Superintendent PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • MARCH 2019
Next: the Makefield Elementary team will move Across the DISTRICT on to the state competition in May. Well done – and good luck to Makefield!
ELEMENTARY TEAMS COMPETE AT BEST BUDDIES ACCOMPANY BCIU K’NEX STEM DESIGN CHALLENGE AUTISTIC SUPPORT STUDENTS TO NYC
Congratulations to the following elementary Thanks to the dedication of schools, all of which had teams included among numerous staff members and the 65 that participated in the K’NEX STEM Design the enthusiasm of our middle Challenge at the BCIU #22 earlier this month: school “Best Buddies,” a total Afton, Eleanor Roosevelt, Edgewood, Makefield, of 15 students in Pennsbury’s Manor, Penn Valley, Quarry Hill, and Walt Autistic Support Program Disney. This year’s state-wide challenge was to had the opportunity to see create an environmentally-friendly machine that a Broadway production of could move three objects at least six inches across a Aladdin. The show was table. The Walt Disney team, the Sea Savers, were a special Autism-friendly nominated for Most Creative Design and Most performance produced by Environmentally-Friendly. Manor’s team was also the Theatre Development nominated for their Environmentally-Friendly Fund and staged earlier this design. Afton Elementary’s team was recognized month. Students from all for their teamwork. Honorable Mentions for Most three middle schools and Village Park Academy Environmentally-Friendly went to both of the took part in this special trip. “It takes a great deal Edgewood teams, the Edgewood Einsteins & the of dedication and caring to undertake a trip to New K’Nex Konnectors! York with students who have complex needs,” said Sherri Morett, Director of Special Education. “The opportunity to attend a play on Broadway for children with Autism was such a wonderful experience for our students, and hopefully we will be able to provide this opportunity again in the future. This was also a nice event for the Best Buddies.” All told, a total of 27 Pennsbury students attended the show. Ms. Morett expressed her appreciation to teachers Matt South and Alyssa Sunday, Best Buddies Coordinator and Special Pennsbury STEM design teams from Afton, Edgewood, Education Supervisor, Erin Schwenk, and Speech Eleanor Roosevelt, Makefield, Manor, Penn Valley, Quarry Hill, and Walt Disney elementary schools competed at the BCIU #22 Language Pathologist, Patti Dormer, for all their in early March. Makefield now heads to states! efforts in organizing this trip.
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experience, to serve in a consulting capacity PENNSBURY HOSTS OM REGIONAL to provide business administration services TOURNAMENT; EIGHT TEAMS MOVE ON for Pennsbury, effective February 27th. The announcement was made during the public School Odyssey of the Mind (OM) is an international Board meeting held on February 21st. creative problem-solving competition available to students of all ages. Each year, OM issues Mr. Gretton will bridge the gap between the five different challenges that focus on science, previous consultant, Jeffrey Bader, who until technology, engineering, math, and the arts. recently served as an interim Business Administrator Students present solutions to these challenges as for the School District, and the arrival of the new, 8-minute theatrical performances. full-time Business Administrator, Christopher Berdnik, to ensure continuity of services and For 35 years, the Pennsbury Odyssey of the Mind support. Mr. Gretton has served since 2008 as an Association (POMA), a volunteer-led group, has been interim and acting Business Administrator for a assisting our school teams to compete at the regional, number of school districts since he retired from the state, and world levels. Proudly, the District has sent position of Assistant Superintendent of Business a team to the world finals 32 out of the last 35 years! Affairs for the Harrisburg School District.
“The 35th anniversary year of Odyssey of the The Board also approved Mind in Pennsbury has been outstanding,” shares Christopher Berdnik as the OM President, Jim Howarth. “Two of our greatest new Pennsbury Business achievements this year were having the largest Administrator, effective upon his number of teams in our history and also having release from his current position participation from every school in the District. The as Chief Financial Officer for POMA board is looking forward to continuing this the Centennial School District. wonderful activity in Pennsbury.” He has held this position since 2016, having also served there Pennsbury High School served as the host location previously in the same role from Christopher Berdnik once again for a regional competition on March 2nd. 2011 to 2014. Mr. Berdnik worked Nineteen Pennsbury teams competed to advance in as Director of Business Operations in the Bensalem this year’s tournament. Ten teams finished in the top School District from 2014-2016, and previously as three places in their categories, and a total of eight Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operations Officer Pennsbury teams are advancing to states! These for the School District of Pittsburgh from 1995-2010. teams include two from PHS, two from Pennwood, He earned a Master’s degree in Public Policy and and one each from William Penn, Afton, Edgewood, Management from Carnegie Mellon University and and Makefield. holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. Mr. Berdnik is a SCHOOL BOARD FILLS BUSINESS Registered School Business Administrator through the PA Association of School Business Officials AND FINANCE POSITIONS (PASBO) and has received numerous awards from PASBO and the Association of School Business INTERIM AND FULL-TIME BUSINESS Officials International, among others. ADMINISTRATORS APPOINTED The Pennsbury Board of School Directors “Mr. Berdnik is recognized as one of the best in appointed William R. Gretton, III, a retired the state and I am very excited that he is joining us,” professional with many years of school district said T.R. Kannan, School Board President. “I am
2 MARCH 2019 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org District Highlights Report also glad that we continue to attract top talent as we for the Neshaminy School District. She holds a solidify our top level administrative team to move Master’s degree in Business Administration from La Pennsbury forward.” Salle University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Widener University. The Pennsbury Business Administrator is responsible for all business affairs of the School “Ms. Zedalis rose quickly to the top of our District and serves as the Board Secretary. This candidate pool,” said District Superintendent Dr. individual also oversees Pennsbury’s implementation William J. Gretzula. “She was well-respected for of the state’s Act I legislation, which mandates her prior work in the District, and returns with great specific regulations with regard to school district support from those with whom she will interact most budget planning. Responsibilities of the position closely on a daily basis. I look forward to working include leading the preparation, control, and closely with Ms. Zedalis to advance the important reporting of the annual general fund and capital work in Pennsbury School District.” budgets, as well as future year operating and capital budget projections. The Business Administrator is The Director of Financial Services is directly responsible for the management of financial services, responsible to the Business Administrator and plant facilities, transportation, warehouse, print shop, ultimately to the District Superintendent for all purchasing, and payroll departments. In addition, official financial, accounting, and bookkeeping the position calls for administration of professional activities of the School District. This includes service agreements and contracts, including those budget preparation and control; determination for food services, KidsCare, the School District’s of cash flow and placement of investments; aquatics program, architectural and engineering determining scope and conduct of internal audits; services, legal services, insurance, financial advisor accounting for General Fund, Capital Funds, services, accounting, auditing, and health benefits. In Cafeteria, Federal Programs, Student Activities, Pennsbury, the Business Administrator also serves as and other funds; and Payroll and Accounts Payable the Open Records Officer for the School District. functions and operations.
DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL SERVICES NAMED PENNSBURY PARTNERS The Pennsbury Board of MINI-GRANTS AWARDED School Directors also named The Pennsbury Partners Program recently awarded Kimberly A. Zedalis to be six schools with special corporate-sponsored the new Director of Financial grants in the amount of $2,660. Congratulations Services, effective March 18th. to these 2018-2019 spring grant round winners, Ms. Zedalis replaces long-time recently announced by , Supervisor Pennsbury administrator, Ann Langtry of Communication Strategies, and Robin Peters, Joanne Godzieba, who is Communications Assistant: retiring from this position, which she has held since 1988. Kimberly A. Zedalis Manor Elementary ($410): Ms. Zedalis has re-joined former colleagues in • Lauren Jacoby – Churchville Nature Center the Financial Services Department. She served as Experience the staff accountant for Pennsbury from 2007-2015, Oxford Valley Elementary ($500): when she left to take the position of Finance Officer for Valley Day School in Morrisville. Since 2016, • Heather Ryan/Cherie Lynne Kooker – Litterless she has served as the Financial Services Manager Lunch and Edible Landfill with Waste Management
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Penn Valley Elementary ($500): of each student. “As a team, we habitually link arms • Betty Zubrzycki – Classroom Library Replenishment to review data and reflect on our delivery practices Program with Barnes & Noble to continuously meet the needs of our students. This takes hard work and grit, but the committed teachers Walt Disney Elementary ($250): of Afton embrace these practices as daily habit. We • Duane Kolar – Family Board Game Night with are thrilled to be nominated by the Pennsylvania Barnes & Noble Department of Education and Afton is one of only thirteen schools from the 501 school districts across Charles Boehm Middle School ($500): the state to have been nominated. We are honored • Tammy Allen/Joy Booz – Zero Gravity Jump Rope by the encouragement of the state to apply for Blue Activity Ribbon status and share this recognition with the entire Pennsbury community.” Pennwood Middle School ($500): • Pamela McDannell – U.S. Army CERDEC Flight Since its inception in 1982, the National Blue Activity Ribbon Schools Program has recognized more than 8,800 “Great American Schools.” Each year, representatives of newly-recognized schools gather for a ceremony in Washington, D.C., where their In the SCHOOLS achievements are officially honored by the U.S. Department of Education. AFTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ELEANOR ROOSEVELT Please join in congratulating Afton Elementary ELEMENTARY SCHOOL School for being nominated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) as a candidate The Kindergarten students taught by Kathy Adams for designation as a National Blue Ribbon School. have been working on a science lesson called Balls According to Aba Kumi, the Director of the National and Straws. “The students are having fun with this Blue Ribbon Schools Program at the U.S. Department science unit. In this lesson, the students are moving of Education, “National Blue Ribbon Schools are balls by blowing through straws,” said Ms. Adams. public and non-public elementary, middle, and high schools that are producing outstanding results for all students. They have demonstrated consistent excellence, and made progress in closing gaps in student achievement. The National Blue Ribbon Schools recognition program is part of a larger U.S. Department of Education effort to identify and disseminate knowledge about effective school leadership and promising instructional practices.” Afton was nominated by the PDE as an “Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing School.” The school has until the end of March to submit an application for this prestigious designation.
Dr. Joseph P. Masgai, ten-year principal of Afton Kindergarteners at Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary worked on a Elementary, credits the strategic collaboration of the science lesson that called for the students to move tiny balls on the floor by blowing through straws. teachers and staff that ensures the academic growth
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Kindergarteners at ER have also been learning all planet through catchy tunes and zany jokes. It was about Africa. They colored the 54 national flags and out of this world!” studied the people and animals who live there. One day last month, the students welcomed special guest, FALLSINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Nasser Otmani, a teenager who recently moved here from the Central African Republic. He came During February, Fallsington Elementary School to Ms. Adams and Ms. Behrle’s classrooms to talk took part in the The Great Kindness Challenge, about his country, what it was like to grow up in his an initiative that challenges students to complete village, and answered all of the students’ questions. as many kind acts as they can in one week. “Our Nasser was joined by other African students who Student Council organized the event and provided attend Eleanor Roosevelt, representing the countries students with a 50-item checklist to encourage acts of Liberia and Uganda. The students, along with of kindness,” shares faculty advisor and school Nasser, were able to share a lot of interesting counselor, Kristen Cahill. “Following the challenge, information and descriptions about life on their all students who participated added their names native continent. to a kindness chain, which is now displayed in the Fallsington cafeteria. It was wonderful to see students Reading Specialist, Alisa Myles, writes: “We participate and to witness their acts of kindness in the celebrated Read Across America with a visit from classrooms, halls, playground, and more!” Curious George thanks to Pennsbury Partner, Barnes and Noble. In addition, each student who turned in a February Reading Calendar received a ticket to the Philadelphia Soul kick-off game!
The students at Eleanor Roosevelt enjoyed a “far out” performance of Pluto Is Missing - A Not So Planetary Musical, adds Ms. Myles. “This was brought to us by a performance troupe out of New York City thanks to a grant from the Pennsbury Arts Foundation. The entertaining show taught students all about the solar system and what constitutes a
The Student Council at Fallsington Elementary organized and led a themed initiative for the entire school as part of The Great Kindness Challenge.
Teacher Jennifer Tietz shares that Kindergarten through fifth grade students participated in planting seeds with the help of the Taylor family and the Fallsington PTO. “Our children worked together at our school to plant all of the seedlings for this sale” said Ms. Tietz. “Each grade planted a different variety of veggie. All of the vegetables grown are unique and delicious heirloom plants. They will then be sold in a few weeks to the Fallsington students as well as the A professional theatrical troupe performed an engaging, musical larger Fallsington community. The proceeds raised lesson on the solar system for the students at Eleanor Roosevelt. through this PTO-sponsored event will be given
www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • MARCH 2019 5 District Highlights Report back to the school to help fund the Project CARES sincere effort to create such a beautiful presentation program, which will provide the second wave of of their memories of Ms. Mastropaolo and to Mindfulness lessons to students through Jacquie express their overall gratitude for having had such O’Malley and Project Mindful. Thank you to the PTO a wonderful teacher,” said teacher, Sherri Cohoon. and Taylor family for their support!” “Ms. Mastropaolo’s legacy of amazing instruction in the Pennsbury School District will forever live on.” As a way to cope with the sudden loss of their Gifted Support teacher, Angela Mastropaolo, MAKEFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL students from Fallsington and Oxford Valley Elementary designed Google Slides to both honor PTO volunteer and former President, Danielle and memorialize their beloved teacher. Students Frost, writes “The Makefield International Fair was were asked to choose from a list of options that a wonderful evening for our students and their included: writing a paragraph about her, sharing families to come together to share their cultures/ their favorite memories of her, writing her a letter of traditions and explore our world in a hands-on, gratitude for all she had taught them, writing a poem multi-sensory way. We had 29 different countries or song about her, or making a list of all their favorite represented and more than 50 students participate things about her. “I was humbled by each student’s in this new format as “vendors.” Upon checking in, student visitors were given a passport (front and back cover designed by students). They went into the gym where they visited each display and learned about the country from each student exhibitor. Once information was shared, the student passport was stamped for that country.”
Do you have your passport? This student welcomed visitors to the International Fair at Makefield Elementary.
Four students shared poems or writings in foreign languages (Polish, Spanish, Romanian and German). The second part of the evening was spent in the Students at Fallsington Elementary (top) and Oxford Valley cafeteria. “We had six stations set up, including: a Elementary honored their late teacher, Angela Mastropaolo, with British castle photo op, Antarctic penguin play with special visual displays of personal tributes and fond memories. a snow bin, African animal Yoga, design-your-own
6 MARCH 2019 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org District Highlights Report boomerang, weave a Gods-Eye, and animal origami,” said Ms. Frost. “These activities were run by our fifth grade students.”
As many as 15 families brought in food samples to represent the countries of their students’ projects or family heritages; these included Swedish meatballs, Irish Soda Bread, Polish sausage, assorted desserts, and Yemen coffee. The last component was the duty free shop. Principal Donna McCormick-Miller checked the visitors’ passports and then students could choose a souvenir from the event. “A great time was had by all and this event was successful because of the passion of the parents and students who participated. It was, of course, organized by the PTO,” said Ms. Frost. Manor Elementary’s STEM Design team competed against other county elementary teams at the BCIU #22 and received special notice for their environmentally-friendly design. Principal McCormick-Miller added: “It was an amazing evening. The participation and attendance each other. Their design received an Environmentally was great to see. The students and families were so -Friendly Design nomination. proud of their work and sharing their cultures and experiences with others. During the day, all of the students visited the International Fair and had a OXFORD VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL passport designed for them to use during the day. There were many things to see and learn.” Earlier this month, approximately 35 members of the Oxford Valley fifth grade chorus sang the National Anthem at the Harlem Globetrotters game MANOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL at the Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton, under the direction of vocal music teacher, Jennifer Stephens. Teacher Patty Kropp writes: “Students at Manor recently made ‘calming kits’ and wrote letters of support for students at Conejo Elementary in California after they suffered a great deal of loss. Students also showed school spirit for Conejo by wearing their school colors of red, white, and blue. Students and staff were invited to contribute $1 to help support materials purchased to make the kits.”
Caitlin Murphy’s Gifted Support class recently participated in the K’Nex STEM Design Challenge. Elijah Petroski, Nicholas Pucher, Isabella Duell, and Gio Longo designed a device that included a crane that had to lift three objects, move them six inches, then put them back down again. The competition gave the students a chance to solve Members of the fifth grade chorus at Oxford Valley Elementary sang the National Anthem at a Harlem Globetrotters game, led by vocal problems creatively and work in cooperation with music teacher, Jennifer Stephens (right).
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Over 180 tickets were sold to Oxford Valley families for the event. The school was honored at half PENN VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL time for having sold so many tickets, and Oxford Valley received a signed basketball by the Harlem Penn Valley students were able to visit the Globetrotter players! Philadelphia Zoo thanks to transportation funding provided by the Pennsbury Partners Program. “Our fifth graders graciously accepted an “Our third and fourth grade students were grateful invitation to visit the William Penn STEAM Fair,” for this incredible opportunity,” said teacher, Kara writes teacher, Ashley Juno. “At the fair, the Covello. “We created a science and math-focused middle school students presented projects to the scavenger hunt and math computation problems fifth graders that ranged in topic from energy to art. based on facts and statistics about the zoo.” It was a fabulous experience for the fifth graders. Many of the students said they would love to be a On February 14th, Penn Valley’s fourth grade part of the STEAM Fair next year.” students celebrated their love of learning during the school’s eighth annual school-wide event Student Council advisor and fourth grade teacher, known as Valentine Village. “Eager shoppers were Lotus Deiss, reports that last month, Oxford Valley greeted by an organized sea of red, pink, white, students dressed in their finest Mickey Mouse and purple featuring over 60 student-created stores ears and t-shirts to celebrate Disney Day. This and products,” shares organizing teacher, Jennifer special day was a Student Council-led fundraiser Klacik. “Products were selected by students and to benefit the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, sold for a quarter each. Some big sellers this year and was planned in memory of beloved and included pet rocks, buttons, homemade erasers, recently-deceased teacher, Angela Mastropaolo. bookmarks, valentine candy catapults, heart shaped “Ms. Mastropaolo was a huge Disney fan and wreaths, and dog treats. Our first through fifth supporter of CHOP, so everyone at OV was glad grade customers were excited to find estimation jars to celebrate her life in this way,” said Ms. Deiss. at certain stores while other entrepreneurs offered “Together, students and staff raised over $500 for prizes to their first, third, and fifth grade customers. this worthy cause. Way to go OV!” Together we celebrated our love for learning while raising $258 for the American Heart Association!”
Students at Penn Valley Elementary celebrated their love of learning while shopping for loved ones at the school’s annual Oxford Valley Elementary students celebrated Disney Day as a Valentine Village. Sales of the student-designed products raised fundraiser to benefit the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. money for the American Heart Association.
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Author Ellen Labrecque visited Penn Valley in February, shares Reading Specialist, Kerry Bauerle. Ms. Labrecque is a freelance writer who lives in Yardley with her husband and two children who attend Pennsbury schools. Previously, she was a senior editor at Sports Illustrated for Kids. “Ms. Labrecque loves to travel and then learn about new places and people she can write about in her books,” said Ms. Bauerle. “She has written more than 100 books! Students were fascinated to learn that Ms. Labrecque is one of the authors of the Who Was… book series, which now has a companion series on Netflix. She has written about Henry VIII, Frank Lloyd Wright, Maya Angelou, Princess Diana, and Winston Churchill. Upcoming books include Penn Valley Elementary students and staff marked the birthday of biographies about David Beckham, Levi Strauss, Dr. Seuss with an entire week’s worth of reading-related activities, Frank Sinatra, and Shaquille O’Neal. The highlight including (above) a day to dress up as a favorite book character. of her visit was when Ms. Labrecque brought out Shaq’s size 22 shoe!” “There were daily treasure hunts for Seuss stuffed animals,” described Ms. Bauerle. “In the cafeteria, students submitted their answers in birthday gift bags and one winner was pulled from the PreK-2 bag and the 3-5 box each day. Each child received a Seuss bookmark, plastic tote bag, and a tattoo. Thanks to the generosity of our PTO, each student received a Cat in the Hat cookie from the Tech School. The cookies were shared during our Friday afternoon buddy reading! Each classroom also decorated its door and classes held a gallery walk to admire the efforts of Special guest, Ellen Labrecque, author of 100+ books, visited their friends. Individual classrooms invited mystery with students at Penn Valley Elementary. One highlight was the readers to read aloud to the students. We placed a size 22 shoe (foreground) Ms. Labrecque shared that once map in the school to track how many ‘miles’ each belonged to Shaq! class traveled as we read across America! As a school we read nearly 30,000 miles! And finally, we hosted In honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday (March 2nd), Penn the 2nd Seuss Olympics which was great fun for all.” Valley students celebrated for an entire week. Ms. Bauerle shared how each day that week had a theme: Falls Township Police Officer Elmore and his K-9, • Monday – Hats off to Reading! (Crazy hat or hair Monty, visited the third grade students at Penn day) Valley. This visit was organized by teacher Betty Zubrzycki. Students read a story, Aero and Officer • Tuesday – Dress up as a book character or Dr. Mike, about the many ways K-9 dogs live, train, Seuss character day work, play, and develop relationships with their • Wacky Wednesday – backward/crazy outfit day partners. Officer Elmore brought the story to life for • Thursday – Fox in Socks Day – mismatched or the children. Students were fascinated by Monty’s crazy socks skills and the information Officer Elmore shared • Friday – Cat in the Hat Day – wear stripes about Monty and his policing abilities.
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the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl. The students QUARRY HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL solved riddles each morning to find a golden ticket somewhere at Quarry Hill, earning gift cards In February, Quarry Hill hosted its annual evening to our partner, Barnes and Noble, thanks to our STEM Fair with over 260 student participants fabulous and supportive PTO. On Thursday, they displaying a total of 163 experiments. According to had to solve a mystery reader and mystery book event co-chair, Sumana Kanubaddi, these volunteer over the announcements with six additional lucky students represented approximately 60% of the winners of gift cards to Barnes and Noble, thanks to school’s total enrollment. Leading a 20-person Student Council. Students spent up to 60 minutes committee, Ms. Kanubaddi was joined by co-chairs reading each night, which were logged on their Alexandra Nirschl and Neena Tierney. In addition own golden tickets. Each minute was tracked on to the student scientists’ exhibits, the event included a Willy Wonka-themed board, hoping to be the demonstrations by such groups as the Pennsbury first class to reach Willy’s factory gates! The class High School Sea Falcons and SeaGlide teams, at each grade level that read the most earned 15 Pennsbury VEX Robotics, Cooper Pest Control, minutes in the gym through a Candyland obstacle the Thompson family, the Conti family, Barnes & course. All classes were rewarded for their reading Noble, and a representative from Mad Science. New by playing board games for 20 minutes on Friday this year was a STEM Challenge Room for fourth before a school-wide READCESS. Our school read and fifth grade students to compete against each a total of over 54,000 minutes in one school week! other in small teams by using basic materials to Other activities included voting for one’s favorite propel a car across a finish line. The organizers wish candy, measuring up against life-size candy boxes, to thank teachers Kim Walter and Robyn Rowlands solving riddles the teachers created, writing pieces for assisting with this activity. related to their class candy bulletin board, and renaming the Frappuccino at Barnes and Noble – Willy Wonka style, of course! Our week’s most special event was most definitely Barnes and Noble night run by our Librarian, Barbara Pesature, and Barnes and Noble Community Relations Manager, Debbi Carr. Ms. Carr planned a customized
A representative from Mad Science wowed audiences at the Quarry Hill STEM Fair, which also included student exhibitors and professional scientists.
“Quarry Hill had an exciting Read Across America Week,” writes Reading Specialist, Krista Read Across America Week at Quarry Hill Elementary included Schmidt. “Our week’s theme was Willy Wonka’s a Barnes and Noble night complete with a scavenger hunt Chocolate Factory based on the book, Charlie and throughout the store.
10 MARCH 2019 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org District Highlights Report scavenger hunt for our students to find golden tickets around the store using riddles our teachers created. Teachers from Quarry Hill were found autographing newly-purchased books and reading stories to the students at the event. Perhaps the favorite appearance was by Principal Richard Rebh, who stayed the whole night taking pictures with the students while dressed as Willy Wonka! We raised over $2,000 for our school at this event. This was for sure our sweetest Read Across America yet. Quarry Hill is the best school in the Milky Way!”
CHARLES BOEHM MIDDLE SCHOOL Author Jordan Sonnenblick (standing) led a writers’ workshop for a group of lucky Charles Boehm Middle School students Principal Travis Bloom writes: “On February as part of his day-long visit. 14th, Charles Boehm teachers had the opportunity to hear and learn from one of the most prominent a writers’ workshop for another group of lucky educational speakers, Jimmy Casas, as he spoke at students, where they had the chance to learn how Central Bucks High School South. Jimmy is the author to write an engaging story. Students and staff had of numerous educational books including one of his many positive comments about the day. One seventh latest, Culturize. Those who attended this session were grader said, “We had author visits at my other able to learn from Jimmy about how each day we get school but the author just talked about his books. the opportunity to ‘Live our Excellence’ and also his If you didn’t read them it was kind of boring. But message of ‘Every Student, Every Day, Whatever it this guy didn’t do that. He was good.” A teacher Takes.’ After the general speaking session, the Boehm commented, “You get authors. You get presenters. teachers had the opportunity to talk with Jimmy Today you got both.” A big thank you to the about his message and what we can continue to do Pennsbury Education Foundation and the Charles to make Boehm an awesome place to come to school. Boehm PTO for supporting this valuable experience. The teachers then went back to Boehm and had a planning session where they began developing a plan After kicking off Read Across America Day with to share the important information with the rest of the the author visit, Boehm continued their celebration Charles Boehm faculty.” of Dr. Seuss’ birthday with a variety of activities. On Monday, March 4th, students and staff dressed Boehm students and staff were treated to an in their favorite Seuss attire and a Shelfie Booth was inspiring message from author, Jordan Sonnenblick, set up in the library for photos with favorite books report Librarian, Carolyn Wert, and Reading and friends. Tuesday was Jazzin’ up the Library. Band Specialist, Maria Gregory. Mr. Sonnenblick shared Director, Mark Capriotti, directed a small ensemble personal stories about growing up and becoming of jazz band students and treated teachers and an author, as well as what it takes to be a good students to some jazzy tunes as they read, browsed, person. He stressed that everyone should find did work, or just sat and listened. Hats for Hunger something they enjoy, practice that, and then do was the event on Wednesday. Anyone who wanted something with it that benefits others. A select to wear a hat paid $1.00 for the opportunity to do group of students had the opportunity to eat lunch so. With almost all teachers and nearly 200 students with the author and discover more about his life, participating, $300 was collected for a local food his interests, and his writing. Mr. Sonnenblick held bank! To end the day, students and staff lined the
www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • MARCH 2019 11 District Highlights Report hallways to read during Resource Period. In addition to those special events, each day a student read an excerpt from a Dr. Seuss book during the morning announcements. Through fun and engaging activities, literacy was surely promoted throughout the school!
March is Music in the Schools Month. As mentioned briefly above, the Charles Boehm Small Group Jazz Combo, consisting of students, Andrew Heitmann, Max Donaghy, Zack Malinoff, Steven Liranzo, Amanda Qu, Emily Huang, Nic McPhillips, and Ethan Ulrich, performed in the school library and generated a creative and musical atmosphere for RELA students, faculty, and administration. U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (center) was invited to Pennwood Directed by Instrumental Music teacher, Mark Middle School to read to students as a tie-in with Read Across Capriotti, the students are learning improvisation in America. Teacher Colleen Brodbeck (left) suggested the book, So You the jazz combo and desired an outlet to express and Want to be President. At right: Pennwood Principal Derek Majikas. share their talents. Kudos to all! with hard work and dedication. I want my students to know that reading is their future, and it can take them places, even to the White House.” Congressman Fitzpatrick also awarded Pennwood with a flag flown over the United States Capitol. The flag will be displayed in the library.
Social Studies teacher, Abby Bevington, writes that her class was visited by Dr. Stephen R. Phillips from the Egyptian section of the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and These accomplished middle school instrumentalists entertained Anthropology. “We traveled up the Nile and their peers during a “Jazzin’ Up the Library” event held at journeyed around Egypt through his presentation,” Charles Boehm Middle School. said Ms. Bevington, adding, “He also exposed us to the world’s diversity and helped us view how others PENNWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL live around the globe.”
Colleen Brodbeck, a sixth grade Language Arts WILLIAM PENN MIDDLE SCHOOL teacher on Team Galaxy, invited a special guest reader into Pennwood on March 1st to celebrate the During the month of February, William Penn 22nd annual Read Across America Day. Congressman Middle School participated in the drive to support Brian Fitzpatrick kicked off the celebration by reading the Yardley-Makefield Lions Club in collecting the book, So You Want to be President, by Judith St. reading glasses for the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen. George. “Congressman Fitzpatrick talked to students Dr. Michael Hogan asked teacher Patti Kinard about the importance of reading and how it played and the school’s Kindness Club if they would be a role in his success,” said Ms. Brodbeck. “He also interested in helping with the drive, and they were told students that they could be President one day happy to do so, along with school nurse, Nancy
12 MARCH 2019 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org District Highlights Report
Castner. To date, they have collected 32 pair of reading glasses to donate. Well done! PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL
In celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday, William On a Saturday in late February, Pennsbury High Penn’s library was transformed into a Literary Cafe. School held its annual Mini THON from noon to 8:00 Librarian, Lynn Pecuch, and Debbie Nabasny, p.m. to support the Four Diamonds Fund in the fight Library Aide, set the ambiance for a book “tasting” against pediatric cancer and to aid families affected event by adorning the library tables with tablecloths, by the disease. At the moment of their “big reveal,” place mats, centerpieces, genre signs, and books on announcing the total raised in 2019, the students held display. Instrumental Italian music played softly up cards reflecting the amount of $64,524.10! The in the background. Students arrived to the library students’ Mini THON campaigns have raised more with their Language Arts classes and were invited than $213,000 over the past five years. This year’s two to sample a variety of genres. As they entered the student co-chairs were Avi Gajjar and Julia Coulter, Literary Cafe, each student received a menu that with PHS math teacher, Meaghan Cappelloni included an appetizer, entrée, and dessert. “The serving as advisor. Congratulations to all! menus provided the students the opportunity to sample books within a specific genre by writing down their personal thoughts and reviews of the books,” said Ms. Pecuch. “Starting off with the appetizer course, students worked at their own pace sampling the books within that genre. They explored each book by reading a few pages, writing down what they thought the book was about, and if they would continue reading the book, explaining why or why not. Students were also asked to rate the books on a scale of 1-4, using chef hats as the scale. Students then moved on to their entrée and dessert. Some students even helped themselves to seconds. The book tasting Students involved in the 2019 PHS Mini THON raised over event allowed students to sample titles that they may $64,000 this year, bringing the school’s five-year total to have previously overlooked in the library. The event more than $213,000! was well received by staff and students as a new way to celebrate Read Across America!” The World Languages Department celebrated National Foreign Language Week during the week of March 4th-8th, writes Department Chairperson, Amy DiFazio. Highlights from the week included an International Food Tasting during EOP sponsored by the French, German, and Spanish Clubs, a creative poster contest, Target Language Days with featured segments on the Pennsbury Channel, The William Penn Middle School library was transformed into a hallway decorations, and cultural lessons about Literary Cafe for a book “tasting” event that enabled students to Mardi Gras and Fasching/Karneval in French and sample new books and write down their reactions. German classes. The theme of the creative poster
www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • MARCH 2019 13 District Highlights Report contest this year was “Languages are the Key to the World.” This year’s winners of the contest included: First Place - Madelyn Myer; Second Place - Cassidy Hanck; and Third Place - April Gerschman. All three winners are students from Ms. Garberina’s Spanish III Honors class.
On Presidents’ Day Weekend, French teachers, Allison DeKorte and Matthew Snyder, along with PHS West Nurse, Pennsbury High School’s Sea Falcons Submersible Robotics Nancy Kazanjian, took 32 Team won two trophies this year during their annual competition French students to Québec at Temple University. City and Montreal. “The students had a wonderful there always seems to be that last-minute scramble time practicing their French because something unforeseen happens, but it is so language while immersed much fun working with our young people. I want in Canadian culture,” said Andrea Garberina, to give a special shout-out to the entire Applied World Languages Curriculum Coordinator. “All Engineering & Technology Education Department! attended the Quebec festival of Carnaval, visited The team actually started preparing for next year’s the famous Hôtel de Glace (a hotel built entirely tournament right after Saturday’s closing ceremonies.” of ice and snow) and met the mascot, Bonhomme. Additionally, they participated in a traditional cooking class, drove dog sleds, and threw axes. Commendable Eating traditional French-Canadian food drenched in maple syrup at a cabane à sucre was another ACCOMPLISHMENTS highlight for all. Students reported that it was the trip of a lifetime and to have shared it with classmates made it even more meaningful.” PENNSBURY CHESS TEAM WINS STATE TITLE; GIRSH NAMED CHAMPION Applied Engineering & Technology Education teacher, John Sanders, is pleased to report that the The Pennsbury Chess team has had “a long Pennsbury Sea Falcons Submersible Robotics Team solemn tenure,” according to the team’s current is upholding their winning streak! The team won 2nd coach, Don Little. It has been in existence for over place in oral presentation and 3rd place in submersible 20 years, quietly operating, providing opportunities vehicle performance at the Greater Philadelphia Sea at both the club and team levels for those who enjoy Perch Challenge held earlier this month at Temple the world’s most popular board game. Pennsbury University. Judges for this competition included participates annually in the league it helped found, Naval engineers and Temple University engineering the Lower Bucks County Scholastic Chess League students. “The team did a fantastic job preparing (LBCSCL). Over the past 20 years, the league has for the competition on the limited days that were more than quadrupled in size from four to over available to them beforehand,” said Mr. Sanders. “In sixteen teams, transcending its original borders, with fact, the team worked late into the night before the participating teams from Bucks, Philadelphia, and contest, working on the bot, the presentations, and Montgomery counties. During this time, the team documentation. As it has been over the last nine years, has been a perennial contender with several league
14 MARCH 2019 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org District Highlights Report
school history that our Falcons have earned this title. To top things off, Daniel Girsh’s perfect score of five wins, no losses, and no draws earned him sole first and is Pennsbury’s first individual State Champion! Congratulations team and congratulations, Daniel!
Coach Little wishes to thank the players for their hard work and dedication and the parents and PHS Administration for their support. Go Falcons!
PENNSBURY ART STUDENTS RECOGNIZED AT MAJOR SHOW
PHS Art Department Chairperson, Curtis May, The Pennsbury Chess team won the title of PA State Chess is pleased to announce that two of the 22 students Champion for the first time in school history! from Pennsbury whose works of art were accepted into the annual PSEA “Touch the Future” art exhibition at Arcadia University were honored with championships. Like most teams, competitive chess special awards of recognition as winners in their teams are built over years, culminating in a strong, individual categories. Congratulations to Katie seasoned senior class. However, this year’s Falcons Frame (digital photography) and John Yates (mixed had only one senior, Captain Brendan Polo. The media 3D sculpture)! remainder of the team was entirely underclassmen, led by a freshman Daniel Girsh. League play consists of a five versus five format. Rounding out the top five were Ohm Shah, his brother Pranav Shah, and Eshan Singh. Strong performances were also turned in by team members, Tyler Gordon, 3D mixed media sculpture Kaushal Janga, Valerian Mochalin, Joshua by John Yates Summers, and Anthony Caruso.
The PA State Championship is organized by the Pennsylvania State Chess Federation (PSCF), which is the official affiliate of the United States Chess Federation. It sponsors a variety of tournaments for scholastic, amateur, and professional chess players. The PA State Championship was held March 1-3 this year in historic Gettysburg. The team toured the battlefield in preparation for their own imminent battles on the chess board.
After the two-day competition, the top two teams, Julia R. Masterman and Pennsbury High School, were tied for first. Though not unprecedented, the format has at times led to two teams sharing the title of PA State Chess Champion. This is the first time in Digital photograph by Katie Frame
www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • MARCH 2019 15 District Highlights Report
Lilyana Baesher is a seventh grader at Charles LYFT CHARACTER AWARD Boehm Middle School and was nominated by WINNERS ANNOUNCED Team 7B teachers. They shared that Lilyana is both a wonderful role model and a leader. She makes In conjunction with the Pennsbury good decisions for herself and sets an example in School District’s ongoing character the hallway and the classroom. She values and education initiative, students at the respects rules, personal space, and the opinions of elementary, middle, and high school others, which creates a safe learning environment. levels are being spotlighted each She recognizes and appreciates the importance of month for possessing specific positive school-wide safety drills and follows directions character assets. For the month of March, students given by teachers and administration. Her teachers are being recognized for exemplifying the trait say she always gives 110% and is an asset to their of safety. Honorees this month include Michael school community. Bradshaw, Lilyana Baesher, Charlotte Rittersbach, and Chloe Link. Our high school honoree this month is Michael Bradshaw, a senior who was nominated by his The first elementary honoree this month is teacher, Karen Wisen. In her nomination, she Chloe Link. Chloe is in fifth grade at Fallsington described Michael as an advocate for others and Elementary School and was nominated by Diane notes that he is currently a member of the Falls Mount, Sheila Miley, Debbie Falkowski, Sara Long, Township Volunteer Fire Company. He has a Kristen Cahill, and Principal Brian Shaffer. They passion for helping others and for helping and say that Chloe has made quite an impression on educating others about the dangers of drinking and the staff at Fallsington through her work as a safety driving. He even asked the administration if he patrol member. She consistently takes action to could do a drunk driving presentation to seniors ensure the well-being of others and is always polite before the prom. Michael never wants to see anyone and respectful to other students and staff members. hungry and is part of the “Santa Runs” effort, She is mindful of keeping her environment free from collecting food for the pantry. hazards and she reinforces the Core Beliefs of safety during recess and lunch, as evidenced by positive PRANAV CHIVUKULA RECOGNIZED comments from other staff members. BY PRUDENTIAL Also winning the character award at the Please join in congratulating elementary level this month is Charlotte Rittersbach, PHS senior, Pranav Chivukula, who is in fifth grade at Eleanor Roosevelt who was honored recently Elementary School. Charlotte was nominated by by the Prudential Spirit of teacher, Jason Miller, who says that Charlotte is “a Community Awards as a positive advocate for herself and her classmates.” As recipient of the President’s a safety, she is responsible for Kindergarten dismissal Volunteer Service Award. and she communicates with those younger students Pranav was described as a “very in a very positive and friendly manner. She models talented and dedicated young correct and safe behavior and takes great pride in volunteer” in his community holding the hand of a Kindergartener as she walks Pranav Chivukula who is an “inspiring example to them out to their cars during pickup. Charlotte all of us and one of our brightest hopes for a better always puts others’ feelings and well-being before tomorrow.” Congratulations, Pranav! her own. She is a perfect example of all a student of character should be.
16 MARCH 2019 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org District Highlights Report
Coalition, the Afterschool Alliance, 2018 National JESSICA PERFETTO NAMED STEM Ambassador Jeff Remington, and staff from ONE OF 32 PA STEM AMBASSADORS the Pennsylvania Department of Education, through the PA STEM Education Coalition, to provide PHS teacher, Jessica training support to the Ambassadors. Perfetto, was accepted as one of 32 Ambassadors in the “STEM provides students a conduit to apply content Pennsylvania STEM Ambassador gained from traditional classes, and creates relevance Program, which aims to shape to future careers and skills that today’s employers the future of STEM education in demand,” said Ms. Perfetto. “In the Applied the Commonwealth by targeting Engineering Department at Pennsbury, we build vital policy conversations student confidence to develop divergent thinking. with legislative leadership in The answer is not always in the back of a textbook. the areas of STEM Learning Jessica Perfetto There is more than one solution to a problem.” ecosystems, computer science, state and federal policy for formal and informal PHS MARCHING BAND FEATURED education, and workforce needs. Ms. Perfetto also serves as the Curriculum Coordinator for Applied IN ONLINE PUBLICATION Engineering & Technology Education in Pennsbury. We congratulate the Long Orange Line and Director of Bands, Frank Mazzeo, for the spotlight The PA STEM Ambassadors met for an inaugural feature they received in a recent article published training session in late February at the Pennsylvania online, linked here: Training and Technical Assistance Network (PaTTAN), a statewide training and professional https://dshowcase.com/2019/03/01/mickeys- development organization through the Pennsylvania favorite-band/ Department of Education’s Bureau of Special Education. Representing leaders and emerging “Mickey’s Favorite Band” is the title of the leaders in corporate, PreK-12 and higher education, March 1st story by Danielle Geier for Director’s and afterschool programs from 22 counties, PA Showcase International. Through her interview STEM Ambassadors have agreed to invest the next with Mr. Mazzeo, the writer shares the history nine months in training and policy development of the Pennsbury Marching Band, its worldwide to share expertise and content knowledge with accomplishments, and the priceless relationships influential stakeholders to help develop a stronger the students have formed with their international voice in shaping STEM education policy issues. counterparts over the years. Ms. Geier specializes in stories about bands that “extend beyond their “In order for Pennsylvania to lead in STEM program…are leaders in their community…and true policy, we need to develop leaders across the state stewards of the activity.” The Pennsbury Marching to advocate for bipartisan support in advancing Band recently announced its 2020 trip to the new STEM Education policies and to have the respect Disney theme park in Shanghai, China! and influence to affect change,” said Laura Saccente, director of the Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/ Youth Development Network (PSAYDN). “PA STEM Ambassadors have been a vital part in shaping STEM education and workforce policies.” PSAYDN collaborated with the Education Policy and Leadership Center, the national STEM Education
www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • MARCH 2019 17 District Highlights Report
Upcoming MEETINGS
Board Facilities Committee 5:00 p.m., April 4, 2019 Superintendent’s Conference Room
Board Education Committee 7:30 p.m., April 4, 2019 Superintendent’s Conference Room
Board Policy Committee 4:30 p.m., April 11, 2019 Superintendent’s Conference Room
Board Finance/Partnership Committee 7:00 p.m., April 11, 2019 Superintendent’s Conference Room
Action Board Meeting 7:30 p.m., April 25, 2019 Fallsington Elementary School
MISSION STATEMENT Recognizing our proud traditions and diverse community, the Pennsbury School District prepares all students to become creative, ethical, and critical thinkers for lifelong success in a global society.
18 MARCH 2019 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL SUBURBAN ONE LEAGUE • ALL LEAGUE TEAMS • WINTER 2018-2019
SPORT 1st TEAM 2nd TEAM 3rd TEAM HONORABLE MENTION BASKETBALL, Gary Francis Kyrie Miller James C. Arnold BOYS Collin Connor BASKETBALL, Ava Sciolla Camille Wiegand Katherine Mix Isabella Arcuri GIRLS BOWLING, BOYS Jake Feher Ryan Tuite Brandon Coffman Christopher Brzezinski Patrick Laushell Zachary Rodriguez BOWLING, GIRLS Hannah Williams Michelle Pellegrino Allison Schaeffer CHEERLEADING Molly Ritzius Maggie Mahan Sydney Pender Emily Park Sela Fallt WRESTLING Davis Lee Alexander Stephenson Patrick Chappell Nicholas Sieger Elijah Slaughter Mason Grodzki Ryan McGurrin Patrick Kirk
SWIMMING, BOYS 50 Yard FreestYle: 100 Yard FreestYle: 200 Yard MedleY relaY: 200 Yard IM: William Deitch William Deitch Ryan Ward Miles Borowsky 500 Yard FreestYle: Andrew Kim 500 Yard FreestYle: Liam White Matthew Steele Evan Wadley William Deitch 200 Yard FreestYle: Liam White 100 Yard ButterFlY: Matthew Steele 400 Yard FreestYle relaY: Matthew Steele Liam White Ryan Ward William Deitch
SWIMMING, GIRLS 100 Yard FreestYle: 200 Yard FreestYle relaY: 200 Yard FreestYle: 500 Yard FreestYle: Brooke Garretson Brooke Garretson Mary M. Sweitzer Julia Cieniuch 400 Yard FreestYle relaY: Valerie Lawton 100 Yard Breaststroke: Mary M. Sweitzer Mary M. Sweitzer Avery Stimmel Brooke Garretson Avery Stimmel Valerie Lawton 200 Yard IM: Avery Stimmel Brooke Garretson 1 Meter dIvIng: 1 Meter dIvIng: Kassidy Georgevich Karlie Von Schmidt