PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • JUNE 2016

recognition for our District and schools to upgrades Across the DISTRICT in many of our systems and technology.” Pennsbury students and programs have garnered SUPERINTENDENT numerous academic accolades during Dr. McHugh’s KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D. TO RETIRE superintendency. These include: • National AP Honor Roll At the conclusion • PSSA and SAT scores trending upwards of his 20th year as an • All School Performance Profile scores exceed state administrator in the requirements Pennsbury School District and his • Multiple schools achieved the Governor’s Award 38th as an educator for Academic Excellence in , • State and National District of Character recognition Superintendent Kevin • State and National Schools of Character J. McHugh, Ed.D. will recognition for all Pennsbury schools retire from his position • Newsweek Best Schools in U.S.A. list (PHS) as Pennsbury’s leader • PHS graduates accepted into prestigious, at the end of June. high-profile colleges Dr. McHugh will be completing his fifth In addition, academic changes and improvements Kevin J. McHugh, Ed.D. year as Superintendent. during the past several years include:

“We have accomplished some amazing things • Implementation of full-day Kindergarten during my time in Pennsbury,” noted Dr. McHugh. • Improvements to course assessments K-12 “I am incredibly proud of our students, teachers, staff, • Increased STEM focus K-12 and administrators. Making the decision to leave this • State-mandated Educator Effectiveness profession, which I love so much, has been one of the implementation (teacher and principal) hardest things I have ever done. I so value the work and friendships that we have all enjoyed together.” Changes related to faculty and staff management include: “Dr. McHugh is an accomplished leader who has achieved national recognition during his • Contract settlements with professional and support distinguished career,” said Board President, Gary staff unions Sanderson. “We appreciate his skilled and inspiring • Many new members of executive leadership team managerial abilities. As Superintendent, Dr. • Improvements in hiring practices for all open McHugh has moved the District forward in many positions important ways, from the achievement of national

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • JUNE 2016 1 Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.

Facilities-related upgrades include: Dr. McHugh earned his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Lehigh University in • Renovation of Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary 1999. His dissertation on principal leadership and School the motivation of groups earned the National Middle • Approvals for pending renovations of Pennwood Level Dissertation of the Year Award that same Middle School year. He has been an Adjunct Assistant Professor at • School closure and elementary redistricting Lehigh, having taught on campus and in Lugano, improved efficient use of space Switzerland, and has been a presenter at numerous • Technology upgrades across Finance, Payroll, state and national conferences. He holds a Master’s Human Resources, Student Information degree and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education • Security improvements and practices at all District from Temple University. schools Before coming to Pennsbury, Dr. McHugh Community outreach and additional Board duties held teaching and administrative positions in the for Dr. McHugh have involved: Methacton, Lower Moreland Township, and Wall- ingford-Swarthmore school districts. • Town Hall meetings with residents • Public budget hearings, building renovation hearings, and a school closure hearing WELCOME WILLIAM J. GRETZULA, Ed.D. • Superintendent of Record at Bucks County AS NEW SUPERINTENDENT Technical High School At the public meeting held on May 12th, the • President of Bucks County Superintendent Pennsbury Board of School Directors voted Advisory Council at Bucks County Schools unanimously to appoint William J. Gretzula, Ed.D. Intermediate Unit #22 as Pennsbury’s next Superintendent. Dr. Gretzula will officially begin on July 1st following the June Dr. McHugh served as Assistant Superintendent 30th retirement of outgoing Superintendent, Dr. of Curriculum and Instruction for Pennsbury Kevin J. McHugh. from 2008-2011. During that time, Dr. McHugh was involved in all aspects of School District Currently serving as Director of Elementary operations, with primary responsibility for teaching and Gifted Education in the Upper Dublin and learning. As Chief Academic Officer, he supervised 16 school principals and 18 curriculum and departmental coordinators, and oversaw K-12 curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Dr. McHugh led initiatives to ensure that every student demonstrates proficiency in Mathematics and Reading in order to qualify for graduation.

Having first joined Pennsbury in 1996 as Principal of Pennwood Middle School, Dr. McHugh was named “Pennsylvania Principal of the Year” in 2001. He went on to win the impressive distinction of “National Principal of the Year” in 2002. This recognition was awarded by the National School Board President Gary Sanderson (left) greeted new Association of Secondary School Principals. Superintendent, Dr. William J. Gretzula, on the evening of his appointment by the Board.

2 JUNE 2016 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.

School District, Dr. Gretzula formerly served as Superintendent of the Bensalem School District, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT among numerous other central office and building ELLIOTT LEWIS, Ed.D. RETIRING administrator positions in the Bensalem, Neshaminy, and Quakertown school districts. Prior to beginning Elliott H. Lewis, Ed.D., his leadership journey, he began his career as a the Assistant Superintendent Special Education teacher for six years. of Administration for the Pennsbury School District, In an interview following the Board appointment has announced that he will on May 12th, Dr. Gretzula commented on his own be retiring from Pennsbury excitement about joining Pennsbury. He is proud at the end of June. Dr. Lewis to follow in the footsteps of Dr. McHugh and the has been serving in his rich legacy that he leaves behind with the students, present position since 2013. community, and staff. Specifically, Dr. Gretzula highlighted Pennsbury’s successes in academics, As Assistant in activities like the arts and music, in athletics, Superintendent, Dr. Lewis character education, and in community partnerships. has reported to the District Elliott Lewis, Ed.D. He intends to bring a collaborative spirit and plans Superintendent, Dr. Kevin to maintain an open dialogue with the community. J. McHugh, while also serving as a member of As Dr. Gretzula stated, “It’s very apparent that this the Superintendent’s Cabinet. Dr. Lewis worked is a community that gets behind education and I collaboratively with Dr. Donna Dunar, the Assistant want to be a part of that. I also want to be part of a Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, system that strives for continuous improvement.” in leading, guiding, and directing building-level administrative and instructional staff to best meet Dr. Gretzula attended the District Art Show and the needs of each child in Pennsbury. the Senior Academic Awards ceremony in May, as well as the annual POPS! Concert on June 8th. He is The two Assistant Superintendents are also also scheduled to meet with various members of the responsible in tandem for evaluating the District’s District leadership team throughout the month of 15 principals. Further responsibility for the Assistant June to ensure a smooth transition. Superintendent of Administration entails significant input into the budget process, especially in the areas Dr. Gretzula holds a Doctorate degree in of staffing and scheduling, athletics, the community Educational Leadership from the University school, alternative education, summer programs, of Pennsylvania, a Master of Arts degree in and serving as liaison to the Bucks County Technical Educational Administration from Rider University, High School. and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Special Education from LaSalle University. Development of the 2016-2019 Comprehensive Plan for the School District was led by Dr. Lewis, who guided a large committee of Pennsbury stakeholders to work in collaboration with JoAnn Perotti of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22. The outcome was the plan that will take effect on July 1, 2016. In addition, Dr. Lewis initiated the development of the future Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps unit at . This program is tentatively scheduled to

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • JUNE 2016 3 Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D. begin in the 2017-2018 school year (see separate article on this page).

Dr. Lewis came to Pennsbury from the New Hope- District, where he served as Assistant to the Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development. Prior to joining New Hope-Solebury, Dr. Lewis served as Principal at in the Cheltenham Township School District for seven and a half years and as Principal of in the Bensalem Township School District for four and a half years. Dr. Lewis began his career in State Representative Steve Santarsiero (left) led the PA House education as a Science teacher at Germantown High of Representatives in recognizing Pennsbury for being named a School in and later served in various State and National School District of Character. Joining him in administrative capacities in the School District of Harrisburg were Assistant Superintendent Dr. Donna M. Dunar and Philadelphia. Superintendent Dr. Kevin J. McHugh.

Dr. Lewis earned a Doctorate of Education from Temple University, a Superintendent’s Letter of AIR FORCE APPROVES JUNIOR ROTC Eligibility from St. Joseph’s University, a Master of PROGRAM FOR PENNSBURY Science in Science Education from Temple, a Bachelor of Science from Temple University, and a Bachelor’s The Department of the Air Force has notified degree from the Pennsylvania State University. the School District that Pennsbury High School was approved to open an Air Force Junior Reserve DISTRICT RECOGNIZED BY Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) unit beginning with the 2017-2018 school year. “With concurrence PA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES from the School Board, we have accepted the offer and will begin joint planning with the Air Force On May 24th, State Representative Steve Santarsiero in the Fall,” said Superintendent Dr. Kevin J. led the the Pennsylvania House of Representatives McHugh. “Many thanks and appreciation go to in recognizing the Pennsbury School District for Assistant Superintendent Dr. Elliott Lewis, who led being named a State and National School District of this initiative at the request of the School Board.” Character. The chamber unanimously adopted the Next steps will include the hiring of a retired resolution (H.R. 816), sponsored by Santarsiero and commissioned officer to serve as the lead instructor Rep. John Galloway, in the District’s honor that also for the program. Development of the requisite recognized all 14 Pennsbury schools as State and aerospace courses for the Program of Studies will National Schools of Character by Character.org in also begin. Student enrollment will be voluntary. Washington, D.C. “With this latest recognition by While the AFJROTC unit is not a recruiting Character.org, Pennsbury has the unprecedented program, the completion of three semesters by a honor of becoming the first school district in the cadet translates into a higher pay grade if he/she nation to have both the district as a whole and each later chooses to enlist in the Air Force. There are individual elementary, middle, and high school approximately 125,000 students currently enrolled recognized as a School of Character,” Santarsiero said. in AFJROTC units worldwide. “We look forward “The administrators, teachers, and students should be to having this impressive program as an option for commended for this achievement.” our students,” added Dr. McHugh.

4 JUNE 2016 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.

Competition, which they organized this year. “The PENNSBURY STUDENTS COMPETE fourth grade first place winner was Cooper Gray AT SPECIAL OLYMPICS from Afton Elementary,” said Ms. Leidy. “The fourth grade second place winner was Sriya Amineni, also Special Education Supervisor Erin Schwenk from Afton. The fourth grade sixth place winner reports that Pennsbury was well represented at the was Bryan Sanchez from Fallsington Elementary. 2016 Special Olympics event held at Council Rock In sixth grade, the first place winner was Madison High School North on April 30th. “Our students Golden from William Penn Middle School, and attended for the first time as a District team,” said winning third place was Pranita Madaka from Ms. Schwenk. “When the opening ceremonies began Charles Boehm Middle School. Overall, Pennsbury at 10 a.m., all of the student athletes proceeded into did extremely well!” the stadium as one child carried an Olympic torch.” A total of 39 Pennsbury students competed this ARTS FOUNDATION RECEIVES SUPPORT year in such events as the 25/50/100 meter dash, the standing long jump, the running jump, and the FROM THE COMMUNITY throw. All participants received medals in each of these events. “Special thanks to the 40+ Pennsbury Michielle Deis, President of the Pennsbury volunteers who assisted our athletes throughout Arts Foundation (PAF), is pleased to report that a the day,” added Ms. Schwenk. “The students also donation was received from the Yardley Business received t-shirts and lunch.” Association (YBA) resulting from proceeds generated by the most recent Harvest Day festivities in Yardley Borough. YBA President, Bobbie Moore, attended a recent PAF meeting to present the check. In addition, Ms. Dawn Borusky recently made a memorial donation to the Arts Foundation in honor of her uncle and Pennsbury teacher, Vic Ullein. “Mr. Ullein will be remembered with grants over several years,” thanks to this generous gesture, added Ms. Deis.

A total of 39 Pennsbury students competed as a District team at the Special Olympics this year.

STUDENTS SHINE AT BUCKS COUNTY 24 COMPETITION Arts Foundation Board member, Nyla Houser (left), presented a certificate of appreciation to YBA President, Bobbie Moore, for a Teachers Kristie Leidy and Natalie Costanzo are donation from the Harvest Day Committee. PAF President Shellie Deis (second from right) presented Dawn Borusky a certificate for a pleased to announce news from the Bucks County 24 donation in memory of her uncle and Pennsbury teacher, Vic Ullein.

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • JUNE 2016 5 Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.

SCHOOLS ACHIEVE “TOUCHDOWN” STATUS

Social Worker Tammy Kehan-Leimer reports that four Pennsbury schools were designated as “Touchdown Schools” as part of the NFL Fuel Up to Play 60 program with the Philadelphia Eagles and the National Dairy Association. Students from Edgewood, Quarry Hill, and Fallsington elementary schools and Charles Boehm Middle School were selected to spend the day at the NovaCare complex in a skills and drills clinic with Eagles players and Swoop, the team mascot. “Each school Afton Elementary welcomed beekeeper, Aaron Rubin, the uncle achieved ‘Touchdown’ status on the basis of their of student Benjamin Pearlberg, for a special presentation that demonstrated commitment to teaching students to enhanced the study of plants and pollination. lead an active and healthy lifestyle through recess play, exercise, healthy breakfast and lunch, and lots our food production,” said Ms. Koch. “Mr. Rubin of determination,” said Ms. Kehan-Leimer. shared important beekeeper equipment, such as a smoker, a beehive frame with honeycomb, and protective clothing like the beekeeper’s jacket and In the SCHOOLS hat with a veil. Although he did not bring live bees, he shared interesting photos of bees and their hives as he answered students’ questions about AFTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL the life of bees. The students came away with a deeper understanding of the value of bees and their Math Specialist, Pam Murphy, and fourth contribution to our ecology.” grade teacher, Heather Kirk, accompanied Afton students Cooper Gray, Sriya Amineni, Alyssa Fouss, and Patrick Tenley to the Bucks County 24 ELEANOR ROOSEVELT Challenge competition (see above for Pennsbury’s ELEMENTARY SCHOOL District-wide results) on May 14th. “Cooper will now be representing Afton at the state level Principal Lisa Follman is pleased to share that competition in Harrisburg on June 15th,” said Ms. teachers Jason Miller, Brian Doron, and Roger Kirk. Good luck, Cooper! Kean worked with the Philadelphia Eagles and the American Heart Association to bring NFL Fuel Up Springtime brings bees, which bring many to Play 60 to their school again this year. “Students beautiful flowers. That was one of the messages attended an assembly with Eagles cheerleaders and beekeeper Aaron Rubin shared with the third grade team mascot, Swoop, there to kick off a month of students at Afton on a spring day in June. Eileen physical activities,” said Ms. Follman. “Following Koch, Gifted Support teacher, invited the uncle of this, our fourth and fifth graders worked hard one of her students, Benjamin Pearlberg, to share logging their activity minutes and I am proud to say his experiences as a beekeeper to enhance the study the outcome was that Eleanor Roosevelt was chosen of plants and pollination. “The students were very as one of the top five participating schools in the excited to learn about the unique qualities of the Philadelphia region, and our school was invited to different species of bees and their important role in the PLAY60 Field Day on May 27th!”

6 JUNE 2016 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.

were selected as the prize winners to serve as Principal of Day with Principal Lisa Follman. Lily and Aziza joined Ms. Follman during a classroom observation session, had a special lunch with other winners of the reading challenge, and attended several meetings during the day.

FALLSINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Kindergarten teacher, Sheila Miley, writes that on two consecutive days in May, two William Penn Center Preschool classes visited Fallsington’s Students from Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary interacted with Kindergarten classrooms. “The preschool students Philadelphia Eagles players during a PLAY60 Field Day. participated in a meet-and-greet with the elementary teachers and engaged in activities that were designed Teacher Jason Miller takes it from there: “Twenty to familiarize the students with Kindergarten as five fourth and fifth graders were selected after well as to promote a greater level of comfort as logging their play and activity minutes for the they prepare for their transition to Kindergarten,” month of April. At the PLAY60 Field Day, these said Ms. Miley. “The current Kindergarten classes students interacted with Eagles players Chris welcomed the preschool students into their Maragos, Taylor Hart, Marcus Smith, and Travis classrooms. The Kindergarteners shared their Long as they participated in obstacle courses, field schedule and explained the ‘special area’ classes that goal kicking, pass catching, and relay races. They they would attend, including Physical Education, also received important information on healthy Art, and Music. The preschool students had the eating and tips on how to live an active lifestyle.” opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with the Accompanying the students to the PLAY60 Field current Kindergarten students. The story, ‘Twas the Day were Mr. Miller, Mr. Kean, and Mr. Doron. Night Before Kindergarten, by Natasha Wing, was read aloud to all. Afterwards, the preschool students were each partnered with a new Kindergarten friend for a tour of the school.”

Terri Sherman’s second grade class was taught a wonderful lesson about “the golden rule” by three

These two students had the lucky opportunity to serve as Principal for the Day at Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary.

Second grade students at Fallsington Elementary created a colorful At the conclusion of a recent school reading banner to mark their observance of the “golden rule.” challenge, students Lily Milewski and Aziza Ehmood

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Pennsbury High School students, Kristin McNally, grade as her schedule allowed. “It has been a Samantha Tomlinson, and Liam Smith. “Samantha rewarding experience to work in small groups with read a book to the class to explain that the golden such wonderful students,” she added. “They really rule is about treating others the way you want to gave it their all and while it wasn’t easy for some, be treated,” said Ms. Sherman. “Afterwards, the they persevered and gained confidence along with students were given the opportunity to sign and reading skills. Their rate, fluency, expression, and decorate a banner, which now serves as their pledge comprehension skyrocketed just by reading the same to always follow the golden rule. Thank you to words over and over. It built a lot of confidence in Kristin, Samantha, and Liam for teaching such a these 6-8 year olds.” Ms. Pope hopes to continue and valuable life lesson.” expand the program next year.

MAKEFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MANOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Librarian Renee Pope is pleased to announce that Principal Terri Salvucci reports that the Manor the Reader’s Theater program – implemented this community had fun celebrating the school’s 60th year with first and second grades at Makefield – was anniversary with a special color run. “We also a success. “The school was awarded a $3,775 grant had vendors, a DJ, a dunk tank, and a Levittown from Dollar Tree to purchase electronic scripts and Fire Co. truck there before the color run,” said tablets,” said Ms. Pope. “The objective was to help Ms. Salvucci. “It was a great day and many of our students with their fluency, rate, expression, and families participated in the run, which was two and comprehension.” Mrs. Pope explained the concepts a half miles in length. Staff members were stationed of Reader’s Theater and basic script reading skills throughout the route to throw color on the students in library class. She then worked with small groups as they ran or walked by. Once everyone returned to of four to seven students each week. These students the school campus, the fireman threw more color out practiced the scripts two to three times on Thursday to the group and on a countdown, everyone opened and then again on Friday before a performance in their packets and threw color. We were all covered front of their reading groups. “Their DRA scores in color! Our PTO did an amazing job at organizing and their AGS scores improved and were right on the event and making sure everyone enjoyed the target,” said Ms. Pope. She worked with second day. Our PHS helpers were also a part of the event.”

Teacher Lauren Jacoby writes that second grade Manor students visited the Churchville Nature Center, a Pennsbury Partner, in April in conjunction with Earth Day. “The students practiced walking like insects, observed pollen close-up, and studied Students walked like insects. pond organisms as Makefield Elementary Librarian, Renee Pope, led students in part of their insect and pond study program,” said practicing a Reader’s Theater script on tablets as part of a grant-funded reading project. Ms. Jacoby. Later in May, a butterfly expert came

8 JUNE 2016 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D. to Manor to share her knowledge as well as real life cross-grade-level interactions,” said teacher Heather samples of the butterfly life cycle in action. “This is Ryan, who helped organize the ceremony. The event the second year we have partnered with Churchville opened with remarks by Superintendent Dr. Kevin Nature Center,” said Ms. Jacoby. “It provides a great J. McHugh, as he recalled Ms. Nitkin’s dedication curricular connection and we love the excitement on to Pennsbury, the students, and staff. “Attendees the kids’ faces as they observe the beauty of nature were delighted with the melodic sounds of Oxford with their senses. We look forward to partnering Valley’s honors chorus as they sang songs that with them again next year.” Financial support for personified character education,” added Ms. Ryan. transportation to the Center was provided by the Student Council officers also read brief speeches Pennsbury Partners Program. highlighting the four cornerstones of Respect, Responsibility, Cooperation, and Sportsmanship. At Students in the Kindergarten classes of Gail the conclusion of the ceremony, a song dear to Ms. Campbell, Courtney Grissinger, and Rebecca Nitkin, The Circle Song, was performed by teacher, O’Malley enjoyed a visit from Mark Cherepko, Mark Guenther. “The staff of Oxford Valley was Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator, to discuss honored to participate in the ribbon cutting for the a variety of American symbols. The children were new Cornerstone Courtyard,” said Ms. Ryan. “The able to gently wave a standard-size American flag dedication of this space will allow Ms. Nitkin’s vision that Mr. Cherepko had brought for discussion. The for education to benefit the students and teachers of enthusiastic students also shared their knowledge Oxford Valley for years to come.” with him about the flag, the bald eagle, the Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Bell, and Mount Rushmore. First grade teacher, Cherie Lynne Kooker, shares that on a recent sunny day, Oxford Valley students walked laps during their recess periods to support the important cause of Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society. A Relay for Life representative was on site to help provide motivation throughout the day, along with a DJ who kept the students moving with musical accompaniment.

Manor Elementary Kindergarteners waved an American flag as they learned about the stars and stripes and other U.S. symbols.

OXFORD VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The Oxford Valley community proudly dedicated its new Cornerstone Courtyard in memory of their beloved late Principal Fran Nitkin on June 4th. “Ms. Nitkin’s commitment to education and character During recess periods on a sunny day, Oxford Valley building inspired the creation of an outdoor space Elementary students staged a Relay for Life walk to that will provide opportunities for class activities and benefit the American Cancer Society.

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and the school’s 100 Step Challenge, students were PENN VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL encouraged to read for 15 minutes a day. The children recorded their progress at home and at Kindergarten teachers, Sue Kline, Kristen June, school. After the reading logs were reported to the and Jess Sheedy, accompanied their students Phillies organization, Ms. D’Emidio’s class was and a number of parent volunteers on an exciting selected for a school visit! During the assembly, Ms. visit to the Snipes Farm and Education Center in D’Emidio read a book aloud to all of the students Morrisville. The trip was the culminating activity about the Phanatic and his adventures, while the for a unit on egg and chick development. Supported Phanatic acted out his favorite parts of the story. by a grant from the Pennsbury Partners Program, farmer Melanie Douty-Snipes first came to the Penn Valley is extremely proud of fifth grade school to teach the students about eggs and where student, Jenna Hood, writes teacher, Caresse Arose. they come from. Each of the three Kindergarten Ms. Arose, the Penn Valley Safety Coordinator, classrooms were loaned an incubator, six eggs, and nominated Jenna for the 2016 AAA Outstanding supplies to care for the chicks once they hatched. Safety Patrol Award. On May 3rd, Jenna and her After the chicks spent some time in the classrooms, family attended an awards luncheon, and Jenna was they were returned to Snipes Farm. During the one of 11 students recognized for their dedication children’s follow-up visit there, they were able to to excellence in Safety Patrol, as well as for showing view “Cluckingham Palace,” home to 130 egg-laying outstanding character, leadership, and academics. chickens, and meet two goats, a turkey named Miles, Congratulations, Jenna! and several bunny rabbits. A picnic lunch at Snipes Farm followed the tour.

Student Jenna Hood, a member of the Penn Valley Elementary Safety Patrol, was honored recently by the AAA Mid-Atlantic Foundation for her outstanding work. Jenna, who was nominated by teacher Caresse Arose, is shown here with Fox29 reporter, Sue Serio.

Kindergarten students from Penn Valley Elementary visited the animals at the Snipes Farm and Education Center in Morrisville. Physical Education teacher, Ryan Davidson took a pie in the face for a good cause at the conclusion of Principal Barbara Hidalgo shares that the Phillie Penn Valley’s Field Day event. “We raised $1,600 for Phanatic mascot made a visit to Penn Valley to Hoops for Heart,” said Mr. Davidson. “This program pay tribute to Kim D’Emidio’s second grade class donates money to children in need who have heart during an all-school assembly. In connection with conditions. The total this year amounted to more the Phillies’ Be A Phanatic About Reading program money than we have donateded as a school in a long

10 JUNE 2016 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.

students played trees, others played animals, and one played a worker hired to chop down, then later replant, the trees. It was a great visual for the students to recognize the impact we have on the habitats of animals!”

Quarry Hill’s annual Pennsylvania Day festivities took place for fourth graders in May. Organized by PTO volunteer, Sharon Vereb, the roster of guest speakers this year included a local firefighter, a historian from Pennsbury Manor, Philadelphia Mummers, Fox29’s traffic reporter Bob Kelly, and Penn Valley Elementary Physical Education teacher, Ryan Davidson, representatives from the Bucks County Sheriff’s took a pie in the face after students and staff topped his school fundraising challenge. office, among other presenters. Students dressed in Pennsylvania-themed costumes and rotated from classroom to classroom to meet with each special time for this particular program. I told the students if guest. The 20-year school tradition ties in with the they reached $1,500, that I would take a pie to the face study of the Commonwealth at the fourth grade level. by the three students who raised the most money.”

QUARRY HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WALT DISNEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL First grade teacher, Lorie Becker, shares that Teacher Jessica Cocozza shares that the second Walt Disney students were treated to a special grade took a field trip recently to the Philadelphia bucket drumming assembly thanks to a grant from Zoo. “We were able to use our Pennsbury Partners the . “Students from mini-grant to attend a class on animal habitats and Pennsbury Arts Foundation Kindergarten through fifth grade stomped, clapped, gain free access to the zoo’s Treehouse,” said Ms. and played along with three musicians from Cocozza. “While there, student volunteers were Musicopia,” said Ms. Becker. “We greatly appreciate chosen to represent a rain forest habitat. Some the support from the Arts Foundation. A wonderful time was had by all!”

These Quarry Hill Elementary students were chosen to represent a A musical assembly at Walt Disney Elementary involved rain forest habitat during a recent visit to the Philadelphia Zoo. bucket drumming by student volunteers.

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Art teacher, Megan Miller, reports that artwork CHARLES BOEHM MIDDLE SCHOOL created by students in the Pennwood Art Club was displayed for the second year in a row in On June 4th, Charles Boehm Middle School the Children’s Gallery at the James A. Michener hosted the first annual “Boehm Bolts into Summer” Art Museum in Doylestown from May 13-31. The 5K and Community Day. “Over 100 runners came exhibition, called Crossing Boundaries: Making Art, out to run and walk around the middle school was a collaboration among three diverse schools: campus and many more stayed to show their Titus Elementary in Central Bucks School District, support at the Community Day,” said Boehm Kensington Sciences Academy in Philadelphia, teacher and organizer, Meaghan McCafferty. and Pennwood. “All of the students participating “The Lower Makefield K9 Department put on an in the exhibit created the same project at their excellent demonstration, three food trucks supplied home schools,” explained Ms. Miller. “Students delicious treats, and the Chick-Fil-A cow even were asked to create mixed-media works with the made an appearance!” theme of ‘identity’ on a pizza pan. Paint, tissue and decorative paper, flowers, rocks, ribbon, jewels, and PENNWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL photos were layered to make these works of art. After several weeks, colorful reflections of students’ Thanks to a successful Box Tops for Education personalities, interests, and hobbies emerged on the collection at Pennwood organized by PTO volunteer, pan; each one different from the next. Each student Donna Pagano, three teachers agreed to allow the reflected on the creative process and the story of top fundraising classes to tape them to a wall or door his/her piece by writing an artist’s statement that in the Pennwood student dining room one day last was displayed alongside the piece in the exhibit. month. These good sports included Ryan Kennedy, Student artists from all three schools gathered at the Colleen Brodbeck, and Brian Davis. Ms. Pagano Michener Museum on a Sunday during the exhibit reports that the school total now stands at 12,000 box to meet each other, enjoy the opening reception, and tops collected over the past several years, yielding tour the museum.” extra financial support for PTO-funded activities and technology purchases for Pennwood. Pennwood has a new Ecology Club this year. Sixth grade teacher, Doug Disbrow, and six of his students recently planted a garden in Pennwood’s courtyard. Students planted sunflowers, radishes, cilantro, lavender, cucumbers, and tomatoes. When asked about the experience, Mr. Disbrow said, “Gaining an appreciation for the environment is lost in today’s society, and one can see a genuine interest with these students. It’s gratifying to see these young men interact in a positive way while taking pride in their school.” During the remainder of the school year, the students will meet regularly to water the garden and monitor its growth.

“Diversity is the one true thing we all have in common. Pennwood Middle School teachers (l-r) Ryan Kennedy, Celebrate it every day!” reads a quote on a flyer Colleen Brodbeck, and Brian Davis were duct-taped to the announcing Pennwood’s Diversity Poster Contest. wall by students who raised the most money in the school’s Box Tops for Education fundraiser. Students had a few weeks to design posters to celebrate diversity, and they were invited to submit

12 JUNE 2016 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D. them to the Unity Team for a chance to win a secret prize. All submissions were displayed with numbers on them and faculty and staff were asked to vote on their favorite three. The results: First Place - Grace Casseli; Second Place - Amelia Metzger; Third Place - Bernadette Evardone. Congratulations!

Students from Pennwoood entered the Main Street Voices Poetry Contest, which is open to all residents of Bucks County. The contest was judged by four award-winning poets; among them were three former Bucks County Poets Laureate, including two college professors. With over 220 entries, students in Stacy Kirsh’s sixth grade Language Arts class and Mary Foster’s seventh grade Language Arts Christopher Becker, Principal at William Penn Middle School, class placed in this contest. Congratulations to agreed to have his head shaved by students during the school’s Hannah Kim (6th grade) for taking first place for recent pep rally. her poem, Beacon of Light. According to Melanie Eyth, a 6th grade judge, “It was easy to choose this The Language Arts students of Team 7A recently poem for first place because the vocabulary and visited Popcorn Park Zoo in Forked River, New presentation are so mature that it grabbed me right Jersey. This trip, organized by teacher Leslie away. It is surely a sophisticated voice that says, Ettlinger and the rest of Team 7A, was in direct ‘even on/broken legs,/stand! shine/resiliently correlation with the Language Arts curriculum. and brilliantly.’ How inspiring! The poet speaks as “In the newly-adopted Houghton Mifflin Harcourt though she has experienced pain and frustration book series, the students read the newspaper article yet chooses to stand and persist. She encouraged titled, Difference Maker: John Bergmann and Popcorn us to do so, also. Coming from someone so young, Park. The animal sanctuary began in 1977 and is a this is extraordinary.” Congratulations also go federally-licensed zoo nestled in the Pinelands of to the following students who received Special New Jersey that caters to distressed wildlife and Recognition: Diego Asencio (6th grade) for his exotic and domesticated animals. poem, Kiwi, Dahlia Tarver (6th grade) for her poem, Hope, and Abigail Leach (7th grade) for her poem, A Poem for My Sister Emma.

WILLIAM PENN MIDDLE SCHOOL

Principal Christopher Becker allowed his head to be shaved...for school spirit! With William Penn’s recent Pep Rally serving as the backdrop, the long-standing tradition of William Penn’s “bald principal look” was carried on, according to Mr. Becker. “Three students (one from each grade level – 6th, 7th, and 8th) had the honor of doing the shearing and they were selected from our school’s Team 7A from William Penn visited the Popcorn Park Zoo in monthly SOAR ticket program.” Forked River, NJ as a tie-in with their Language Arts curriculum.

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • JUNE 2016 13 Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.

slipping injuries in their lifetime.” The team came PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL in first place in a regional competition and also participated in a state-level contest. Congratulations are in order for the following PHS students, who took on a one-year project for During a solemn ceremony held at PHS West on the Governor’s STEM Prototyping Competition: Friday, May 27th, three Army servicemen killed Joe Natale, Zarif Morshed, Nick McGrath, Alex in action during World War II were honored. Lanzillo, and Emily Bradbury. “The Pennsbury Pennsbury staff and students are invited each Prototyping Crew developed a prototype of a year to submit the names of relatives lost in the remote-controlled ice/salt spreader that also has line of duty, and on the day prior to the Memorial lockable storage for package deliveries,” said Day weekend, the names are added to the Wall of Applied Engineering/Technology Education teacher, Honor. With the three names added this year, the Jessica Perfetto. “They named the product SX4 (Salt total now stands at 193. The morning ceremony Spreader Shipment Safe). The product is intended included the posting of colors by a Color Guard, for residential steps/entryways. The elective course, student readings, patriotic songs performed by Understanding Design Through Prototyping, utilizes the Falconairs, and remarks by guest speaker Bill STEM and project-based learning to engage students Wunder, a Vietnam veteran and PHS graduate. A in solving real-world problems with technology check presentation was made to a local veterans and the engineering design process. Each of these group thanks to the generous support of PHS students has taken this course and has set the aim students and staff. The Wall of Honor ceremony toward STEM/Engineering Majors for college.” was organized by PHS Assistant Principal, Reggie In addition to Ms. Perfetto, the project was led by Meadows, with help from teachers, Allison Applied Engineering/Technology Education teacher, McBryar and Robin Skogen. Assistant Principal Rick Stellwagen, and local mechanical engineer, Richard Fry hosted the proceedings. Patriotic Adam Ellis, from Airline Hydraulics. “In researching decorations were created by students in Abigail a design problem, students discovered more than 23 Cramer’s Digital Photography class as well as by million people have fallen victim to postal package PHS hall aide, Nancy Crohe. theft and 1 in 4 adults will be hospitalized for ice- Applied Engineering/Technology Education teacher, John Sanders, writes that as the first place winner in one of the categories of the recent Sea Perch competition, the Pennsbury Sea Falcons Submersible Robotics Team was invited to attend the Advanced Machinery Technology Symposium sponsored by the U.S. Navy. “Last year, the host was the University of Pennsylvania, and this year, it was Villanova University,” said Mr. Sanders. “Between the middle and high school teams, there were over 1,000 participants and over 70 teams. Only two middle schools and two high schools are invited to the Symposium every year. Pennsbury has been invited two years in a row, because of our team’s innovative design and engineering concepts.” These Pennsbury High School students came in first place in a regional The team displayed its robot and accompanying prototyping competition with their remote-controlled ice/salt spreader posters and answered questions of Naval officers, as that doubles as a lockable storage container for package deliveries. well as military vendors and contractors who came

14 JUNE 2016 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.

Courtney Fegley, 10th grade, Summer Immersion at George Washington University Ninad Mahajan, 11th grade, Materials Science and Engineering Summer Institute at Drexel University Julianna Massielo, 11th grade, High School Choral Institute at Susquehanna University Shefali Raghavan, 10th grade, LeBow College of Business at Drexel University Isaac Stephens, 10th grade, Summer Linguistics Institute for Youth Scholars at Ohio State University

In addition, two sophomore PHS students will The PHS Sea Falcons Submersible Robotics Team attended the be named later to attend the Hugh O’Brian Youth Advanced Machinery Technology Symposium sponsored by the Leadership Program at Villanova University with U.S. Navy at Villanova University. support from two Lendo Fellowships. over to talk to the students. “We also demonstrated To learn more about Dr. Lendo and how to apply operations and maneuverability skills of the robot in for a Fellowship, please visit www.pennsburysd.org a portable 10’x10’x3’ pool outside of the main area > Foundations > Pennsbury Education Foundation > where the symposium was being held.” Fellowships.

Commendable BOEHM STUDENT TO PARTICIPATE IN WELLNESS SUMMIT ACCOMPLISHMENTS Teacher Alyssa Myers writes that Charles Boehm Middle School student, Mason Gulati, won an NFL LENDO FELLOWSHIPS AWARDED Fuel Up to Play 60 honor. “This Summer, Mason TO PHS STUDENTS will get to travel to Lafayette, Indiana to participate in a four-day summit,” said Ms. Myers. “He will Thanks to a generous endowment fund established be given the opportunity to present ideas we have by Pennsbury ’64 alumnus, Arthur J. Lendo, Ph.D., implemented here at Charles Boehm and gather selected students at Pennsbury High School receive new ideas to bring back to our school. He will also Lendo Fellowship awards each year to help support get to visit the Indianapolis Colts stadium. In order their academic and co-curricular pursuits. This to qualify for this award, Mason had to track his year, the following students were approved by the healthy habits on the Fuel Up to Play 60 website, fill Board of the Pennsbury Education Foundation out an application, and promote new ideas in our (which oversees the endowment) for the 2016 Lendo building. Mason was not only lucky enough to be Fellowship awards: invited, but he also won a scholarship that pays for his registration and travel to the event. We know Hannah Erdogan, 10th grade, Toxicology, Health that Mason will show his Boehm Pride and represent & Environmental Disease Program at Rutgers, The our School District well when he attends summit.” State University of New Jersey

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • JUNE 2016 15 Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.

PENNSBURY STUDENTS WIN AWARDS AT AREA ART SHOWS

PHS Art teacher, Abigail Cramer, shares the following exciting news about noted Pennsbury artists: “Our students won awards at both the PSEA and Bucks County Community College shows,” said Ms. Cramer. These include:

Bethany Gardner, 12th grade, won 1st place in the painting category at the 29th annual PSEA Touch the Future student art exhibit for her acrylic self portrait The subject of the photo on the left, James Jackman (by Bridget titled, Painter’s Palette. She was a student in Jim Neirotti), took the photo on the right. Both images were selected Minton’s Art Major 2-D Design 1 course. for a special exhibit at the Antonelli Institute.

Ali Zinnen, 12th grade, won the Teacher’s Choice award at the 29th annual PSEA Touch the Future STUDENTS HONORED FOR exhibit for her sculpture made of pencils titled, FUNDRAISING EFFORTS What’s the Point? Teachers from 25 schools across Bucks and Montgomery counties came to a preview Two Pennsbury High School students, Elli of the show to vote for their favorite piece for this Nassivera and Kyra Laushell, organized a grass-roots award. She was a student in Curtis May’s Art Major fundraising group called Teens 4 Teens in January, 3-D Design 1 course. 2015. Their focus and charitable work were directed to Covenant House Pennsylvania, based in Philadelphia. Ella Gambell, 11th grade, received an honorable In both April 2015 and April 2016, the girls worked mention at the 21st annual Bucks County tirelessly to run a Student Sleep Out at New Jersey’s Community College High School Exhibition and Congressional Art Competition for her recycled cardboard sculpture of a sea turtle. Ella was a student in Mr. May’s Art Major 3-D Design 1 course.

And in more Art news… Senior James Jackman and Bridget Neirotti, a junior, each had a photograph selected to hang in a pop-up exhibit at the Antonelli Institute in Erdenheim. The show will be on display from May 23 through June 10. “This is a new exhibit that features 20 artworks and 20 photographs entered into the Unforgettable Faces contest,” said Ms. Cramer. “There will be a popular judging contest by visitors to this show.” (L-r) Kyra Laushell and Elli Nassivera, two PHS seniors, spearheaded fundraising efforts for Covenant House Pennsylvania. The two “Student Sleep Outs” they staged following Trenton Thunder games in 2015 and 2016 raised more than $44,000 for homeless youth.

16 JUNE 2016 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.

Arm & Hammer Stadium, home of the Trenton Albert Jajua is a seventh grader at William Thunder. Each year, over 100 youth and adults slept Penn Middle School. He was nominated for this out on the field after a baseball game to get a glimpse recognition by the teachers of Team 7A. Albert is of what it is like to be homeless for one night. The a hard worker who is dedicated to learning and Sleep Outs, as well as other fundraisers staged during goes above and beyond the requirements of his the last year and a half, raised more than $44,000 for assignments, according to his teachers. He actively the homeless youth at Covenant House Pennsylvania. participates in class and helps his classmates with their work too. “Albert shows respect to his teachers, Covenant House has an annual gala fundraiser peers, and to his school community at all times,” in Philadelphia called Night of the Broadway Stars. said the teachers. “Albert is committed to a sense of The two students and their families were invited duty and of excellence in all that he does.” to attend this special evening event last year. Recently, the Board of Directors at Covenant House Breannin (Breezy) Striluk is a senior at Pennsylvania informed both families that Kyra Pennsbury High School who was nominated for her and Elli are among those being honored during the service to others by teacher Robert Burns. Breezy program at this year’s gala. Congratulations to these is part of the Red Hatters Society, a group that two accomplished student leaders! supports and encourages women in their pursuit of friendship and fulfillment. She also volunteers with LYFT PENNSBURY CHARACTER AWARD American Legion Youth and serves as the President of the Falls Township Teen Advisory Board. Breezy WINNERS ANNOUNCED has volunteered innumerable hours to support and be involved in these groups and organizations. In In conjunction with Pennsbury’s ongoing character addition, Mr. Burns noted that Breezy’s academics education initiative, students at the elementary, do not suffer because of her commitment to service middle, and high school levels are being spotlighted and that she “challenged herself this year, taking each month to recognize specific character assets. both Calculus and Physics.” For the month of May, students were recognized for their “Service To Others.” The students selected To learn more about this recognition program, to be recognized are Haley Cruz, Albert Jajua, and call LYFT at (215) 949-1660, ext. 104, or email timp@ Breannin Striluk. uwbucks.org. To obtain a nomination form, contact Sherwood Taylor at [email protected]. Haley Cruz is a first grader at Oxford Valley Elementary. She was nominated by teacher Cherie Lynn Kooker, who said that Haley has the heart to help others that many adults should have. Haley, who recently learned sign language to communicate with a family member, has been teaching her Upcoming MEETINGS classmates how to sign their vocabulary words and poems. She is also an advocate for the March of Board Facilities Committee Dimes and has participated in March of Dimes walks 5:30 p.m., August 25, 2016 for years. Haley talks openly about how giving Superintendent’s Conference Room back makes you feel good. “She truly embodies the characteristics of meaningful and caring actions Regular Board Meeting towards others,” said Ms. Kooker. 8:00 p.m., August 25, 2016 Fallsington Elementary School

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • JUNE 2016 17 WHEN: JUNE 21, 2016 - THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS • 9-11 AM and 1-3 PM

WHERE: PENNSBURY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING 134 YARDLEY AVE., FALLSINGTON, PA 19054 2ND FLOOR, PUPIL SERVICES DEPARTMENT PHONE: 215-428-4100 • FAX: 215-428-5212

WHAT TO BRING: BIRTH CERTIFICATE IMMUNIZATION RECORD NAME AND MAILING ADDRESS OF PREVIOUS SCHOOL PROOF OF RESIDENCY

Children are eligible for enrollment in Kindergarten if they will be five (5) years of age on or before SEPTEMBER 1, 2016. Children are eligible for enrollment in First Grade if they will be six (6) years of age on or before SEPTEMBER 1, 2016.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are living with another homeowner, please call Pupil Services for further direction.

Registration forms are available on our website at www.pennsburysd.org Quick Links - “2016-2017 New Student Registration” Please have these forms completed prior to arrival