Pennsbury On Point
September 13, 2024
September 13, 2024
Welcome to Pennsbury on Point!
Pennsbury on Point is a weekly newsletter designed to keep the Pennsbury community up-to-date on district news, events, and information. The newsletter is emailed to families weekly and archived on the district's Public Relations webpage.
If you have any photos or story ideas you would like to see featured, please email the Public Relations Department at publicrelations@pennsburysd.org.
Follow the Pennsbury School District on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter)!
Find details for each link throughout the newsletter!
- Back to School Night - Dates & Times
- Confidential Residency Reporting Tip Line
- District Emails Archive
- E-Flyers
- Employment Opportunities at Pennsbury School District
- MAP® Growth™ Test Information
- Odyssey of the Mind Registration
- Part-Time Jobs for Students
- Pennsbury Community School Registration
- Pennsbury Parent Academy - Events & Recordings
- PHS Project Updates
- Safe Arrival Attendance Reporting System
- Safe2Say - Anonymous Tip Line
- Special Education Advisory Council (SEPAC)
9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at PHS
Members of the Pennsbury High School Air Force Junior Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC), students, staff, and Pennsbury School District administrators gathered in front of Pennsbury High School East this morning to mark the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks.
The event was led by the AFJROTC and Senior Aerospace Science Instructor for the PHS AFJROTC, Retired Major James G. MacEachern Jr. Sophomore Sasha C. performed the National Anthem.
AFJROTC cadets presented the colors, raised the American flag, and offered readings and remarks in honor of the lives lost on that fateful day.
Major MacEachern reflected on how he will never forget where he was and what he was doing at the moment the hijacked planes slammed into the World Trade Center and how the nation came together in solidarity.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, a wreath was placed at the base of the flagpole, and the American flag was lowered to half-staff in a symbolic tribute to the fallen as Sasha performed God Bless America.
AFJROTC Cadets:
Cadet Commander: Adnane Elhouari
Cadet Detail Commander: Gavin Hanson
MC: Senior Jaletsy Melendez
Readings: Sophomores Drac Gill and Salem Stephens
Flag Detail: Soph Drac Gill and Senior Kema Brown
Color Guard: Senior Salma Elenany Sophomores Owens Wood, Salem Stephens, and Dominic Ausevich
Makefield's Walk to Remember
Students and staff at Makefield Elementary School dressed in red, white, and blue and participated in the school's annual Walk to Remember. The patriotic ceremony is held in remembrance of the lives lost on September 11, 2001.
Walk to Remember is also a fundraising event for the Garden of Reflection, the official Pennsylvania memorial to the victims of the September 11 attacks. So far, Makefield has raised over $400 and expects a lot more donations to come in following the event! Thank you to these students and their families for contributing to such a worthy cause and honoring those we have lost. You can also donate to the Garden of Reflection by clicking this link.
Safe Arrival & SchoolMessenger App
Download and sign up for the FREE SchoolMessenger app and receive all of your Pennsbury School District emails & notifications in one place! There are several different SchoolMessenger apps available. Make sure to download the app that says "SM Home". You will create your account using the email address you have on file at your child's school. It is necessary to download the app to use the new Safe Arrival Student Absence Reporting System.
Safe Arrival Student Absence Reporting System - The Pennsbury School District prioritizes the safe arrival of all students at each school each day. We are now pleased to offer an efficient student absence reporting system called Safe Arrival to support our efforts. Please visit the Safe Arrival page on our website for more information and learn how to use the system.
Arts in Education Week
This week holds special significance as it is Arts in Education Week, a time dedicated to celebrating the vital role that arts education plays in our schools. It’s an opportunity to acknowledge how arts programs enrich students’ lives and contribute to their overall academic and personal development. Arts education fosters creativity, critical thinking, and emotional expression—invaluable skills within and beyond the classroom.
Pennsbury School District met the criteria to be awarded an Outstanding Visual Arts Community 2024! Thank you to our outstanding Art Educators that provide this experience for our students everyday, and our supportive administration who provide the time, space, and resources needed for this opportunity to occur! We are so grateful for this community that fosters creativity and growth in our students! Click here to read the full press release.
Back to School Nights - Dates & Times
Click here to view dates and times for Back to School Nights!
PHS Falcon Football - Game Time Changes
The decision to start Friday night games at 6 PM aims to improve attendance and address several challenges. An earlier start time makes the games more family-friendly, especially for those with young children, and helps reduce student behavioral incidents. It also addresses staffing difficulties and helps players and spectators avoid colder temperatures later in the evening as the season progresses. Other schools with earlier start times have seen benefits, particularly for those traveling long distances, and the change may also boost visiting team attendance, which we have seen a decrease in. Overall, the goal is to enhance the experience for players, fans, and all others involved.
- Fri. 9/20 vs. CB East - 6:00 p.m. start
- Sat. 9/28 vs. CB South - 12:00 p.m. start (no change)
- Fri. 10/4 vs. CB West - 7:30 p.m. start (no change)
- Fri. 10/18 vs. Abington - 6:00 p.m. start
For potential playoff games, start times will be discussed depending on the opponent and how far they will need to travel.
Keep an Eye On Your Inbox for PSD Family Updates!
As a district, we are committed to keeping you informed and constantly strive to improve the effectiveness of our communications with you. We are all too familiar with how inundated one's email inbox can become, and we don't want you to miss any important information from us!
To that end, the district administration team will send non-emergency communications to families on Thursdays as needed. These emails will contain links to important updates and information you need to know. All PSD Family Updates will also be posted on our website under "District Email Archive."
We will do our best to keep to this email schedule, obviously barring emergencies, so you can be assured that any necessary information from the district will be emailed to you on Thursdays as needed. In the event of an emergency, we will communicate with families in as timely a manner as possible.
K-8 Students MAP Growth Test
During the first weeks of September, students in grades K-8 will take a MAP® Growth™ test from Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA®) on a computer or tablet. MAP Growth scores help teachers assess student performance by measuring achievement and growth. Teachers use results to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of their students within our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework.
Stay Connected with the Pennsbury School District! 📲
We want to ensure you receive timely and important updates from our school district. The best way to stay informed about emergency situations, weather-related notifications, and other critical news is through our text message alerts.
👉 To opt-in, simply text the letter Y or YES to 67587 from the mobile device you have on file with the school district.
🔍 Not sure which mobile number is on file? No problem! Just check with the front office staff at your child's school to confirm the correct number.
The district does not charge recipients for the text messages they receive or send to the short code; however, wireless providers may charge for individual text messages, depending on the plan associated with the wireless device. Please check with your carrier if you are uncertain.
Stay informed and stay safe. Sign up today to make sure you never miss an important update from Pennsbury School District! 📚✨
The Long Orange Line is Ready for the Fall Season!
The Pennsbury High School "Long Orange Line" Marching Band has been hard at work since July, gearing up for an exciting fall season. Be sure to catch their incredible performances at an upcoming football game, local parade, or band competition. Their next appearance on Falcon Field will be September 20 during the pregame show at approximately 5:30 p.m., followed by their first competition of the season on September 21 at Bordentown Regional High School. Don't miss the chance to support this talented group!
PHS Students Compete In Scarecrow Contest
Last week, students from the Pennsbury High School Life Skills and Autistic Support classes collaborated to create a heartfelt "Carecrow" for the annual "Scarecrows in the Village" contest at Peddler's Village. Life Skills teacher Jen Baxter, Speech Language Pathologist Kelly White, and Technology Teachers CJ Colletti and Christian Anderson also assisted with the creation.
Through their Carecrow, our PHS students hope to show that communication can happen in many different ways, even when using a communication board.
Visitors are encouraged to explore Peddler's Village and vote for their favorite scarecrows during the display, with voting continuing through October 14. The creators of the winning scarecrows will receive prizes. Support our Pennsbury High School students by casting your vote!
Exploring the Learning Garden at Fallsington
Last Friday, the second graders at Fallsington Elementary School had a hands-on learning experience in the school's vibrant learning garden. Accompanied by Mr. Obert-Thorn and Mrs. Lam, the students spent time exploring the garden, where they had the opportunity to pick ripe tomatoes and peppers. This outdoor activity not only allowed the children to connect with nature but also provided them with an engaging lesson on where their food comes from and the process of growing vegetables. The students enjoyed learning in this interactive environment, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Meet Penn Valley’s New Therapy Dog
At Penn Valley Elementary School, Doc Hidalgo, the certified therapy dog of Principal Hidalgo, made a heartwarming debut for his first official day on the job. Last Friday, he joined Mrs. Gatt's fifth-grade class during their Morning Meeting, creating a buzz of happiness among the students. As the class gathered to start their day, Doc’s presence brought a calming and joyful atmosphere, giving students a unique opportunity to interact with him. The students enjoyed meeting their new furry friend, and his comforting presence added a special touch to the classroom environment. Doc’s involvement is sure to bring many more positive experiences to the Penn Valley community in the year to come.
Pennwood Ringle Ranglers
At Pennwood Middle School, Mrs. Shafer’s 8th grade English class engaged in a creative and challenging activity that required students to use teamwork, gravity, and friction to construct Pringle Rings. The objective was to carefully balance and stack Pringles chips into a ring formation without it collapsing. This fun yet educational project tested the students' problem-solving skills and ability to collaborate effectively. After several attempts, one team managed to successfully complete the ring, earning the well-deserved title of "Ringle Wranglers." 🤠⭕️👑
Playdough Self-Portraits at Walt Disney
At Walt Disney Elementary School, fifth-grade students participated in a creative and introspective activity where they were given Playdoh and tasked with molding it into something that symbolized or represented themselves.
After crafting their unique sculptures, the students were then asked to write a paragraph explaining their creations, providing insight into the personal meaning behind what they shaped. This exercise encouraged both artistic expression and self-reflection. The fifth-graders did a fantastic job, demonstrating creativity, thoughtfulness, and excellent writing skills in their descriptions.
Penn Valley Buddies Create Thank-You Cards for Local Service People
At Penn Valley Elementary, Mrs. June's Kindergarten class and Mrs. McGurrin's third grade class met for the first time as "buddies" in a display of school spirit and community support.
To reinforce the School-Wide Behavior Program (SWPBIS), the young students collaborated on a special project: creating handmade thank-you cards for the service people in their community. Together they decorated cards with colorful drawings. This meaningful interaction not only strengthened the bonds between the two classes, but also helped students learn the values of kindness and appreciation.
Registration Now Open for Odyssey of the Mind
How would you like your child to go on an incredible journey in creativity? How would you like to share this experience as a coach and make a memory that will last a lifetime?
Odyssey of the Mind (OM) is an international creative problem-solving competition available to students of all ages (K-12). Each year, OM issues six different challenges that focus on science, technology, engineering, math, and the arts. Students present solutions to these challenges as 8-minute theatrical performances.
Registration for the 2024-2025 season is now open and runs through September 29. The Pennsbury Odyssey of the Mind Association will be holding virtual information meetings for parents and students wanting to learn more about this exciting program. To learn more, visit www.pennsburyom.com.
Community School Registration is Now Open!
We are excited to announce that registration is now open for Fall Community School classes! Whether you are looking to learn something new, get active, or continue developing your skills, we have a range of classes to offer this session.
Click here for a complete listing of course offerings and to register!
New this Fall
- Chess: Sharpen your strategic thinking and learn the classic game of chess, suitable for beginners and seasoned players alike.
- Crafting with Wool: Get creative with wool! Learn how to make simple, fun projects using different techniques like knitting or felting.
- Sewing with Patterns: Learn how to use sewing patterns to make your own clothes or accessories. Perfect for beginners or those looking to improve their sewing skills.
Classes are designed for adults of all skill levels, so don’t hesitate to sign up and try something new. Spots are limited, so we encourage you to register early to secure your place.
Join the Pennsbury Community Chorus!
Pennsbury Community Chorus
25th Annual Winter Concert
"Long Ago" featuring Handel's Messiah and other traditional holiday songs
Rehearsals: Mondays at 7:30 p.m. in Keller Hall
Winter Concert: December 14 at 3:00 p.m. in Keller Hall
For more information, visit pennsburycommunitychorus.art
We are always looking for passionate new singers!
To audition for this semester, please contact PCCArtisticDirector@gmail.com ASAP.
The Activities Calendar has Been Digitized!
Starting this year, the Pennsbury Activities Calendar will no longer be in PDF format. It is now built directly into the Pennsbury website. Click here to view! (Be sure to scroll down.)
Pennsbury Sports Schedules
Click the links below to view the current schedules for Pennsbury Athletics.
Current Team Schedules - Schedules are subject to change at any time. Check this page often for the latest updates!
Become a Pennsbury Bus Driver!
The Pennsbury School District can help you earn your CDL
Do you enjoy working with children? Do you like working close to home and earning a competitive salary? Then becoming a Pennsbury Bus Driver is the job for you!
We offer:
- A competitive salary
- Flexible hours
- Student-centered work environment
- Paid training for your CDL
Questions? Email transportation@pennsburysd.org
Become a Paraprofessional
The Pennsbury School District can help you earn your paraprofessional certificate of competency.
How to Get Started:
- Create a training account at PaTTAN: pattan.framwelder.com
- Complete the 7 online courses: Bureau of Special Education Para Credential of Competency Entry Level Training Series and save your certificates.
- Email paras@pennsburysd.org to set up an interview to complete the process.
Questions? Email us at paras@pennsburysd.org
Pennsbury Parent Academy
The Pennsbury Parent Academy is a series of educational programs and presentations offered to Pennsbury parents and guardians to support school success and continued home-school partnerships. The PPA program includes monthly, live in-person and/or virtual programming on a variety of topics to promote parent and guardian community engagement, such as:
- Mental Health & Wellness
- Supporting School Success
- Social Media & Internet Safety
- Diversity & Inclusion
Part-Time Jobs for Students
Click here to view Pennsbury High School's Student Job Board and find local area businesses with open positions. Some positions allow applicants as young as 14 years old.
Click here for information on how to obtain a work permit.
Pennsbury School District E-Flyers Page
Click here to visit the Pennsbury School District's E-Flyers Page.
These flyers represent current or ongoing announcements of interest to Pennsbury students and their families that emanate from local community organizations, sports leagues, scouting groups, and other non-profits. Browse through our gallery!
To obtain approval for a flyer to be posted on the E-Flyers Page, please email your request to Macy Cellitti at mcellitti@pennsburysd.org.
Safe2Say Something
Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the PA Office of Attorney General. Report a confidential tip to help prevent violence and tragedies.
The Nutrition Group is Now Hiring!
The Nutrition Group is Now Hiring Kitchen Managers, Cooks, and Food Service Workers at Pennsbury School District!
Great opportunity! Monday through Friday, daylight shifts, no nights or weekends. Competitive wages offered.
Learn more about additional opportunities with us and join our team today! Apply online now at: tngcareers.com and search “Pennsbury” or call our office at 215-428-4100 ext. 22201
Confidential Residency Reporting Tip Line
The Pennsbury School District is making a concerted effort to ensure that students who reside within our District boundaries are able to attend the school they are assigned to based on their home address. To help us, we have established a Confidential Residency Reporting Tip Line. If you believe someone is falsifying their student's address to attend the Pennsbury School District, please call or email:
(215) 428-4100 ext. 84777 (TIPSS)
Ask Penny
Have a question about Pennsbury? Don't trust the rumors, ask Penny!
Send Penny an email at askpenny@pennsburysd.org.
2024-2025 School Calendar
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About Pennsbury
215-428-4111
Email: publicrelations@pennsburysd.org
Website: www.pennsburysd.org
Location: 134 Yardley Avenue, Fallsington, PA 19058
Phone: 215-428-4100