Superintendent PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • JUNE 2018

on the flyer at the end of this month’s newsletter. Across the DISTRICT Any member of the Pennsbury community may opt-in for these messages. While parents/guardians of Pennsbury students may access District-level DISTRICT ANNOUNCES NEW messaging, they will also receive direct invitation NOTIFICATION SYSTEM codes for notifications from their child(ren)’s individual schools. In an expansion of our existing District-wide messaging systems, ENHANCEMENT TO WALL OF HONOR Pennsbury is partnering with UNVEILED AT ANNUAL CEREMONY Remind.com for the purposes of sending alert notifications via text messages on an On the Friday before Memorial Day weekend, the opt-in basis. District and building administrators, annual Wall of Honor ceremony took place at PHS teachers, and athletic coaches will be using this system West. The event included the unveiling of a new for messaging to large and small groups. These groups addition to the Wall. With the help of a group of will be formed as parents/guardians, students, and Pennsbury alumni – many of them veterans – a new community members opt-in upon invitation through section of the Wall was revealed to pay tribute to a designated group code. The notifications may be those PHS alumni who made the ultimate sacrifice received either by direct text to a mobile device or during the Vietnam War (13) and the Iraq War (1). through the downloadable Remind app.

“We’re excited that Remind is now formally adopted as an official communication tool in Pennsbury,” said Kevin Dorsey, Director of Technology. “Many Pennsbury teachers are already using the Remind app so there are families who are acquainted with the system. This District-wide expansion will provide consistency across all schools as well as the District and allows for additional message length. All messaging will be archived for the purposes of transparency. The system also offers the capability for teachers to communicate with students’ families via telephone without revealing personal phone numbers.” Members of the Class of 1964 joined PHS teacher, Aly McBryar District-level and building-level groups are now (3rd from left) and Superintendent Dr. William Gretzula (right) in the process of developing subscriber lists. For at the unveiling of the Wall of Honor enhancement just before District-level messaging, see the directions listed Memorial Day.

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • JUNE 2018 1 District Highlights Report

Mr. Ray Parker (Class of ’64) and his wife, Claudia, Over the years, Dr. Schiavone served on donated the 14 hand-crafted wooden flag boxes and such District committees as Strategic Planning, flags that were unveiled. The Parkers and many of Administrative Budget, Elementary Math their classmates were in attendance at the ceremony Curriculum Renewal, RELA Curriculum Renewal, this year. For the first time, students from the Wellness, Elementary Report Card, FLEX, MTSS, Pennsbury Air Force JROTC program provided the Demonstration Teachers, Human Growth and color guard. These caring community stakeholders, Development, Habits of the Mind, Elementary working with the high school administration and Technology Refresh, November Teacher Inservice faculty, have created a meaningful enhancement Workshops, and the Full Day Kindergarten Study. to the Wall of Honor. Future plans for this new Dr. Schiavone has also served as the Elementary section include an interactive display that will tell Summer School Administrator. She worked with her the stories of each of these honored alumni. This is school’s parent community to raise funding to double an excellent example of community outreach and the size of the Quarry Hill library and also create an partnership that serves to benefit the educational outdoor classroom environment (The Learning Nest), experience of our current students. Many thanks overseeing improvements on both projects. to PHS Co-Principals Lisa Becker and Reggie Meadows, along with Assistant Principals Rich Fry Dr. Schiavone came to Pennsbury from the and Cherrissa Gibson, Social Studies Curriculum Wallingford-Swarthmore School District in Coordinator Mark Cherepko, and teachers Aly 1994. She served as a teacher at Charles Boehm McBryar and Robin Skogen for all of their work in Middle School prior to being appointed as an coordinating this year’s special event. Administrative Intern at Quarry Hill, Afton and Oxford Valley elementary schools. During this WE SAY FAREWELL TO… time she also pursued her doctoral studies in Educational Administration at Widener University Quarry Hill Elementary and had her doctorate conferred in December, 1999. Principal, Peggy A. Schiavone, She presented her dissertation, The Antecedents of Ed.D., plans to retire from Attending College by Disabled Students, at the annual Pennsbury in July. We wish Eastern Educational Research Association conference Dr. Schiavone all the best in in 2000. In February 1999, she was appointed this next phase of her life, Principal of Fallsington Elementary School, where following a distinguished she remained until being named Principal of Penn educational career. Valley Elementary School in 2005. She moved to Quarry Hill as Principal in 2010. Dr. Schiavone holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education Peggy A. Schiavone, Ed.D. “In speaking with Dr. Schiavone about her time from the Pennsylvania State University, a Master in the District and Quarry Hill, she spoke of her of Education along with Principal’s Certification Pennsbury pride and the fact that she inherited a and Assistant Superintendent’s Certification from wonderful school community,” said Superintendent Widener University, as well as a Doctorate in Dr. William Gretzula. “Her goal was to maintain Education from Widener. that. I’d say she succeeded in that mission and more. Quarry Hill Elementary, thanks to Dr. Along with two fifth graders, Dr. Schiavone started Schiavone’s leadership, is a model educational every school day with the following message on the environment that truly embraces the whole child morning announcements: “Have a learning-filled day and treats all students and adults with dignity, and remember to take care of each other.” respect and compassion.”

2 JUNE 2018 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org District Highlights Report

“Ms. Falk offered an intimate visit in each fourth In the SCHOOLS grade classroom,” said Ms. Myles. “She shared some of her own poetry, as well as some of her favorite poems. Students proudly recited excerpts from their ELEANOR ROOSEVELT own poetry. Ms. Falk offered an attentive ear and ELEMENTARY SCHOOL thoughtful feedback. She led students in several quick writing exercises, including creating versions “Twenty-five fifth grade students participated in of ‘I used to ______, and now I ______.’ One student the Eagles Play 60 Field Day at Lincoln Financial responded, ‘I used to stumble, and now I glide.’ Field sponsored by the Philadelphia Eagles and The Another expressed, ‘I used to be a bored balloon, American Heart Association,” writes fifth grade and now I am popping with ideas.’” Afterwards, teacher, Jason Miller. “After attending a Play 60 fourth grade teacher, Ms. Peirce, commented: “It was assembly in December, students logged their daily a real treat having the Poet Laureate’s visit as the activity minutes for a month. The 25 students with culmination to our poetry unit. Students were excited the most minutes logged were chosen to participate to recognize the various forms of poetry that they in the Field Day.” With the support of Principal Lisa had learned and Ms. Falk mentioned and shared.” Follman, the lucky students, accompanied by fifth grade teachers, Mr. Miller and Roger Kean, and PTO parent and Physical Education teacher, Brian Doron, competed Playground Committee in relay races, caught passes from Eagles players, Chair, Megan Esmonde and even kicked field goals through the uprights. shares that the school’s Eagles players Steven Means, Donnel Pumphrey, Tre Field Day, planned by Sullivan, and Corey Nelson joined the students on Physical Education teacher, the field for this exciting event. Brian Doron, was also the day that Roosevelt students were rewarded by Principal Lisa Follman for their efforts in raising over $15,000 during their Falcon Fun Run. This fundraiser was developed to support an ambitious playground Principal Lisa Follman revitalization campaign underway at Roosevelt this year. Ms. Follman had agreed to be “slimed” by the students if they raised more than $15,000 – and they did! “Our fundraising effort and our entire playground project would not have been possible without Principal Follman’s support, energy, and her willingness to work with us on the recent Fun Run,” said Ms. Esmonde. “She Fifth graders from Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary attended an Eagles Play 60 Field Day held at Lincoln Financial Field. is a Principal who values and respects her teachers, and it shows with the support the teachers gave in return for our event. A student from every class was This year’s Bucks County Poet Laureate, Katherine selected to pour a cup of slime on Ms. Follman... Falk, came to visit Eleanor Roosevelt’s fourth grade and the 5th graders finished it up by pouring the students, writes Reading Specialist, Alisa Myles. remaining slime in the bucket on her head!”

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • JUNE 2018 3 District Highlights Report

Be sure to check out the “Commendable Accomplishments” students collaborated to restore the garden beds section of this newsletter for more exciting news from and to prepare them for a variety of vegetables,” Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary! said teacher, Kimberly Massaroni. “They applied concepts that were learned inside their classrooms to FALLSINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL their work in the garden.” This summer, Fallsington families will maintain the garden and then enjoy On June 1st, Fallsington fifth graders taught by the produce that is grown. “It’s exciting to see the Courtney Gould and Sara Long brought their unit expansion of our garden project to include our of study on biographies to life through the creation families, further promoting family engagement in of a “wax museum.” Students researched a person our instructional program,” added Ms. Massaroni. of their choosing, created posters of major life accomplishments, wrote speeches, and dressed up for the event. Students and parents were then invited to come to school and meet such famous figures as Walt Disney, Rosa Parks, Albert Einstein, Misty Copeland, Abraham Lincoln, Stephan Hawkins, Amelia Earhart, and many others.

Second and third graders at Fallsington helped the PTO revitalize the school’s community garden.

MAKEFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Renee Pope (librarian) and Cortney Wible (Education Technology Associate) are pleased to report that they had a successful coding unit with students in kindergarten, first, and second grades. Ms. Pope used the study of nursery rhymes, fairy tales, and fables to promote unplugged activities. Albert Einstein was one of many famous figures on exhibit during Ms. Wible used the plugged activities on code.org to a “biography wax museum” staged by fifth grade students at help guide the students through basic coding. Both Fallsington Elementary. teachers introduced the students to vocabulary and facilitated many S.T.E.A.M. activities. “The students Second and third grade students, with help were engaged and practicing not only coding from the Fallsington PTO, revived the school’s skills, but also Future Ready skills of cooperation, community garden established through a partnership collaboration and creativity,” said Ms. Pope. with the Snipes Farm and Education Center. “Our

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

MANOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Teacher Lauren Jacoby shares that Manor has developed a new “Kindness Rocks” garden on school grounds. “We received money from a grant through the Pennsbury Arts Foundation to create painted rocks with positive messages on them to spruce up our small garden around the flagpole,” said Ms. Jacoby. “When we were awarded the grant, we found out that one of our biggest donors to the project was the Yantz Family. This was special to us because Cathy Yantz taught Kindergarten at Manor for many years and mentored some of our teachers These students and adult volunteers worked together to inaugurate the iRun4Life program at Oxford Valley Elementary School. currently working here. Our Manor Ambassadors helped to clean up the garden and our entire student body contributed a unique rock to the project!” program is to teach children about exercise, healthy nutrition and giving back to the community. We believe that if children learn to love exercise at an early age and realize how fun it is to feel healthy and strong, then they will maintain an active and healthy lifestyle throughout their lives. Running activities will also give them confidence and positive self-esteem which will carry over into their school work and daily lives. Not only will the children be healthier and stronger each week of training, but they will also learn about endurance, resilience, and grit. They will learn that being the fastest and winning is secondary to learning patience and building character by supporting their fellow runners. They will also gain a strong sense of giving back and helping their community by doing 26 good deeds by the end of their running program. The club culminates in a “Kids Only” 3K race held in Doylestown. Hand-painted with positive messages and bright colors, these “Kindness Rocks” were created by students at Manor Elementary School to enhance a small outdoor garden around the flagpole. Each Monday for eight weeks, teachers Devyn Dukes and Adrian Stoffregen have worked with these students after school as coaches in this running OXFORD VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL club. Additionally, some of our parents came every week to run and participate in the activities right Principal Donna Minnigh writes, “Although the alongside their children. We have also had a very iRun4Life® program was started in order to address special guest runner, Officer John Yeager, from the childhood obesity, I chose to bring this program Falls Township Police Department. Having Officer to Oxford Valley to also build connectedness and Yeager join us weekly was yet another way for us to community among children in grades 3-5 as well as build connections with our students and members of their parents. First, the premise of the iRun4Life® our community.

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • JUNE 2018 5 District Highlights Report

Oxford Valley developed a spinoff of the Relay for Life concept with a school-based Recess Relay PENN VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL program. “Teachers and students worked together to walk and raise money that goes directly to the Penn Valley fourth grade students participated American Cancer Society,” said teacher Danielle in a three-day Money Zone program facilitated by Michael. “Oxford Valley staff will participate in Jo Abrams of Republic Bank, a Pennsbury Partner, Relay for Life on June 23 and June 24 at Pennsbury writes teacher, Jennifer Klacik. “Ms. Abrams High School in loving memory of former Oxford worked with each of the three fourth grade classes Valley Principal, Fran Nitkin. Students and family to define common bank terms, read bank statements, are welcome to join them for some laps!” complete a deposit slip, calculate interest, and monitor bank transactions.” Students found many of Members of the fifth grade chorus, under the the real-life word problems similar to the ones they direction of vocal music teacher, Jennifer Stephens, have completed throughout the year as part of the sang the National Anthem before the start of a recent EM4 curriculum. “They worked together to share Trenton Thunder game. Oxford Valley teachers ideas of how they have already started saving for were also able to raise over $500 for their school in the future and how they plan to continue making conjunction with a family activity during the game. deposits and gain interest!” added Ms. Klacik.

School Director Gary Sanderson presented his Penn Valley Elementary once again received the “Edible Landfill” presentation once again to Oxford No Place for Hate designation this year, shared Valley’s first and fourth graders. Students worked Principal Barbara Hidalgo. “Many character in pairs to create edible replicas of a landfill and education projects were completed throughout the learned about each level of its construction through year to gain this status,” she said. “A few of our generous support provided by Waste Management, students went to Philadelphia to accept this award Inc., a Pennsbury Partner. “This is an assembly the on behalf of the school.” students and staff look forward to each year,” said teacher, Cherie Lynne Kooker. “We are so thankful PHS Assistant Principal Cherrissa Gibson visited to Waste Management and Mr. Sanderson for their Mary Johnston’s first grade classroom in May. Ms. support of making learning fun... and edible.” Gibson’s first grade daughter helped her select

School Director Gary Sanderson brought his “Edible Landfill” PHS Assistant Principal Cherrissa Gibson was invited to bring presentation to Oxford Valley Elementary with financial support a special book to share with first grade students at Penn Valley from Waste Management, a Pennsbury Partner. Elementary School.

6 JUNE 2018 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org District Highlights Report the book, Ada Twist, Scientist for the Penn Valley students. The text explores curiosity, perseverance WALT DISNEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL and love of knowledge from an early age. Students discussed their fondness of science and learning First grade teacher, Lorie Becker, writes that the about their world. Many thanks to Ms. Gibson for Zoo on Wheels, a mobile unit sponsored by the sharing with the Penn Valley students! Philadelphia Zoo, came to Walt Disney to make presentations to all three sections of first grade. The guest visit was made possible thanks to a QUARRY HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL mini-grant from the Pennsbury Partners Program. “This visit tied in with the children’s study of animal Since the 1990s, Pennsylvania Day has been habitats and the continents as part of the science a special occasion for fourth grade students at curriculum,” said Ms. Becker. Some of the live Quarry Hill thanks to the coordinating efforts of animals that accompanied the zoo representative the PTO. This year, a grade-level assembly kicked that day included a rabbit, a snake, and a lizard, off the day as PA Representative Perry Warren with additional exhibit items such as a tortoise shell and a representative from the office of Bucks and real animal fur. County Commissioner Diane Marseglia met with the students. After that, more guest speakers filled the fourth grade classrooms with Pennsylvania- related materials and special presentations for the students as the classes rotated from room to room all morning. Included among those classroom speakers were the Kean brothers from the Philly Pretzel Factory, a Betsy Ross interpreter, an expert on the state’s wildlife, and a colonial re-enactor with agricultural tools from Pennsbury Manor. In the afternoon, the fourth graders dressed up as a famous Pennsylvanians and shared short summaries of their subject’s accomplishments.

The Philadelphia Zoo’s mobile “Zoo on Wheels” paid a visit to Walt Disney Elementary thanks to a grant from the Pennsbury Partners Program.

CHARLES BOEHM MIDDLE SCHOOL

Teacher Tom Mellon writes, “All students on the 8B team participated in a day-long STEAM Field Day on June 12th. In small groups, students visited eight different stations throughout the day where they cooperatively problem-solved and reinforced concepts covered throughout the year. STEAM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Students took turns examining animal fur and skulls as part of a Pennsylvania Day activity focusing on common state animals at and Math - is an initiative that Pennsbury School Quarry Hill Elementary. District has embraced to help prepare students

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

from raising the foundation due to flooding, to minimizing land use by stacking structures, even designing Earthships (environmentally-sound buildings that incorporate tires and green energy solutions). The kids and weather were fantastic, can’t wait until next year!”

Working on the Charles Bohm school newsletter inspired student, Ezra Greenberg, to participate in the WHYY Journalism Education Program for middle school students. As a result, one of Ezra’s stories was broadcast on a WHYY news program. Following this, he had the opportunity to attend an additional set of workshops at the public broadcasting station, enabling Ezra to interview the Eagles’ player, Rodney McLeod, on camera. Well done, Ezra! A day-long STEAM Field Day gave Charles Boehm Middle School students plenty of hands-on activities that tied together a variety of curricular elements. for the 21st century. Students used geometry to calculate the altitude of rockets while others timed each flight so that they could convert the average speed in ft/sec to MPH. Airplanes and Frisbees were thrown to demonstrate Bernoulli’s Principle while careful calculations were recorded. Students were presented with challenges and designed structures with K’Nex and later created blueprints of their designs. Students played kickball and recorded how Newton’s Laws of Motion related to the game. They rode bikes on different surfaces to compare types of friction and referenced simple machines Eagles’ player, Rodney McLeod (right) was interviewed by that made their ride possible. Some students offered Charles Boehm Middle School student, Ezra Greenberg, during a journalism program. to cover the day’s events in a newspaper called The Flying Science Report. They interviewed teachers and students and captured the activities on camera. PENNWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL Two students used drones to capture aerial footage of the day. The entire event was a huge success and On Tuesday, May 11th, students at Pennwood never would have been pulled off without the help experienced their fourth annual character education of the 8B teachers: Mr. Korn, Ms. McCafferty, Ms. lesson by participating in a Disabilities Awareness Diamond, and Ms. Nitkiewicz. Day, organized by teachers, Michele Becknell and Jacqueline Medaglia. “This year, Student Gifted Support teacher, Anita Quinn, added: Council’s vision was to work with the Best “During STEAM Field Day, we had a K’Nex Buddies organization in order to promote a sense building station. The students created designs that of community and foster understanding among were dependent on different challenges ranging

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

A “speaking and listening” challenge was one activity conducted by Pennwood Middle School students during Aliyana McCrary (3rd from right), played an important role during the Disabilities Awareness Day. William Penn Middle School SOAR Walkathon, a fundraiser for CHOP that focused on sickle cell research and care. all students,” said Ms. Becknell. Student Council members who had previously attended a leadership conference led empathy-building activities in each PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL classroom. “Student reflections at the end of the Ninth grade English Honors students taught by lesson revealed that they had a better understanding Breanne Cook hosted a special guest as part of of what it’s like to struggle with learning disabilities their study of creative writing and The Odyssey. and pledged to be more understanding and helpful Singer/songwriter, Suzanne Vega, whose songs, toward their peers,” added Ms. Becknell. Luka and Tom’s Diner, are among her most famous, responded to letters the class sent to her after they WILLIAM PENN MIDDLE SCHOOL studied her poem, Calypso. Ms. Cook had developed a mini unit titled, “Inspiration and the Writing Physical Education teacher, Denise Melnick, writes: “On Friday, May 25th, William Penn students and faculty participated in our second annual SOAR Walkathon, a fundraiser for The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). Our efforts supported their Daisy Day Campaign with a focus on sickle cell anemia. To kick off this wonderful event, we created encouraging cards to send positive and caring messages to the patients of CHOP. Students and staff also donated over $2,500 in support of sickle cell research and care. This tribute was special to our William Penn family, as we supported one of own students, Aliyana McCrary. This amazing young lady graciously greeted and thanked the entire school for their support as we exited the building to Singer/songwriter, Suzanne Vega, met with 9th grade Honors begin this uplifting event! We will proudly continue English students at Pennsbury High School after seeing the to support future CHOP campaigns.” letters they sent to her online.

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Process: The Works of Suzanne Vega.” Students Falls Township Senior Center. “We were there to read several of Ms. Vega’s works and accompanying commemorate military members and military family essays that detail her inspiration for those selected members of the local community who have passed works, evaluating how inspiration influenced her away,” said Major MacEachern. “It was the first time writing in those texts. The students then developed this was done by the Senior Center and they plan to questions they wanted Ms. Vega to answer. On make it a yearly tradition. We hope the AFJROTC Friday, June 8th, Ms. Vega visited Pennsbury to will stay involved.” meet with those students and answer some of their questions, as well as discuss her writing process. Last month, PHS German students from levels I - “I’m proud of my students’ efforts in bringing Ms. AP were treated by the Pennsbury Arts Foundation Vega to Pennsbury” said Ms. Cook, “and I hope to an interactive presentation titled, “History of the this was an experience that not only encourages the Alphorn,” presented by Alphorns of Hunterdon. students to continue their growth as writers, but During the show, Herr Dave Thomas and his son also inspires them to continue advocating for their explained the history of this “antique cell phone” education by seeking information and experiences and demonstrated how instruments were used as a beyond the walls of their classroom.” form of communication in the mountainous regions of Europe. German and music students lined up to Forty-eight senior athletes who plan to play test drive these Alphorns which can be heard from their respective sports at the collegiate level were a distance of two to five miles! “Ein tausend Dank recognized at a breakfast event organized by PHS to German teacher, Linda Smith, for organizing Assistant Principal, Lou Sudholz, who also serves this wunderbar event” said World Languages as Pennsbury’s Athletics Coordinator. The students Department Chair, Amy DiFazio. represented a total of 13 different sports, including baseball, cheerleading, cross country/track, fencing, field hockey, football, lacrosse, rowing, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball. Kudos and good luck to all!

PHS German students of all levels were treated to a lesson on the alphorn by guest visitors who brought these large instruments for a demonstration. A special Falcon breakfast was held at PHS West to honor these senior athletes who have decided to continue playing their respective sports at the collegiate level in the fall.

Major (Ret) James MacEachern, senior aerospace science instructor, shares that on May 17th, 23 PHS Air Force Junior ROTC cadets went to the

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

1,400 K’Nex pieces or less, teams had two hours to Commendable build at the competition. Each team also presented a journal and a blueprint for the project. ACCOMPLISHMENTS Amy Davis, Allegheny Intermediate Unit, reports that each year, 24 Intermediate Units across the ELEANOR ROOSEVELT ELEMENTARY state of Pennsylvania offer a competition to students TEAM WINS STATE DESIGN CONTEST in grades 4-8 where they work in teams to solve a problem. To show their solutions, they must use The 2018 winner of the Pennsylvania State STEM K’Nex education building pieces. The Roosevelt Design Challenge (Elementary Division) was a team students first won the regional competition held at of students from Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary the Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22. School! Fifth graders, Daphne Klose, Patrick Longman, Daniel Morone, and Nicholas Torres, In 2010, the Allegheny Intermediate Unit in created the “Hydra Hand Washer 2000.” Their Homestead, PA hosted the first STEM Design invention is an automatic hand soap dispenser that Challenge. As the competition grew locally, it was runs on hydroelectric power generated from the tap. decided to offer the program across Pennsylvania through the state’s Intermediate Unit system. Since “The competition fits perfectly in our STEM unit offering the program statewide, 24 Intermediate on renewable energy,” said Kathryn Royal, the Units conduct regional competitions and send students’ coach and Roosevelt’s Gifted Support their winners on to the state competition held teacher. “Each year we travel to the Exelon at Harrisburg University in May. The regional Education Center in Fairless Hills to study energy. competitions and state event are generously This year we connected our trip with the Thermo sponsored by Thermo Fisher Scientific. Fisher Scientific STEM competition. The students worked together to meet the challenge.” LENDO FELLOWSHIP The student team competed with over 1,220 teams RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED across the state. Nearly 5,000 students participated Thanks to a generous endowment fund established and over 1,708,000 pieces of K’Nex were used! Using in 2007 by Pennsbury ’64 alumnus, Arthur J. Lendo, Ph.D., 13 students at Pennsbury High School were selected to receive Lendo Fellowship awards to help support their academic and co-curricular pursuits. This year – marking the endowment fund’s 11th anniversary – the following students were approved by the Board of the Pennsbury Education Foundation (which oversees the endowment) for the 2018 Lendo Fellowship awards. The program that each student plans to attend is also listed. • Pranav Chivukula, 11th grade, Robotics Summer Camp, The College of New Jersey • Priya Deliwala, 10th grade, Engineering Summer This impressive team of four students from Eleanor Roosevelt Academy, University of Pennsylvania; and Hugh Elementary competed against over 1,200 STEM design teams O’Brian Youth Leadership Program, Albright from across the state – and earned first place! College www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • JUNE 2018 11 District Highlights Report

long-time president of Peirce College in Philadelphia. He has since relocated out of state. To learn more about the Pennsbury Education Foundation or Dr. Arthur J. Lendo, please visit www.pennsburysd.org > Community > Foundations > Pennsbury Education Foundation > Fellowships.

PENNSBURY STUDENTS HONORED AS EAGLE SCOUTS

These students represent eight of the 13 winners of 2018 Lendo Boy Scout Troop 230, chartered by St. Ignatius Fellowship Awards, which will support their academic and co-curricular pursuits. The sports memorabilia on the table was Church of Yardley and part of Washington Crossing donated by Dr. Arthur Lendo, a former Falcon athlete who created Council, honored four outstanding young men an endowment for the annual awards. from Pennsbury – one graduate and three current juniors – who attained the rank of Eagle Scout on • Rahil Dixit, 11th grade, Bucknell Academy June 3rd at an Eagle Court of Honor ceremony at Summer Experience, Bucknell University the Washington Crossing Historic Park Visitors • Noah Erdogan, 10th grade, Toxicology Health Center. Matthew Russell graduated from PHS in and Environmental Disease, Rutgers University 2017 and Thomas Kraeck, Timothy Lorandeau, and Matthew Sites are juniors. Each young man earned • Brandon Ferraro, 11th grade, Drexel Materials a minimum of 21 Eagle-required merit badges, Science and Engineering Summer Institute, Drexel served in various leadership positions within the University troop, and completed an Eagle Scout Leadership • Erika Hansen, 10th grade, Hugh O’Brian Youth Service Project to benefit his community in order to Leadership Program, Albright College attain this distinction. • Jaiesh Madaka, 11th grade, Drexel Materials Science and Engineering Summer Institute, Drexel The son of Katherine and University John Kraeck, Thomas (Tommy) • Sutirth Mannikeri, 10th grade, Drexel Materials Kraeck, lives in Lower Science and Engineering Summer Institute, Drexel Makefield Township. For his University Eagle project, Tommy chose to • Justin Massielo, 11th grade, All Star Baseball benefit a nonprofit called The Academy: The Top 100 Mid-Atlantic Showcase Christmas Gala, which helps • Derek Quinn, 9th grade, Summer Challenge: low-income seniors throughout Chemistry of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Bucks County. At its inception, Boston University the organization provided Thomas Kraeck seniors in need with holiday • Maya Sajnani, 11th grade, German Language by Humboldt Institute, Munich, Germany gifts, and then grew to collect and provide staple household items that seniors often cannot afford. • Josie Stephens, 10th grade, Spanish Language Tommy led his fellow scouts in building a shelf and and Culture Summer Program, Seville Spain workstation for The Christmas Gala’s basement, • Catherine Young, 11th grade, Career and collected over $1,000 worth of toiletries, paper Explorations: Baking and Pastry Arts, Johnson & goods, and other donations from collections held at Wales University various municipal and business locations in Lower Prior to his retirement, Dr. Lendo served as the Makefield Township.

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

Timothy (Tim) Lorandeau, natural reforestation, will create a protective zone the son of Kimberly Van for diverse species to thrive, and provide protection Haitsma and Tom Lorandeau, to the endangered Pink Lady Slipper Orchids. is also from Lower Makefield Township. Tim’s Eagle project STUDENTS EARN “KEEPING THE PEACE” benefited historic Pennsbury Manor. Tim worked in CERTIFICATES AT PHS collaboration with the American Congratulations to the following PHS students, Chestnut Foundation on a who were nominated by their teachers to be project related to restoring the Timothy Lorandeau recipients of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Keeping endangered, native American the Peace Certificate of Recognition. According to Chestnut Tree to its natural range. This dovetailed PHS teacher, John Sanders, these students were with an interest at Pennsbury Manor to reintroduce recognized for being instrumental in maintaining a the American Chestnut Tree onto its property. A peaceful and harmonious atmosphere throughout key component of the effort was to construct a high, the Pennsbury High School community this year: sturdy fence around the area to protect the new Kavan Adeshara, Rosemary Bostian, Daveon plantings from the large, local deer population. Bradley, Diana Burton, Ngakiya Camara, Kayla Cayemitte, Sonali Deliwala, Randy Dickersbach, Matthew Russell is the son Taliyah Dingle, Jamie Dreisbach, Victoire Etienne, of Holly and Steve Russell of Hannah Erdogan, India Franklin, Rachel Katz, Falls Township. Matthew’s Eagle Makula Kosar, Atlantis Leonard, Susi Marion, Yuri Scout project was creating a Mondesire, Zarif Morshed, Emily Ogolo, Sarah retired flag depository from an Ogolo, Jason Omlor, Grace Pinkstone, Sabella old “Letters to Santa” mailbox. Prime, Megan Schaal, Zachary Schrader, Isaac Matthew wanted to create Stephens, Leah Stoogenke, Alaina Tarallo, Lyna something lasting to benefit the Tong, Jason Turner, Christina Wills, Luke Wilson, community of Falls Township and Jarod Yu. for years to come and was Matthew Russell pleased to utilize his own design and management skills for the project. Having WATER CLUB’S FUNDRAISING graduated from Pennsbury in 2017, Matthew has just CAMPAIGN EXCEEDS GOAL completed his freshman year at Penn State, where he is majoring in secondary education and history. The Pennsbury High School Water Club, founded by student Anthony Mannarino in June Matthew Sites is the son of 2016, recently surpassed its goal to raise $10,000 for Dorothy and Joseph Sites of Charity: Water, finishing the year with a grand total Lower Makefield Township. of $12,075! The club’s mission is “to save the lives of For his Eagle Scout service people around the world by providing them access project, Matthew built a to clean water,” and this is rooted in the fact that 5,000-square-foot Wildlife about 600,000,000 people around the world still lack Demonstration Area at Five access to water, life’s most basic need. Throughout Mile Woods in Lower Makefield the past 18 months, the club has found new and Township. This will prevent exciting methods of fundraising: hosting a holiday entry of deer to the area, test Matthew Sites ice skating extravaganza, hosting a benefit concert, the hypothesis that deer are selling muffins every Thursday morning, and having having an impact on native plants, animal life, and a Walk for Water, to name a few. The Water Club

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

Four Pennsbury High School juniors - Nick Franchi, Tommy Kraeck, Leah Stoogenke, and Regan Stump - joined Council Rock South’s sophomore, Fran Miller, and Maya Stoogenke from William Penn Middle School, to form Team et cetera, coached by Scott Stoogenke. The team chose the Service Learning challenge and created both an eight-minute musical presentation and wrote, illustrated, and published a children’s book on Amazon for their project. At State Finals near Harrisburg in April, they placed first in their category and won the coveted Renaissance Award for the creativity of their project across all categories and levels. At Globals, they placed 12th out of 70 teams overall in the Service Learning category and second out of seventy teams on the core portion The PHS Water Club’s recent Walk for Water helped the club of the project: the musical and the book. surpass its goal of raising $10,000 to bring a deep-water well to people who live in a developing country. The book, titled, Maggie’s Box, is about a girl who discovers by “thinking outside the box, she can do will donate all $12,075 to Charity: Water, and the anything.” It is available for $11.95 on Amazon, esteemed non-profit organization will use 100% of and all proceeds from each sale benefit Camfed, this donation to fund a fully-functional, deep-water (Campaign for Female Education), a nonprofit well in a developing country, which will provide dedicated to eradicating poverty in Africa through clean water for hundreds of people for decades. the education of girls and empowerment of young women. Maggie’s Box instantly became an Amazon STUDENTS COMPETE IN DESTINATION Top 100 best-seller, ranking #48 among children’s books about values, selling nearly 150 copies in a IMAGINATION GLOBAL FINALS single day, and has already generated hundreds of dollars for Camfed - enough to educate three girls Five Pennsbury students and one Council Rock for a year! The Kraeck family donated a copy to student joined together to form a Destination each of the ten Pennsbury elementary schools, and Imagination team that competed in a global the Miller family donated a copy to many of the competition at the University of Tennessee, local Bucks County Library branches. Knoxville last month. A spinoff of Odyssey of the Mind, Destination Imagination is a nonprofit The musical presentation tells the story of a organization that fosters learning and creativity grown-up, educated Maggie interviewing for a job, through open-ended challenges in STEAM first facing gender discrimination from a competing and service-learning. As the largest creativity job candidate, and then from her potential boss. competition in the world, approximately 150,000 Through confidence, a strong female role model, students compete each year. More than 1,400 and a belief that girls should not be limited by top-ranked teams from over fifteen countries preconceived notions of what a girl can or cannot do, competed at the Global Finals in one of seven she obtains the job and performs outstandingly well, challenge categories: technical, scientific, inspiring others to do the same. engineering, fine arts, improvisation, service learning, and early learning. The teams ranged in Through critical thinking, team building, problem age from pre-K to university level. solving, risk taking and perseverance, Destination

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

Imagination teaches students the creative process and for possessing specific positive character assets. empowers them with the skills needed to succeed This month, students are being recognized for in an ever-changing world. These six young people exemplifying the trait of “Citizenship.” The students are grateful for the inspiring, often challenging, but honored this month are Delaney Weed, Marcella always exciting experiences they shared over nine Mancini, and Bhakti Patel. months, and the people they met along the way. At the middle school level, the winner this month PENNSBURY NHS RECOGNIZED is Marcella Mancini. Marcella is in the eighth grade at Pennwood Middle School and was nominated BY TOWNSHIP SUPERVISORS by Team Nexus and Keith Russell. Marcella serves as president of the Best Buddies program Please join in congratulating the PHS National at Pennwood, where she helped to recruit 75 peer Honor Society, which received the Lower Makefield buddies for the program. Her nominators shared, Township Environmental Stewardship Award for “The manner in which Marcella carries herself each the group’s assistance with the township’s electronic time we meet shows her citizenship,” and “Never waste recycling campaign. “We were presented once has a responsibility in Best Buddies been too with a plaque and a $500 check at the Board of much for her.” Because of her sportsmanship and Supervisors’ meeting by the Chairman of the Board, leadership, Marcella’s peers voted her to be team John B. Lewis,” shared NHS faculty advisor, Shawn captain for Pennwood’s track and field team. On the Zurybida. “NHS officers and board members from field, she is truly a team player, encouraging and both 2018 (outgoing) and 2019 (incoming) were in supporting others and helping with organizational attendance for this recognition.” tasks behind the scenes.

The winner of the character award from Pennsbury High School is junior, Delaney Weed, who was nominated by teacher, Rae Ann Resta. Ms. Resta says that Delaney has been instrumental this year in organizing the Athletes Helping Athletes EOP club. She also worked with staff and students to introduce the Best Buddies program at Pennsbury High School. Outside of school hours, Delaney works with other students, organizing and scheduling sporting events.

This month’s winner at the elementary level Members of the PHS National Honor Society were recognized by is Bhakti Patel, a fifth grader at Fallsington the Lower Makefield Township Supervisors for assisting with the Elementary School. Bhakti was nominated by township’s electronic waste recycling program. teachers, Sara Long, Patrick Bailey, Theresa Mangone, Amy Murray, Christine Zimmerman, LYFT CHARACTER AWARD Jennifer Tietz, and Kimberly Massaroni, school counselor, Kristen Cahill, and Principal Brian WINNERS ANNOUNCED Shaffer. Bhakti is a mature and nurturing student who takes on responsibility in the classroom without In conjunction with Pennsbury School District’s being told. She always acts in a way that supports the ongoing character education initiative, students classroom community as a whole. In the orchestra, at all school levels are spotlighted each month Bahkti recognizes that her individual actions impact

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • JUNE 2018 15 District Highlights Report the whole ensemble and makes sure she practices Students from Pennsbury High School earned a and knows how her part fits in. Bhakti also serves as total of six gold, nine silver, and ten bronze medals,, a member of the Fallsington Student Council, where along with 28 honorable mentions. “Attaining a she does an excellent job supporting her peers and medal or honorable mention for any student on the providing thoughtful and respectful input. National Spanish Examinations is very prestigious,” said Kevin Cessna-Buscemi, National Director of the FRENCH STUDENTS HONORED Exams, “because the exams are the largest of their kind in the United States with over 150,000 students PHS French teacher, Sarah Timlin, writes: participating in 2018.” “Félicitations! At Chestnut Hill College on Tuesday, May 15th, 11 Pennsbury French students were Students from Pennsbury High School have a honored for their outstanding performance on Le long history of high achievement on these exams, Grand Concours (the National French Exam). These which are administered by Spanish teachers, Harry students are among the best of the 2,500 students Padilla, Phil Wert, and Andrea Garberina. The who took the test regionally, and of the 75,000 National Spanish Examinations are given each year students who took the test nationally: Nathan in grades 6-12, and are sponsored by the American Silverman, Madeline Karabell, Zoe Kemp, Eden Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. Malinoff, Eliana Abir, Rebecca Uhlman, Vincent Congratulations to the following students who Mariani, Zoé Picard, Andrew Howe, Allison participated and excelled at the 2018 National Schaeffer, and Sutirth Mannikeri. Bravo! Spanish Exam last month:

GOLD MEDAL (Students performed better than 95% of all students who took the exam nationally):

Level 5 - Advanced Placement Christian McKernan Marco Morgado Nathan Silverman

Level 4 Anthony Mannarino Devisree Tallepeneni

Level 3 Erika Hansen These PHS French students were honored recently at Chestnut Hill College for their outstanding performance on SILVER MEDAL (Students performed better than the National French Exam. Congratulations! 85% of all students who took the exam nationally):

Level 5 - Advanced Placement PHS SPANISH STUDENTS Miles Borowski RECOGNIZED FOR ACHIEVEMENT Level 4 Congratulations to the PHS Spanish students who Michael Siderio attained national recognition for excellent performance Roberto Soto on the 2018 National Spanish Examinations. Madeleine Umstead

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

Ben Wachspress Ella Palmieri Cecelia Quay Level 3 Jason Steiner Cynthia Budzinski Eden Diaz Margeret McFarland Tiffany Milosav Katherine Moser Level 3 Level 2 Russell Agle Diya Cherian Rosemary Bostian Ryan Collins BRONZE MEDAL (Students performed better than Brooke Garretson 75% of all students who took the exam nationally): Julianna Martin Edna Masic Level 5 - Advanced Placement Chelsea Mateo Peter Bria Isabella Milano Paola Palomino Level 4 Matthew Pilla Kevin Cryan Grace Pinkstone Zachary Holzberg Nathan Salapong Leah Thomas Level 2 Level 3 Christopher Heitmann Carl Debellis Mackenzie Gain REBECCA OBERT-THORN SELECTED Sabella Prime Josephine Scratchard FOR PENN STATE RESEARCH STUDY Lance Steiner Kudos to Pennwood Middle School science Michelle Waksman teacher, Rebecca Obert-Thorn, for being accepted, as one of only eight teachers, into Penn State’s Big HONORABLE MENTION (Students performed Horn National Research Center to participate in a better than 65% of all students who took the exam geology and paleontology study. “The 2018 Bighorn nationally): Basin Educator Workshop is funded through NASA, which will be paying the costs of $400 of my flight, Level 5 - Advanced Placement lodging, and food,” said Ms. Obert-Thorn. “I will Mya Alvarez earn the post-graduate credits through Penn State.” Kyle Anderson Katherine Mix Anna Sharp Rebecca Swenk

Level 4 Upcoming MEETINGS Lisa Buchinsky Mary Burke Action Board Meeting Matthew Croggon 7:30 p.m., August 16, 2018 Abigail Forbes Fallsington Elementary School Elisa Macera

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • JUNE 2018 17 PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL SUBURBAN ONE LEAGUE • ALL LEAGUE TEAMS • SPRING 2018

SPORT 1st TEAM 2nd TEAM 3rd TEAM HONORABLE MENTION BASEBALL Samuel Ruta Christian Buchler Justin Massielo Gary Minnes Shayne Ostrowsky Joshua Tesarck Kyle Dear Jake Martell LACROSSE, BOYS * Benjamin Abraham Luke Vando Nicholas Sutton (* Academic All American) Justin Hernandez Timothy Davis Nathan Raccagno LACROSSE, GIRLS Lily Nolan Annie Price Sydney Plunkett Madelyn Spratt Emelie Curtis Natalie Smith SOFTBALL Sierra Daley Carley Parsons Arden Rabiger Casey Glynn TENNIS, BOYS Doubles: singles: Doubles: singles: Ethan Hauben Christian Succi Noah Erdogan Brian Buzgo Patrick Walsh Justin Hubsch Daniel Dietrich Doubles: Kevin Sun Yuvraj Hooda Pranav Chivukula Nitin Balusu Nathan Silverman Alex Terr VOLLEYBALL, BOYS Charles Bluestein Andrew Delworth Kyle Faulcon Daniel Quay Justin Sadley Brett Garretson TRACK, BOYS 110 HurDles: 800 Meter: 400 Meter: 4 x 800 Meter: Nasan Robbins Aidan Sauer Javier Linares-Martin Javier Linares-Martin 300 HurDles: 110 HurDles: 800 Meter: Thomas Mink Nasan Robbins Joshua Paul Jed Scratchard Andrew Keen 4 x 100 Meter: 1600 Meter: Aidan Sauer De’Anthony Rivera Jed Scratchard HigH JuMp: Nasan Robbins HigH JuMp: Teone Sherrod-Hundley Caleb Bunch Matthew Lewis Oladipo Bamgbose Discus: 4 x 400 Meter: Joshua Atunrase Javier Linares-Martin Javelin: Oladipo Bamgbose Joshua Atunrase Jason Turner Aidan Sauer long JuMp: Jaren Coleman triple JuMp: Jaren Coleman

TRACK, GIRLS 400 Meter: 1600 Meter: 200 Meter: 400 Meter: Madison Hackman Chloe Connor Madison Hackman Isabella Marinelli 1600 Meter: 4 x 800 Meter: 3200 Meter: 300 HurDles: Elizabeth Kirk Rachel Estey Chloe Connor Abigail Hludzinski 4 x 100 Meter: Elizabeth Kirk 100 HurDles: sHot put: Taylor Allen Chloe Connor Kayli Williams Madison Donovan Madison Hackman Isabella Marinelli 300 HurDles: Javelin: Kayli Williams triple JuMp: Kayli Williams Sophie Parrish Nyah Smith-Johnson Katherine Pieslak HigH JuMp: 4 x 400 Meter: Javelin: Isabella Marinelli Elizabeth Kirk Christine Cataldo-Smith pole vault: Madison Hackman Abigail Hludzinski Jennifer Dohalick Javelin: Isabella Marinelli Madison Donovan