PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • APRIL 2017

to enhance the classroom experiences of Pennsbury Across the DISTRICT students. This year’s Bronze Sponsor of the event was PENNSBURY PARTNERS RECOGNIZED ShopRite of Yardley. Many other local businesses AT ANNUAL AWARDS EVENT and nonprofits purchased advertising in the event program. Funds provided by these 2017 sponsors The Pennsbury Partners Program celebrated will enable the Partnership Program to provide its 18th annual partnership recognition event on Tuesday, April 11th at William Penn Middle School. As in previous years, awards were presented to one outstanding business partner and one outstanding non profit partner of the year. The 2017 celebration also featured musical entertainment by members of the Pennsbury Concert Jazz Band.

The event was organized by Ann Langtry, Coordinator of Communications, and Robin Peters, Partnership Program Assistant. “In addition to benefiting students, partnering with Pennsbury offers many advantages for community agencies and businesses,” said Ms. Langtry. “Partnerships with Pennsbury offer image enhancement opportunities, greater visibility in the community, and the personal satisfaction that together, we are helping to shape the workforce of the future.”

The recipients of the outstanding partnership awards for the 2016-2017 school year were: • The National Aerospace Training and Research Center (NASTAR); and • The Fallsington Library. (Top) Greg Kennedy accepted the award on behalf of NASTAR for Business Partner of the Year from William Penn science teacher, Kristin A video presentation shown during the Slota, who wore her NASTAR flight suit for the presentation. awards ceremony spotlighted the distinguished (Bottom) Fallsington Elementary School Principal Brian Shaffer, at left, presented the award for Community/Non-Profit Partner of the Year to contributions of both of these multi-year partners Charlene Rendeiro (center), who accepted on behalf of the Fallsington whose cross-curricular activities continually serve Library. Ms. Rendeiro was accompanied by her husband and sons.

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • APRIL 2017 1 Superintendent’s Report • WILLIAM J. GRETZULA, Ed.D. mini-grants to Pennsbury teachers in the coming “The PEF Board is pleased school year. to support a variety of school initiatives through our second Over the last 20 years, the Pennsbury Partners round of grants for the current Program has grown to be a highly successful, academic year. The next round collaborative effort involving over 1,000 partners will be offered this fall. We value in the Pennsbury community. For information the work that our teachers do in on the Pennsbury Partners Program, visit www. the classroom, and we look for effective ways to pennsburysd.org > Departments > Pennsbury distribute funds twice each school year to benefit our Partners Program. students,” said Annette Young, PEF President.

DISTRICT WEBSITE EARNS The following grant recipients were announced: SPECIAL RECOGNTION • Fallsington Elementary Principal Brian Shaffer and teacher Meghan Mix - $725 for the Mystery In a recent state-wide communications contest Math Show student assembly; sponsored by the Pennsylvania School Public • Edgewood Elementary Principal Stephanie Relations Association (PenSPRA), Pennsbury Hultquist and teacher Joseph Gallo - $500 to achieved an Award of Excellence for the new District partially fund the purchase of heart rate monitors website. This is the highest honor bestowed by for students. PenSPRA. Congratulations to everyone who plays a • Makefield Elementary Principal Donna part in this effective communication vehicle all year McCormick-Miller and teacher Molly Werthman long. This includes departmental personnel as well - $3,050 to purchase literacy materials for as individual school site managers. Special thanks to Kindergarten and first grade; the Communications and Technology departments • Makefield Elementary Principal Donna for the successful launch of the new District website McCormick-Miller and teacher Alison Majikas last fall in partnership with the content management - $589.99 to purchase K’nex materials for STEM system vendor, eSchoolView. Your combined efforts design work; were recognized! Judges’ comments included such observations as “Clean, crisp layout,” “Well • Penn Valley Elementary Principal Barbara organized,” “Lots of good information,” and “Easy Hidalgo and teacher Betty Zubrzycki - $1,099 to to navigate.” One judge noted an appreciation for purchase five standing student desks; the “Prominent student faces and achievements” on • Quarry Hill Elementary Principal Dr. Peggy our website. Kudos to all! Schiavone and teacher Robyn Rowlands - $2,000 to partially fund Cubelet blocks for robot building EDUCATION FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES activities; • Charles Boehm Middle School Principal Theresa SPRING GRANT RECIPIENTS Ricci and teacher Anita Quinn - $3,000 to purchase a portable design center; The Pennsbury Education Foundation (PEF) recently Principal awarded a total of ten grants to schools across the • William Penn Middle School and teacher Pennsbury School District, totaling over $20,000. The Christopher Becker Jeffrey Kobasa - $4,500 to purchase new stage curtains for the PEF is a 501(c)(3) organization that relies on donations school cafetorium; and supports the purpose of improving teaching and learning in Pennsbury through innovative educational • Pennsbury High School East Principal Reggie initiatives. Grants are awarded through an application Meadows and teacher Lauren Woodson - $3,815.68 process that occurs twice each year. to purchase 30 graphing calculators; and

2 APRIL 2017 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org Superintendent’s Report • WILLIAM J. GRETZULA, Ed.D.

• Pennsbury High School West Principal Lisa Becker and teacher Linda Smith - $950 for an interactive concert in the German language.

In addition to gathering generous donations from local funding sources and individual donors, the PEF also participates in the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program, which awards tax credits to businesses making contributions to the PEF. For more information, call Pennsbury Business Administrator, Daniel Rodgers, at 215-428-4115.

SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION APPLICATION DEADLINE APPROACHING The Odyssey of the Mind team from Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School will now advance to the World Finals in Graduating Pennsbury seniors and alumni May at Michigan State University. currently attending college are eligible to apply for financial aid from the Pennsbury Scholarship season. Only the top two teams from each problem Foundation. This foundation was created in 1956 for and each division advance to the World Finals in the sole purpose of providing financial assistance May at Michigan State University. Eleanor Roosevelt to help Pennsbury graduates attend college. Forms placed second and will be advancing to Worlds! are available in hard copy in the PHS counseling Congratulations are extended to this team and also to office and may also be downloaded from the Pennwood Middle School for placing third. Pennsbury website. (Community tab > Foundations > Pennsbury Scholarship Foundation) Reminder: the Each of our Pennsbury OM teams did especially deadline to apply for a 2017-2018 scholarship is May well at the state level. Here’s a breakdown 1st. Please keep this valuable resource in mind as provided by the Pennsbury Odyssey of the Mind you plan your higher education. Good luck! Association: • Afton (Problem 1) - 4th place out of 11 ODYSSEY OF THE MIND TEAMS • Eleanor Roosevelt (Problem 3) - 2nd place out of COMPETE AT STATES 12 (1st place in spontaneous!) • Manor (Problem 4) - 6th place out of 10 Six District Odyssey of the Mind teams traveled • Makefield (Problem 2) - 6th place out of 12 (1st 340 miles to Moon Township to compete in the place in spontaneous!) Pennsylvania state finals on Saturday, April 1st. • Pennwood (Problem 5) - 3rd place out of 12 These teams included students from Afton, Manor, • PHS (Problem 5) - 7th place out of 11 Makefield, and Eleanor Roosevelt elementary schools, Pennwood Middle School, and Pennsbury High School. PENNSBURY ONE OF TOP AREA HIGH SCHOOLS: PHILA BUSINESS JOURNAL The competition included 162 of the best teams from all over Pennsylvania. All six Pennsbury teams gave A recent analysis of SAT scores conducted by the it their all, resulting in their best performances of the Philadelphia Business Journal generated a ranking of

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • APRIL 2017 3 Superintendent’s Report • WILLIAM J. GRETZULA, Ed.D. the best high schools in the Greater Philadelphia included solos featuring Kathryn Gilbride and Eva area. Congratulations to Pennsbury High School, Crosson, both ninth grade students.” ranking #31 out of 50! PENNSBURY PRIDE ON FULL DISPLAY DISTRICT REPEATS AS ONE OF BEST AT COUNTY STEM CHALLENGE! COMMUNITIES FOR MUSIC EDUCATION Middle Schools. Last month, all three middle Frank Mazzeo, Curriculum Coordinator for schools sent teams of students to the BCIU STEM Instrumental Music, is pleased to announce that the Design Competition. The teams were challenged to Pennsbury School District earned the 2017 award build a K’nex amusement park, making “green” a as one of the Best Communities in America for priority. They were also required to create an envi- Music Education. “This marks the ninth consecutive ronmentally-friendly ride for the park. A team from year that we have received this award,” said Mr. William Penn Middle School was awarded “Most Mazzeo. “This is truly a community effort in which Environmentally Friendly.” The members of that faculty, administration, student, and community team were Jordan Mahony, Lexie Snyder, Sarah contributions are reviewed and considered. Annually, Walcott, and Maddie Spratt. These students were we provide this information that takes into account mentored by teachers, Kelly Giacomelli, Kristin many aspects of the education process, including Slota, and Bridget Blackshire. The Pennwood team finances provided by the School District, booster won the “Overall Award” and will be attending the organizations, hours devoted to music education, PA State Competition. Pennwood team members are the numbers of students participating, quality of Matthew Nuzzolo, Varun Nair, Steven Nuzzolo, program, and more. Thank you all for providing this and Raj Jagidar. These students were mentored by opportunity for our students and community!” teachers, Jessica Berkey and Beth Price.

WOMEN’S CHORAL FESTIVAL COMBINES VOICES FROM MULTIPLE GRADES

PHS Vocal Music teacher, Lindsey Bruno, is pleased to report that on March 24th, choral students from William Penn, Pennwood, and Charles Boehm middle schools and PHS joined together in Keller Hall on the PHS West campus for the District’s fourth annual Women’s Choral Festival, titled, Only Girls Aloud. “This year, the students worked with Dr. Matthew Erpelding from Lebanon Valley College,” said Ms. Bruno. Past guest directors have included Dr. John Leonard from The College of New Jersey and Dr. Julia Thorne from Susquehanna The STEM design team from Pennwood Middle School won University. “The students worked on music together the “Overall Award” among middle school teams at a county throughout the day and performed for an audience competition and is moving on to the state competition. that afternoon. One ninth grade student from PHS explained that it was hard work to study five pieces Elementary Schools. The Pennsbury Elementary of music and have to perform them the same day, STEM teams took First and Third places along but it was worth it to share the music-making with several nominations at the BCIU K’nex with the middle school singers. Some of the pieces STEM competition. Schools competed in teams

4 APRIL 2017 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org Superintendent’s Report • WILLIAM J. GRETZULA, Ed.D.

or after school, or during lunch/recess to practice. Teams competed in three rounds of questions focused on the books from their designated lists to earn points toward a blue, red, green, or yellow ribbon. “All students who participated are winners through their cooperative work, and by expanding their horizons through reading,” said Ms. Lane. “This year, 43 teams competed across the three divisions – senior (4 teams), middle (12 teams), and elementary (27 teams) – involving over 500 students and 80 staff volunteers. Accompanying each team were several adult volunteers, parents, The STEM design team from Makefield Elementary placed first in teachers, paraprofessionals, counselors, librarians, the elementary division and will now move on to the state-level reading specialists, and principals who served as competition in May. coaches, scorekeepers, moderators, and cheerleaders. Reading Olympics is run completely by volunteers of four fourth or fifth graders from nearly every coordinated through the BCIU. It is an amazing Pennsbury elementary school. The team from Walt opportunity for students to read and work together Disney won third place under the guidance of as a team developing lifelong habits of learning.” Katie Duncan, the Gifted Support teacher. Robyn Rowlands, Gifted Support teacher, coached a team from Quarry Hill, which won the award ELEMENTARY HONORS CHORUS MERGES for “Best Teamwork,” while a fifth grade team SINGERS FROM ACROSS DISTRICT from Makefield, under the guidance of Alison Majikas, placed first overall. The Makefield team The Pennsbury Elementary Honors Chorus will continue on to the state level competition in Festival took place in March at PHS West in Keller Harrisburg in May. Congratulations to ALL teams Hall. A total of 110 Students from ten elementary for their hard work and creativity! schools auditioned and were chosen to participate. Students rehearsed for several months with their PENNSBURY FIELDS 43 READING OLYMPICS TEAMS FOR COMPETITION

Mary Ellen Lane, English and Language Arts Curriculum Coordinator, writes that Reading Olympics is a team competition in which groups of 8-15 students read books from a designated list of 45 books appropriate to their level of schooling. “During the school year, students meet with their coaches to read, talk about, and practice rounds of questions for their one exciting night of competition. The elementary competition was held on March 29th at Neshaminy High School.” The high school competition was held on April 4th at Council Rock South. The middle school teams compete on April A total of 110 students from all ten Pennsbury elementary schools 20th at Snyder Middle School. The teams met before were selected by audition for a special concert performance in Keller Hall at PHS West.

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Vocal Music teachers to prepare for the concert. Godun (Charles Boehm); Rebecca Kimock, Delaney On festival day, the students gathered to rehearse Weed, and Madison Wilson (PHS). OAKE is the and perform music from around the world under Organization of American Kodaly Educators, which the direction of guest conductor, Michele Alford. is an organization for music teachers. Special thanks to Vocal Music teachers, Laurie Gougher, Marta Grothman, Kate Haas, Jennifer Kimock, Duane Kolar, Emily Fantuzzo, Kathy In the SCHOOLS Setash, Jennifer Stephens, Nancy VanDerBas, and Curriculum Coordinator, Jim Moyer. AFTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

DISTRICT STUDENTS SELECTED Special guest, Jodi O’Donnell-Ames, visited Afton FOR NATIONAL CHOIR to build background on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Coordinated by Eleven Pennsbury students participated in Student Council advisors Rachael Hauben, Melissa a national choir March 22-25 in Philadelphia. Berkowitz, Katie Oppenheimer, and David Woods, These students were encouraged to audition by Ms. O’Donnell-Ames presented to Afton’s student music teachers, Jennifer Kimock (Edgewood), leaders, who then disseminated the information to Kathy Setash (Quarry Hill), and Emily Fantuzzo the rest of the school. In addition to educating the (Makefield). They auditioned and were chosen students and staff about ALS, Ms. O’Donnell-Ames from many students nationwide to participate in spoke about Hope Loves Company (HLC). HLC is the 2017 OAKE National Conference Children’s the only nonprofit in the U.S. with the mission of Choir, Youth Choir, Women’s Choir, and Chamber providing educational and emotional support to Choir. Participants experienced three days of children and young adults who had or have a loved intense rehearsals with world-renowned music one battling ALS. Furthermore, Student Council educators/conductors, concluding with a concert representatives decided to spearhead a school-wide at the Kimmel Center in Verizon Hall on March fundraising and awareness activity for Hope Loves 25th. The students involved were: Maeve Healey, Company. They sold Smencils (scented pencils). Grace Palermo, Sabrina Robertson, Julia Stebbins Afton Student Council president Dane Jones stated, (Edgewood); Anya Nirschl (Quarry Hill); Amanda “Our goal was two-fold: promoting awareness about Dressel, Morgan Savage (Makefield); Sebastian ALS and donating the proceeds to this wonderful organization - HLC. It was a success!”

Principal Dr. Joseph Masgai extends congratulations to the school’s four Reading Oympics teams, who earned three blue ribbons and one red ribbon during the county-wide event. The four teams of fifth grade students were: Team Name, Keep Calm and Read On, Lit Learners, and Lemonade Warriors.

Boys’ Activity Night meant boys in grades K-5 enjoyed a board game theme of activities with their special guests. Activities took place in the gymnasium, cafeteria, and school lobby. Dr. Masgai shared a Eleven Pennsbury students were selected to sing in a national special “thank you” to Mr. VanDemark and volunteer student choir that performed in Philadelphia. parents for making this such a memorable event.

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Dr. Masgai also noted that first grade students have an adverse effect on us. Bacteria certainly helps walked the red carpet for the annual “Fancy Nancy us - but it can be unsafe, too!” Day.” The children shared vocabulary words and then shared “fancy” versions of the same word. One final note from Afton:Pam Murphy, the Students arrived in fancy garb to accentuate the school’s Math Specialist, received a special recognition day’s meaning. when she was inducted into the NCAA gymnastics Hall of Fame. Congratulations, Ms. Murphy! The Churchville Nature Center, a Pennsbury Partner, visited the third grade students to deliver a EDGEWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL presentation about pre-Columbian Native American life. These visitors brought numerous artifacts and PTO President Traci Curtis shares that Edgewood created hands-on experiences for the students. is hosting a walk-a-thon on April 21st in honor of Autism Awareness month. “Grade levels will take The invisible world of microbes came to life as turns walking around the front circle. Raffles will Dr. Scott Gygax recently conducted a variety of be sold the whole week leading up to the walk and microbiological experiments with the fifth grade all proceeds will go directly to the Autism Cares Gifted Support students in Eileen Koch’s science Foundation in Richboro,” said Ms. Curtis. “A large, class. “Dr. Gygax explained how bacteria and viruses new bulletin board is being created in our glass are present everywhere. He helped the students to corridor by one of our special education teachers, conduct swab tests of their skin, mouth, and various and she is working to incorporate many ways to sections of the classroom,” said Ms. Koch. Each bring awareness to the school throughout the month student prepared specimens in petri dishes to watch of April and beyond. Edgewood’s population of bacteria grow over time. The students analyzed the specialized learners is a vital piece of our family growth of the bacteria in the different locations over and we are looking forward to celebrating all the several days. They observed the greatest increase beautiful things that make us who we are. We are in bacteria growth on the floor and in their mouths. in the process of communicating with teachers and “This brought them to the conclusion that there is providing them literature about Autism to read to value in practicing dental hygiene, added Ms. Koch. their kids throughout the month as well. We are also “Also, that the ‘five-second rule’ concerning dropping making morning announcement “blurbs” around food on the floor is not an accurate assumption. They Autism and acceptance, and staff members are being saw how rapidly bacteria multiplied and how it can provided with ribbons to wear this month.”

Fifth grade students at Afton Elementary conducted a variety The Edgewood Elementary Helpers Club pitched in to assemble raffle of experiments in microbiology after a visit by guest speaker baskets for an Autism Awareness initiative at the school. The bulletin board Dr. Scott Gygax. in the background was created by Special Education teacher, Kristen Wise.

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Fourth grade teacher, Lisa Shiller, writes that Theater Company. According to Gifted Support her students brought history to life after they each teacher, Kathryn Royal, “The play addressed the selected a President or First Lady to research. As a following educational concepts: What is energy? culminating activity they each gave a speech in the What are the uses of energy? How is energy wasted? first person for family members and guests. “All How can we conserve energy? The entire school in attendance were impressed with the amount of was treated to this energetic assembly as we helped information each student learned and the striking Nikki Neutron stop energy from being wasted all resemblance to the President or First Lady being over town. ER is grateful to the National Theater for portrayed,” said Ms. Shiller. Children and PECO for sponsoring this event.”

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT FALLSINGTON ELMENTARY SCHOOL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Librarian Carey Stolber writes, “This school year, Principal Lisa Follman writes that a total of 50 the elementary school librarians were excited to students signed up for a new after-school club add several new databases to supplement existing called the ER Diversity Club. “The idea for this resources for students and teachers. These databases club came out of our school’s professional learning have provided students with access to reliable community centered on Excellence and Equity,” said information written at the appropriate reading Ms. Follman. “Teacher Nicole Peirce created the level and in some cases the database includes a club idea and became the main facilitator, and she is feature that reads the text to the student. These new being supported by her colleagues – Bruce Perlman, resources have been met with excitement by both Ty Annick-Hyle, Lorraine Brut, Kris Bria, among teachers and students. others – over the next three months. The databases are being used in classrooms as well On March 17th, Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary as the library. During Black History Month, students came alive with The Energized Guy, a free interactive in Sandy Yates’ and Amy Tomko’s first grade classes comedy presented by PECO and The National at Fallsington used PebbleGo to research well-known African Americans. The information in PebbleGo was appropriate for first grade students and each student was able to record his or her chosen person’s year of birth, place of birth, and one interesting fact. Ms. Yates said, “[The database] was very easy to navigate.” The students shared their research in a brief report. FactCite, PebbleGo, and PebbleGoNext, as well as WorldBookOnline, are available to all elementary school students at school and at home. School librarians can help with any login questions.

MAKEFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

“Makefield students and staff in the primary grades are enjoying using the WIN or ‘What I Need’ Energy and its many uses were addressed when students at period to reach children at their skill or ability Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary enjoyed an “energetic” assembly levels,” shares Gifted Support teacher, Alison with a PECO character named Nikki Neutron. Majikas. “In addition, this time is used to give

8 APRIL 2017 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org Superintendent’s Report • WILLIAM J. GRETZULA, Ed.D.

Primary students at Makefield Elementary are benefiting from targeted lessons involving hands-on activities during the school’s WIN period. WIN stands for “What I Need.” Animal adaptations became the focus for third and fourth grade students at Makefield when they welcomed science professor, students opportunities in STEM with activities such Dr. Matthew Wund, to their school. as building a crane that may lift an object, designing a bridge, or learning about animal adaptations, just Makefield held its second annual K’nex STEM to name a few.” In recent lessons, using a website Design Challenge on Valentine’s Day this year. With called Mystery Science, Ms. Majikas, along with first the help of Ms. Majikas, all fourth and fifth graders grade teachers, Megan Corrigan, Karen Daidone, were invited to participate in teams of four students, and Colleen Fucich, guided students in using and on February 14th, five final teams competed for different shaped bird beaks to develop a better the prize of advancing to the BCIU level competition understanding of how birds eat in different ways, on March 22nd. This Makefield competition was well where they find their food, and how students may attended and judged by such VIPs as Pennsbury observe science in the animals they see every day. Superintendent Dr. William Gretzula, Science Curriculum Coordinator Jamie Swanson, parents Ms. Majikas’ students in third and fourth grade Mike Redel and Deirdre Redel, Math Specialist classes welcomed a special visitor, Makefield Joe Spinelli, Makefield ETA Donna Merriman, and parent, Dr. Matthew Wund, who is a Science Principal Donna McCormick-Miller. Students from Professor at The College of New Jersey. Dr. the primary grades toured the room to see all of the Wund taught students about animal adaptations, excitement surrounding the teams as they built their especially those adaptations made by the unique amusement park rides. All five teams did an stickleback fish that he studies on trips to Alaska. outstanding job in the 90-minute competition. Three Dr. Wund shared beautiful images of Alaskan teams from Makefield moved on to compete along terrain and wildlife, displayed the fish, then had with other Pennsbury elementary teams. the students participate in a simulation of the fish being caught by two different predators. MANOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL “Students were thoroughly engaged in Dr. Wund’s presentation and benefited from the observations On Thursday, March 30th, Manor held a they could make first hand with Dr. Wund’s school-wide dance party to celebrate their success examples and the activity that involved catching with the Manor Strong initiative. Principal Terri Swedish Fish,” said Ms. Majikas. Salvucci led the student body in three dances with

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • APRIL 2017 9 Superintendent’s Report • WILLIAM J. GRETZULA, Ed.D. the Manor Strong Ambassadors. Author Julia Cook visited both Manor and Penn “We had much to celebrate Valley Elementary in March, writes teacher Lauren due to a successful state visit Jacoby. “Our guest author met with students to and evaluation,” said Ms. share some of her books and the importance of Salvucci. “The state looked social mindfulness,” said Ms. Jacoby. “K-2 students at our School-Wide Positive loved hearing I am a Booger! and Treat Me With Behavior Intervention and Support Plan (SWPBIS), Respect! while grades 3-5 enjoyed learning about otherwise known as Manor Strong. These evaluators the importance of accepting others’ differences in interviewed over 40 students and staff members The Judgmental Flower. Ms. Cook followed up with a to see if everyone understood what it means to parent night focusing on how to teach our children be Manor Strong. On the evaluation report, we to have ‘grit’ and master the ‘big list’ of social musts received 99 out of 100 points! This means that we are in order to achieve success in life.” now a part of the Pennsylvania Positive Behavior Intervention and Support Network and considered a OXFORD VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL model school for this process. We are attending the Implementer’s Forum in Hershey in May, where we Oxford Valley student, will be recognized as a school that is implementing Sarah O’Neill, was selected as SWPBIS with fidelity. We are the first school in the AAA Outstanding Safety Pennsbury to receive this status and we are very Patroller for the 2016-2017 proud! Our students and staff are extremely excited school year, writes teacher and will continue to grow more Manor Strong as we Julie Samples. Sarah and her move into the future.” family, as well as her teacher, Mr. Cammiso, are invited Ms. Salvucci acknowledged “an amazing, to the annual luncheon and dedicated school-based committee – Ms. Casselli, awards ceremony at the Ms. Camp, Ms. O’Malley, Ms. Parisi, Ms. Cary, Ms. Radisson Hotel Philadelphia Cimochowski, Ms. Grothman, and Ms. Zislis – for NE on May 3rd. “At this all their hard work over the last three years, starting luncheon, Sarah will be with the planning year. “We are in our second year awarded with a personalized of implementation, with the inclusion of Character plaque and a $100 Visa gift Education, and our building is overflowing with card,” said Ms. Samples. “It Sarah O’Neill Manor Strong staff and students!” will be so wonderful to have all the work that Sarah does to help keep our school Ms. Salvucci also extended thanks to the following safe be honored that day – as well as to have our individuals who “supported and encouraged us school be a part of such a lovely event!” on our journey” – Director of Special Education Sherri Morett, Manor’s PTO Executive Board, Principal Donna Minnigh shares that Oxford Superintendent Dr. William Gretzula, Assistant Valley’s “Owlish” eyes were smiling on St. Patrick’s Supertintendent Dr. Donna Dunar, Director of Day when students and staff were treated to an Irish Elementary Education Michele Spack, and the staff dance assembly coordinated by fourth grade teacher, at the Bucks County Intermediate Unit. “A big thank Lotus Deiss. Five performers from the Crossroads you to Manor’s staff, parents, and students for not School of Irish Dance performed various types of only supporting our program but also ensuring that Irish dances, sharing facts about Irish culture and we are Manor Strong every day and for creating a history along the way. “We even learned a little climate that is positive and conducive to learning.” about St. Patrick himself,” said Ms. Minnigh. “Did Congrats to all!

10 APRIL 2017 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org Superintendent’s Report • WILLIAM J. GRETZULA, Ed.D.

for Pennies campaign, reports School Counselor, Arlene Johnson. Mr. O’Donnell’s fourth grade class was the top fundraiser for this event, raising $987.27. In appreciation for their efforts, this class will be treated to an Olive Garden lunch. An additional fundraiser for the Pasta for Pennies collection was the Stuck for a Buck campaign. Students donated extra money for the opportunity to duct-tape Principal Barbara Hidalgo to the wall. This event took place at a recent all-school meeting.

Nearly 60 students in grades K-5 opted to Oxford Valley Elementary students enjoyed a special performance participate in the annual Penn Valley STEM Fair of Irish dancing thanks to one of the school’s fourth grade teachers. this year. A variety of STEM-related exhibits filled half the school gymnasium for students to tour you know he wasn’t even Irish?” To the delight of during the day and to bring their families to see in all, three Oxford Valley students participated in the evening. The popular event was organized by the assembly as well, showing off their decorative teachers, Kara Covello, Mary Johnston, and Martin costumes and dancing talents. “Thank you to O’Donnell. Julianna Darr, Kailyn Hammer, and Fiona Bunnell for sharing their amazing jigs and reels with us,” Reading Specialist Kerry Bauerle reports that the added Ms. Minnigh. “We were all very lucky to have Read-Across-America/Celebrate Seuss committee this enriching St. Patrick’s Day experience!” came up with a number of creative ideas for a week-long, Seuss-inspired celebration. Each day of the week had a theme: PENN VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL • Monday, February 27 – Oh, the Places You’ll Go Day Penn Valley collected $3,400.18 for the Leukemia - Dress up in college apparel OR dress up as what and Lymphoma Society during their annual Pasta you want to be when you grow up • Tuesday, February 28 – Every Who Down in Whoville Day - Wear a crazy hat or hairstyle day • Wednesday, March 1 – Fox in Socks Day – Wear mismatched or crazy socks • Thursday, March 2 – The Cat in the Hat Day – Wear red, black and white or stripes • Friday, March 3 – The Sleep Book – Pajama Day

Daily Seuss “mystery reads” were heard during the announcements. “Students tried to guess the name of the books from which the excerpts were read,” said Ms. Bauerle. Excerpts were geared toward K-2 classes and 3-5 classes. Winners received Dr. Seuss-themed journals to begin their writing careers. Each child Penn Valley Elementary Principal Barbara Hidalgo fulfilled her voted for his/her favorite Dr. Seuss book on a promise to let students duct-tape her to the wall after a successful physical graph using sticky dots. The most popular school fundraiser! book was How the Grinch Stole Christmas. There was

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • APRIL 2017 11 Superintendent’s Report • WILLIAM J. GRETZULA, Ed.D. a One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish estimation fishbowl in the lobby and students tried to guess the number of goldfish crackers in the fishbowl in order to win a copy of the book.

“Additionally, we had a Drop Everything and LISTEN time during our all-school meeting,” continued Ms. Bauerle. “The book selected for the schoolwide assembly this year was Mia Hamm’s Winners Never Quit. Fourth grade teacher, Martin O’Donnell, rewrote the entire text in rhyme in honor of Dr. Seuss! Special Educator Kate Buff invited the Bucks County librarians from Fallsington and Quarry Hill Elementary Reading Specialist Krista Schmidt Levittown to come and do a story and craft time with (dressed in a Jedi costume at center) introduced Dr. Peggy students in K-2. Forms for library card signups were “Obi-Wan” Schiavone during a Star Wars-themed assembly in sent home. Finally, each child received a Dr. Seuss celebration of Read Across America Day. Spirit Stick and a Dr. Seuss character highlighter courtesy of Ms. Hidalgo. The PV PTO graciously initiative of PAWS (Practice Respect, Accept agreed to purchase the delicious Cat in the Hat cookies Responsibility, Work Together, and Stay Positive) from the Bucks County Technical High School again with the Jedi philosophy of guarding and protecting this year. Thank you to the Penn Valley community peace and justice,” said Ms. Schmidt. Principal Dr. - PTO, parents, teachers, students - for making this Peggy Schiavone made two appearances during the year’s celebration of reading such a success!” assembly – first, from the dark side, as Darth Vader, and then later, armed with the proper character traits of a true Jedi, as Obi-Wan Schiavone. “To top QUARRY HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL things off, our Barnes and Noble book fair on Read Across America Day was highlighted with teachers Read Across America Day at Quarry Hill was autographing the students’ newly-purchased books celebrated all week long with a focus on the joy as well as reading favorites aloud at different of reading. A galaxy-themed reading assembly stations set up in the store,” added Ms. Schmidt. culminated a week of special activities themed “May The Force Be With You!” around the Star Wars stories. “We read to a galaxy far, far away all week, with the winning The first grade students in Megan Marchese’s class logging a total of 3,422 minutes at home class celebrated being published authors. They reading (1 minute of reading = 1 mile),” explained created a class book about stars. After being exposed Reading Specialist, Krista Schmidt. Performing to two different fictional stories about stars, How to at the school’s assembly were the Pennwood Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers and Stars by Mary Lyn Middle School Band, directed by teacher, Adam Ray, the students each wrote a version of how he/ Pfannenstiel, and members of the Falcon Strings she would catch a star and make a wish. “Besides from Pennsbury High School led by teacher, Felicia being writers, each student had to illustrate a page Riley. Both instrumental groups performed music for this book,” said Ms. Marchese. “In addition, a from the Star Wars films and featured Quarry Hill group of students worked together to design the students as well as siblings of current students cover and title page. Parents were able to purchase now attending Pennwood and PHS. “It was a a hardback copy of the book that was published multi-curricular, multi-level celebration, where we by Student Treasures. As a culminating activity, were also able to integrate our character education family members were invited to attend a publishing

12 APRIL 2017 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org Superintendent’s Report • WILLIAM J. GRETZULA, Ed.D.

enjoyed some tasty treats. Overall the students and staff had an outstanding week filled with inspiring reading activities.”

CHARLES BOEHM MIDDLE SCHOOL

Charles Boehm students participated in the Bucks County Math Counts competition on Saturday, February 18th at North Penn High School. Mathematics teacher, Emily Coffey, shares that students, Eshan Singh, Ellen Zhang, and Ezra Greenberg proceeded to the countdown round and competed head to head for the First Place title. Ezra Students in Megan Marchese’s class at Quarry Hill Elementary became published authors when they collaborated to create a Greenberg finished as the second-ranked Mathlete class book about stars. in all of Bucks County and proceeded to the state competition. In addition, Charles Boehm was party. Some Quarry Hill staff members were able announced as the First Place team during the awards to attend this special event too. The students were ceremony. The team members included Nick Terry, both thrilled and proud to present school librarian, Ohm Shah, Ellen Zhang, and Daniel Dietrich and Barbara Pesature, with a copy of the book to be they also proceeded to the state competition. At the added to the library for all students to have the state competition held in Harrisburg, Ellen Zhang opportunity to check out and enjoy reading. Then placed 12th and was the top female competitor. Ohm each first grader presented family members with a Shah placed 29th and the team came in 7th place wrapped copy of the book that they unveiled and overall.” Well done and congrats to all! read together. Finally, the students read aloud their individual pages to all those in attendance. It was Science teacher, Sandy Hollenbaugh, writes that a wonderful afternoon that honored the students Boehm’s eighth grade students visited the National as writers and illustrators! They enjoyed the entire Aerospace Training and Research (NASTAR) Center process and were proud of the finished product. in Southampton on March 22nd. “NASTAR is the An extra bonus occurred when we found out our premier commercial air and space training, research, class book was selected as a winner of a $100 grant. and educational facility that combines state-of-the-art They put forth so much effort and were excited to be flight simulation with physiology-based courseware published authors!” to optimize human performance in extreme environments,” explained Ms. Hollenbaugh. “While touring the NASTAR facility, students were WALT DISNEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL introduced to the world of aerospace training. Pilots and astronauts train using the ejection seat trainer, First grade teacher, , writes, Lorie Becker gyro lab, altitude chamber, and flight simulator. The “Students at Walt Disney celebrated Read Across highlight of the tour was observing the centrifuge America Week with a variety of activities. All bay where pilots train in simulations of flight, students and staff participated in “Readcess,” landing, rocket launch, and combat creating the same where we took to the hallways to read silently physiological stress as in an authentic simulation.” for 15 minutes. The culminating activity was the Students also visited the onsite workshop where Reading Cafe. Each student invited one special they saw the building and preparation of hyperbaric person to join him or her in our Reading Cafe for chambers used in medical treatments, including wonderful stories read aloud and then everyone

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collect socks for a local homeless shelter. Students and teachers celebrated by wearing crazy socks on March 2nd. “Sixth graders Shannon Miller and Shannon O’Keefe helped assist with the sock drive,” said Ms. Gregory. “At the end of the week, over 200 pairs of socks were donated!” In addition, Ms. Gregory accompanied 11 Boehm students to Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School to read to small groups in Ms. Behrle’s, Ms. Bria’s, and Mr. Perlman’s third grade classes. They also read to students in the fourth grade classes of Ms. D’Amico, Ms. Janthor, Ms. Sendlock, and Ms. Pierce. “The middle school students and elementary students Greg Kennedy (center), welcomed students from Charles Boehm had a great time reading picture books in small Middle School to the NASTAR Center for a STEM-based tour groups. It was so nice to witness the joy of reading in of the facility. action!” To end the week at Boehm, there was a used book sale in the library. Each book cost 50 cents, post-concussion, skin grafts, and soft-tissue injuries. regardless of the title. “Students enjoyed shopping The shop also included an area for assembling for new books to read and were excited to get a military-grade sterilizers, a welding shop, a sheet bargain,” said Ms. Gregory. “Proceeds went to the metal shop, and an area where equipment is Literacy Team fund, as the team is working to raise prepared to ship out to pharmaceutical companies money to fund future author visits.” and medical supply houses. Students ended the day participating in an engineering design challenge. The teams made roller coasters from common WILLIAM PENN MIDDLE SCHOOL household items and were judged by the trainers from NASTAR. The students were fortunate to meet Teacher Tracy Titus-Goldberg writes, “As trainers, engineers, scientists, and tradespeople who William Penn students arrived to school on their made them aware of the vast career opportunities first day of the PSSAs, they were greeted with smiley available to all students while working in an aerospace technical environment where the need for STEM careers are in high demand.”

Charles Boehm students participated in a number of exciting activities in honor of Dr. Seuss’s birthday, according to Reading Specialist, Maria Gregory. “Librarian, Carolyn Wert, helped to organize a charity activity based on the book, Fox in Socks,” said Ms. Gregory. “In addition, teacher David Murphy created a video of a small group of sixth graders reading Fox in Sox.” Student readers included: Sebastian Godun, Delaney Geist, Emily Spillane, Gianna Miller, Jason Brunette, Henry Franklin, Naomi Kahney, and Robert Papshev. The video William Penn Middle School students were greeted with smiley was played in small clips on the morning news faces and special messages of inspiration on their lockers during each day that week as students ran a sock drive to PSSA testing.

14 APRIL 2017 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org Superintendent’s Report • WILLIAM J. GRETZULA, Ed.D. faces on their lockers that relayed encouraging and some point over the course of a week in an activity inspirational messages, such as “Make us Proud,” that allowed them to work collaboratively in small “S.O.A.R. during the PSSA,” or “Try Your Best.” groups to create “communications towers” made A sub-committee from our S.O.A.R. team and a from food materials donated by Giant Food Stores, few of our S.O.A.R. ambassadors spent time after a Pennsbury Partner. In addition, energy auditor, school Friday adhering these positive messages to Todd Rodgers, visited William Penn to lead science students’ lockers. Our sub-committee continues to students through a building energy audit. “This focus on creating a safe, positive, and caring learning opportunity stems from our partnership with community here at William Penn. Assistant Principal NEED [a national energy education initiative],” Dr. Michael Hogan added, “This team effort tied said Ms. Slota. in with our building’s character education initiative and worked well as a means to promote success on the PSSAs. Ms. Titus-Goldberg is a pleasure to work with and she goes above and beyond for her classes, the staff, and the WP community!”

Physical Education teacher, Denise Melnick reports that on April 5th, William Penn Physical Education classes were privileged to host members of the Philadelphia Phoenix Ultimate Frisbee team. “Two Pennsbury alumni, Mac Rushing and Quinn Hunziker, and some of their teammates were here for a motivational program with our students on the benefits of speaking up for yourself. Their focus was on promoting self-health. E.R.I.C. (Early An energy audit at William Penn Middle School helped students Recognition Is Critical) is a non-profit that teaches see first-hand how their building uses and conserves energy cancer symptom education through Ultimate Frisbee on a daily basis. clinics in Physical Education classes. The E.R.I.C. “Speak Up” tour was in the Philadelphia area that week. The group has been traveling around the country providing clinics to middle schools. Over 20,000 students have been coached by professional April is Ultimate Frisbee players and local coaches since the beginning of the school year. Our students were very Autism Awareness Month lucky to have the opportunity to interact with the players and came away with a better understanding of the importance of speaking up for themselves and • Awareness learning a lifetime sport.” • Action Since William Penn science teacher, Kristin Slota, returned from accepting her award as National • Acceptance Middle School Science Teacher of the Year in • Inclusion California (see last month’s report for details), she has kept busy with her colleagues organizing • Appreciation several curricular enhancements. The WP STEAM Challenge engaged all 955 William Penn students at

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Philadelphia, where he has worked since 2014. He PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL holds a Master of Science degree in Administration from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor SENIOR AEROSPACE SCIENCE INSTRUCTOR of Science degree in Business from the University APPOINTED BY SCHOOL BOARD of Maryland. Major MacEachern is also a graduate At the public meeting of the Pennsbury Board of the U.S. Air Force Senior and Junior ROTC of School Directors held on March 9th, the Board Academic Instructor Schools in Montgomery, AL. He is currently working toward his Master’s degree in approved the appointment of Maj. (Retired) James Education at West Chester University. G. MacEachern, Jr. to become the first Senior Aerospace Science Instructor (SASI) at Pennsbury High School. Working in tandem with PHS Addressing the School Board after he was appointed on Thursday evening, Major MacEachern Co-Principals Reggie Meadows and Lisa Becker, Maj. MacEachern will lead the implementation of said, “It is an honor to be selected as the first SASI a new Air Force Junior ROTC student program at Pennsbury High School,” he said. “This is a great beginning with the 2017-2018 school year. program that allows students to do things that are very different. Sometimes students attending a school this large don’t always fit in. There’s a lot of camaraderie in a program like this, creating a family within a family. Our curriculum is world class. The students really love it.”

The idea of introducing a JROTC program at the high school level was inspired by School Director, John Palmer, who advocated for the initial research of similar programs in the Philadelphia area. With full Board approval, former Pennsbury Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Elliott Lewis, led the exploratory phase and the formal application to the U.S. Air Force for acceptance prior to his retirement from Pennsbury. Thanks to the continuing efforts of Pennsbury High School Principal Reggie Meadows (left) greeted current Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Donna Dunar, the newly-hired Senior Aerospace Science Instructor, the Air Force granted the School District a unit in Maj. (Retired) James G. MacEachern, Jr., who will lead the 2016 for start-up in the fall of 2017. new Air Force JROTC program for Pennsbury. “The administration is very pleased to be “We take a big step in anchoring the Air Force implementing the Air Force JROTC program for the JROTC program here in the Pennsbury School 2017-2018 school year,” said Mr. Meadows. “After District,” said Superintendent Dr. William J. a long search, we feel that Major MacEachern is the Gretzula at the Board meeting. “Major MacEachern perfect candidate to start this program at Pennsbury is a lifelong learner with 25 years of service in the High School. He comes to us with a background in Air Force, and we welcome him to our community. leading ROTC and JROTC programs, and we feel He has tremendous experience and models passion that this program will hit the ground running. We for the program and care for the students.” eagerly look forward to the many good things that will be brought to Pennsbury High School and the The appointee currently serves as the SASI at Pennsbury community as a result of this program.” the Swenson Arts & Technology High School in

16 APRIL 2017 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org Superintendent’s Report • WILLIAM J. GRETZULA, Ed.D.

IN OTHER NEWS FROM PHS… minutes to prepare a skit. Advanced levels took part in a debate. “Pennsbury sent nine teams (40 Bands Director (and Instrumental Music students) to the competition and we are pleased to Curriculum Coordinator) Frank Mazzeo shares announce that all nine teams placed within the top that the 2018 Tournament of Roses President, Lance three at each level!” said Ms. Garberina. See the full Tibbet, and his wife, Amelia, spent time at PHS breakdown below. Congratulations to all! earlier this month as part of a series of international visits to get to know the marching bands selected to Spanish Novice - 2nd PLACE appear in the 2018 Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA. Of Josh Kwak the 22 bands slated for the 2018 parade, the Tibbets Josie Stephens will visit with 16 of them to help promote the bands’ Katie Moser special distinction as participants. “The personal Adam Davis visits also help the Tibbets become more familiar Diana Atar with the communities these bands represent,” said Robert Walton Mr. Mazzeo. During their stop in Pennsbury, Mr. and Mrs. Tibbet also met briefly with Superintendent Spanish Level 3 - 1st PLACE Dr. William Gretzula. Matt Caissie Anthony Mannarino Miles Borowsky Brandon Ferraro

Spanish Advanced - 3rd PLACE Alexa Tannenbaum Paul Secchia Marco Morgado Emmeline Evans

French NOVICE - 2nd PLACE Nathan Thomas Tournament of Roses President Lance Tibbet (center right) and his Vedasri Madala wife, Amelia, spent time with PHS Marching Band members after Allison Schaeffer being greeted by Superintendent Dr. William Gretzula (left) and Ryan White Bands Director, Frank Mazzeo. Billy Van Veen

Andrea Garberina, World Languages Curriculum French Level 3 - 2nd PLACE Coordinator, reports that In March, PHS students Calli Lambard participated in the annual Bucks County World Lauren Frank Language Competition at Quakertown Community Evan Kashinsky High School. More than 400 students from ten Logan Bennett Bucks County high schools and ten county middle schools competed in three different levels of foreign French Advanced - 2nd PLACE language proficiency in French, German, and Madigan Leventhal Spanish. Novice levels competed in a Jeopardy-like Ngakiya Camara tournament that included questions on culture, Johan Livingston vocabulary, and grammar. Level 3 students were Philip Genovese given a cultural scenario in which they had five

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German Novice - 1st PLACE classes, visited historical Philadelphia, Washington, Andrew Hamacher D.C., Manhattan, and spent a day at Temple Austin Massey University,” shares World Languages Department Grace Burke Chair, Amy DiFazio. “This year marks our 29th Corinne Carlson exchange with Caecilienschule. This summer, 16 Robert Oleynick PHS students will tour Germany and attend school in Oldenburg from July 30th - August 24th.” German Level 3 - 1st PLACE Randy Dickersbach On April 4th, PHS participated in the county-wide Kyle Stout Reading Olympics competition at Council Rock Allison Rose High School South. “The competition encourages Anna Sassaman students to read more than they currently do, read a greater variety of books, and enjoy the excitement German Advanced - 1st PLACE of talking about books,” said PHS librarian, Rita Taylor Matulis Ann Thompson, who coaches Reading Olympics Jeffrey Cragin students, along with her colleagues, Lynn Kayla Carlson Wambach and Natalie Sutcliffe. “We would like to Ian Perkins congratulate all four PHS Reading Olympic teams – Fantastic Books and Where to Find Them, Title Waves, In early March, the World Language Department Team Seinfeld, and Booklin’ Go Read or Go Home – each celebrated National Foreign Language Week. To earned a blue ribbon! Thanks also to our graduating kick off World Language Spirit Week at PHS West, seniors, who have worked so hard for the Reading students decorated the C100 and C200 hallways with Olympics teams over the years: Dylan Riechelson Spanish, German, and French flair. Another event and Anthony Austin. We are very proud of the hard was a poster contest with this year’s national theme, work and dedication by all of the team members Find the Missing Piece: Learn a Language. The winners in preparation for this one night that celebrates of this year’s poster contest were Tae Horton (First reading. You all did a marvelous job and represented Place) from Frau DiFazio’s German III class and your school proudly!” Kayla Carlson (Second Place) from Herr Campbell’s German AP course.

Extending the celebration of foreign languages to other grade levels, students from the German Club offered free mini-lessons for students in grades 3-5 at Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School as an after-school enrichment program during the month of March. Under the direction of cooperating teachers, Frau DiFazio and Frau Smith, students taught the elementary students some basics of the German language, such as greetings, numbers, the All four Reading Olympics teams from PHS earned blue ribbons at alphabet, animals, and colors. the county-wide competition held at Council Rock High School South.

From March 25th - April 12th, 19 German Applied Engineering and Technology Education exchange students visited PHS and lived with teacher, John Sanders, writes that on March 30th, Pennsbury students enrolled in German classes. Pennsbury High School held its first international “While here, our Oldenburg friends participated in

18 APRIL 2017 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org Superintendent’s Report • WILLIAM J. GRETZULA, Ed.D. fashion show, sponsored by the Multi-Cultural Youth Leaders (MCYL) club, with the help of Pennsbury’s chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). Announcing the event was Ms. Terry Hodges, a member of the Pennsbury Football Parents Club. “We had a nice turn-out for our first fashion show, and the models had great outfits that were literally from all corners of the world,” said Mr. Sanders, who also serves as advisor to the MCYL and NSBE groups. “There were outfits that represented parts of Asia, Africa, India, the West Indies, Latin America, Europe, and of course, the United States. Our objective was not just to have fun, but also to give students a chance to display the pride of their heritage, for all to see. When students have a chance to interact with each other, The annual Mr. Pennsbury competition, organized by the they realize that they have more similarities than Student Life Club, always draws a big crowd. differences. Besides the students who participated in the fashion show, we had AE/TE teacher Jessica Angelucci, Dan Rottenborn, Andrew Dugan, Josiah Perfetto, Assistant Principal Cherrissa Gibson, Wolfram (winner), Adam Zaharoni, Mike Petrino, and Mr. Sanders’ wife, Andrea, to show off their Chris Ortolf, and Anthony Austin (first runner-up). ‘Inner Divas.’” Even Mr. Sanders modeled a tuxedo Serving as judges this year were Superintendent Dr. to escort his wife on her last of several runway William J. Gretzula, with teachers, John Sanders, appearances. “We are expecting an even bigger and Fran Sweeney, Matt Groden, Hope Levinson, better show next year,” added Mr. Sanders. Stephanie Pratt, and Nate Drenner.

Finally, Pennsbury High School organized and hosted the area’s recent 2017 College Fair with over 70 schools participating. About 300 guests attended this popular evening event, shares School Counselor, Jill Ziegler. Pennsbury Partner, Wells Fargo, was also on hand with college financial materials for students, parents, and guardians.

An international fashion show – featuring student and adult models – was staged for the first time by the PHS Multi-Cultural Youth Leaders Club.

The annual Mr. Pennsbury pageant/competition was held on Friday, April 7th. Organizing the event this year were Student Life Club advisors, MaryAnn Daley, Anthony Barth, and Kim McLane. 2017 competitors included Quinten Darling, Mike

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students’ curiosity about the world. Students Commendable from 10,000 schools across the United States are competing in the 2017 National Geographic Bee for ACCOMPLISHMENTS a chance to win college scholarships and the glory of being the National Geographic Bee Champion. On Friday, March 31st, Eshan Singh represented TWO PHS STUDENTS SCORE IN THE Charles Boehm and Pennsbury as he participated in NATION’S TOP 5% OF MATH CONTEST Pennsylvania’s 29th National Geography Bee. Eshan competed against 100 other qualifiers through this PHS Mathematics teacher, Stacy Garretson, reports state-wide double elimination competition. Eshan’s that in February, 66 Pennsbury students took the geography prowess prevailed and he was crowned AMC test, known as the American Mathematics the 2017 PA Geographic Bee Winner!” Competition. Two of those students, Jimmy Kim (12th) and Jason Friedman (11th) scored in the top Eshan and the champions from every other 5% of the nation, which advanced them on to the state will compete in the National Geographic next level of competition, the AIME or American Bee Championship to be held at the National Invitational Mathematics Examination. The Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, purpose of these competitions is to spur interest in D.C., May 14-17. Tune in to National Geographic mathematics and to develop talent through problem Bee championship May 19th on National Geographic solving in a timed format. On March 22nd, Jimmy Channel and NG Wild at 8:00 p.m. We all wish and Jason took the AIME, which consisted of 15 Eshan the best of luck on this exciting journey! problems and a 3-hour time limit. Good luck to these two remarkable young men as we await the results! BCTHS STUDENTS OF THE MONTH HONORED CHARLES BOEHM STUDENT WINS PA NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC BEE Please join in congratulating these Pennsbury students, who were honored recently as Students Charles Boehm Principal of the Month in February and March at the Bucks Theresa Ricci is proud to County Technical High School: announce that student, Eshan Singh, won the PA FEBRUARY: National Geographic Bee and Christian Figlo, 9th grade will move on to nationals in May. “We held a contest at Azaria Hussain, 9th grade Boehm earlier this year, and Shaun Parrish, 10th grade Eshan emerged as the winner, Allison Rago, 11th grade which is how he qualified for James Smith, Skills for Life Academy the state-level contest,” said Ms. Ricci. “Gifted Support MARCH: teacher, Anita Quinn, Claire O’Hearn, 9th grade organized this contest.” Eshan Singh Noah Harrison, 10th grade Mikayla Beard, 12th grade Ms. Quinn adds, “The National Geographic Bee Karl Dickersbach, Skills for Life Academy is an annual competition organized by the National Geographic Society, designed to inspire and reward

20 APRIL 2017 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org Superintendent’s Report • WILLIAM J. GRETZULA, Ed.D.

in a very tight race. Coached by physics teacher, PHS SWIMMERS, BOWLERS DOMINATE Douglas Macauley, the team saved their best BCCT WINTER GOLDEN TEAMS performance for last, placing first in both heats of the highly-anticipated but equally important physics Kudos to PHS swimmers, Nicole Costello and relay event. Individual medalists throughout the Connor Doyle, and PHS bowlers, Kellie Frain and season included Sujit Hiremath, Jeffrey Cragin, Davante Davis! All four were named Athlete of Saloni Shah, and Sima Noorani. In addition, officers the Year in their respective sports by the editors of Ninad Mahajan, Paul Secchia, and Ethan Zaharoni the Bucks County Courier Times in their 2017 Winter played a large part in team organization and success. Sports “Golden Teams” supplement on April 9th. Competitions this year were comprised of pre-build The paper offered profiles of each of the students events, on-site building events, team-based labs, and and highlights from their distinguished athletic physics problems. Looking forward, the team wishes careers. See the back page of this report for a full to grow and recruit young, eager engineering minds, breakdown of the Suburban One All League Teams hoping to build a Pennsbury dynasty in the regional for Winter Sports 2016-2017. competition. Congrats once again to all who made this year a success! YOUNG ENGINEERS TEAM TAKES FIRST PLACE IN PHYSICS OLYMPICS! SEA FALCONS BRING HOME MORE TROPHIES Congratulations to the Pennsbury High School Young Engineers team, who secured First Place On March 18th, the Pennsbury Sea Falcons honors in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Physics Submersible Robotics Team participated in the Olympics League for the first time in school annual National Sea Perch competition at Temple history! In a season full of firsts, all members of University. The annual event is sponsored by the team worked together to shatter records and Temple University, the United States Navy, and the dominate events. Through three separate meets, Office of Naval Research. The PHS team received a Pennsbury held a lead against seven other schools commendation for their submitted notebook as well as three trophies: Spirit and Sportsmanship, Oral Presentation, and Pool Performance. Over the last five years, the Pennsbury Sea Falcons Submersible

The PHS Young Engineers team earned First Place (for the first The Pennsbury Sea Falcons earned three trophies at the Sea Perch time in school history!) in the Southeastern PA Physics Olympics competition at Temple University. League competition.

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Robotics Team has won more awards than any events offer individual skill development and other high school team at the Sea Perch competition, application of learning through new activities. according to their coach, John Sanders, a teacher in Over the past three months, 12 Pennsbury students the Applied Engineering and Technology Education dedicated numerous hours to brainstorming, department. “As always, I am so proud of the team developing, and implementing various ideas. and honored to be their coach,” said Mr. Sanders. “I These students competed in categories such as also want to thank the parents of the Sea Falcons for entrepreneurship, recycle and redesign, sports their continued support throughout the years. We’ve nutrition, life event planning, job interviews, and already started planning for next year!” promote/publicize FCCLA. Jenna Lobasso, Sam Kovas, Emma Hitchingham, Paige Hanak, Lyna FCCLA STUDENTS ATTEND Tong, Moya Deem, Alec Lawrence, and Faith Kerwood received silver medals. Olivia Maratea, STATE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE Tae Horton, Kim Lubanski, and Vivian Li received gold medals. Six of these members qualified to Family and Consumer Science Curriculum compete this summer in Nashville, TN at the FCCLA Coordinator, Nancy Quigley, is pleased to report National Leadership Conference. Competing in that Pennsbury’s Family Career and Community STAR events also provides students the opportunity Leaders of America (FCCLA) recently attended the to receive scholarships from various institutions Pennsylvania FCCLA State Leadership Conference pertaining to the family and consumer sciences in Seven Springs. “The conference consists of field. Vivian Li received a $3,000 scholarship from dynamic leadership training, networking, and the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise. members competing in STAR (Students Taking Alec Lawrence and Faith Kerwood received $1,000 Action with Recognition) events,”shared Ms. scholarships from Johnson and Wales University.” Quigley. “Participants are recognized for proficiency Congratulations to these future leaders! and achievement in chapter or individual projects, leadership skills, and career preparation. STAR DOMINICK PEAKE RECOGNIZED FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE

PHS Principal Lisa Becker is pleased to announce that student, Dominick Peake, was honored for his exemplary volunteer service with a President’s Volunteer Service Award. The award, which recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to serve their communities and their country, was granted by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program on behalf of the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. Sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the awards program recognizes middle and high school level students across America for outstanding volunteer service. “Demonstrating civic These outstanding FCCLA students earned silver and gold medals responsibility through volunteerism is an important at a state leadership conference. part of life,” said NASSP Executive Director, JoAnn

22 APRIL 2017 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org Superintendent’s Report • WILLIAM J. GRETZULA, Ed.D.

Bartoletti. “These honorees practice a lesson we hope A record-breaking 330,000 all young people, as well as adults, will emulate.” works of art and writing were Congratulations, Dominick! submitted by students in grades 7–12 to this year’s contest. Katia KATY FREEMAN WINS 3D CATEGORY won two Silver Medals for photography and journalism, AT ART EXHIBITION placing her within the top 1% of all submissions nationally! Please join in congratulating Katy Freeman, a PHS Katia was honored for these student in Curtis May’s Intro to Sculpture class, who national medals as well as nine won the 3D category at the Bucks County Community Katia Barricklow regional awards at a ceremony College High School Art Exhibition. Katy’s sculptural in Philadelphia on March 25 for Philly-area winners. work was created using paper mache. High school Art Katia joins a legacy of celebrated authors and artists, teachers throughout the county selected their students’ including Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, best work for display and for submission to the Richard Avedon, Robert Redford, Stephen King, Lena Congressional Art Competition. Competitions such as Dunham, and Ken Burns – all of whom won Scholastic this are held in each congressional district nationwide Awards when they were teens. each spring. Awards were presented to students at the

BCCC exhibition by the Honorable Brian Fitzpatrick. “The young people being recognized for the 2017 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are to be celebrated for their creative and critical thinking, their bravery in telling their own stories on their own terms, and their inventiveness in recording and recreating their worlds. Watch closely, because among this 2,500 are members of the next generation of great American artists and writers,” said Virginia McEnerney, Executive Director of the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, the nonprofit organization that presents the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. All art and writing submissions are judged based on the program’s three criteria: originality, technical skill, and emergence of personal vision or voice. Student works are first adjudicated regionally. Only Gold Key winners are considered for national awards.

PHS Art student, Katy Freeman, won the 3D category at the Katia, who writes for the Courier-Times “Reality” Bucks County Community College High School Art Exhibition. section, won the top prize in journalism in the Philadelphia metro region for the second year in a row for an article about her love of photography, which KATIA BARRICKLOW WINS NATIONAL appeared in the newspaper last spring. Her Gold Key HONORS IN SCHOLASTIC CONTEST award winning article, “Moving Beyond the Selfie: Finding ‘Flow’ With Photography,” was also named Katia Barricklow, a junior at Pennsbury High an “American Voices” nominee. An American Voices School, received national honors from the Scholastic nomination is a best in show distinction; only five Art & Writing Awards, a prestigious recognition writing entries, across all categories, were selected for program for creative teens in the United States. this special honor.

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • APRIL 2017 23 Superintendent’s Report • WILLIAM J. GRETZULA, Ed.D.

Katia also won her first Gold Key award for Assistant Superintendent Dr. Donna Dunar, and Art photography for “Distant Fog,” an atmospheric Curriculum Coordinator, Ruth Anne Schultz. Ally winter shot of the Delaware River. Katia serves on described her striking work of art this way: “Inside, the student leadership team that directs the activities there is a constant fight between two wolves. One is of the PHS Photography club, led by Art teacher purity, light, honesty, kindness, love, and hope. The Abigail Cramer. Other regional Scholastic honors other wolf is darkness, evil, envy, sorry, regret, and Katia gleaned this year include four Silver Key awards hate. Which wolf will win? Whichever one you chose for photography and three Silver Key awards for a to feed.” Curtis May was Ally’s PHS Art teacher at critical essay, a short story, and a memoir. The last the time she created “The Wolf in Eye.” two pieces, “Craters,” and “Four Things You Need To Know About Old People,” were written in a PHS The work was chosen for the county exhibit, which creative writing course that Katia took with one of her will remain on display for a year, by Ms. Schultz at favorite teachers, Gregory Zambrycki, when she was the District Art Show last May. “The piece captured a sophomore. In 2016, Katia won her first journalism my eye out of the thousands of pieces on display at Gold Key for a piece about a free speech case that she Pennsbury’s art show last year,” said Ms. Schultz. At researched during her freshman year Ethics class. The the conclusion of the BCIU exhibit, the piece will be Philadelphia awards ceremony was hosted by the added to the Superintendent’s permanent collection Philadelphia Writing Project and the Philadelphia Arts in the Central Administration building. and Education Partnership. Congratulations, Katia! CHEERLEADERS BRING HOME ARTWORK BY ALLY ATKINSON THE TROPHIES SELECTED FOR COUNTY SHOW Cheerleading coach, Nicole Roberts, writes, “The “The Wolf in Eye,” a pastel drawing by PHS PHS Varsity and JV Cheerleaders competed at the student, Ally Atkinson, is included in a county-wide Worldwide Spirit Association’s Grand Nationals art show at the Bucks County Intermediate Unit in New Orleans. Both Varsity and JV placed first in #22 in Doylestown. Attending a reception to honor their respective divisions. In addition, Varsity was the students whose works were exhibited together awarded the High Point Award for receiving the were Superintendent Dr. William J. Gretzula, highest score of all the school teams competing at this National competition!”

PHS Art student, Ally Atkinson (center) was joined by Art Curriculum Coordinator, Ruth Anne Schultz, Superintendent Dr. William Gretzula, and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Donna Dunar Pennsbury’s Varsity and JV cheerleaders placed first in their (not pictured) when her work was unveiled for a year-long exhibit respective divisions during competitions held in New Orleans. at the Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22.

24 APRIL 2017 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org Superintendent’s Report • WILLIAM J. GRETZULA, Ed.D.

area. This program is extremely PHS THESPIAN CHOSEN FOR selective and prepares NATIONAL PRODUCTION participants for future work in medical research.” The Fox Please join in congratulating Chase program involved each PHS senior, Sylvia Fisher, a student performing individual member of Pennsbury High research during a rigorous School Thespian Troupe 830, 11-week period. Hannah who is the only Pennsylvania researched the effects of mutated student to be cast in the Hannah Erdogan genetic pathways on biological opening performance of the development in fruit flies as a 2017 International Thespian model for cancer in humans. Mr. Boylan and his Festival being held this June in wife attended Hanna’s presentation of her research. Lincoln, Nebraska. Sylvia is one Sylvia Fisher “She represented Pennsbury so well!” he said. “I was of just 28 students who were truly blown away.” Congratulations, Hannah! chosen from a field of more than 120 applicants. LYFT-PENNSBURY CHARACTER The show is We Tell the Story: A Celebration of the Works of Ahrens & Flaherty, and will feature the works AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, lyricist and Pennsbury’s ongoing character education initiative composer known for Once on This Island, Ragtime, includes the monthly recognition of students at the Anastasia, Seussical, and more. Being selected for this elementary, middle, and high school levels as we show affords students the opportunity to perform spotlight important character assets. For the month of and work alongside Broadway talent, including March, students were recognized for their “Integrity.” writers, actors, and musicians. Students and artists The students selected to be recognized this month are rehearse and produce the show in only 48 hours. Jamie Dreisbach, Angela Alexy, and Bailey Hall. The International Thespian Festival is an This month’s honoree from Pennsbury High School annual celebration of student achievements in is Jamie Dreisbach, a tenth grader nominated by the performing arts, produced by the Educational her teacher, Susan Lawrence. Jamie demonstrates Theatre Association and attended by more than 4,000 integrity by educating other students about how students and teachers. being different is not a negative. Jamie has a sister with physical challenges, but she does not shy PENNSBURY STUDENT PARTICIPATES away from talking openly with her peers about her IN FOX CHASE CANCER PROGRAM sister’s differences and how, despite this, she is still a very special person. She advocated for her sister to PHS science teacher, Ryan Boylan, is proud to attend the junior prom and helped her to make the share that one of his students, Hannah Erdogan, preparations to do so, because she believed it would a junior, participated recently in the Immersion be a wonderful experience for her. Jamie also is a Science Program for high school students at Fox student who willingly helps her peers in class and will Chase Cancer Center. “Hannah is a remarkable go out of her way to cheer up other students when student in my AP Biology class,” said Mr. Boylan. they are upset. “She just completed her research at the Fox Chase Cancer Center as part of a team of amazing local The middle school recipient of the character award high school students from around the Philadelphia this month is Angela Alexy, who is in the eighth grade

www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • APRIL 2017 25 Superintendent’s Report • WILLIAM J. GRETZULA, Ed.D. at Pennwood Middle School. Angela was nominated school. The two runners-up will each receive $1,000 by Team Integrity. Angela is a student who maintains and an additional $500 for their schools. The finalists a busy schedule, but always gets her work completed. were selected by the public during a three-week When she makes an error she does not make excuses, voting period that generated over 40,000 votes cast but accepts responsibility for it. Angela is prepared for 250 nominees. for class on a regular basis and is an effective problem-solver when confronted with a challenge. Ms. Wright has been teaching at William Penn for She is helpful to her peers and makes an effort to assist 19 years. She currently teaches seventh grade math, struggling students during group projects. Pre-Algebra, and Algebra. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Saint Joseph University. Earning the award at the elementary level is Outside the classroom, Ms. Wright coaches track, Bailey Hall, who is in the fifth grade at Quarry Hill and she also competes on several adult tennis Elementary School. Bailey was nominated by her teams. When asked to name her favorite thing about teacher, Carolyn White, who characterizes Bailey as teaching, Ms. Wright said, “I love to watch my a “kind and caring young lady who responds to life students grow in their math abilities, but it’s even situations with maturity, wisdom, and integrity.” She a greater experience to see them flourish as truly is willing to take a stance when it comes to doing the wonderful individuals who have learned much more right thing and she does not accept credit for the work than how to graph linear equations.” someone else has done. Instead, she gives credit to whom credit is due. Bailey is respectful of her peers and does not gossip about others. She recognizes that little things in life can have a big impact and that doing the right thing now will help her make the right decisions in larger and more important life situations.

To learn more about this recognition program, call LYFT at (215) 949-1660, ext. 104, or email timp@ uwbucks.org. To obtain a nomination form, contact Sherwood Taylor at [email protected].

WILLIAM PENN MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER IS A TOP TEN FINALIST!

Congratulations to William Penn mathematics teacher, Patricia (“Trish”) Wright, who is among the ten finalists in the Inspire Federal Credit Union Teacher of the Year contest. Inspire FCU is a Pennsbury Partner. All ten teacher finalists will be evaluated and judged to make the top three, with the Patricia Wright winner receiving the top prize of $2,500 plus an additional $500 donated to his/her

26 APRIL 2017 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org Superintendent’s Report • WILLIAM J. GRETZULA, Ed.D.

Upcoming MEETINGS

Board Education Committee 4:30 p.m., April 27, 2017 Superintendent’s Conference Room

Board Facilities Committee 5:30 p.m., May 4, 2017 Superintendent’s Conference Room

Board Agenda Meeting 8:00 p.m., May 4, 2017 Fallsington Elementary School

Regular Board Meeting 8:00 p.m., May 11, 2017 Fallsington Elementary School

Board Partnerships & Marketing Committee 7:00 p.m., May 17, 2017 Fallsington Elementary School Cafeteria

Board Education Committee 4:30 p.m., May 18, 2017 Superintendent’s Conference Room

Board Budget Committee 7:00 p.m., May 22, 2017 Superintendent’s Conference Room www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • APRIL 2017 27 PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL SUBURBAN ONE LEAGUE • ALL LEAGUE TEAMS • WINTER 2016-2017

SPORT 1st TEAM 2nd TEAM 3rd TEAM HONORABLE MENTION BASKETBALL, Mark A. Flagg, Jr. Addison Howard Tyler Sessa-Reeves Joseph Monaghan BOYS BASKETBALL, Katherine Mix Sydney Buell GIRLS BOWLING, BOYS Jorge D.W. Davis Dylan Farrell John Feher Nicholas Susko Jake Feher BOWLING, GIRLS Kellie Frain Lexi Connor Hannah Williams Elizabeth Bruner Kimberly Bonar WRESTLING Davis Lee Connor J. Gowton Ryan Murphy Nicholas Visco Douglas Molle Antonio Martoccio Scott Diethorne Shaun Peel Maximillian Schummer SWIMMING, BOYS 200 Individual Medley: 100 Backstroke: 100 Backstroke: 100 Freestyle: Connor Doyle Matthew Steele Connor Nadel Matthew Babel 200 Freestyle Relay: 100 Breaststroke: 100 Breaststroke: Connor Doyle Damian Szlaga Benjamin Cusick Connor Nadel 500 Freestyle: 500 Freestyle: Matthew Babel Liam White Dennis Vinokurov William Deitch Diving: 500 Freestyle: Matthew Humbert Connor Doyle 200 Medley Relay: Connor Doyle Damian Szlaga Connor Nadel William Deitch 400 Freestyle Relay: Zachariah Woltman Matthew Babel Matthew Steele Dennis Vinokurov

SWIMMING, GIRLS Diving: 200 Freestyle: 200 Medley Relay: Diving: Nicole Costello Catherine Kosko Lindsay Harkins Samantha Grossman 400 Freestyle Relay: 100 Backstroke: Brooke Garretson Chloe Connor Maura Donnelly Maura Donnelly Maura Donnelly Catherine Kosko Brooke Garretson 100 Backstroke: Catherine Kosko Lindsay Harkins 200 Individual Medley: 100 Breaststroke: Brooke Garretson Brooke Garretson 100 Freestyle: Catherine Kosko