PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • SEPTEMBER 2013

in Keller Hall at West. Nearly Across the DISTRICT 8,000 students will see and hear Mr. Davis perform during 11 assemblies held in the schools. Students will also learn about the history of blues music GUY DAVIS TO PERFORM IN through presentations that include performances PENNSBURY ON OCTOBER 4TH of Mr. Davis’ original music and the use of several instruments he has mastered. This program was Blues artist, Guy Davis, will arrive in Pennsbury made possible thanks to generous support from on September 30th for a five-day residency at three the Pennsbury Arts Foundation, the Pennsbury middle schools and five elementary schools. This Education Foundation, and several local corporate arts-enrichment activity, arranged by our Pennsbury sponsors. For ticket information, call 215-493-3010 or Partner, the Bucks County Performing Arts Center visit www.bcpac.org. (BCPAC), will be capped by an evening performance for the community on Friday, October 4th at 7:30 p.m. RETIREMENTS

Please join in extending best wishes to the following individuals. These distinguished colleagues have announced their retirements in the coming weeks.

DAN DILORENZO Dan DiLorenzo, Director of Information Technology, joined Pennsbury to serve in his present position in 1997, having worked previously in Bristol Township School District as District Technology Coordinator for nearly a decade. He began his career in 1974 teaching all subjects to emotionally Dan DiLorenzo disturbed children, also in Bristol Township.

In his current position, Mr. DiLorenzo is Nearly 8,000 Pennsbury students will have the opportunity to see responsible for all software and hardware related and hear Guy Davis, a popular bluesman (above), who will share to operating the School District. He is a member of his music and some history of the musical genre. the Superintendent’s Cabinet, chairs the District

PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • SEPTEMBER 2013 1 Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.

Technology Advisory Committee, and also serves on Pennsbury in 2003 as Supervisor the Administrative Budget Committee. Mr. DiLorenzo of Special Education, grades oversaw a multi-year technology plan in Pennsbury K-5. From 2005-2007, Mr. that included the installation of over 7,000 computers Hughes was both Principal at and related equipment, subsequently implementing Fallsington and Supervisor of a four-year refresh program. Mr. DiLorenzo’s Special Education, grades 9-12. duties also include the planning, coordination, Prior to joining Pennsbury, communication, evaluation, and monitoring of the he was Supervisor of Special District’s technology programs, including the student Education for students in information and business function systems; oversight the secondary grades in the David Hughes of the Pennsbury Web site; assessments, Centennial School District from reporting, and compliance systems, including PIMS, 1999-2003. He had also served as a teacher of blind PVAAS, Compass, Cognos, and TIMS; network and visually impaired students in grades K-12 for supervision and management; technical support the Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22, primarily for end users; training program development and in the Council Rock School District. He began his implementation; instructional delivery systems; teaching career in the Upper Dublin School District hardware and software acquisitions; maintenance; teaching third grade. budget preparation, management, and control; and supervision of IT department staff. As a Pennsbury Principal, Mr. Hughes has been responsible for the general administration of Mr. DiLorenzo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fallsington Elementary for the past eight years. Education from Millersville University and a His duties include staff evaluation, supervision Master’s degree in Special Education from Trenton and development, evaluation and administration State College (now The College of New Jersey). of the instructional and educational programs, He earned an Associate’s degree in Computer scheduling, organization of student activities, Programming from Pennco Tech and also earned student discipline, financial management, facilities an Elementary Principal’s certificate from Trenton management, coordination of transportation, office State College. In addition, Mr. DiLorenzo completed management, and communication with parents. training as an Instructional Technology Specialist at Service on the Administrative Budget Committee Marywood University. as well as the In-Service Committee for Professional Staff rounded out Mr. Hughes’ professional work In his retirement, Mr. DiLorenzo plans to move here in Pennsbury. In addition, he helped to develop to his home in South Carolina, where he looks eligibility criteria for Gifted Education in the District. forward to volunteering as a technology specialist for the Wounded Warriors organization. He will also Mr. Hughes holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary devote time to fishing and his collection of Lionel Education from Bloomsburg University, where he also trains. Mr. DiLorenzo is the proud father of two minored in the Education of the Hearing Impaired. grown children: his elder daughter, Elizabeth, holds He followed this with training toward certification a Ph.D. in Physical Therapy and currently works in Education of the Blind and Visually Impaired in Delaware. His younger daughter, Daniella, is a through Kutztown University. Mr. Hughes also Special Education teacher in Pennyslvania. earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Arcadia University, as well as certificates as a Supervisor of Special Education and Principal, K-12. DAVID HUGHES Principal of Fallsington Elementary School since Upon retiring from Pennsbury, Mr. Hughes plans 2005, David Hughes actually began working in to continue to work in education, possibly as a

2 SEPTEMBER 2013 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D. teacher in a private school setting. The father of five Intermediate Unit from children (aged 15-26), he keeps busy at home with 2010-2012 and also served as family activities. When he is not training for his next an Applied Technology teacher half marathon, Mr. Hughes enjoys performing with at Valley Forge Middle School the renowned Bucks County men’s a cappella group in the Tredyffrin/Easttown known as Cordus Mundi. School District. Earlier, Mr. Dorsey taught computer applications and Web design at TERRY KELLY Hatboro-Horsham High School. We also extend a special Kevin Dorsey thank you and fond farewell to Mr. Dorsey holds a Master’s recently-retired Supervisor of degree in Education/Instructional Systems from Printing Services, Terry Kelly, the Pennsylvania State University/Great Valley, who served Pennsbury for just and a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Indiana over 30 years in this capacity. University of Pennsylvania. He also earned a K-12 While working for the School Principal’s certificate. Mr. Dorsey has begun work District, Mr. Kelly oversaw on a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership at operations in the Pennsbury Arcadia University. Terry Kelly print shop in several different locations over the years, most recently in the District’s warehouse facility. BRIAN G. SHAFFER His printing expertise, attention to detail, and Brian G. Shaffer was appointed by the School consistently-prompt turnaround time contributed Board to become the next Principal of Fallsington to the success of innumerable Pennsbury projects – Elementary School. Mr. Shaffer will replace outgoing both large and small – for over three decades. In his Principal, David Hughes. retirement, Mr. Kelly plans to spend more time with his family in the Pittsburgh area. Mr. Shaffer joins Pennsbury after serving in various WELCOME NEW ADMINISTRATORS administrative and teaching capacities in the Please join in welcoming the following recent School District, most recently as appointees to the Pennsbury Administration: an elementary Principal at the Solomon Solis-Cohen School. Mr. Shaffer also served as the KEVIN DORSEY Principal at the James R. Ludlow The Pennsbury Board of School Directors appointed School and as Assistant Principal Brian G. Shaffer Kevin Dorsey to serve as the new Director of at the Penn Treaty Middle Technology for Pennsbury during the public School School. He has held additional leadership positions at Board meeting held on August 29th. Mr. Dorsey will the William H. Hunter School, including school-based replace outgoing Director, Daniel DiLorenzo. instructional specialist and literacy leader. Mr. Shaffer also has prior teaching experience at the elementary Mr. Dorsey will join Pennsbury after serving level in both the Philadelphia School District and as the Director of Technology for the Springfield Richmond Public Schools in Virginia. Township School District since February, 2012. Prior to that position, he was Instructional Mr. Shaffer holds a Master’s degree in Educational Technology Coordinator for the Delaware County Administration and K-12 Principal’s Certification

PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • SEPTEMBER 2013 3 Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D. from Gwynedd-Mercy College. He also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and certification in In the SCHOOLS Elementary Education from Muhlenberg College. MAKEFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHERRISSA M. GIBSON The Pennsbury School Board appointed Cherrissa Each year since 2002, the students and staff at M. Gibson to be an Assistant Principal at Pennsbury Makefield have marked the memory of the lives High School. Ms. Gibson will replace outgoing lost on 9-11 with a meaningful fundraiser they call Assistant Principal, Dr. David Patterson, who their “Walk to Remember.” Wearing red, white, recently retired. and blue clothing and singing patriotic songs, the students walk the grounds of their school in Ms. Gibson comes to remembrance. Over the past decade, the school Pennsbury from the Bristol community has raised more than $12,000, most of Borough School District, which has been earmarked to help maintain the where she served as an Garden of Reflection in Lower Makefield Township. Assistant Principal at Bristol The Garden, located in Memorial Park on Woodside Borough High School. Prior Road, is the official state 9-11 memorial. This to that position, Ms. Gibson year, local organizers of the annual ceremonies at was the Dean of Students at the Garden of Reflection approached Makefield Snyder-Girotti Elementary/ Principal, Donna McCormick-Miller, and asked Middle School, also in Bristol Cherrissa M. Gibson if the students would be willing to sponsor the Borough. She has taught at “Wall of Remembrance,” a temporary structure the elementary level in the Bristol Borough, Central that allows visitors to express their sentiments on Bucks, and the Central York school districts. Ms. display in writing. With the assistance of Student Gibson also served as Head Girls’ Basketball Council Advisors, Lisa Lowe and Amy Gonzalez, Coach for Bristol Borough School District and and Vocal Music teacher, Lindsay Linderman, the Head Women’s Basketball Coach for Bucks County 2013 “Walk to Remember” at Makefield was another Community College. She was inducted into the success, and the school was able to fulfill the request Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011.

Ms. Gibson earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Edinboro University and a Master’s degree in Teaching & Curriculum from the Pennsylvania State University. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Elizabethtown College. She is professionally certified for Principal K-12, Elementary K-6, and English 7-12.

Makefield Elementary students conducted their annual Walk to Remember on the morning of September 11th, raising funds to help support the Garden of Reflection in Lower Makefield Township.

4 SEPTEMBER 2013 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D. of the memorial organizers by donating $1,000 for the “Wall of Remembrance.” Ms McCormick-Miller QUARRY HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL commented: “Each year, we treat this important date as a time to remember the impact that 9-11 had on The Quarry Hill PTO is championing a worthwhile our community, and we actively support the Garden cause this year, according to Principal Dr. Peggy as a place of peaceful reflection for all.” Schiavone. The PTO’s Relay for Reading campaign was launched earlier this month to raise $30,000 to expand the school’s library. The increased square footage MANOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL will allow for greater student movement, enhanced instruction, an improved reference area, as well as Manor’s School Counselor, Lori Zislis, shares that lower-profile shelving so books are more accessible Principal Christopher Becker collaborated with to students. Over the past two years, the Quarry long-time friend, Tim Fenstermacher, Assistant Hill PTO built a successful campaign to provide Director of Creative Services for 6ABC News, to technology for each classroom by outfitting them provide the Manor faculty with a huge surprise with Promethean boards. To donate to the library to kick off the start of their school year. As staff expansion project, visit www.quarryhillPTO.org. members gathered in the school library for their first meeting, they were suddenly greeted by the Action News Morning Team with a camera crew in tow! WILLIAM PENN MIDDLE SCHOOL The 6ABC team congratulated the stunned teachers on the launch of their new school year, and explained Last spring, William Penn student, Reed that they were prepared to serve everyone a catered Grumann, and the William Penn Student Council breakfast. Matt O’Donnell, Tamala Edwards, David held a successful fundraiser to help support an Murphy and Karen Rogers spent more than an hour adaptive ski program at a lodge in North Dakota serving food and interacting with all of the teachers. that serves disabled veterans and handicapped “The Manor faculty is so grateful for the time and children. Altogether, the students and faculty at effort – not to mention the kind thoughts – that went William Penn raised $3,000 for the Friends of Annie’s into planning such a special event,” said Ms. Zislis. House organization, which developed the adaptive ski program for use by people with disabilities. Reed traveled 1,500 miles with his family to visit the ski

William Penn Middle School student, Reed Grumann (left), worked The 6ABC morning news team surprised the faculty at Manor with his Student Council to raise $3,000 for an adaptive ski program Elementary with a catered breakfast. From left: Matt O’Donnell, in North Dakota. Jenette and Gary Nelson accepted the check for the Tamala Edwards, Karen Rogers, and David Murphy. program named for their daughter, Ann.

PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • SEPTEMBER 2013 5 Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D. lodge in order to deliver the proceeds in person on school, where she was elected behalf of his school. According to North Dakota Student Council President at media covering the check presentation, organizers William Penn Middle School. were overwhelmed by the generosity demonstrated She went on to serve on the by Reed and his classmates. Well done! PHS Student Council, and was just elected last spring as a PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL Student Senator for the current school year. Outside of school, Pennsbury Girls’ Cross Country Coach, Greg Audrey has made an impact in Sargent, writes that the team is already garnering Audrey Goldberg the community through Special good press due to their high pre-season rankings. Olympics. In 2011, she founded The team is now ranked #1 in the Northeast and a Special Olympics figure skating program for which #4 in the United States. “We have a home tri-meet she negotiates donated ice time, develops coaching against Abington and CR North on Wednesday, plans, teaches athletes with special needs, recruits September 18th and another one on Wednesday, volunteer assistants, and coordinates with parents. September 25th against CR South and Neshaminy,” The program currently has 11 athletes, two of whom said Coach Sargent. Spectators are always welcome Audrey coached to gold medals at the 2013 Special to cheer on this State Championship team to another Olympics New Jersey Winter Games. Audrey is an stellar season. Go Falcons! accomplished competitive figure skater herself, with a showcase full of medals from the United States Figure Skating Nationals at the Intermediate, Novice, and Commendable Junior levels in Pairs skating. She was also chosen for the International Selection Pool, Team USA in Pairs. ACCOMPLISHMENTS In Singles, Audrey was a U.S. Figure Skating North Atlantic Regional Finalist for three consecutive years. At PHS, Audrey is among those students who are PHS STUDENTS NAMED SEMIFINALISTS ranked first in the junior class. Welcome, Audrey! IN SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION THREE PENNSBURY STUDENTS SELECTED Lisa Becker and Shawn Neely, Co-Principals of FOR ALL-NATIONAL HONOR BAND Pennsbury High School, are proud to announce that the following seniors were recently named Frank Mazzeo, Instrumental Music Coordinator Semifinalists in the 2014 National Merit Scholarship and Director of Bands, is proud to announce that Program: Jason Fields, David Simon, and three PHS students were selected to the National Connor Watts. We all extend best wishes to these Association for Music Education (NAfME) 2013 outstanding students as they continue in this All-National Honor Band. As a result, these national scholarship competition. Good luck! students – David Simon, Ryan McHenry, and John Wagner – will be going to Nashville, Tennessee AUDREY GOLDBERG SELECTED AS in October to represent Pennsbury. The ensemble JUNIOR REPRESENTATIVE includes 150 student musicians from 30 different states. According to Mr. Mazzeo, these students Please join in welcoming our new Student were selected from a rigorous audition process Representative to the School Board, PHS junior, that began in December of 2012. “David, Ryan and Audrey Goldberg. Audrey has demonstrated her John successfully auditioned with the best students leadership skills in student government since middle from Bucks and Montgomery counties,” said Mr.

6 SEPTEMBER 2013 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.

L-r: Ryan McHenry, David Simon, and John Wagner were selected to perform with the NafME 2013 All-National Honor Band. They will represent Pennsbury when they play with 150 student musicians from 30 states in Nashville.

Mazzeo. “They then qualified for an ensemble from students made up of Bucks, Montgomery, Delaware, Philadelphia, and Chester counties. A third level of auditions placed these students with the best musicians in the state of Pennsylvania. A Ron Forester was named Bus Driver of the Year for 2012-2013. final recommendation to the All-National Ensemble from the Pennsylvania All-State festival has these students going to Nashville!” The selected students time every morning and wave as he passes by also are invited to perform in a concert at Nashville’s provide a nice sense of continuity, he added. Gaylord Opryland during NAfME’s annual conference in October. “Not only does Ron drive the children on his bus to and from school safely every day, he also watches RON FORESTER NAMED out for their welfare and interacts with them in a manner that makes them know he cares about their BUS DRIVER OF THE YEAR well-being,” said Mr. Williams. “As a parent himself, he knows the importance a school bus driver plays Congratulations to Pennsbury bus driver, Ron in a child’s school day because the driver is the first Forester, who was named Bus Driver of the Year and last representative of the School District seen by for 2012-2013 by Charlie Williams, Director of these children.” Transportation, at the drivers’ annual kick-off meeting in August. Mr. Forester joined Pennsbury as A Pennsbury graduate and lifetime resident of a driver in 1999 after his 36-year career as a service the School District, Mr. Forester sent his children technician for Sears. He has had perfect attendance to Pennsbury schools, and now his grandchildren as a driver for 12 years, and is known for taking are following in their footsteps. He was an active meticulous care of his bus, #131. “What brings me member of the PHS Marching Band Boosters when back [as a bus driver] every year is the good rapport his own children attended the high school, and for a I have with my students and parents,” he said. The time, he served as president of that organization. In friendly neighbors who walk their dogs at the same addition, Mr. Forester volunteered for the Fairless

PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • SEPTEMBER 2013 7 Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.

Hills Athletic Association (FHAA) for 14 years while raising his family. In April of this year, he was inducted into the FHAA Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions to the league.

Thank you for your continued service to Pennsbury, Mr. Forester!

PHS COUNSELOR LISA RUGARBER HONORED BY YALE UNIVERSITY

PHS Assistant Principal and Supervisor of Counseling K-12, Lisa Follman, is pleased to Upcoming MEETINGS announce that Yale University has awarded School Counselor, , with a 2013 Yale Educator Lisa Rugarber Board Facilities Committee Award. Ms. Rugarber was nominated by Pennsbury graduate, Adam Sokol (PHS ‘13, Yale ‘17). “This is 5:30 p.m., October 3, 2013 a wonderful honor for Ms. Rugarber, and it comes Superintendent’s Conference Room as no surprise as I have had many conversations with Adam and his mother about the excellent Board Agenda Meeting guidance Adam received from Ms. Rugarber during 8:00 p.m., October 3, 2013 Adam’s four years at PHS,” said Ms. Follman. “Ms. Fallsington Elementary School Rugarber excels in college counseling and her letters of recommendation are of the highest quality. It is Regular Board Meeting especially nice for her to be recognized by Adam and 8:00 p.m., October 10, 2013 his new school in this manner!” Yale provided Ms. Fallsington Elementary School Rugarber with an engraved pen set in appreciation of her outstanding work. Congratulations!

Looking for another way to stay Tuesday, October 29, 2013, 7:30 p.m. Afton Elementary School library informed on what’s happening in 1673 Quarry Road • Yardley, PA 19067 your School District ? Tuesday, January 21, 2014, 7:30 p.m. Pennsbury High School West - Keller Hall 608 South Olds Boulevard • Fairless Hills, PA 19030 Town Hall Meetings with Tuesday, March 25, 2014, 7:30 p.m. Penn Valley Elementary School library the Superintendent 180 North Turn Lane • Levittown, PA 19054

Join us as District Superintendent, Kevin J. McHugh, Ed.D., leads the discussion on various District-related topics and takes questions from the audience. Call the Pennsbury Communications Office at 215-428-4178 for further information.

8 SEPTEMBER 2013 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA