PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • OCTOBER 2013

Across the DISTRICT

ADMINISTRATORS ACHIEVE CERTIFICATION FOR OBSERVING TEACHERS

Each of our two Assistant Superintendents, all of our school Principals, and every one of the Assistant Principals at Pennsbury High School and all three middle schools are to be commended for the extensive commitment they have shown in achieving 100% proficiency certification in the newly-instituted Student leaders from Pennsbury’s secondary schools Teacher Effectiveness supervision process. Following were up early on September 27th to take part in the annual the recent state law that requires public school teachers Fox 29 Military Salute in Philadelphia. to be evaluated based on uniform standards, each of these administrators voluntarily took a rigorous, members accompanied 20 Pennsbury students to 30+ hours training course and a two-part, seven-hour Market Street in Philadelphia on Friday, September assessment to achieve inter-rater reliability status as 27th as one of six school districts in the area an evaluator. This additional certification will provide participating in Fox 29 News’ Salute the Military Day. high-quality supervision of teachers and consistency in “All branches of the military, plus veterans, vendors, observation among all of our administrators. They will music, and entertainment surrounded us along use Charlotte Danielson’s Framework for Teaching with Coast Guard boats, tanks, and heavy artillery,” as the basis for teacher observations. Danielson’s described Ms. Swanson. “Our signs were seen during framework – a system that had already been the basis part of the live broadcast and the students were on for our observation process for several years – focuses TV many times with various news personalities. on planning and preparation, classroom environment, The students were excited to be part of this honored instruction, and professional responsibilities. This tradition.” In addition to Ms. Swanson, the other extension of our ongoing, in-service training for teachers included Lynn Gordon from Charles Boehm administrators will provide validity and consistency in Middle School, Ryan Hohman from William Penn the teacher evaluation process. Kudos to all! Middle School, and Debbie Weston from PHS West.

SECONDARY STUDENTS TAKE PART MATH SPECIALISTS CHAMPION IN FOX 29 MILITARY SALUTE TEACHING OF MULTIPLICATION

Pennwood Middle School Science teacher, Jamie Mathematics Curriculum Coordinator, Debra Swanson, reports that she and several other faculty Garonski, writes that presentations on the topic

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

return this year to address parents and community members on bullying, cyberbullying, and youth depression. Mr. Halligan’s son, Ryan, died by suicide at age 13 after being bullied by classmates. This high-impact presentation, targeted for adults, will take place on October 17th at 7:00 p.m. in the Pennwood auditorium. Mr. Halligan will also be meeting with students in all three middle schools during the day on October 17th and 18th.

CHILDREN HELPING CHILDREN IN NEED: FOOD DRIVE SUPPORTS SHELTER

Math Specialists, (l-r, beneath screen) Kim Sheaffer and Pam Dr. Christine Zervos, Coordinator of Community Murphy, were two of the presenters in a special series of meetings Partnerships and Grants, announced a campaign that focused on Math Fluency in Multiplication. underway this month in conjunction with two Pennsbury Partners: the Levittown Fairless Hills of Math Fluency in Multiplication were given by the Rotary Club and Waste Management, Inc. With the Math Specialists for third grade teachers at three support of these two active local Partners, all of the different meetings last month. “I am so proud of Pennsbury elementary schools are working together the work that these ladies have done to create these throughout October to contribute to an important presentations,” said Ms. Garonski. The full-day food drive for the needy families receiving assistance workshops provided teachers with helpful ways from the Family Services Association Homeless (and resources) to teach multiplication based on Shelter of Levittown. The shelter currently serves conceptual learning rather than mere memorization 40 adults and 32 children. This is Bucks County’s of Math facts. The workshops were inspired by only emergency shelter, and at the present time, Sue O’Connell, author of the book, Mastering the there is a food shortage. “One grocery bag of food Basic Math Facts in Multiplication and Division. The can provide as many as 11 meals,” said Dr. Zervos. morning sessions were dedicated to the presentation “Every single donation helps, and together we hope and the afternoons allowed time for collaboration our combined donations will make a real difference and planning with the other third grade teachers for those in need. Nutritious canned and dry goods in each school along with the designated Math are requested.” Specialist. The ideas shared at these sessions were intended to be incorporated into the existing PENNSBURY PARTNER STEPS UP TO curriculum. “Our third grade teachers came away SUPPORT ODYSSEY OF THE MIND from these workshops thinking differently about teaching and learning multiplication facts,” said Ms. Once again this year, Dr. Zervos is pleased Garonski. “All in all, this collaborative effort was a to announce that a Pennsbury Partner, Davis great success!” Dealerships, is sponsoring the Pennsbury Odyssey of the Mind Association (POMA) program in JOHN HALLIGAN TO ADDRESS PENNSBURY our schools. “We are truly grateful for the firm’s PARENTS ON CYBERBULLYING generous grant of $6,000 to support POMA activities and to expand the participation of Pennwood Middle School Counselor, Molly students across all Pennsbury schools this year,” Gray, reports that guest speaker, John Halligan, will said Dr. Zervos. Odyssey of the Mind (OM) is a 2 OCTOBER 2013 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D. team-oriented program that promotes creative process called ‘design’ to explore the properties of problem-solving among students from kindergarten bubbles and invent their own bubble machines. These through college years. The international machines will be revealed at the Bubble Olympics to organization offers each OM team many be held at the end of October. In addition to using opportunities to use teamwork, brainstorming, Math skills to calculate the size of their bubbles, the self-reliance, creativity, and respect for individual students applied Science in the form of process skills, strengths in unique, unforgettable experiences and they used Art to paint with bubbles. In other that will serve them in every aspect of their lives. words, the students had some good clean fun!” POMA has sent a Pennsbury School District team to the OM World Championships annually for FALLSINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL the past 30 years! “Davis Dealerships is one of the premier auto groups in the area, and we thank Teacher Sherri Cohoon writes that third, fourth, them for this generous support,” added Dr. Zervos. and fifth grade students at Fallsington participated in the first annual “Hughes Half-Miler” to honor the school’s retiring Principal, David Hughes, who is an In the SCHOOLS avid runner himself. Mr. Hughes, after dedicating 35 years to the field of education, retired on Friday, September 27th. Physical Education teacher, Brian ELEANOR ROOSEVELT Doron, thought it would be a great way for the school ELEMENTARY SCHOOL to honor Mr. Hughes, and with the help of Physical Education teacher, Craig VanDemark, and music Gifted Support teacher, Kathy Royal, shares how teacher, Duane Kolar, “the event was a big success fourth and fifth grade students at Eleanor Roosevelt and enjoyed by all,” said Ms. Cohoon. The top three have embraced the revised Gifted Support program times for both boys and girls were recorded and those with their unit on Bubbleology. “What do Pistol students will be the first to have their names engraved Shrimp, iridescence, and dish washing soap all have on a plaque that will be hung in the school’s lobby. in common? The answer is, BUBBLES!” said Ms. Each year, six new names will be engraved on the Royal. “In this unit, students used the engineering plaque as a way to pay tribute to Mr. Hughes’ many years of service to the Fallsington community.

Eleanor Roosevelt students in Gifted Support classes had The first annual Hughes Half-Miler honored recent retiree, some good clean fun during their unit on Bubbleology. Principal David Hughes, at Fallsington Elementary School.

PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • OCTOBER 2013 3 Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.

OXFORD VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Principal Fran Nitkin shares that the school year has gotten off to a great start at Oxford Valley. “We welcomed over 120 new families to our school,” said Ms. Nitkin. “It is wonderful to see so many new faces!”

During the summer months, many Oxford Valley students took the Summer Smarts Challenge. Students earned a step for every 15 minutes they read. Donna Fay, the school’s Reading Specialist, celebrated these students’ accomplishments with a special book party.

This month, the Student Council, headed by Shannon Little and Jennifer Stephens, will hold the annual Scarecrow decorating contest. Students will use their creative talents to turn three popsicle sticks into the best scarecrow. Their creations will These banners are displayed prominently in the lobby be on display in the lobby. Look for pictures in next at Oxford Valley Elementary to mark the school’s special month’s issue of this report. designation as No Place for Hate.

Fire Prevention Week was celebrated at Oxford Valley as Kindergarten teachers, Terrie Guarino and PENN VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Danielle Michael, arranged a visit from the Falls Township Fire Department. Local fire personnel Penn Valley’s Summer Reading Celebration was brought the fire truck and gave the Kindergarteners “a real treat,” according to Reading Specialist, Kerry a chance to learn about the truck and see it up Bauerle. “Our PTO wanted to welcome all our new close. First grade teachers, Lisa Breuer, Cherie friends to Penn Valley, so our celebration began Lynne Kooker, Liz Roberts, and Dr. Joanne Smith, with each student receiving a goodie bag with lots embarked on a walking trip to the Fire Department of coupons from local businesses. As usual, Penn for a special tour. “Thank you to Kevin Dipollito, Fire Valley students proved their love of reading through Chief of Fairless Hills, for providing such enjoyable these outstanding summer reading numbers: experiences for our students,” said Ms. Nitkin. • Grade K: Total Minutes = 5,656 • Grade 1: Total Minutes = 7,818 First level classes also participated in Read for the : Total Minutes = 25,536 Record, in which children across the country read • Grade 2 Loren Long’s book titled, Otis, to support the mission • Grade 3: Total Minutes = 25,915 that every child in America enters Kindergarten • Grade 4: Total Minutes = 26,532 ready to learn. • Grade 5: Total Minutes = 39,596 Penn Valley’s top readers from each grade level were: Finally, Oxford Valley continues to celebrate the school’s No Place for Hate program. “We proudly • Kyle Secor – 1,710 minutes display our banners in the lobby and reinforce the • Molly McGrath – 1,445 minutes message in our daily activities,” added Ms. Nitkin. • Michael Young – 4,055 minutes • Sam Gardineer – 4,260 minutes

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

• Samuel Foster – 2,965 minutes • Jack Gardineer – 4,260 minutes Altogether, Penn Valley students logged an impressive total of 131,053 summer reading minutes. Great job!

CHARLES BOEHM MIDDLE SCHOOL

Principal Theresa Ricci reports that in mid-September, all of Charles Boehm’s students and staff participated in a “PRIDE” kickoff assembly. PRIDE stands for Prepared, Respectful, Students and staff at Pennwood Middle School enjoyed a special Involved, Determined, and Excellent. The students visit by the Phillie Phanatic as the school community culminated their Unity Week activities with a 5K walk. participated in games, activities, and chants focused on the PRIDE principles that guide student expectations at Boehm. Five eighth grade students finale at the Unity Week kickoff on September – Forrester Connor, Katie Rosta, Kay Mayle, Brett 27th,” he added. The full week included Purple Garretson, and Zach Wilkins – were honored Day (to support bully prevention), Favorite Hat for exemplifying each of the PRIDE principles. In Day (to celebrate the differences in each of us), addition to the chants, the Charles Boehm PRIDE and Multicultural Day (to honor the blending of song, written and performed by Olivia Connor, many nations in our country’s population). On was showcased. “Not only was this an exciting October 4th, the Phillie Phanatic made a surprise way for the Boehm community to come together, appearance to cheer everyone on for the Unity but it also served to introduce character education Walk-a-Thon, a culminating event that involved expectations and how students can be successful students, staff, and PTO volunteers. throughout the year,” said Ms. Ricci. WILLIAM PENN MIDDLE SCHOOL PENNWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL Art teachers Ruth Ann Schultz, Blair Greiner, A week’s worth of planned activities at and Megan Miller are pleased to announce the Pennwood once again marked the solidarity among following students’ works of art were selected for the the students, faculty, PTO, and school staff. This permanent collection at William Penn: Julia Doyle, year’s series of events comprised “Unity Week,” Alice DesRoches, Gianna Passarelli, Shannon according to Science teacher, James Foster, who O’Malley, Olivia Mauro, Naaima Qadeer, Gloria credits these fellow Pennwood staff members with Rhee, Alicia Lorantas, and Trevor Zuech. A special helping to organize and manage the activities: reception is scheduled to take place later this month Abby Bevington, Michelle Becknell, Meredith to recognize these students and their outstanding Naskiewicz, Helene Polyak, Jacqui Medaglia, work. Congratulations! Linda Alampi, Molly Gray, Mike Hogan, Tracey Arndt, Diane Fosnot, MaryAnne Ritchie, Kathy PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL Falcone, Nancy Miller, Jan Smith, Danielle Ryan, Elaine Zimmerman, Maureen Bellus, and Ashley In October and November, major musical events Carlson. “Countless others also pitched in,” said will be taking place in Pennsbury, according to Mr. Foster. “About 35-40 teachers participated Vocal Music Curriculum Coordinator, James Moyer. in the teachers’ Salute to Pennwood, the dance The community is invited to enjoy these concerts: PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • OCTOBER 2013 5 Superintendent’s Report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.

OCTOBER 22 The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Middle School Choral Pyramid Concert Choral Director Association (ACDA) will again PHS East 7:30 pm sponsor Vocal Thunder, hosted at PHS for the This is a new concert, featuring the seventh and fourth consecutive year. This will feature over 125 eighth grade choirs from each of the three middle young male singers from sixth to tenth grades. They schools, in addition to the Falconairs and PHS will work with clinician/guest conductor Dr. John Chamber Choir. Leonard from the College of New Jersey during the day, and present a final concert at 3:00 pm. OCTOBER 23 Annual PHS Pyramid Concert PHS East 7:30 pm This concert, a longstanding Pennsbury tradition, features all seven of the PHS Choirs.

NOVEMBER 13 PHS West Keller Hall 7:00 pm The music of French composer, Gabriel Faure (1845-1924). The PHS Women’s Ensemble will sing the Messe Basse - a 12-minute work for treble voices and organ Guest speaker, Joel Feldman, made a big impact with - under the direction of Elizabeth Hohwieler and Pennsbury High School students when he helped them accompanied by Brian Krajcik. understand the serious risks of distracted driving.

The PHS Concert Choir will sing the Requiem Op. Pennsbury High School East welcomed Joel 48 under the direction of guest conductor Dr. Joseph Feldman, Founder of End Distracted Driving and Flummerfelt. Dr. Flummerfelt will be in residence at the Casey Feldman Foundation, on Wednesday, PHS to work with the Concert Choir on November October 2nd during four 90-minute class periods 8th and 12th for preparatory rehearsals, and then in the PHS East auditorium. This presentation, conduct the performance on November 13th. This targeting students in grades 9-12, was an interactive, concert celebrates the 125th year of the Faure Requiem evidence-based, distracted-driving awareness (began in 1888). Dr. Flummerfelt is a world-renowned program. Mr. Feldman’s daughter, Casey, was choral conductor (the late Maestro Leonard Bernstein killed by a distracted driver in 2009 when she was called him “the greatest choral conductor in the just 21 years old and a college student at Fordham world”) and is the former Director of Choral Activities University. Mr. Feldman created the foundation to at Westminster Choir College in Princeton. Dr. save others’ lives in memory of his daughter. To Flummerfelt is still the chorus master of the New York date, he has presented this program to 125,000 teens Philharmonic/New York Choral Artists and recently in more than 40 states. According to Lou Sudholz, retired this summer as Artistic Director of the Spoleto Pennsbury’s Curriculum Coordinator for Health Festival USA. The Requiem will be accompanied on and Physical Education K-12, the program will be the organ by Mr. Eric Plutz, University Organist at the presented again in early April 2014 for the rest of Princeton University Chapel. the PHS students in grades 9-12. Pennsbury LYFT/ United Way of Bucks County, the Pennsbury School NOVEMBER 22 – Vocal Thunder District, and the Lower Makefield Citizen’s Traffic PHS-West Keller Hall Commission sponsored Mr. Feldman’s visit to 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Pennsbury High School.

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

Commendable ACCOMPLISHMENTS

COMMENDED STUDENTS ANNOUNCED FOR 2014

Pennsbury High School Co-Principals, Lisa Becker and Shawn Neely, announced the following as Commended Students in the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program: Cameron Barkan, Jessica Dunn, Sean Fitzpatrick, Max Gordon, Neha Gupta, Grant Harriman, Elizabeth Herman, Aarsheya Pennsbury 2011 alumnus, Matthew Schuler, wowed all four celebrity judges in his first appearance on the Hooda, Sarah Kuruvilla, Miranda Lee, Connor NBC Television Network program, The Voice. McFadden, Cameron Niemeyer, Kristin Secchia, Meirui Sha, Pragya Singh, and Thomas Steinberg. Aguilera and became a member of “Team Christina” About 34,000 Commended Students throughout as he moves into future rounds. The entire Pennsbury the nation were recognized for their exceptional community is invited to tune in as Matthew takes academic promise this fall. Although they will not Falcon Pride into the next phase of the show’s continue in the 2014 competition for National Merit competition. Good luck, Matthew! Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2014 competition by taking the 2012 PSAT. Congratulations!

BCTHS STUDENTS RECOGNIZED

Kudos to the following students, who were named Student of the Month for September at the Bucks County Technical High School: Paul Ceglia – 11th Upcoming MEETINGS grade; Kelly Ercolani – 10th grade; and Amanda Wise – Skills Academy. Board Facilities Committee 5:30 p.m., November 7, 2013 PENNSBURY GRADUATE COMPETES ON Superintendent’s Conference Room NBC TELEVISION’S THE VOICE Board Agenda Meeting PHS 2011 alumnus, Matthew Schuler, made his 8:00 p.m., November 7, 2013 network television debut with an outstanding vocal Fallsington Elementary School performance on NBC Television’s show, The Voice, in late September. In accordance with the rules of Regular Board Meeting the show, Matthew was able to select a celebrity 8:00 p.m., November 14, 2013 vocal coach among the four pop vocalists who serve Fallsington Elementary School as judges on the show. Matthew chose Christina

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