PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • NOVEMBER 2011

the classroom; that is, she assists educators in Across the DISTRICT developing strategies to engage students by helping teachers understand the anatomy and processes of the human brain. Breakout session topics NEUROLOGIST AND EDUCATOR included focused discussions on how neuroscience ADDRESSES PENNSBURY STAFF applies to school-wide positive behavior support, differentiated instruction, and the teaching of such “Thank you for one of the most well-organized and subjects as art, vocal and instrumental music, and most thought-provoking days in my Pennsbury career.” writing, among other areas. “Dr. Willis reminds – an elementary-level Pennsbury teacher. us that I.Q. is not fixed; that as teachers, we have the power to reach our students through the This is just one of many positive comments affective domain,” said Dr. Donna Dunar, Assistant received by Fallsington Principal David Hughes, Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, a member of the professional staff workshop K-12. “What we know as teachers, Dr. Willis organizing committee, about a distinguished guest confirms from a neurological standpoint.” speaker who visited Pennsbury for a day last week. Administrators, professional staff, and several PENNBURY HIGH SCHOOL STAGES support staff members had the pleasure of working FALL DRAMA AND WINTER MUSICAL with Judy Willis, M.D., M.Ed., an internationally- recognized neurologist and educator. Dr. Willis Pennsbury drama and music students are hard at specializes in the application of neuroscience in work preparing for two special productions to be staged in November and December. Everyone in the Pennsbury community is invited to attend these scheduled performances:

Almost, Maine, a popular play by John Cariani, focuses on eight different love stories. This fall drama is directed by Mary Kay Everett and features a cast of 18 PHS students. The play will be performed on Friday, November 18 and Saturday, November 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Orange Auditorium at PHS West. Tickets are $5.00 and will be available at the door.

On Friday, December 16 and Saturday, December Pennsbury professional staff benefited from a lively, interactive 17, the winter musical, A Wonderful Life, will be presentation offered by Dr. Judy Willis, a medical doctor and performed at PHS East, also at 7:30 p.m. That show educator, during a recent workshop. is produced by vocal music coordinator Jim Moyer,

PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • NOVEMBER 2011 1 Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D. with stage direction provided by Kristine Lewis and musical direction by Chris Villante. Instrumental music coordinator Frank Mazzeo oversees the show orchestra, and PHS art department chair Tony Napoli leads a team of students who are creating the show’s set and art work. More information on tickets for this spectacular Pennsbury musical will be available soon.

ARTIE SHAW ORCHESTRA TO PERFORM AT PHS THIS MONTH

Jim Moyer also reminds Pennsbury community members that a benefit concert featuring the Artie Shaw Orchestra will occur in Keller Hall at PHS Nutrition educator and dietitian Juli Tracy (center), West on Sunday, November 20th at 3:00 p.m. This of Metz Culinary Management, visited numerous schools event is a fundraiser organized by the Pennsbury dressed as “Miss Apple” on Apple Crunch Day. She is Choral Parents Association to support an upcoming shown here with Village Park Elementary students. student trip to Europe. Tickets are $30, $35, and $40, and may be reserved by calling 215-493-1574. Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program grant funding. Metz, the school district’s dining services provider, LONG ORANGE LINE TO PERFORM donated 2900 bags of pre-cut apple slices to the ON THANKSGIVING DAY festivities at six other elementary schools. The various school activities are described below: Instrumental Music Coordinator and Bands • Village Park Elementary conducted a school-wide Director Frank Mazzeo has announced that the simultaneous apple crunch extravaganza. Ms. Pennsbury Marching Band, the “Long Orange Tracy dressed in an apple costume as Miss Line,” will once again be featured on the 6ABC Apple and greeted students as they arrived in Thanksgiving Day parade broadcast. “We are the the morning. Students gathered in the gym first band this year, and the band is involved in the and each one received a packet of pre-cut apple 76 Trombones production number that will be telecast slices. School Principal Helen Stopper and Miss to over 14 million viewers nationwide at the 9:00 a.m. Apple spoke of the importance of eating apples. start of the parade,” said Mr. Mazzeo. Following a group countdown, the students crunched their apples all at once. PENNSBURY SCHOOLS • Afton Elementary Student Council members CELEBRATE APPLES distributed apples to students as they arrived for school. A school-wide crunch was staged by Pennsbury nutrition educator and licensed dietitian Physical Education teacher, Janet Scammel. Juli Tracy, RD LDN, an employee of Metz Culinary Management, reports that Apple Crunch Day 2011, • Students at both Manor and Makefield a national celebration that took place in late October, elementary schools also received apple snacks. was actually a two-day celebration here in Pennsbury Miss Apple was on hand to distribute bags of the and involved seven elementary schools. apple slices to each classroom and encouraged the students to take part and enjoy crunching their received red delicious • Fallsington Elementary nutritious snacks. apples from Snipes Farm, purchased with the

2 NOVEMBER 2011 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.

• Students at both Oxford Valley and Quarry Hill services, speech and hearing support, as well as elementary schools enjoyed their apple slices occupational and physical therapy. In addition, during lunch periods. Miss Apple encouraged Dr. Klyman will be responsible for directing and students to take apple slices in the lunch line and overseeing the Individual Education Plan (IEP) and distributed slices to students in the dining area. 504 processes, and make recommendations for action Miss Apple also mingled with the students at to the Board of School Directors. their tables, encouraged them to eat the apples, and received many high-fives and hugs from Dr. Klyman earned her Doctor of Education enthusiastic children in return. degree from Nova Southeastern University, with an emphasis in educational leadership and SUSAN S. KLYMAN, Ed.D. APPOINTED curriculum. She holds elementary and secondary principals’ certificates, both of which she earned DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION from Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey). She obtained a Master of Science degree in Please welcome Susan S. Speech Pathology from Syracuse University and a Klyman, Ed.D. to Pennsbury’s Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Pathology and administrative team. The Board Audiology from State University. of School Directors appointed Dr. Klyman to become the next Director of Special Education ROBERT A. JOHNSON NAMED for Pennsbury at the Board SUPERVISOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION meeting held on October Susan S. Klyman, Ed.D. 20th. She will replace Interim Please join in congratulating Director, Israela Franklin, on Robert A. Johnson as the newly a date in December to be determined. Ms. Franklin appointed Supervisor of Special was named to the position temporarily after Diane Education. Mr. Johnson was Paul resigned from the Director position in June. named to this position by the Board of School Directors at their Dr. Klyman joins Pennsbury after serving since meeting on October 20th. Mr. 2006 as Director of Student Services and Special Johnson had been an Assistant Robert A. Johnson Education in the Centennial School District. Prior to Principal at Pennsbury High holding that position, Dr. Klyman was Supervisor School until this summer when he of Special Education in the School District of was reassigned to the Acting Supervisor of Special Cheltenham Township from 2000-2006. She has Education position after Kelly Lambert resigned also held various administrative positions in the from the Supervisor position in June. School District. Mr. Johnson joined Pennsbury in 1987 as a high As Director of Special Education, Dr. Klyman school Special Education teacher and developed will report to Pennsbury Superintendent, Kevin an emotional support program for severely J. McHugh, Ed.D., and serve as a member emotionally disturbed students in the regular of the Superintendent’s Cabinet. She will school setting. He also created and implemented provide supervisory oversight of all special behavioral intervention plans for students with education programs, as well as the development, chronic behavior management problems. Mr. implementation, and administration of all aspects of Johnson was appointed to be an Assistant Principal the special education and gifted education programs. at Pennsbury High School in 2003 after serving one She will also oversee psychological and behavioral year as an Administrative Intern. In 2009-2010,

PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • NOVEMBER 2011 3 Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D. he also served as Acting Supervisor of Special Master’s degree in Secondary Administration from Education for grades 6-8. Gwynedd Mercy College. Along with various building committees, Mr. Fry has worked on several As the newly appointed Supervisor of Special district-level committees, including math curriculum Education, Mr. Johnson will be responsible for renewal, middle school progress reports, middle the administration and supervision of special school technology refresh and SmartWeb gradebook education programs in grades 9-12, including customization. transition services and supports. He will report to new Director of Special Education, Dr. Susan AN IMPORTANT SAFETY Klyman. His responsibilities will include program development, supervision and evaluation of staff, MESSAGE FROM PENNDOT professional development, and all other reporting, While you are traveling over the Thanksgiving instructional, and accounting services related to high holiday, make sure every passenger – from infants to school Special Education students and staff. grandparents – is properly restrained with a safety belt. In a 30-mile-per-hour crash, an unrestrained Mr. Johnson earned a Master’s degree in Education adult is thrown with a force of 3.5 tons – about the from Temple University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts weight of an elephant. “Click It or Ticket” and avoid degree in Special Education from East Stroudsburg such a catastrophe. Learn more about Pennsylvania’s University and a Bachelor of Science degree in seat belt laws at www.DriveSafePA.org. Political Science, also from East Stroudsburg. He has professional certifications from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (secondary principal, mentally and/ or physically handicapped), and from the State of In the SCHOOLS New Jersey (teacher of the handicapped). ELEANOR ROOSEVELT RICHARD FRY NAMED ACTING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Principal Elizabeth Aldridge writes that fourth Congratulations are also grade teachers, Nicole Peirce, Kim Sendlock, and extended to Richard Fry, who Whitney O’Leary, along with Math Specialist, most recently served as an Valerie Houseknecht, created a workshop for Administrative Intern at PHS West, parents on Think Central. This curriculum Web and was named Acting Assistant site provides parents and students online access to Principal at the October 20th curriculum materials for the School District’s new Board meeting. Mr. Fry moved to math series. “Thanks to these teachers’ volunteer Pennsbury High School West from efforts, our fourth grade parents can use Think Richard Fry Charles Boehm Middle School in Central to support their children’s math education,” September, 2010. While at Charles said Ms. Aldridge. In addition to providing support Boehm, Mr. Fry taught seventh grade math since for the mathematics curriculum across Pennsbury 1990, and also served as the school’s softball, soccer schools, Think Central is also used in conjunction and wrestling coach. Prior to his position at Charles with new literacy materials, as well. Boehm, Mr. Fry taught seventh and eighth grade math at Pennwood Middle School. He earned The students and staff at Eleanor Roosevelt his Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education welcomed children’s author, Margery Cuyler, for from Bloomsburg University and also holds a a meet-the-author assembly and lunch in October.

4 NOVEMBER 2011 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.

this surprise reunion, which received extensive media coverage. Earlier in the day, Seana’s older brother, Tyler Brown, was treated to a similar surprise at Charles Boehm Middle School when Special Agent Schaefer was introduced as a special guest speaker during Tyler’s physical education class. This reunion was equally successful thanks to the top-secret efforts of School Counselor Donna Bradshaw, Physical Education teacher Mark Talbot, the teachers on Team 7B, and their colleagues at Charles Boehm. Mission accomplished!

Popular children’s author, Margery Cuyler, paid a visit to Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary.

Ms. Cuyler has written many of the students’ favorite books, including: The Bumpy Little Pumpkin; Skeleton Hiccups; Hooray for Reading Day; The Biggest Snowman; and many more. Roosevelt’s Reading Specialist, Alisa Myles, and librarian, Rose Marie Shire, coordinated this exciting event, and the assembly was made possible with funding provided by the Roosevelt PTO.

MANOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Seana Schaefer, a second grade student at Manor, Air Force Special Agent Sean Schaefer (right) surprised his daughter, Seana, during a Veterans Day assembly at Manor Elementary. received the surprise of her life when Principal Christopher Becker called her to the stage during Photo by: Alan J Micklin, Senior Staff Photographer, Levittown Leader a school-wide Veterans Day assembly. Mr. Becker asked Seana about her father, Air Force Special Title I and Gifted Support teacher Lauren Jacoby Agent Sean Schaefer, who had been deployed to writes that Manor hosted a Halloween-themed serve in Afghanistan six months earlier, on Seana’s Reading Cafe for all students at the school in late birthday. As the little girl explained to the entire October. Primary and intermediate students paired student body how much she looked forward to up to read stories in a café-style setting. Vocal seeing her father again, Special Agent Schaefer music teacher Laurie Gougher led the school walked from behind the curtain to embrace his community in singing Halloween-themed songs. daughter. The students and teachers celebrated the reunion and honored America’s veterans with Levittown Fire Company #1 came to Manor songs led by vocal music teacher Laurie Gougher. Elementary for their annual community service Seana’s teacher, Kristin Cimochowski, and many of assembly promoting Fire Prevention Month, her Manor colleagues were instrumental in staging according to teacher MaryBeth Davis. The

PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • NOVEMBER 2011 5 Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D. firefighters demonstrated fire gear and explained The Oxford Valley Student Council hosted a safety measures to the primary level students. Each “Junkin’ Pumpkin” decorating contest. Students Oxford Valley student received a Levittown Fire were invited to decorate pumpkins using junk found Drawstring Sports Bag and informational material in the home . The response was quite remarkable, to take home. according to Ms. Nitkin. Nearly 50 pumpkins were submitted for the contest, and these also served OXFORD VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL as festive decorations in the school lobby. Three winners were chosen: first prize was awarded to Principal Fran Nitkin reports that the Oxford Gabe Boring, who won a $20 gift card to Barnes and Valley learning community had the honor of Noble; the second prize, a $5 gift certificate to the spending the day with children’s author, Ralph school store, was awarded to sisters Sammie, Kylie, Fletcher. Mr. Fletcher is not only a popular author and Emily Wright; and the third prize was awarded of children’s’ books, but he also mentors texts for to Heather and David Scheffler, who also won a teachers. He worked with all grade levels sharing $5 gift certificate to the school store. Ms. Nitkin his ideas about writing. Teachers then had the extended a “big thank you” to Student Council opportunity to spend time with Mr. Fletcher at an coordinators Jen Stephens and Ashley Juno for their after-school poetry workshop. Various educators assistance with the event. from across the district visited throughout the day. Ms. Nitkin added, “Many thanks go to the Pennsbury Librarian Carey Stolber has started a Recess Education Foundation for approving the grant for Readers club for students in third, fourth, and fifth Mr. Fletcher’s visit to Oxford Valley. Thank you also grades at Oxford Valley. Students visit the library to Reading Specialist, Donna Fay, for arranging a during recess to read their favorite books. According wonderful day for the students and faculty. “ to Ms. Stolber, they can be seen sprawled all over the library using bean-bags and pillows. Book Clubs, allowing students to meet and discuss popular book series, are also part of the library program.

In celebration of American Education Week, Oxford Valley parents were invited to visit on Thursday, November 17th to get a first-hand look at what the school day is like for their children and to spotlight the importance of parental involvement.

VILLAGE PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Principal Helen Stopper writes that Village Park held its second annual Veterans’ Day assembly earlier this month. In addition to a short presentation to help students “Remember, Teach, and Honor,” the assembly also included honored guests from the Delaware Valley Veterans’ Nursing Author Ralph Fletcher was given a warm welcome by the Home as well as the PHS Marching Band. An students and staff of Oxford Valley Elementary. Honor Guard from the nursing home joined the PHS Honor Guard to kick off the event. Village Park fifth graders sang “God Bless the USA.”

6 NOVEMBER 2011 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.

introductions and explained how the annual event serves as a special way for middle school students to show their appreciation for the veterans’ service to our country. The get-together also affords the opportunity for the honorees to share their knowledge and experiences with the students.

PENNWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL

Pennwood science teacher Jamie Swanson writes that the Pennwood National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) collected 16 boxes filled with gently-used magazines and leftover Halloween candy for troops stationed overseas. Students, teachers, and staff generously donated these items to be sent to the Village Park Elementary Student Council President Shayne Ostrowsky (center) and fourth grader Charlie Nuschke (left) members of the United States military serving our welcomed visiting veterans during a school-wide event country. Students offered names and addresses of held in honor of the invited guests. family and friends in the military currently in active duty. Among those listed is P.E. Lt. Col. James V. Works, the uncle of NJHS Vice President, Brad CHARLES BOEHM MIDDLE SCHOOL Edwards, who is currently serving as commander of the 777th Expeditionary Prime BEEF Squadron. Local veterans were also invited by members of the National Junior Honor Society to attend a luncheon in the veterans’ honor on November 9th at Charles Boehm. Advisor Lynn Gordon coordinated the event, which also included Pennsbury administrators as invited guests. Principal Theresa Ricci provided

Pennwood Middle School families and staff donated leftover Halloween candy and gently-used magazines for troops overseas. Members of the school’s National Junior Honor Society, shown here, assembled 16 boxes for shipment.

PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL

PHS art teacher Danyelle Lala shares that 32 students from her Art Major I and five students in Abby Cramer’s Art I for the MOST program will have art work on display at the Woodmere Art Museum in These veterans were treated to lunch by members of the National Junior Honor Society at Charles Boehm Middle School. the 18th annual Kids Care show. The work created by Pennsbury student Veronica Constable was

PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • NOVEMBER 2011 7 Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D. chosen for this year’s invitation card. The show’s Presidents: Hannah Bullard and Allie Brady theme is Into the Atmosphere: Artwork Inspired by Vice Presidents: Kelsey Russo and Calvin Hopkins Space, Stars and Faraway Places. The Kids Care show Secretaries: Brittany Ferrante and Victoria Miskell is a collaboration among WXPN’s Kids Corner, Treasurers: Nolan Ford and Brandon Lipkin St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, and the Publicity Managers/Activity Directors: Luke Woodmere Art Museum. This celebration of art and Zaccarelli and Ryan O’Hara giving inspires students to make beautiful works of art as holiday presents for children who are receiving Here is news from Family and Consumer Science medical care at St. Christopher’s. Teachers work teacher Gayle Gould: “FCCLA is getting very busy with the students to create art to be shown in the with community projects. First, we are in the middle Helen Millard Children’s Gallery at Woodmere, and of a high school penny war. The funds will be the work is later wrapped and delivered to children donated to the FCCLA national outreach program, at holiday time. which this year is titled Share Our Strength: No Child Hungry. They aim to ensure that children in America get enough nutritious food to eat through education and provisions for the less fortunate.” The group also hosted a Bingo Night on November 4th at the high school. “This was to promote families spending quality time together for fun, refreshments and prizes,” added Ms. Gould.

Vocal Music Coordinator James Moyer shares this exciting news from his department: “We are very pleased to announce that we have purchased an Allen digital organ for use in Keller Hall at PHS-West. The organ was purchased from the estate of Mr. George Boyer in Allentown, PA. George was the choral director at William Allen High School from 1969-1999 and had one of the most prominent high This work of art, created by Pennsbury student Veronica Constable, school choir programs in the state. I was privileged was selected by the Woodmere Art Museum for use on a postcard to do my student teaching with him in 1986, and invitation to the 18th annual Kids Care show. I worked with him many times during my career. The organ will be used to accompany a variety of PHS learning support teacher Karen Wisen shares choral literature/repertoire with all of the Pennsbury this report on the active Pink Ribbon Club, a student choirs. There are approximately 400 students in the group that she advises: “We are now celebrating our choral department. In the past we have had to rent fourth year of the club at PHS. The size of the Pink an organ to use for special projects and concerts. Ribbon Club has grown so much, we now need to hold Now we have one in-house. We can also offer the our meetings in the cafeteria. Please keep in mind that opportunity for students who already have keyboard not only does this club raise money for Breast Cancer skills to learn to play the instrument and possibly Awareness, but we also bring together students from accompany the choirs. We can also bring in guest ninth through twelfth grades. They form a common artists and recitalists to offer workshops and master bond and in the end become part of a forever growing classes for our students. We now have the ability to family. I’m proud to announce the new student work on instrumental literature (band and orchestra) leaders for the 2011-2012 school year.” These students requiring an organ.” Donors who contributed to the were voted in by their peers at the end of last year:

8 NOVEMBER 2011 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D. organ purchase included the Pennsbury Community program has achieved success. The storied history Chorus, the Pennsbury Education Foundation and of Pennsbury Girls Cross Country begins in 1974 Ms. Wendy Keller. with the state’s first-ever girls champion Donna Gardner. Gardner’s teammates, coached by Nancy Snyder, also had team success as they won a District Commendable championship but missed the elusive state title. During the 30 years in between, the program has ACCOMPLISHMENTS experienced both the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

PHS GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM “In 2011, the Falcons faced the difficult challenge WINS 2ND STATE CHAMPIONSHIP of pulling off the repeat. The team was ranked #1 in PA and 18th nationally during the pre-season, The Girls Cross Country team dominated the so the stage was set for an unprecedented double. PIAA Class AAA State Championships in Hershey The team lost two star seniors in Morgan Perry and this year, coming out on top with their second Anastasia Diamond, but returned individual State consecutive state title. Congratulations to the entire Champ Sara Sargent and two-time State Finalist Ann team, who will be recognized by the School Board Herman. Also returning from the Championship with a special resolution in December. Coach squad was two-year Varsity member Steph Don Little, who truly deserves recognition for his Radzinski, JV standout Liz Wedekind, and meteoric contributions behind the scenes for the girls’ success, sophomore Erica Gray. Yet shoes needed to be filled offers this reflection on the program, the season, and new talent developed in order to make history. and the latest championship: “At the conclusion of Though Perry and Diamond could not be replaced, the 2010 Girls Cross Country season, the Pennsbury their spots were going to have to be filled. Several Falcons won the State Championship for the first returning Falcons dedicated their summers to have time in school history. Although it was the first the chance to run on the Varsity squad: Heather state team championship, it was not the first time the Benton, Lori Blazejewski, Erin Higgins, Alissa Johnson, Taylor Hill, Hannah Papazian, Victoria Miskel, Jackie Kahill, and Kelsey Hubsch. Each girl forces the girl in front of her to work harder. Hence, other than the contenders, the team has key role players such as Priya Crain, Maddison Harlow, Courtney Holliday, Miriam Kwang, Rhiannon McNamara, and Amanda Navarra. It is the presence and determination of these girls that make the team stronger from within. It is these girls whose names will not appear in the newspaper but are an integral part of the team’s success. To carry on the success, the team would also need new blood, which was received with an infusion of middle school talent lead by Erin O’Connell, who secured one of those Varsity spots, and was supported by Donna Molloy, Jessica Forest, and Aubrey Darrah. For the second consecutive year, the Pennsbury Girls Cross Country team won the PIAA Class AAA Pennsylvania “Like many storybooks, the team faced adversity State Championship! Go Falcons! and setbacks. These included an early-season upset

PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • NOVEMBER 2011 9 Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D. that disrupted a year-long PA unbeaten streak, and two season-ending injuries to Varsity members NEHA GUPTA RECEIVES WORLD Steph Radzinski and Heather Benton. The team OF CHILDREN AWARD improvised in stride, adapted, and overcame. Girls ran harder with spirited determination while PHS sophomore Neha Gupta, already known keeping their eyes on the prize: a chance to be worldwide for her charitable efforts on behalf of on the contingent to travel to Hershey for the Big children in need (and recognized in several past Show. After an early-season loss to cross-District issues of this newsletter), was recently honored rival, WC Henderson, the team went on to win the in New York City as one of seven recipients of Briarwood, Paul Short, and Foundation invitationals, the 2011 World of Children Awards, a highly while going undefeated in the Conference dual prestigious prize for those who assist young meet season. At the SOL Championships, the team people. Former businessman Harry Leibowitz, a took five of the top six spots and at Districts, five of California resident, began the World of Children the top 20, and at States, five in the top 25 to sweep Awards in 1998 to recognize adults and youth the Championship season in dramatic and historic “who devote themselves selflessly to children every fashion. At the State meet, they earned a remarkably day.” Winners receive from $15,000 to $50,000, low score of 42 points (like golf, the lower the depending on their projects, and also receive other better). To place the victory in perspective, no girls’ support for their efforts. Neha provides clothing, team since 1980 – when there were fewer teams and books, blankets, and other supplies to children girls in the race – has a team won so convincingly. in India and in the United States. In 2008, she The second place team at States scored 129 points, created a non-profit known as Empower Orphans. three times our score. Our 3-5 girls scored better Donations are received year-round from individual than any team’s 1-3 girls. Excellent running ladies! contributors as well as in the form of corporate and private grants to sustain the charity and “I would like to thank the girls for their hard continue Neha’s mission to aid children worldwide. work, the coaching staff of Natalie Bergmann, Greg Congratulations, Neha! Sargent and Ken Cislak for all of their efforts, the Boys staff, Tim Cass and Hunter Coleman, the team parents, adminstrators, Board members, and staff Distinguished ALUMNI and faculty of the School District for their support. Next year, we will go for three!” Following are brief biographies of two Pennsbury graduates who are enjoying successful careers in PHS STUDENT EARNS HIGHEST publishing:

SCORE ON ACT EXAM Ann Shoket (Class of 1990) was named editor-in-chief of Seventeen Congratulations to Pennsbury magazine in January 2007. Under her High School student Eric R. Brennan, helm, the iconic fashion and beauty who was recently notified by the publication for teen girls continues administrators of the ACT college to represent an important rite of admissions and placement exam that passage, helping more than 13 million he earned the highest composite score of readers grow up to be confident, 36. On average, less than one-tenth of one percent Ann Shoket self-assured young women. Ms. of all test takers earns the top score. Best wishes to Shoket has grown the brand beyond you in your college search and in all of your future the pages of the magazine so that teen girls can be a endeavors, Eric! part of the Seventeen universe wherever they are: on

10 NOVEMBER 2011 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D. the magazine’s Web site, in print, on partner sites, October 2003, and originally joined as senior editor and on social networking platforms. at its launch in 1999. There, Ms. Shoket oversaw CosmoGIRL!’s leadership program, Project 2024, Ms. Shoket led the magazine to become the that aimed to put readers in the White House by the number one teen magazine on the newsstand within year 2024. In 2000, she was tapped as Web editorial her first year, the first time the magazine held that director to re-define Cosmogirl.com. A year later, position since Hearst purchased it in 2003. With an MIN Magazine named the Web site the year’s Best editorial brand strategy of “Seventeen Everywhere,” Web Play. Under her watch, traffic tripled and Ms. Shoket has strengthened the brand beyond the online subscription sales increased 30 percent. pages of the magazine. Seventeen.com has become the number one teen magazine Web site with Before CosmoGIRL!, Ms. Shoket was senior editor an average of 1.8 million unique users a month. with the Parade family of publications, where she Seventeen’s iPhone app, The Seventeen Fashion launched the style section for the teen news magazine, Finder, the first app to be developed at Hearst, React. At the beginning of the dot-com boom, she reached one million downloads in its first year. An created the independent Web magazine, Tag, which enhanced, interactive magazine edition of Seventeen gave voice to an online community of artists and for the iPad and tablet computers was also launched writers. Ms. Shoket began her career as a reporter in recent months. with renowned journalist Steve Brill at The American Lawyer. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree, cum laude, For the past two years, Ms. Shoket has been from New York University and a certificate in Media named one of the most powerful magazine editors Management from The New School. on the Forbes Most Powerful U.S. Fashion Magazine Editors annual list. She currently serves on the Robert (Bob) Costa (Class of 2004) Media Advisory Board for The National Campaign is a political reporter for National to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy. She Review, a biweekly magazine of also participates in the Benefit Committee for the politics, culture, and the arts. Pulitzer Fresh Air Fund and as a teen advisor for Step Up Prize-winning columnist George Women’s Network. F. Will has called National Review the “most consequential journal of Ms. Shoket made her mark on the legendary brand opinion ever.” Bob Costa by implementing enjoyable, interactive editorial programs that inspire confidence among Seventeen Mr. Costa, the magazine’s lead reporter on readers and celebrate real girl experts in fashion, Capitol Hill, covers the White House, Congress, and beauty and college. One of the most buzz-worthy political campaigns. He is a regular commentator programs is the Seventeen Body Peace Project, an on MSNBC, where he appears on programs such as ongoing initiative to help each girl stop obsessing Morning Joe. He also frequently publishes opinion about what her body looks like, start appreciating it pieces in the Wall Street Journal. for what it can do, and ultimately make peace with it. Seventeen also launched the ground-breaking, In Washington, Mr. Costa covers President integrated print and Web reality program, Freshman Obama’s press conferences and seeks out senators in 15, which gives millions of teens an inside scoop the Capitol, looking to pin them down on an issue on the often overwhelming emotional and lifestyle or to get a lead quote for National Review Online, the changes taking place at college. magazine’s daily Web site. He also travels around the country covering politics, from high-profile Prior to Seventeen, Ms. Shoket was executive Senate campaigns to the 2012 presidential campaign. editor of CosmoGIRL! magazine beginning in Notable exclusives have included interviews with

PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • NOVEMBER 2011 11 Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.

Sarah Palin, John McCain, Newt Gingrich, and John Boehner.

Mr. Costa began his journalism career at Pennsbury High School in 2001, when he edited the school newspaper as a freshman and sophomore. He then became active in PHS-TV, the school’s television production group, hosting and producing a sports show. Mr. Costa, who served as student body president, also penned numerous pieces for the Bucks County Courier Times as a student. His early work as a music critic enabled him to meet up-and-coming artists such as and John Mayer, both of whom he enlisted to play free Upcoming MEETINGS concerts at Pennsbury. These experiences were chronicled in Michael Bamberger’s Wonderland: A Board Facilities Committee Year in the Life of an American High School. 5:30 p.m., December 5, 2011 Superintendent’s Conference Room In college, as a history and English student at the University of Notre Dame, Mr. Costa continued to Reception for Parent Teacher work in student media, hosting his own talk show Organization Officers on ND-TV and writing for the school newspaper. His internships included a semester at ABC News 7:00 p.m., December 5, 2011 in Washington, where he reported on politics for Fallsington Elementary School Cafeteria ABCNews.com, and a summer on the production team of Charlie Rose in New York City. He earned Special Meeting for Reorganization his Bachelor’s degree in American Studies in 2008, 8:00 p.m., December 5, 2011 graduating with honors. At commencement, Fallsington Elementary School he was awarded the James E. Murphy Prize for exceptional journalism. Board Budget Committee 5:30 p.m., December 15, 2011 Mr. Costa earned a Master’s degree in politics Superintendent’s Conference Room from the University of Cambridge in 2009, where his research focused on Winston Churchill. At Regular Board Meeting Cambridge, he was an active member of the Cambridge Union, president of the Queens’ College 8:00 p.m., December 15, 2011 Politics Society, and deputy editor of the Cambridge Fallsington Elementary School student newspaper.

He joined National Review in August 2009 after completing his work at Cambridge. He began at the magazine as the inaugural William F. Buckley Jr. fellow in political journalism and was promoted to the editorial staff in September 2010.

12 NOVEMBER 2011 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA