out among his peers for his mind on the court. He is respectful to the entire staff great character. He always brings positive energy and never tries to show anyone up. According to Mr. to class, valuing others’ input and encouraging his Ruggieri, Evan always gives credit to others and is peers to share. His fairness and sportsmanship are “someone who puts ‘we’ before ‘me.’” evident in Physical Education class, where he follows the rules, encourages others, and congratulates the winners. During recess John always conducts himself in a kind and thoughtful manner, including others in play and making them feel welcome.

Chase Harrison, a fifth grader from Edgewood Elementary School, is also a winner this month

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • DECEMBER 2020 7 District Highlights Report

Upcoming MEETINGS

Board Facilities Committee 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., January 7, 2021

Board Education Committee 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., January 7, 2021

Board Policy Committee 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m., January 14, 2021

Board Finance/Partnerships Committee 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., January 14, 2021

Board Action Meeting 7:30 p.m., January 21, 2021

8 DECEMBER 2020 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL • ALL LEAGUE TEAMS • FALL 2020

SPORT 1st TEAM 2nd TEAM HONORABLE MENTION CROSS-COUNTRY, John Harding Justin Brown BOYS Alex Hludzinski Stephan Sroka Joshua Ware Benjamin Brown CROSS-COUNTRY, Anna Bogdan Avery Gardner GIRLS Bailey Hall FIELD HOCKEY Sophia Hitchingham Madelyn Spratt Hannah Aker Kayli Williams Sophia Curtis Reilly Monach Jordan Vradenburgh FOOTBALL Jacob Schilling (LB) Charles Kohler (WR) Thomas Kubicka (P) GOLF Christopher Myers Aditya Gaba Louis Catalanotti Ryan Rearden Brennan Diamond Joshua Cicco Arielle Schultz Jade Gu SOCCER, BOYS Jaden Haig Colby Goldschmidt Erik Mauro Trevor Hart Zachary Summer Aidan Tonrey Gustav Mednis Michael Caissie SOCCER, GIRLS Taylor Mays Kendall Palatine Gianna Durle Darrien Furiness Sarah Lohrey Emily Welsh Isabella Arcuri Emma Corso TENNIS, GIRLS Doubles: Emilie Bortnichak Mia Elkind VOLLEYBALL, Isabella Marinelli Kathryn Croteau Grace Sobey GIRLS Carissa Van Veen

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • DECEMBER 2020 9 Since September, we have recognized the 2020 sponsors of the Pennsbury Partners Program with monthly features like the one below. These firms and organizations generously donated funds to support our annual Partners mini-grant program. This month, we salute and gratefully acknowledge our Bronze Sponsors!

YARDLEY- LOWER MAKEFIELD Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6393 1444 Yardley-Newtown Road Yardley, Pa. 19067

Our mission: “To honor the dead by serving the living.”

Veterans serving Veterans Call: 215-493-9822 for information

10 DECEMBER 2020 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org