Welcome to Neshaminy!
Your guide to Neshaminy School District
Message from the Superintendent
Whether you are new to the District or have lived here for many years, I would like to welcome you and your family to our school community. You are joining a district that has a long and proud history of a strong commitment to education.
At Neshaminy, we build futures!
Our school board, administrators, teachers, support staff and parents are firmly committed to the mission of providing a safe, positive atmosphere for all students to learn and grow. While we take pride in the accomplishments of the past, we are always looking ahead to meet the challenges our students will face in the future by making them lifelong learners ready to achieve excellence in all their pursuits. You can help us reach this goal by actively participating in your child’s education, staying informed of District and schools’ news, and supporting activities and programs in our schools throughout the year. By working together, we can make a positive difference for our families, the Neshaminy community, and the entire world.
Jason Bowman, Superintendent
Neshaminy School District Core Values
The Neshaminy community builds futures by empowering each child to become a productive citizen and a lifelong learner.
Children are the future.
All people can learn.
- People learn in different ways and at different rates.
- Achievement is realized through challenge.
- Trust promotes creative problem solving.
All people have worth.
- Laughter, joy, and hope are essential for a quality life.
- Success builds self-esteem.
- Valuing diversity strengthens our society.
- People have a responsibility to themselves and others.
- Family is the cornerstone of society.
A quality education is a right.
- Excellence in education requires support, sacrifice and involvement from the total community.
- All people have the right to a safe and healthy learning environment.
About us
Neshaminy School District covers 27.6 square miles in Bucks County, serving an area of approximately 70,000 residents. The district adjoins the City of Philadelphia to the south and is centrally located to the major commerce and cultural centers of the northeast corridor. Neshaminy has 10 schools educating over 9,500 students from the boroughs of Hulmeville, Langhorne, Langhorne Manor, Penndel, and the townships of Lower Southampton (encompassing Feasterville and Trevose) and Middletown. The first school in the area was established in Langhorne in 1836, and the district as we know it today was formed in 1950.
The district saw significant growth during the 1950s with the creation of Levittown, one of America's first large-scale suburban developments. Several new schools were built during this era, including Neshaminy High School. A second high school was added in the 1980s, but as demographics shifted toward smaller families, that was closed and later turned into a middle school and the district administrative offices.
Neshaminy High School was significantly renovated and expanded between 2006 and 2009. Starting in 2014, other school buildings in the district were modernized, closed or rebuilt as part of a district-wide "Road Map" plan to align facilities with student needs. Two new elementary school buildings have been added -- Tawanka Elementary School in 2015 (replacing a 1964 building of the same name) and Core Creek Elementary School (on the Maple Point campus), which is scheduled to open in 2025.
Did you know...
- 82% of our graduates go on to post-secondary education.
- Neshaminy has a 1:1 Technology Program for all students in grades kindergarten through 12. All buildings feature state-of-the-art gigabyte wireless internet connectivity.
- Neshaminy has been nationally recognized as a “Best Community for Music Education” and “Outstanding Visual Arts Community” for multiple years.
- The Neshaminy community includes a wide variety of socio-economic backgrounds and family origins; 41 languages are spoken natively among students and their families across the district.
- Neshaminy High School offers a dual enrollment option for seniors to take classes at Bucks County Community College during the school day.
- The district enjoys strong support from the community and has a dedicated all-volunteer non-profit Education Foundation.
- Gym Night at Neshaminy High School is our longest-running and best-known tradition that began in 1954 and is shared among generations of District families.
- Through annual charity games, shows and events, Neshaminy students and staff raise tens of thousands of dollars every year for causes such as cancer research and support, animal shelters, wish-granting for special needs children, and community foundations. Holiday food drives provide meals for scores of Neshaminy families and supply local food pantries.
Neshaminy Schools
Elementary Schools
School Hours 9:10 AM - 3:35 PM
Pearl S. Buck Elementary School
Mr. Brian Kern, Principal
143 Top Road
Levittown, PA 19056
215-809-6300
Joseph Ferderbar Elementary School
Dr. Sinead Doherty, Principal
300 Heights Lane
Feasterville, PA 19053
215-809-6370
Herbert Hoover Elementary School
Dr. David Glennon, Principal
501 Trenton Road
Langhorne, PA 19047
215-809-6340
Walter Miller Elementary School
Mr. Troy Bodolus, Principal
10 Colbalt Ridge Drive North
Levittown, PA, 19057
215-809-6360
Albert Schweitzer Elementary School
Dr. Amy Orlando, Principal
30 Harmony Road
Levittown, PA 19056
215-809-6380
Tawanka Elementary School
Mr. Donald Palmer, Principal
2055 Brownsville Road
Langhorne, PA 19053
215-809-6310
Middle Schools
School Hours 7:55 AM - 2:55 PM
Maple Point Middle School
Mr. M. Andrew Sokol, Principal
2250 Langhorne-Yardley Road
Langhorne, PA 19047
215-809-6230
Poquessing Middle School
Mr. Timothy Hunt, Principal
300 Heights Lane
Feastervile, PA 19053
215-809-6210
Carl Sandburg Middle School
Mrs. Dawn Kelly, Principal
30 Harmony Road
Levittown, PA 19056
215-809-6220
High School
School Hours: 7:16 AM - 2:14 PM
Neshaminy High School
Mr. Stephen Garstka, Principal
2001 Old Lincoln Highway
Langhorne, PA 19047
Main Office: 215-809-6102
Guidance: 215-809-6161
Bucks County Technical High School
Dr. Robert Azar, Principal
610 Wistar Road
Fairless Hills, PA 19030
215-949-1700
(BCTHS is operated jointly by Neshaminy and surrounding school districts)
Neshaminy School District Virtual Academy
NSDVA offers a comprehensive K-12 online educational program with local support, the option to participate in Neshaminy co-curricular activities, and a Neshaminy diploma upon graduation. More information can be found here.
Neshaminy Curriculum
At every grade level, the Neshaminy curriculum offers students a solid foundation of knowledge with ample opportunity for individualized instruction, group collaboration and project-based learning centered around real-world scenarios. Students are encouraged to build their confidence, social skills and creativity through courses in art, music and physical education. Specific information about the curriculum at each grade level can be found by visiting the website linked below.
Neshaminy School District
District Offices
Maple Point Middle School
2250 Langhorne-Yardley Road
Langhorne, PA 19047
215-809-6500
Office hours are 8 AM - 4 PM during the school year. Summer hours may vary slightly.
Neshaminy Information Hotline
Questions about Neshaminy schools, district operations, facilities, events, procedures, or any other school-related matters can be directed to the following Neshaminy phone or email hotlines:
215-809-7777
Please note that requests received outside of normal business hours will be answered as soon as possible on the next business day.
School District Departments and Services
- Superintendent's Office: 215-809-6500
- Business Office: 215-809-6250
- Technology Services: 215-809-6572
- Transportation: 215-809-6260
- Food Services: 215-809-6540
- Facilities and Operations: 215-809-6250
- Purchasing: 215-809-6280
- Pupil Services: 215-809-6588
- Human Resources: 215-809-6601
Central Registration
The registration process for new students can be started online by visiting
www.neshaminy.org/register. The Central Registration office is located at Maple Point and can be reached at 215-809-6547.
Cabinet
Superintendent
Jason Bowman, jbowman@neshaminy.org
Assistant to the Superintendent/Director of Educational Operations
Sean Haines, shaines@neshaminy.org
Assistant to the Superintendent / Director of Elementary Education
Michelle Burkholder, mburkholder@neshaminy.org
Assistant to the Superintendent / Director of Secondary Education
Kate Hinshaw, khinshaw@neshaminy.org
Assistant to the Superintendent / Director of Pupil Services
Dr. Kevin Kane, kkane@neshaminy.org
Business Administrator
Deborah Klahold, dklahold@neshaminy.org
Director of Human Resources
Kelly Kozik, kkozik@neshaminy.org
School Board
The Board of School Directors consists of nine elected officials who set the policies and direction for the school district. Although these positions are elected, they are voluntary since no compensation is given for service. The term of office is four years and elections take place every other year. The Board of School Directors is elected from one of three regions. Each region elects three board members.
2024 Neshaminy School Board
Marty Sullivan - President, msullivan@neshaminy.org
Tina Hollenbach - Vice-President, thollenbach@neshaminy.org
John Allen, jallen@neshaminy.org
Erin Brosious ebrosious@neshaminy.org
Alicia Lafferty alafferty@neshaminy.org
Beth Marshall, bmarshall@neshaminy.org
Carlos Rodriguez, crodriguez@neshaminy.org
Kellen Sporny, ksporny@neshaminy.org
Jill Waldbeiser, jwaldbeiser@neshaminy.org
School Board Meetings
School Board meetings are normally held in the District Board Room in the District Administration Office at Maple Point. The full Board holds two meetings per month (except December, July and August which only have one meeting per month). These meetings are open to the public and are also video livestreamed, and the meeting videos are posted on the District's School Board YouTube page. The recorded meeting videos are also broadcast on the district's NSDTV cable channel, which is available in lower Bucks County on channel 28 (Comcast) or 43 (Verizon Fios).
School Board committees (Business Operations, Educational Development, Policy, Facilities & Planning) meet on a regular basis throughout the year. These meetings are also held in the District Board Room at Maple Point and are open to the public. They offer a good opportunity to discuss important issues with School Board members and district administrators in a more conversational, less formal setting than full School Board meetings.
🔗 School Board meeting schedule
🔗 School Board committee meeting schedule
🔗 Board Docs meeting agendas, minutes, documents and Board policies
🔗 Livestream School Board meeting and video archives: www.neshaminy.org/meetings
Neshaminy Food Services Information
Neshaminy Food Services offers a delicious, healthy breakfast and lunch at all schools at an affordable price. Research shows that students who eat healthy meals at school are more alert, ready to learn, and maintains focus on learning better.
School meals at Neshaminy meet the USDA’s required regulations as students are encouraged to choose at least 3 of the 5 great choices including meat/meat alternative, bread/grain, fruit, vegetable, and milk. At breakfast, students are encouraged to select at least 3 of the 4 items. Each meal choice should include at least one serving of fruit or vegetable. Even our ala cart items meet the Smart Snack guidelines.
To make purchases in our cafeterias, the student enters their student ID number, or swipes their ID at the register, and the cashier will verify the student’s photo with their account at the register. The account can be looked up manually if the student does not have their badge or forgot their ID number.
Accounts are created online at www.schoolcafe.com. This will allow you to manage your child’s account to view their purchases and add money to their account.
Families can apply for Free and Reduced meals at www.schoolcafe.com at any time during the school year. If approved, support is provided for the entire school year plus 30 days into the following year to provide time to reapply. All applications must be resubmitted yearly. See the video below for more information.
Daily menus, meal prices, snack prices, carb counts, the free and reduce priced meal link, contact information and much more can be found on the Food Services website.
Information on the Free & Reduced Meal Program at Neshaminy
2024-2025 School Year Meal Prices
Elementary
Breakfast $1.50 / Lunch $2.80
Middle Schools
Breakfast: $1.80 / Lunch $3.35
High School
Breakfast $1.80 / Lunch $3.35
Reduced Meal Price (all grade levels)
Breakfast: $0.30 / Luch $0.40
Snacks / a la carte prices vary
Neshaminy School Wellness Policy
Neshaminy School District recognizes that student wellness and proper nutrition are related to students' physical well-being, growth, development and readiness to learn. The Board is committed to providing a school environment that promotes student wellness, proper nutrition, nutrition education and promotion, and regular physical activity as part of the total learning experience. In a healthy school environment, students will learn about and participate in positive dietary and lifestyle practices that can improve student achievement and overall health status.
The following link outlines Neshaminy's Student Wellness policy and the Wellness Policy Assessment Tool:
🔗 LINK: Neshaminy School Wellness Policy 246
The District Wellness Committee has identified the following goals/focus areas for the next three years (2024-2025 through 2026-2027 school years):
- Take steps to implement Farm to School activities and form partnerships and relationships with community organizations to provide students with projects related to nutrition. This could include an increased use of our high school greenhouse in future courses and/or student clubs.
- Train all staff on Policy 246 as well as provide a list of nonfood ideas to staff and families. A potential nonfood idea to consider is creating a district “activity bulletin board” to share, advertise and market various wellness program related activities, businesses, etc.. Some examples are activities/events at community/regional townships, libraries, places of worship, athletic clubs, pools, parks, orchards, farms, nature centers, exercise clubs/groups, etc.
- Take steps to create/schedule additional physical activity during the day/week for students so that they are moving/physically active more each week.
- Take steps to share more nutrition education information with families via building/district newsletters, e-mails, PTO communications, etc. Aramark provides a variety of resources to support this.
Any parents, students and teachers/staff who are interested in participating in upcoming District Wellness Committee / Advisory Board meetings are encouraged to express their interest to David Geanette, Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction, at dgeanette@neshaminy.org and/or 215 809-6515.
Inclement Weather Information
The safety of our students and staff is a top priority at Neshaminy School District. The following policies and procedures have been established to ensure everyone’s safety and to keep our community informed should weather or other circumstances warrant changes and/or cancellations to school and activity schedules.
School Closing
Should conditions warrant an inclement weather closure, alerts will be broadcast by the following outlets:
- Notifications on the District website www.neshaminy.org and each school’s home page
- Email and text alerts
- Neshaminy mobile app alerts
- Official Neshaminy District Facebook page
- Philadelphia area television stations, CBS-3, ABC-6, NBC-10, FOX-29
Delayed Openings
Notification of delayed openings will be made in the same manner as school closings.
Two-Hour Delay Start Times:
- Neshaminy High School: 9:16 AM
- Middle Schools: 9:55 AM
- Elementary Schools: 11:10 AM
Early Dismissal / Activity Cancellations
Parents and the community will be notified as early as possible for early dismissals and after-noon and evening activities cancellations using all the same manners as school closings.
Early Dismissal Plan A (with lunch)
Neshaminy High School: 11:30 AM, Middle Schools: 12:15 PM, Elementary Schools: 1:00 PM
Early Dismissal Plan B (without lunch)
Neshaminy High School: 10:00 AM, Middle Schools: 10:30 AM, Elementary Schools: 11:00 AM
1:1 Technology Program
Neshaminy School District provides a Chromebook to every student in grades K-12 for their educational use in school and at home during the school year and over the summer. Students are expected maintain their Chromebooks in good condition and to bring them to school each day charged and ready for use. Guidelines and policies regarding Chromebook care, use, repair and replacement can be found by following the link below:
Information Resources for Students, Parents and Guardians
- The Neshaminy School District Website www.neshaminy.org
- Home Access Center: Allows you to view student report cards, attendance, discipline, transcript, success plan, course request, classwork and scheduling information. Update contact information to receive essential email, text, and robo-call communications. Contact your childs school Main Office for help with your Home Access account.
- Canvas: Class assignments, teacher/school communication
- Free Neshaminy Mobile App (Apple Store/Google Play)
- NSDTV: Comcast Channel 28 / Verizon Fios Channel 43 available throughout lower Bucks County
- Official Neshaminy District Facebook Page
- Official Neshaminy District Instagram
- Neshaminy District newsletter (emailed monthly)
- School websites, newsletters and email updates
Volunteer Information
Neshaminy School District recognizes that volunteers are an essential part of our student's educational experience and the strong relationship between our schools and our Neshaminy families and community is a point of pride. With the safety of our students and staff in mind, Neshaminy School District and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania require all school volunteers to pass background checks and obtain clearances before they are allowed to volunteer in our schools. These clearances can take days or weeks to obtain and must be renewed on a periodic basis. We ask all potential volunteers to review these requirements and obtain their clearances well in advance of activities such as field trips, in-school PTO activities and classroom parties. Please visit the page linked below for instructions and links to complete this process.
Health Services
State Mandated Health Services
- Physicals – Kindergarten, 6th and 9th Grades
- Dentals – Kindergarten, 3rd and 7th Grades
- Height and Weight – All Grades
- Vision Screening - Far Test: ALL students yearly
- Vision Screening - Near Test : ALL students yearly
- Vision Screening - Convex Lens Test : Grade 1 (and previously untested)
- Vision Screening - Color Vision Test: Grades 1 & 2 (and previously untested)
- Vision Screening - Stereo Depth Perception Test: Grades 1& 2 (and previously untested)
- Hearing Screening – Kindergarten, Grades 1, 2, 3, 7 & 11
- Scoliosis Screening – Grades 6 & 7
- Body Mass Index [BMI] and BMI Percentile—Yearly, Grades Kindergarten through 12th
Certified School Nurses
Neshaminy High School, 215-809-6664
- Sharon White, RN, CSN (Last names A-K)
- Cynthia Wells, M.ED, BSN, RN, CSN (last names L-Z)
Maple Point Middle School, 215-809-6326
- Krista Haggerty, BSN, RN, CSN
Poquessing Middle School / Joseph Ferderbar Elementary School, 215-809-6376
- Moira Manila, M.ED, BSN, RN, CSN
Carl Sandburg Middle School / Albert Schweitzer Elementary School, 215-809-6236
- Sharon Binder, M.ED, BSN, RN, CSN
Pearl S. Buck Elementary School, 215-809-6306
- Kristie Muzyk-Luca, RN
Walter Miller Elementary School, 215-809-6386
- Janette Aguilar, M.ED, BSN, RN, CSN
Tawanka Elementary School, 215-809-6316
- Carol Alexis, M.ED, BSN, RN, CSN
Herbert Hoover Elementary School, 215-809-6346
- Kristi Wert, RN, MSN, CSN
Vaccination Requirements
Pennsylvania law mandates that every child K-12 be immunized on the first day of school.
The following are vaccination requirements. For more information on the vaccines your child needs in order to attend school, contact your healthcare provider, the Bucks County Health Department or your school nurse.
Kindergarten & Grades 1-6
- 4 doses, Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis: (Usually given as DTaP, DTP, DT, or Td), (1 dose on or after 4th birthday)
- 4 doses, Polio: (4th dose on or after 4th birthday and at least 6 months after previous dose given). (A 4th dose is not necessary if the 3rd dose was administered at age 4 years or older and at least 6 months after the previous dose)
- 2 doses, Measles, Mumps & Rubella (usually given as MMR)
- 3 doses, Hepatitis B
- 2 doses (or evidence of immunity), Varicella (Chickenpox)
Grades 7-11
- 4 doses, Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis: (Usually given as DTaP, DTP, DT, or Td), (1 dose on or after 4th birthday)
- 4 doses, Polio: (4th dose on or after 4th birthday and at least 6 months after previous dose given). (A 4th dose is not necessary if the 3rd dose was administered at age 4 years or older and at least 6 months after the previous dose)
- 2 doses, Measles, Mumps & Rubella (usually given as MMR)
- 3 doses, Hepatitis B
- 2 doses (or evidence of immunity), Varicella (Chickenpox)
- 1 dose, Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap)
- 1 dose, Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY), (First dose is given at 11-15 years of age; a second dose is required at age 16 or entry into 12th grade)
Grade 12
- 4 doses, Tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis: (Usually given as DTaP, DTP, DT, or Td), (1 dose on or after 4th birthday)
- 4 doses, Polio: (4th dose on or after 4th birthday and at least 6 months after previous dose given). (A 4th dose is not necessary if the 3rd dose was administered at age 4 years or older and at least 6 months after the previous dose)
- 2 doses, Measles, Mumps & Rubella (usually given as MMR)
- 3 doses, Hepatitis B
- 2 doses (or evidence of immunity), Varicella (Chickenpox)
- 1 dose, Tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap)
- 1 dose, Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY), (First dose is given at 11-15 years of age; a second dose is required at age 16 or entry into 12th grade)
Student Accident Insurance
Neshaminy does not carry medical insurance for students, but we are pleased to offer an optional low-cost group plan for those families that desire extra coverage. Click on the link below for more information about this plan and registration information:
Cyberbullying Prevention
The best online protection is YOU!
Your knowledge and comfort with digital safety and responsibility will provide a strong basis to support your child as he or she grows into adolescence.
Family Guidelines for Electronic Devices
1. Strengthen your password and keep it private. Your password and user account name should be kept in a safe place. Share only with a parent/guardian.
2. Never provide your password using email or in response to an email request.
3. Establish family Internet safety rules. Include whether your child can use social networking sites and how your child can use them.
4. The recommended age to sign up for social websites is usually 13 and older. You cannot rely on the services themselves to prevent your underage child from signing up.
5. Evaluate the sites your child plans to use and make sure your child understands the privacy policy and code of conduct.
6. Remind your child to always log in and log out of online accounts.
7. Teach your child to think before posting or sharing information. What seems funny today, might not be funny tomorrow.
8. Realize anything you message or post can be copied, pasted, and sent to other people without your permission.
9. If a site asks your child to submit his/her name to personalize web content, create an online nickname that does not give any personal information. Encourage your child to tell you if something makes him/her feel anxious,
Cyberbullying Prevention Tips for Students
Messaging guidelines
Questions to ask before sending a message:
- How private is the message I am sending? Am I willing to have others read this message or forward it without my permission?
- Am I sending or saying anything that could be considered rude, insulting, or controversial?
- Do I have permission to forward someone else’s messages, photos, or share their personal information?
If you are cyberbullied:
1. STOP! Take time to calm down.
2. Do not respond to any cyberbullying message.
3. Block the person from contacting you.
4. Do not erase messages. Save and print screenshots, emails, and text messages.
5. Tell a trusted adult about bullying. Keep telling until the adult takes action. If, necessary, use the evidence to report to web and cell phone service providers.
6. If you are threatened with harm, inform the
police.
Be an UPSTANDER!
If you are not being cyberbullied but you know about the cyberbullying…..this is what you can do:
- Refuse to pass along messages.
- Tell friends to stop.
- Block communication with the cyberbully.
- Report the incident to a trusted adult.
Cyberbullying Prevention Tips for Parents
If harassment is via email, social networking sites, IM, chat rooms, or in online gaming:
- Instruct your child, or together with your child, block the bully.
- OR delete your child’s account and open a new one.
- AND/OR submit a complaint or report.
If harassment is via text or phone messages:
- Change the phone number.
- Instruct your child to only share the new number with trustworthy people.
- You may want to investigate phone features that allow a particular number to be blocked.
If your child refuses to follow the rules you have established to protect his/her safety and you have attempted to help change his/ her behavior, you can contact the social website your child uses and ask them to remove the page.
Clubs, Sports and Activities
Clubs and team sports are an integral part of a child’s social, emotional and academic development. Neshaminy offers multiple opportunities to participate in academic and athletic pursuits at all levels such as musical groups, drama and theater, community service clubs, academic interest clubs and more. Starting in 7th grade, students can compete in interscholastic sports.
Below is a list of some of the activities and sports available at Neshaminy High School (subject to change based on student interest and availability):
- Action Adventure
- Art Club
- Band/Orchestra
- Book Club
- Buddy Club
- Change IT Up
- Chorus
- Computer Science Club
- Craft Club
- Dance Team
- Debate Team
- Diversity Pride
- Drama Club
- Environmental Action Club
- Future Problem Solving
- Game Club
- Gender Equality
- Gym Night
- Homework Club
- Howler Literary Magazine
- Interact Club
- Intermural
- Mathletes
- Movie
- Musical Club
- National Honor Society
- Neshaminy Pride Club
- No Place for Hate Club
- Pathfinders
- Photography
- Reading Olympics
- Political Debate
- Rotary Club
- School Store
- Science Club
- School Store
- Serving Learning Club
- Sewing/Craft Club
- Ski Club
- Spark
- SPECTRUM
- Student Council
- Ultimate Frisbee Club
- Vocal Music
- World Affairs Club
- World Language Club
High School Sports Teams
Fall Sports
- Cheerleading
- Cross Country—Boys & Girls
- Field Hockey
- Football
- Golf
- Soccer- Boys & Girls
- Tennis - Girls
- Volleyball - Girls
Winter Sports
- Basketball - Boys & Girls
- Bowling—Boys & Girls
- Indoor Track—Boys & Girls
- Swimming—Boys & Girls
- Wrestling
Neshaminy HS Sports Schedules
Sports teams and clubs vary for each school.
A “late bus” is available for students participating in sports practices and club activities at the secondary schools.
School Calendar 2024-2025
Please note that events listed on this calendar may be subject to change based on unforeseen circumstances. Please see the district website for notifications.
We Build Futures!
Neshaminy HS Class of 2024 Graduation Ceremony