Superintendent PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • MAY 2018

of kindness. Character.org sponsors the annual Across the DISTRICT program to showcase innovative best practices that are having an impact and to encourage educators to learn from and even replicate these successful ALL TEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS initiatives. Character.org will honor the recipients at RECOGNIZED BY CHARACTER.ORG the 2018 National Forum on Character Education. Congratulations to the SPECIAL OLYMPIANS COMPETE ten Pennsbury Elementary IN COUNTY COMPETITION Schools, which, as a group, earned a 2018 Special Education Supervisor, Bob Johnson, Promising Practices Award organized Pennsbury’s participation in the Bucks from Character.org for conducting the inaugural County Special Olympics competition last month. Pennsbury Day of Service activity on Dr. Martin “Pennsbury was very well represented again Luther King, Jr. Day in January. This was one of this year,” reported Mr. Johnson. “A total of 27 just 258 Promising Practices awards granted by Pennsbury students competed in the track event held Character.org nationwide to schools, districts, and at Council Rock High School North on April 21st. youth-serving organizations in the United States and Our athletes were very successful, taking home more abroad. “Our objective was to establish a collective medals than could be counted. The medals were only goal of honoring service in and among the Pennsbury community,” said Edgewood Elementary Principal, Stephanie Hultquist. “Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service is a way to transform his legacy, life, and teachings into community service, which helps empower and strengthen local relationships. In the words of Dr. King, ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?’ In an effort to promote civic engagement and model the importance of serving community, we arranged for a variety of activities across partnering schools to make this ‘day off’ school a ‘day on’ in servitude.”

According to the organization, recipients of Promising Practices awards are recognized because they planned and implemented unique initiatives that foster collaboration and good character Pennsbury was well represented at this year’s building. The initiatives this year were diverse Bucks County Special Olympics competition held at Council Rock High School North. and ranged from peer mentoring to random acts

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • MAY 2018 1 District Highlights Report outnumbered by the smiles of the parents and the 31 professional development, assessments, and federal volunteers who were there to cheer on the athletes. programs, among other responsibilities. The day will be remembered for a lifetime by all involved. The success of this event would not have “What I will cherish from my work in Pennsbury is been possible if it were not for the many volunteers a great respect and fondness for the people here. The supporting our athletes at the evening practices teachers, the coordinators, the principals, parents, and leading up to the competition as well as at the Special students have made my work so fulfilling and greatly Olympics event itself. THANK YOU to all of the satisfying,” said Dr. Dunar. “What we have here is the volunteers who made these smiles possible!” finest, most dedicated team of professionals working with our students and families.” CONGRATULATIONS AND FAREWELL Dr. Dunar joined Pennsbury after serving many We bid farewell and best wishes to three of our years as an administrator in various capacities in the administrators, each of whom recently accepted a Centennial School District. Most recently, she was position in another school district. Director of Elementary Education for that school district, after serving four years as Principal of Alta Donna M. Dunar, Ed.D., S. Leary Elementary School in Warminster. Prior Assistant Superintendent, to that, she was an Assistant Principal at William was appointed to become Tennent High School for 14 years. Dr. Dunar, who the next Superintendent in is bilingual in English and French, began her career the East Pennsboro School in education as a teacher of French, English, and District beginning July 1st. English as a Second Language. The Pennsbury Board of School Directors appointed Dr. Dunar is a recognized instructional leader Dr. Dunar to the Assistant who is often asked to speak on educational topics. She earned her Doctor of Education degree from Donna M. Dunar, Ed.D. Superintendent position in 2011, when she replaced Temple University. She also holds a Master’s Kevin J. McHugh, Ed.D., who became Pennsbury’s degree in Educational Administration from Temple, Superintendent of Schools that year. During her time a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Queen’s in Pennsbury, Dr. Dunar led the School District in University in Kingston, Ontario, and a Bachelor gaining national recognition through an extensive of Arts degree with honors as a double major in character education initiative that was developed English and French from the University of Toronto. in every school. She also led the implementation of full-day Kindergarten in Pennsbury, spearheaded Pennsbury Business embedded formative assessments across all grades Administrator, Daniel C. K-12, common assessments in lieu of exams at the Rodgers, has accepted a position secondary level, the adoption of a new elementary as Assistant Superintendent mathematics program, STEM and STEAM integration, for the Hazleton Area School and increased rigor across the curriculum. Dr. Dunar District, beginning in July. Mr. oversaw the introduction of the Air Force JROTC unit Rodgers was appointed by the at Pennsbury High School during the current school Pennsbury School Board to year. In addition to serving in the Superintendent’s become the School District’s Cabinet, Dr. Dunar also provided leadership for Business Administrator in Daniel C. Rodgers teaching and learning in grades K-12, including 2011. In this role, Mr. Rodgers directing and overseeing curriculum renewal, is responsible for all business affairs of the School District and serves as the Board Secretary. He also

2 MAY 2018 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org District Highlights Report oversees Pennsbury’s implementation of the state’s assisted with the general administration of the high Act I legislation, which mandates specific regulations school campus, supervised the School Counseling with regard to school district budget planning. and Art departments, served on the Comprehensive Plan Stakeholder Committee, worked to re-organize Responsibilities of the position also include Curriculum Night at the high school with peer leading the preparation, control, and reporting of administrators, helped to organize the annual the annual general fund and capital budgets, as college fair with the school counseling staff, and well as future year operating and capital budget served on the Child Study Team and the Committed projections. Mr. Rodgers is responsible for the to Life Task Force, among other responsibilities. management of financial services, plant facilities, transportation, the District warehouse, print shop, Mr. Staub came to Pennsbury from the Upper purchasing, and payroll departments. In addition, Moreland School District, where he served as his position calls for administration of professional an Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at service agreements and contracts, including those Upper Moreland High School. While there, he for food services, KidsCare, the School District’s supervised Special Education, Physical Education, aquatics program, architectural and engineering and Guidance, managed all aspects of the Athletic services, legal services, insurance, financial advisor Department, and co-chaired the district’s Safe services, accounting, auditing, and health benefits. Schools Committee, among other assignments. Mr. Rodgers also serves as the Open Records Officer Previously, Mr. Staub taught Social Studies in the for the School District. Upper Moreland and Norristown Area school districts. He earned a Master’s degree in Education Mr. Rodgers came to Pennsbury from the Southern from Gratz College and a Bachelor’s degree in Columbia Area School District in Catawissa, Political Science from West Chester University. Mr. PA., where he served as the district’s Business Staub holds a Certificate in Educational Leadership Administrator. Prior to that, he held various K-12 from Cheyney University. accounting positions in the private sector, where he was also involved in labor negotiations, public school EDUCATION FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES audits, and employee benefit programs. He holds a Certified Public Accountant Certificate from the State SPRING GRANT AWARDS Board of Accountancy and earned a Master’s degree The Pennsbury Education in Business Administration with an Accounting Foundation (PEF) recently Concentration from Wilkes University. Mr. Rodgers awarded ten grants to schools graduated from the University of Scranton with a across the Pennsbury School Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. District, totaling $21,889.00. The PEF is a 501(c)(3) organization that Ryan Staub, Assistant relies on donations and supports Principal at Pennsbury High the purpose of improving teaching and learning School, was recently appointed in Pennsbury through innovative educational by the Neshaminy School initiatives. Grants are awarded through an Board to become the next application process that occurs twice each year. Principal of Neshaminy High School, beginning in July. “The PEF Board is pleased to support a variety of Mr. Staub was selected by the school initiatives through two rounds of grants each Pennsbury Board to join the academic year. We value the work of our classroom PHS administration in 2015. In Ryan Staub teachers, and we look for effective ways to distribute his current position, Mr. Staub

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • MAY 2018 3 District Highlights Report funds to benefit Pennsbury students,” said Annette contributions to the PEF. For more information, call Young, PEF President. Pennsbury Business Administrator, Daniel Rodgers, at 215-428-4115. The following grant recipients were announced: • Afton Elementary Principal Dr. Joseph Masgai MUSIC DEPARTMENT CELEBRATES and teacher Selena Kelly - $490 to support a Mad MULTIPLE HONORS Science Assembly for grades K-2; • William Penn Middle School Principal Instrumental Music Curriculum Coordinator, Christopher Becker and teacher Blair Greiner Frank Mazzeo, is pleased to share several items of - $666.92 to purchase equipment for creating good news about Pennsbury music: ceramic art; • A total of five students were selected as All-State • Charles Boehm Middle School Principal Theresa musicians! Congratulations to these outstanding Ricci and teacher Charles Kirk - $3,849.99 to instrumentalists: Jackson Simon, alto saxophone; purchase a VEX I.Q. Robotics Program; Amanda Rearden, oboe; Lance Steiner, • Pennsbury High School West Principal Lisa trombone; Gregory Glatzer, clarinet; and Jordan Becker and teacher John Goodz - $3,500 for ten Spivack, french horn; drone coding kits; • The Pennsbury Concert Jazz Band (PCJB) was • Pennsbury High School West Principal Lisa named the 2018 Cavalcade of Bands Grand and teacher - $500 Becker Tracey Hemmerle Champion! In addition, PCJB received two of to support a visit by the Artmobile exhibition, the four section awards, earning Best Trumpets “Planting Seeds: The Art & Science of Pollination;” and Best Trombones. Members Alan Herbst and • Pennsbury High School East Principal Reggie Omeed Nyman were honored as Best Soloists, Meadows and Air Force JROTC senior aerospace and Julia Baker received an Honorable Mention. science instructor Major James MacEachern (Ret.) Additionally, John Brunozzi was awarded - $795.79 for two flight simulation systems; the prestigious Rick Kerber Most Outstanding • Pennsbury High School East Principal Reggie Trumpet Player award. Meadows and teacher Curtis May - $8,200 for a five axis, 3-D router tool; • Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary Principal Lisa Follman - $1,000 toward the school’s playground revitalization project; • Oxford Valley Elementary Principal Donna Minnigh and teacher Katy Stumbaugh - $558 for wireless microphones; • Penn Valley Elementary Principal Barbara Hidalgo and teacher Kerry Bauerle - $2,328.20 for the “One School – One Book” reading project.

In addition to gathering generous donations from local funding sources and individual donors, the PEF also participates in the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program, The Pennsbury Concert Jazz Band was named Grand Champion which awards tax credits to businesses making at the 2018 Cavalcade of Bands!

4 MAY 2018 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org District Highlights Report

• Pennsbury was honored with the 2018 Best Communities for Music Education award by the ART GOES TO SCHOOL GROUP NAMM Foundation for the TENTH consecutive SEEKS VOLUNTEERS year in recognition of the School District’s outstanding commitment to music education! Art Goes to School (AGTS) is a volunteer art This designation is awarded to districts that appreciation program that brings art reproductions demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts into Pennsbury elementary school classrooms to provide music access and education to all once a year. With each visit, an AGTS volunteer students. Qualifications include the submission spends 45 minutes sharing art through an informal of data that relate to funding, graduation presentation. These class discussions lead to requirements, music class participation, enthusiastic interactions as the students express their instruction time, facilities, support for the opinions and observe the art up close. The program music program, and community music-making has been in existence for 30 years. programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research According to Lori Crew, program chair and 19-year Institute at the University of Kansas. According AGTS volunteer, “Our volunteers share a common to the NAMM Foundation: research into music thread – whether parents, retirees, or working education continues to demonstrate educational/ individuals – they all want to share their love for cognitive and social skill benefits for children art and children. There is nothing more satisfying who make music. In a series of landmark studies than when students come up after a class and are by scientists and researchers at Northwestern still asking questions about specific works of art. We University, a link was found between students know we have succeeded if we are able to spark at in community music programs and life-long least one child’s interest in art… that feeling is enough academic success, including higher graduation to make my day.” No prior knowledge of art or rates and college attendance. In another study teaching experience is necessary. Training is provided from the University, it was discovered that the to prepare for classroom visits. The time commitment benefits of early exposure to music education is a few hours each month at the volunteer’s improves how the brain processes and convenience. Pennsbury volunteer instructors also assimilates sounds, a trait that lasts well into adulthood. Other studies indicate that music education lays the foundation for individual excellence in group settings, creative problem solving and flexibility in work situations, as well learning how to give and receive constructive criticism to excel. The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,300 members around the world. The foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs. For more information about the NAMM Foundation, visit www.nammfoundation.org. Pennsbury parent, Kathy Kraeck, enjoys volunteering across the District with the Art Goes to School organization. The group seeks additional volunteers.

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • MAY 2018 5 District Highlights Report get together socially for art-themed outings to support to make it successful. The program has local museums and lectures. Anyone interested in so many benefits that some of our schools are still becoming an AGTS volunteer may contact Lori Crew only scratching the surface. It is our hope that more at 267-250-4040 or email [email protected]. events like this and more programs in the schools will help all of our students from the very strong to SCHOOLS TEAM UP FOR the very needy reap the physical and mental benefits of staying healthy!” NFL FUEL UP TO PLAY 60 EVENT Congratulations to Mr. Gallo and Ms. Social Worker Tammy Kehan-Leimer and Kehan-Leimer, who were recognized recently by Edgewood Elementary Physical Education teacher, the NFL Fuel Up to Play 60 organization with the Joe Gallo, put together a gathering of students “Way to Go!” award for Pennsbury’s outstanding, representing six Pennsbury schools for two hours of District-wide participation in the program! physical activity at Falcon Field in partnership with the NFL Fuel Up to Play 60 program, the American Dairy Association North East, and Villanova BOOK DONATED TO University. “It was beautiful to watch students ELEMENTARY LIBRARIES with varying abilities and different backgrounds from Charles Boehm Middle School, Walt Disney Penn Valley Elementary reading specialist, Kerry Elementary, Penn Valley Elementary, Fallsington Bauerle, writes: “The Mideastern Region of the Elementary, Manor Elementary, and Edgewood Pennsylvania State Education Association recently Elementary blend together so flawlessly with the held an Act 48 evening for teachers with Michael Hall, athletes from Villanova on our own Falcon Field!” author of Red: A Crayon’s Story. The book is about said Ms. Kehan-Leimer. “A HUGE shout out to self-discovery, labels, and the courage to be yourself. Joe Gallo! Thank you so much to Sheri Flinn and Region President, Alan Malachowski, and the Council her husband, Brian, for helping to connect us with for the Advancement of Public Schools (CAPS) Villanova football. Also, thank you to the staff have donated an autographed copy of the book to members who give extra time and dedication to every elementary library in the Mideast Region! the Fuel Up to Play 60 program in their schools Pennsbury was also able to get copies for our Pre-K and to the Principals who allow them the time and Counts classrooms. Thank you to CAPS and PSEA Mideastern Region for supporting public schools and student literacy, the road that leads to success!”

In the SCHOOLS

AFTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

From Principal Dr. Joseph Masgai: “Robotics, electronics, and exploding volcanoes! Everyone in attendance enjoyed the annual Afton STEM Fair. Students’ scientific knowledge and inquiry were showcased and evidenced in some remarkable, Athletes from Villanova football met with students from and quite original, science experiments. A total six Pennsbury schools during an NFL Fuel Up to Play 60 event held at Falcon Field. of 91 students participated in the STEM Fair and

6 MAY 2018 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org District Highlights Report produced 59 projects on wide-ranging topics. Each student was required to follow the scientific method from hypothesis to conclusion. Students’ works were displayed on tri-fold posters and interactive centers. Visitors were invited to listen to the students’ explanation of their experiments and were encouraged to ask questions and interact with each display. On a personal note, I learned a great deal! A very special ‘Thank You!’ is extended to Dr. Gygax, parent volunteer, Mrs. Koch, Gifted Support teacher, and Mrs. Wasko and Miss Bolger, fourth grade teachers, for spearheading this year’s successful event.”

EDGEWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

“Spreading words of positivity and cheerfulness Edgewood Elementary students worked in groups to construct letter boxes with special messages. was one of the goals of a recent Art Club project envisioned by teacher Michele Holt,” said Principal Stephanie Hultquist, “In preparation for the Art While the process, from idea origin to finished & Literacy Fair, the club worked to construct and product, took weeks to unfold, the wisdom held paint physical letter boxes with words embodying within each word’s genuine meaning should messages for our students and guests.” resonate over a lifetime. The Art Club is made of up 35 fifth-grade students who focused on showcasing “LOVE, PEACE, UNITY, GRACE, and HOPE the following themes: are among the words we chose to focus on in celebrating one of our core school values of being UNITY - Brayden Danbury, KJ Freiband, open-hearted,” said Ms. Holt. The club, made up of Matthew Widdis, Henry Spillane, Arthur McCarthy fifth graders, “carefully worked through a guided process of word selection, construction, and visual GRACE - Shivani Bhat, Emma Thoemes, Olivia assignment of a theme to the word.” While the Klumpp, Sofia Profaci culmination of the project was highlighted at the Art & Literacy Fair, the impetus of the activity was HAPPY - Carter Gabbett, Aaliyah to help celebrate unity as a school, community, Cherry-Hannah, Taylor Spielberger, Joytimal and nation. Each term was assigned to a team of Kadiyala, Emma Covrijan students who held the responsibility of fabricating their three-dimensional cardboard letter. Then, as a HOPE - Grace Condon, Emily Cicco, Nicole collective group, they had to agree upon a theme in Mucciacciaro, Elana Ruppersberger design that would accentuate the meaning behind the word. Principal Hultquist asked a few of the TRUST - Abigail Gannon, Grant Gastaldello, students, “What did this project mean to you?” Ellie Carley Sicilia, Olivia Smith, Brigett Burns Remus (grade 5) said, “It meant for us all to work together.” Fellow fifth grader, Arthur McCarthy, LOVE - Emily Haubein, Ellie Remus, Caroline added: “We had to be united. It was not a one man Venkatesulu, Eva Kondos show, the credit was shared.”

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • MAY 2018 7 District Highlights Report

PEACE - Braxton Furiness, Matthew Stackhouse, Jennifer Tietz, and Kristen Christopher Karamis, Jacob Gladstone, Reid Cahill, organized a Pennies Delarato for Patients fundraiser to support the Leukemia and KIND - Maribella Lopez, Molly Zeek, Caelan Lymphoma Society. “On Davis, Gianna Salvatore April 4th, our Kindergarten, first, and second grade ELEANOR ROOSEVELT students participated in a kick-off assembly, ELEMENTARY SCHOOL which taught our students about meaningful service, Special Education Supervisor, Colleen Bell, cooperative teamwork, and writes, “Last month, Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary the value of helping others,” hosted its first Young Readers’ Night for students in said Ms. Cahill. Fallsington Kindergarten and first grade and their families. The students brought in coin goal was to stress the importance of reading at any This student held a bake donations with the goal of early age. A baseball theme set the stage and with sale to support helping children and adults many volunteers on hand, we knocked it out of the Pennies for Patients. in the fight against blood park! Thank you to all of the organizers and the PHS cancers, like leukemia. The students gathered the National Honor Society students, as well. These money in a variety of ways, looking for change in events would not happen without you. The PTO also their houses, asking parents and family members to provided door prizes, which were a big hit!” donate. “One first grade student, Jennnifer Medina Hernandez, even planned her own bake sale to raise money,” added Ms. Cahill. “The campaign was a great success and raised a total of $2,099.24! Terri Sherman’s fourth grade class raised the most money – $366.93 – and will enjoy a special lunch sponsored by the Olive Garden.”

Teacher Sheila Miley organized a visit by Ellen Labrecque, author of the Who Was? series, for the third, fourth, and fifth grade students at Fallsington. Ms. Labrecque engaged the students in a Google slide presentation and several writing activities. Ms. Massaroni’s third grade class had been working on biographies. Each child chose one notable person to research. To accompany the writing piece, each student had to create a Students and their families at Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary biography “bottle statue.” Student London Rehill enjoyed a special night out together to focus on literacy activities. had the pleasure of researching the famous poet and activist, Maya Angelou, with author Ellen Labrecque. Ms. Labrecque wrote the book titled, FALLSINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Who Was Maya Angelou?

During the month of April, the Fallsington Student Council, along with advisors Kimberly Massaroni,

8 MAY 2018 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org District Highlights Report

Visiting author, Ellen Labrecque, worked with this lucky Fallsington Elementary student on a project about poet, Maya Angelou.

MAKEFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Makefield Elementary’s bi-annual Colonial Day was another huge To mark Teacher Appreciation Day earlier success as students learned about life in America during the this month, the Makefield PTO centered their Revolutionary War era. theme on baseball. First, each teacher was given complimentary tickets to an upcoming Phillies game. encampment on the school grounds,” said Ms. Frost. Sidewalk chalk messages left by students and PTO On Friday morning, the opening ceremonies began volunteers greeted the teachers as they entered the with a dramatic bang! The Trenton Barracks Fife & building on the first day of Teacher Appreciation Drum Corps and the Crossing Church re-enactors Week, and each teacher was also named an “MVP.” welcomed the students. Following this, the children The students brought in handwritten notes of thanks rotated through 30-minute sessions of educational for their teachers. These notes were presented on presentations by Colonial re-enactors. “The Trenton a baseball-shaped template. Every staff member Barracks Museum was contracted to bring their was encouraged to wear Phillies gear on Teacher museum outreach program to our school,” said Ms. Appreciation Day. Well played! Frost. The students learned about children’s play activities, medicines, gardening, home keeping, Once again, the Makefield staff and PTO outdid and life in the militia. They heard from George themselves by presenting their bi-annual Colonial Washington as he spoke to the children about being Day, a school-wide celebration of hands-on lessons a General, and they also got to do some Colonial and demonstrations centered on themes drawn from crafts, such as stenciling and tin punching. Students the American Revolutionary War era. Colonial Day and staff dressed in Colonial attire for the day. at Makefield began in 1984 and was the brainchild Mob hats (dust caps) and tri-corn (three-cornered) of fourth and fifth grade teachers, David Yantz and hats were seen throughout the school campus. Susan Plaisted. This year, PTO President, Danielle A Colonial luncheon arranged by parent Dina Frost, and Colonial Day chair, Jennifer Hauck, Bortnicheck and The Nutrition Group was a planned a full day of activities and events for the highlight of the day. The children feasted on turkey, students. On Thursday evening, the night before, the mashed potatoes, corn, cranberries, and desserts. school community was invited to return to school Butter used during the feast was made during recess at 7:00 p.m. “The students were treated to cider and by students in Makefield’s award-winning Learning donuts while our friends from the Crossing Church Garden. “There is no other program that compares in Newtown unpacked and set-up for their overnight to this experience that we create for our children,”

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • MAY 2018 9 District Highlights Report said co-founder, Mr. Yantz. As always, “this was questions about what she does with the foundation a wonderful opportunity for the students to relive and how she plans to use the money. The check history at Makefield Elementary School!” presentation was also videotaped and shared on Makefield’s Kid Witness News during the morning PTO President, Danielle Frost, also writes, announcements the next day.” “Throughout the month of April, we celebrated Autism awareness as we have done for the past OXFORD VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL five years. This included our annual friendship walk around the school. In addition, the PTO Oxford Valley celebrated Pi Day in a big way, sponsored a motivational speaker to come and talk writes teacher, Cherie Lynne Kooker. “Early in to the children. Former NFL Chicago Bears player, the day, students met with their buddy classes Adrian Peterson, came to Makefield. He wrote to complete a math activity. However, everyone a book called, Don’t Diss My Abilities, and spoke anticipated the culminating assembly. All gathered to the students about how he dealt with a speech in the school gym for the ‘Pi’-throwing event. For impediment as a child and all through college. Now, several days before, the students had purchased post-NFL success, he is a motivational speaker. His tickets for chances to throw pies at Oxford Valley underlying message to the students was, HARD staff members. All the money raised will be used WORK PAYS OFF, which he had the students for STEM activities such as Challenge 24 and chanting. After the assemblies, Mr. Peterson was STEM Challenge. The assembly ended with a very the leader for our friendship walk outside on special pie throwing. Sixty-seven Oxford Valley the school grounds. During the friendship walk, students earned a chance to throw a pie at Principal the students partnered with somebody they did Donna Minnigh. To earn a chance, students not know. It was an awesome day!” Ms. Frost had to complete every monthly math challenge continued: “Following a highly successful t-shirt from September through February. Ms. Minnigh, sales fundraiser for Autism Cares led by teachers challenged all of the students at last year’s assembly. Nicole Bond and Mary Ellen Doto, we invited She promised she would take two pies to the face Linda Kuepper, a representative from Autism Cares, if over 50 students completed their challenges. OV to come to Makefield and accept our donation check students rose to the occasion. Students ended the of $1,600. The students asked Ms. Kuepper several assembly by chanting – MATH IS FUN!”

Former NFL Chicago Bears player, Adrian Peterson, visited Oxford Valley Elementary students had fun celebrating Pi Day with Makefield Elementary during Autism Awareness Month. a pie-throwing activity that raised funds for STEM materials.

10 MAY 2018 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org District Highlights Report

Teacher Julie Samples writes, “Each year the AAA Mid-Atlantic Region chooses several outstanding students who truly represent what it means to be an outstanding School Safety Patrol member. These students go over and above each and every day, they are hard-working, dependable, kind, loving, responsible, and most of all, work to keep their schools safe. AAA chooses which students to honor based upon the information submitted from the schools, highlighting numerous examples and reasons why each student is such a valuable member of the team. The selected students are recognized with the Outstanding Safety Award for the 2017-2018 school year. We are very proud to say that this year they chose Oxford Valley Elementary School’s very own Sarah Mudrick. Only eight students across Bucks, Montgomery, and Emily Runzer (center) represented West Chester University at Philadelphia counties were chosen for this honor, Penn Valley Elementary School and assisted fourth grade students and Sarah was the only student chosen from Lower with their College Bound Brochure assignment. Bucks County! The award luncheon was held on May 1st at the Radisson Hotel in Trevose.” they began their College Bound Brochure lesson,” shares teacher, Jennifer Klacik. “Ms. Runzer told the students about the admissions process, commuting vs. living on campus, tuition costs, and scholarships. She also highlighted various majors and opened the discussion for students to share about their career goals and what majors could be of interest to them at the university. The students enjoyed learning about the music program, football and baseball teams, art club, astronomy club, and even a video game club.” Ms. Runzer was invited by West Chester University alumni and fourth grade teachers, Neil Socoloski and Ms. Klacik, to guide students in their research of colleges of their choice. For the College Bound Brochure assignment, each student selected a college Student Sarah Mudrick, a Safety Patrol member (center), was based on personal career dreams and interests. recognized for her outstanding work by the AAA Mid-Atlantic They will share these college brochures during an Region. NBC10’s Katy Zachry (far right) was also on hand for the upcoming classroom college fair in June. awards ceremony. Third grade teacher, Betty Zubrzycki, writes that author, storyteller, and teacher of storytelling, PENN VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Robin Moore, returned to Penn Valley with his interactive, living history project. Mr. Moore led the “Fourth grade students at Penn Valley welcomed third graders in an authentic tipi-raising activity West Chester University’s Assistant Director of that involved erecting a 16-foot, Cheyenne tipi. Admissions, Emily Runzer, to their classrooms as

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • MAY 2018 11 District Highlights Report

– collaboration, critical thinking, communication and creativity – to successfully break out of the multi-locked box,” said Ms. McGinley.

WALT DISNEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

“Some amazing work is occurring during our preschool readiness workshops at Walt Disney,” writes Principal Laurie Ruffing. “Pre-K teacher, Tarisa Bosack, and I have always had a dream to educate parents/guardians about the importance of early childhood education. We’ve wanted to teach parents/guardians about the simple steps they can take at home to help their children build preschool Storyteller Robin Moore (rear) worked with third graders at readiness skills. This is not part of the Pre-K program, Penn Valley Elementary to raise this 16-foot tipi on school grounds. nor is this program funded by the Pre-K grant. Tarisa and I have been so passionate about this topic that Mr. Moore then used this structure as a teaching we volunteered to run the preschool readiness parent space to discuss the legends and customs of the workshop series this year without any funding. Lenape Indians who lived in Pennsylvania and the This a six-part parent/child series. The first night, Cheyenne Indians who inhabited the high plains of we asked only the parents to attend without their the Western U.S. children and we discussed approaches to learning. All remaining workshops include the parents and their QUARRY HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL children between the ages of birth to four. For the workshop on Language and Literacy Development, Teacher Bill McDougall introduced a new activity for example, we spent the first 10-15 minutes meeting to his second grade class, called Breakout EDU, with the parents and presenting them with important and it was a big hit, according to Quarry Hill math information. The last 40 minutes of the workshop had specialist, Jeanmarie McGinley. the parents and children participating in a variety of activities that will help build language and literacy “That was hard, but it was so fun,” exclaimed skills. All of these activities are simple things that Lincoln Murray. “Especially that last puzzle. I didn’t can be done at home. We had several stations set up think we were going to get it, but we did!” around the room for the parents and children to visit and play in. Every week we feature a different topic, “I liked solving all the puzzles,” said Bella and each week we have the same 21 participants. I Matthes, who was able to figure out the combination would like to give a shout out to Ms. Bosack. This to the first lock, which required the classmates to use workshop series would not have been possible math and problem-solving skills. “It was really fun without her. While the idea of presenting this type to figure out the locks. We had to work together to of parent workshop series started collaboratively solve the problems.” between us, she has worked very hard to prepare the Google slide presentation and all of the activities in Students worked collaboratively to solve clues which families participate.” and puzzles that were scattered around the room that unlocked the combinations of the locked box. Ms. Ruffing also shares that in January, the Walt “Breakout EDU requires students to use the 4C’s Disney school community enjoyed a “Hat Day” to

12 MAY 2018 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org District Highlights Report

created various forms of media, posters, videos, art displays, and announcements, as well as larger displays of support through the community such as grant writing, a reusable bottle fundraiser, and a Color Run to help fund this initiative. Plastic water bottles are inherently wasteful as they are single-use items, hopefully recycled but often thrown away. In order to make real changes by establishing a truly sustainable environment, the message is clear: using reusable bottles can make a difference! Our students are inspired to transform our school into a greener, healthier place to learn, and take action for the planet. Teacher Meaghan McCafferty is leading the Color Run and associated festivities with additional support provided by Student Council (advised by Arts Foundation representative, Nyla Houser, came to Walt Disney Allyssa Churchwell), and NJHS.” Elementary to accept the school’s donation of $200. In science classes across the grades, Boehm students have participated in augmented raise money for the Pennsbury Arts Foundation experiences. They are using Virtual Reality to (PAF). “Students donated $1 each to wear their immerse themselves in cells, viruses, bacteria, favorite hats to school. We collected $200, and regions of high tectonic activity to learn about recently we presented PAF officer, Nyla Houser, earthquakes and volcanoes, even exploring the with a check for the Arts Foundation. Each year, Everest terrain, and space. “Experiences like these we collect money for PAF as they have been so get students excited about science, technology, generous and have funded many programs for the engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs,” students of Walt Disney Elementary.” said Ms. Quinn. “Immersion is key.”

CHARLES BOEHM MIDDLE SCHOOL This past month, 8B science students researched a variety of pathogens and how diseases are spread. “Students at Charles Boehm are working toward Student groups were tasked with analyzing case a healthy and environmentally-charged proposal,” studies to track patient zero, discover how to stop writes Gifted Support teacher, Anita Quinn. “It is the outbreak by severing the epidemiological our goal to install several water bottle refill stations triangle, and prevent an epidemic from forming. around our school building. Boehmers have been These students also participated in Virtual Reality working to reduce the amount of waste from plastic scenes concerning Black Plague, Zika, and Ebola, water bottles all year. Starting back in September, read excerpts from The Viral Storm, Hot Zone, along we participated in a global action, the 2017 Green with a novel study concerning Smallpox. The study Apple Day of Service. As students entered school, culminated in an interactive experience concerning they witnessed the amount of waste we generate pathogen transmission vectors, geographical as a building just from plastic bottles in one day. locations, symptoms, mutations, and resistance. The Boehm chapter of the National Junior Honor These student epidemiologists can identify diseases Society (NJHS) challenged the entire school to use and necessary treatments successfully to avoid reusable water bottles on a daily basis. Students global pandemics. have taken this challenge seriously and want to be a paradigm of sustainability. Students have

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • MAY 2018 13 District Highlights Report

Students in Megan Miller’s after-school Art PENNWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL Club have been creating mixed media silhouettes for this year’s Crossing Boundaries student On May 9th, Pennwood seventh and eighth exhibition at the James A. Michener Art Museum graders met in the school auditorium for a special in Doylestown. “This is a collaborative project presentation organized by the school’s UNITY team. involving the students of Pine Run Elementary The program called, “CHOICES!” was presented School, Pennwood Middle School, the LINC High by former WWE Wrestling champion, Marc Mero. School, the Kensington Health Sciences Academy, According to the Pennwood counseling staff, “This and the Michener Art Museum,” said Ms. Miller. The program was established to encourage students Education Gallery exhibition will feature original to make a difference in their personal lives, their artworks, poetry, essays, and video created at each school, and their community. Marc Mero’s message of the schools. The theme of this year’s outreach evokes personal reflection, laughter, and tears, and program is “What Can I Do?” with the focus giving also instills hope. Presented at more than 2,000 students opportunities to create works of art and schools across the country, Mr. Mero’s program express ideas and issues that are important to empowers students to make positive choices through them. Students in grades 3-12 participated in the a challenging, but touching, testimonial of the trials project, and the resulting artwork is representative Mr. Mero experienced in his own life.” of many diverse backgrounds, experiences, and environments. Family members, teachers, school Mr. Mero’s personal story was deeply moving, as administrators, and community residents are he described the crises and losses he had experienced welcome to join the students at a reception on himself. “Together we can build bridges as we come Sunday, May 20th, from noon to 3 p.m. Guests are together as a family,” he said, and he encouraged invited to meet one another, have lunch, tour the the students “not to base your life limitations on museum, and create a work of art. In addition, the what other people say. I hope my heartbreak is your exhibition is free and open to the public from May wake-up call. We are defined by our choices. You’re 13 through June 3, and visitors may see the student a world changer! I know that the talent coming out of work during museum hours, which are Tuesday - this school will be remarkable.” Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m, and Sunday from noon – 5:00 p.m.

Pennwood Orchestra Director, Michael McGarry, reports that string students from all three middle schools attended a performance by a quartet of musicians from the Philadelphia Orchestra. “Students listened to pieces from the classical repertoire by Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven in the newly-refurbished Pennwood auditorium,” said Mr. McGarry. Performers included Yu-Ting Chen and Jonathan Beiler, violins; Renard Edwards, viola, and Richard Harlow, cello. “An interesting question/answer session followed the 35-minute performance,” added Mr. McGarry. “This is the third time tremendous string musicians from this Former WWE Wrestling champ, Marc Mero, was invited to world class orchestra have come to Pennsbury. I’m Pennwood Middle School to present his inspirational program honored to call Mr. Harlow a colleague and friend.” called, “CHOICES!”

14 MAY 2018 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org District Highlights Report

Science teacher, Bridget Blackshire, shares: “On Friday, March 16th two teams of William Penn students competed in the Bucks County Regional K’Nex STEM Design Challenge at Delaware Valley University. Their task was to design an environmen- tally-friendly product for the home, such as a new appliance. Both William Penn teams had a perfect score, and took 2nd and 3rd places out of the 64 teams competing. We would like to congratulate Aidan Catalano, Callan Fang, Daniel Paton, Arthav Vyas, Sal Casalena, Jack Goldman, Salil Sawant, and Joseph Sutherland. You made William Penn proud!”

Pennwood Orchestra Director, Michael McGarry, was pleased to introduce a quartet of musicians from the Philadelphia Orchestra to string students from all three middle schools.

WILLIAM PENN MIDDLE SCHOOL

William Penn’s seventh grade science classes recently submitted a video and PowerPoint presentation summarizing their 2017-2018 Energizing Education Project to be considered for the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Program Youth Awards competition. William Penn is proud to share that the school has been selected as the 2018 Pennsylvania School of This team of students from William Penn Middle School designed a the Year and the 2018 National Junior School of wind-powered washing machine and took second place at the Year for their outstanding energy education the Bucks County Regional K’Nex STEM Design Challenge at project! The students have been invited to attend Delaware Valley University. the 38th Annual NEED Youth Energy Conference and Awards from June 22-25th in Washington, D.C. Teacher Gabrielle Skroski reports that students To recognize the hard work of the students, PECO from William Penn were invited by the Franklin is providing $2,500 to William Penn to help cover Institute to present at the Philadelphia Science the cost of registration fees for participation in the Festival held on April 28th on the Parkway outside conference. Students attending the conference will of the Franklin Institute. Prior to the event, students collaborate with grade level peers from around learned about renewable energy sources in their the country in a STEM challenge. Students will science classes and had the opportunity to complete also have time to visit the sites in Washington, several lab activities that demonstrated how those D.C. and go on a dinner cruise during their stay. energy sources can be used. Teams of students The conference will close with the Youth Awards also designed and constructed their own houses ceremony, during which student representatives with appliances powered by solar energy. The from William Penn will be invited onstage to share houses demonstrated the use of active solar power their projects and receive their awards. consisting of a working ceiling fan and a light powered by solar panels located on the roof of the

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • MAY 2018 15 District Highlights Report

Manu Balusu, Ian Duffield, Samay Gohel, Nick Heaton, Katelyn Kahn, Madigan Leventhal, Julia Szwalbenest, Daniel Wang, Kelly Koob, Maeve Kessler, Jillian O’Donnell, Matt Pryjomski, and Lilly Xie. “We are very proud of the hard work and dedication by all of the team members in preparation for this one night that celebrates reading. You all did a marvelous job and represented your school proudly!” said Ms. Thompson.

Health & Physical Fitness Curriculum Coordinator, Lori Trickel, shares: “PHS recently received a generous donation of CPR materials through the American Heart Association, thanks At the invitation of the Franklin Institute, seventh grade students from to Pennsbury alumnus, Carolyn McLaurin. We are William Penn Middle School displayed their model houses featuring so thankful for this kind gesture and invited Ms. solar-powered appliances at the Philadelphia Science Festival. McLaurin into one of our CPR classes to observe students using the materials.” home. At the event, seventh grade students Giana Galati, Summer Schneider, Julia Sobey, Cassi The Multi-Cultural Youth Leaders (MCYL) Club Daley, Skylar Lavin, and Anuja Nanavaty spent held a joint Fashion Show and Talent Show this year. the day explaining the science behind solar energy. “Our students did a fantastic job modeling outfits They used their solar homes to show visitors how that covered the globe,” said MCYL advisor, teacher solar panels can be used to generate electricity. They John Sanders. “Our talent show was equally as also helped festival guests create their own solar diverse as the fashion show. We had singers, dancers, bracelets with the use of UV beads that change color a traditional rapper, as well as a gospel rapper. in the presence of ultraviolet radiation. And for the first time, we had a metal band, and a country/western singer! I’m also sending a special PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL shout out to teacher, Patty Merrick, and her amazing Dance Team. The Cave auditorium was almost filled On April 19th, Pennsbury High School participated to capacity, as many friends, family, and classmates in the county-wide Reading Olympics competition came out to cheer for the performers.” at Council Rock High School South. The competition encourages students to read more than they currently Major James MacEachern (Ret.) and TSgt. do, read a greater variety of books, and enjoy the Chauncey Ivey (Ret.), faculty leaders of Pennsbury’s excitement of talking about books. Congratulations first Air Force JROTC unit, worked with this year’s to all four PHS Reading Olympics teams and their cadets to present the first End-of-Year Awards and coaches: Lynn Wambach, Rita Ann Thompson, and Change of Command Ceremony to recognize the Jennifer Hillemann. The four teams, D-MAC (Don’t accomplishments of the new group and to bestow a Ask Me About College), Dragon Tales, All Nighters, and series of national awards on many deserving cadets. Highly Illogical Readers, each earned the top prize – a Opening remarks by Principal Reggie Meadows blue ribbon! A special salute to the All Nighters team, were followed with a keynote address by Pennsbury who scored the most points out of everyone in the alumnus, Terry Wallace. A Cadet Group Change of county! Best of luck to the graduating seniors who Command Ceremony then led into the recognition of have worked so hard for the Reading Olympics the student award winners, listed below: teams over the years: Benjamin Aronson, Diba Atar,

16 MAY 2018 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org District Highlights Report

• The Outstanding Cadet Ribbon (by grade level) – Gracie Macerrella (freshman); Kamaya Jefferson (sophomore); Tara Culver (junior); Nicole Spohn (senior) • Cadet of the Year – Nicole Spohn

Jason Friedman and Kate Klock, Public Relations Officers for the PHS chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS), are pleased to report that spring has sprung and so has the activity of the students and officers of the NHS. “In recent months, NHS members have maintained their high level of involvement within the Pennsbury community, as many volunteered their time at District elementary schools,” said the students. “Members assisted at The first Air Force JROTC End-of-Year Awards event included Fallsington Elementary Family Board Game Night, this impressive Change of Command ceremony narrated by leading board games for students and parents, and TSgt. Chauncey Ivey (Ret.), at left. later at Eleanor Roosevelt’s Young Readers’ Night, helping with activities, crafts, book swapping, and • The AMVETS JROTC Recognition Award – food. Some students even volunteered by providing Victoria Thompson child care during Oxford Valley’s Title I Parent • The Tuskegee Airmen Air Force Junior ROTC Night. And the NHS volunteering within the district Cadet Award – Kyle Brower hasn’t been limited to just the elementary schools. • The Military Order of the Purple Heart Award – Members also helped the PHS Drama Department Beth McKeever by selling baked goods in order to raise money for the highly-anticipated Friday Night Live show • The Sons of the American Revolution Award – on Friday, April 27th. Aside from contributions Casey Glynn within the schools, members lent their skills to • The Veterans of Foreign Wars Award – Joe various community projects, near and far. In late Brandimarto April, members travelled to Belmar to aid in the • The National Sojourners Award – Riley Girton Belmar Beach Sweep; as part of the Environmental • The Military Officer’s Association of America Club’s ongoing effort to protect marine wildlife, Award – Montana O’Neill volunteers picked up plastic waste pollution. Shortly • The Military Order of World Wars Award – after that, members volunteered at the Lake Afton Dominic Raccagno Boat Ride fundraiser, helping with set-up, boat • The Daughters of the American Revolution Award alignment, and ticket collection.” At the end of April, – Tara Culver the chapter hosted its annual spring induction, in which a whopping 253 new members (including • The Reserve Officers Association Award – Nicole Superintendent Dr. William Gretzula) from the Class Spohn of 2019 were welcomed into the National Honor • The American Legion General Military Excellence Society. The organization is proud to see all of these Award – Ben Ottenstein new faces and excited to see how they will contribute • The American Legion Scholastic Award – Kamaya during their year as members. NHS hosted its annual Jefferson Spring Blood Drive on May 11th; historically this has • The Air Force Association Award – Mollie Nellist been a successful event, so the club was pleased to • The Scottish Rite Freemason Award – Zach Wales see that many lives will be saved this time around,

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • MAY 2018 17 District Highlights Report too. As the school year nears an end, the NHS looks campus. They were joined by Sarahlyn Bruck, the forward to continuing community service throughout literature professor who served as final judge, and the summer.” author of the forthcoming novel, Designer You. The Bucks County High School Short-Fiction Contest is another way that Bucks County Community College Commendable contributes to the cultural heritage of the region. It was funded by a Strategic Initiative Grant from ACCOMPLISHMENTS Bucks County Community College, and received support from the college’s Language and Literature Department. For more information about the contest, MELANIE NOLAN WINS BCCC contact Professor Elizabeth Luciano at Elizabeth. SHORT FICTION CONTEST [email protected] or 215-968-8167.

Bucks County Community LYFT CHARACTER AWARD College has announced the winners of the first-ever WINNERS ANNOUNCED Bucks County High School Short-Fiction contest. According In conjunction with Pennsbury School District’s to Elizabeth Luciano, the ongoing character education initiative, students literature professor who at all school levels are spotlighted each month coordinated the contest, for possessing specific positive character assets. Melanie Nolan, a junior at This month, students are being recognized for exemplifying the trait of “Leadership.” The students Melanie Nolan Pennsbury High School, won first place and $200 for her honored this month are Brindalyn Skoubye, story, Among the Bones. Congratulations, Melanie! Elizabeth Schafer, and Nyla Hamburg.

“From the first line of Among the Bones, I was At the middle school level, the winner this month is pulled into this woman’s world, her mind fading Elizabeth (Ellie) Schafer. Ellie is in the eighth grade due to dementia, yet holding onto one, specific at Pennwood Middle School and was nominated by memory of her time working in a funeral parlor Team Integrity. Ellie demonstrates leadership both in as a teenager,” a judge wrote of Nolan’s winning and out of class. In the classroom, her teachers note entry. “The story delves into her experience at the that Ellie consistently takes charge when put in small morgue and her fascination with the bodies that groups or partnerships and is successful at keeping she observes and the questions she has about the her peers and herself on track. She leads by example lives lived and the secrets taken to the grave. This in class by working quietly and diligently, and she memory forces her to confront her own mortality, encourages those around her to complete their work knowing that death isn’t too far away for her, as instructed. Outside of class, Ellie participates in either.” Pennwood’s chorus and track team, and demonstrates her leadership in those activities as well. Second place and $100 went to Rachel Hoenisch, a senior at Neshaminy High School, for her story, The winner of the character award from The Huntress. And third place and $50 was awarded Pennsbury High School is sophomore, Brindalyn to Marissa Klein, a senior at Central Bucks West, Skoubye. She was nominated by Susan Lawrence. for her story, The Fates. All three winners were Ms. Lawrence says that Brindalyn is a leader in her honored at a celebration and reception April 29th Honors Algebra 2 class. She volunteered to assist the in the Orangery building on the college’s Newtown substitute teacher when Ms. Lawrence had to leave

18 MAY 2018 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org District Highlights Report class to attend an IEP meeting and she has taken the initiative to help in other ways. In class, Brindalyn is always willing to help other students who are struggling. She took the lead to arrange for the class to have refreshments during review day, and organized the food to be brought in.

This month’s winner at the elementary level is Nyla Hamburg, a fifth grader at Fallsington Elementary School. Nyla was nominated by Sara Long, Jennifer Tietz, Linda Minnes, Kristen Cahill, and Principal Brian Shaffer. Nyla’s leadership qualities are evident in her prominent roles as the Fallsington Student Council President, as a Safety Patrol member, and as the lead in the fifth grade play, Now Let Me Fly. In her day-to-day Casey Schaeffer, a student at Charles Boehm Middle School, was interactions with others, she leads by example, honored by the YWCA of Bucks County for her local philanthropic showing kindness, initiative, and compassion. work. Casey is pictured here with PA State Representative Perry Warren (left) and her father, Chuck Schaeffer. According to Ms. Cahill, Nyla does an amazing job helping Kindergarten students learn the Pledge of need. Casey recently staged her third Full Heart Kids Allegiance. As Student Council President, Nyla runs Carnival and thanks to sponsorships and donations, meetings smoothly and makes sure all members of she distributed more than $4,300 to benefit three the Council feel included. worthy causes: A Soldier’s Hands, Full Heart Music Scholarship, and Joyce’s Voice for Cats Adoption. Well BCTHS RECOGNIZES STUDENTS done, and congratulations, Casey! OF THE MONTH UNION LEAGUE HONORS STUDENTS Please join in congratulating Nolan Hockensmith, Dominic Panaia, Kelly Vajda, and Jeffrey WITH GOOD CITIZEN AWARDS Dornblaser. These are all Pennsbury students who The Youth Work Foundation of the Union League were recently selected to be Students of the Month of Philadelphia held its 72nd annual Good Citizen by the teachers and administrators at the Bucks Day on May 16th. A total of 300 young men and County Technical High School. women from 50 area youth-service organizations were honored as “good citizens.” Students from BUCKS COUNTY YWCA HONORS Pennsbury selected for this honor included: Tara CASEY SCHAEFFER Culver, Emma Davis, Randall Dickersbach, Tommy Kraeck, Nicole Middleton, Michelle Pellegrino, Casey Schaeffer, an eighth grader at Charles Alexis Scott, and Alaina Tarallo. These students Boehm Middle School, is already known locally as were invited to attend morning workshops and a successful community activist and fundraiser. At small group discussions on the responsibilities of the recent Salute to Women Who Make a Difference citizenship. The afternoon included the exploration event hosted by the YWCA of Bucks County, Casey of legislative, judicial, and executive branches of was honored for starting a group known as Full Heart government at Philadelphia’s City Hall. The day was in 2015. Full Heart promotes community involvement capped with an awards banquet for the students at by children and raises funds for organizations in the Union League. Congratulations to all!

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • MAY 2018 19 District Highlights Report

Upcoming MEETINGS

Board Facilities Committee 5:00 p.m., June 7, 2018 Superintendent’s Conference Room Vocal Music teacher, Marta Grothman, had a proud Pennsbury memory to share this month: Board Education Committee “Thirty years ago, my husband, Band Director 7:00 p.m., June 7, 2018 Michael Grothman, made the daring trip to the Superintendent’s Conference Room People’s Republic of China with 250 Pennsbury students and parent chaperones. China was Action Board Meeting much different then. In planning the trip, Mr. 7:30 p.m., June 21, 2018 Grothman and the other trip planners got little Fallsington Elementary School sleep for an entire year as most trip-related business had to be conducted during our sleeping hours. I am told it was a life-changing trip for those who attended. I know it was a life-changing trip for him. May 1st marked their performance on the Great Wall of China. Hats off to the students and chaperones for their hard work and for being such wonderful ambassadors!”

20 MAY 2018 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org