Neshaminy Update
Neshaminy School District / September, 2023
Neshaminy School District / December, 2023
NHS Select Choir wins Christmas song competition
he Neshaminy High School Select Choir under the direction of Choral Director Kristin Nichols was named the winner of the high school division for the annual B101 Christmas Choir Competition. Their song, Carol of the Bells / Wayfaring Stranger was sung a cappella and featured solo performances by Rebecca Gutierrez, Cameron Krauss and a "Beat Box" solo by Gianna Loram. The group won a $5000 cash prize and the opportunity to perform their song for a sell-out crowd at the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert at the Wells Fargo Center on Sunday, December 17. They also visited the B101 studio to perform the song and be interviewed live on the air during the Jenn & Bill morning show on December 19. On December 20, they attended the Bucks County Commissioners meeting in Doylestown (photo at right) where they were honored and the opportunity to perform the song one final time for a very grateful audience.
A video of the group singing their song received tens of thousands of views and hundreds of shares after it was posted on social media platforms. With strong support from within the district and from the Neshaminy community, they were able to win in the final round several days later.
Members of the Neshaminy HS Select Choir in 2017, also under the direction of Ms. Nichols, had previously won the same competition with their song, Text Me Merry Christmas.
Members of the Neshaminy HS Select Choir enjoying the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert at the Wells Fargo Center after performing their song.
Hour of Code provides the building blocks for future tech
In the month of December, students throughout the district have been participating in the annual International Hour of Code activity. In the video above, students at Joseph Ferderbar ES enjoyed creating their own version of the Flappy Bird computer game as part of a computer coding activity. Instructional Technology Coach Jim Gosser visited classrooms across the district to introduce students to this International Hour of Code which is designed to teach them the basics of programming and build logical thinking and organizational skills that will provide the basis of understanding for rapidly emerging new technologies including artificial intelligence.
Firefighting officials learn about Neshaminy tax rebate program
On Thursday, December 20, a group of local fire chiefs and fire company presidents attended a meeting in the Black Box Theater at Neshaminy HS to learn about the district’s Firefighter / Fire Police Tax Rebate Program. The meeting was hosted by School Board Member Cyndie Bowman. PA Representative Joe Hogan also spoke at the meeting.
Volunteer firefighters and fire police officers who live within the Neshaminy School District and answer at least 25% of the calls to their fire stations are eligible to receive an $800 real estate tax refund from the district. The new rebate was unanimously approved by the School Board in April, 2023. Approximately 95 volunteer firefighters in the district may receive the rebate. A state law recently legalized the program, which is designed to show appreciation for volunteer firefighters and fire police while offering an incentive for new volunteers to join. Neshaminy is the first district in lower Bucks County to enact the rebates.
Construction progress at Core Creek and Poquessing
In the video above, Neshaminy Acting District Engineer Scott Congdon took a tour of the Core Creek Elementary School construction site on Tuesday, December 19 with SiteLogiq Construction Manager Joe Niemiec. While much progress has been made on the building, a completion date has not yet been announced for the project.
Pictured at left is site work for the addition of four classrooms to Poquessing Middle School, which are being built in the area between Poquessing and Ferderbar ES. The classrooms will extend from a hallway in the back of the building that is already currently used by Poquessing students and staff.
Screen Smart Webinar tackles digital anxiety among kids
On December 13, Dr. Jessica Janze offered a parent presentation as a part of Neshaminy’s Families Connect Program titled Screen Smart Parenting: Balancing Act for the Digital Generation. A video archive of the webinar can be viewed above. A companion Power Point presentation (in PDF format) can be viewed here.
Dr. Janze is a psychologist from the Child Mind Institute. She has extensive experience in addressing anxiety, mood, and trauma-related disorders. Her career has spanned various care settings, including schools, inpatient and outpatient hospitals, and community mental health centers. She is well-versed in crisis management, conducting risk assessments, and offering essential support to families during challenging periods.
Calender reminders!
- The district will be closed for both students and staff on Monday, January 1 AND Tuesday, January 2. Classes will resume on Wednesday, January 3.
- The Neshaminy HS Winter Band Concert date was changed to Monday, January 8 starting at 7 pm. The 8th grade showcase will be held during the school day on the same day.
- Schools will be closed for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday on Monday, January 15.
Got tech? Join us at the 2024 STEAM Expo!
The 2024 Neshaminy STEAM Expo will be held on Thursday, April 4 from 6:30 - 8:30 pm at Neshaminy High School. Since it was founded in 2015, this celebration of all things Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math has grown to become one of the most beloved and well-attended educational events in the district and a great night for students and their families.
We are looking for individuals, businesses and organizations who would like to share their STEAM expertise with the next generation to join the 2024 Expo as presenters. Please contact David Geanette at dgeanette@neshaminy.org for more information and to sign up.
School Board Update
NEW AND RETURNING BOARD MEMBERS SWORN IN
Carlos Rodriguez
Tina Hollenbach
Neshaminy School Board (John Allen missing from photo)
On Monday, December 4 at the School Board Reorganization Meeting, the district welcomed two new Board members, Jill Waldbeiser and Beth Marshall who were sworn in by Judge Brian T. McGuffin. Judge Charles D. Jonas swore in returning Board members Tina Hollenbach, Carlos Rodriguez and Marty Sullivan. Mr. Sullivan was appointed the Board President and Ms. Hollenbach the vice-president by the Board.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
The January Board Public Work Session is scheduled for Tuesday, January 9 at 7 pm in the District Board Room at Maple Point. The January Board Public Meeting will be held Tuedsay January 23 at 7 pm also in the District Board Room at Maple Point. The meeting agenda and livestream video link for all Board meetings can be found at www.neshaminy.org/meetings.
UPCOMING COMMITTEE MEETINGS
- Tuesday, January 16: Educational Development Committee, 6:30 pm
- Thursday, January 18: Policy Committee, 6:30 pm
- Wednesday, January 24: Business Operations Committee, 6:30 pm
Board committee meetings are open to the public and are a good opportunity to discuss specific programs and projects with committee members in a less formal, more conversational setting than the full Board meetings. The full schedule of meetings for the 2023-2024 school year will be found at the following link: 2023-2024 Committee Meeting Schedule
All committee meetings are held in the District Board Room at Maple Point unless otherwise noted. The public is invited to attend and participate in Board and Committee meetings. All meeting times and locations are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances; please check the District website www.neshaminy.org for any updates.
Join our awesome Neshaminy team!
Yes, we are almost halfway through the school year but are still looking for enthusiastic colleagues to help us Build Futures for the students of Neshaminy! We have many exciting career options available for immediate employment! Check out the possibilities by visiting the Neshaminy employment web page at www.neshaminy.org/employment. Among the current openings:
- Substitute teachers (all levels)
- Building aides
- Dining aides
- Playground aides
- Custodians
- Mechanics
- Instructional Assistants
Pre-Holiday Fun Across the District!
Neshaminy celebrated the 2023 holiday season with a huge variety of concerts, creative projects, celebrations, food and clothing donation drives and more. Below are some of the many ways that our school community marked the season of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and the spirit of spreading good will throughout.
Maple Point MS trip to see the Rockettes and holiday decorations in New York City
MPMS Choir performing on stage at Radio City Music Hall prior to the Rockettes show
The MPMS Select Choir performed at the Barkann Healing Hearts Foundation Christmas Party.
"Men of Harmony" performing at Walter Miller ES. The group also visited Albert Schweitzer ES and Pearl S. Buck ES.
Phys. Ed. students enjoyed Hanukkah-themed games at Maple Point MS
Carl Sandburg MS Holiday Concert
Tawanka ES graduate returns from Poquessing MS to join their holiday concert
Food donation drive at Pearl S. Buck ES
Mrs. Moskat's first-grade class at Tawanka ES had so much fun doing winter-themed STEM activities! They created geometric snowflakes, snowball launchers, and a bridge for the gingerbread man.
The staff at Hoover ES had fun creating "Awkward Family Photos" as part of their holiday season activities.
Neshaminy HS held a door decorating contest. You can see more of the creative entries here.
Holiday Singalong at Albert Schweitzer ES
Holiday Singalong at Albert Schweitzer ES
Holiday Concert at Albert Schweitzer ES
The National Junior Honor Society Officers at Poquessing MS worked on stocking stuffers that will be sent to local senior citizens for the holiday season.
These Maple Point MS orchestra and choir members performed for the senior citizens at the Oxford Enhanced Senior Living community in Langhorne on December 19.
Some holiday visitors at Walter Miller ES
Buddy at Poquessing MS
Schweitzer ES staff
The World Language classes at Neshaminy HS continued their tradition of singing holiday songs on Main Street throughout the day in different languages on December 21.
Gingerbreadland at Tawanka ES
Gingerbreadland at Tawanka ES
Honors Nutrition students at NHS made and shared holiday treats, then held a Family Game Night in-class
Food donation boxes ready for delivery at Neshaminy HS
The "Giving Tree" at Pearl S. Buck ES was filled with clothing donations
Maple Point MS musicians filled the hallway with the sounds of the season
Poquessing MS Orchestra members visited Ferderbar ES for a hallway concert
Members of the EarlyAct Club at Joseph Ferderbar ES made holiday cards for the community.
Neshaminy HS Principal Stephen Garstka recited the entire text of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" from memory several times throughout the day on December 21. He said that he began memorizing the book after reading it to his own children over and over for years, then later perfected the wording with their help as they grew up. He said that he finds the themes in the book meaningful and enjoys sharing them with his students.
Neshaminy HS Band members made some holiday music at the Middletown Township Holiday Open House on Thursday, December 7...
...then again at the Playwicki Farm Park Holiday Celebration on Saturday, December 9.
Sensory Friendly Santa visits Tawanka
On December 21, the Autistic Support classes at Tawanka had a "Sensory Friendly Santa Experience." This was a pleasant opportunity to enjoy the tradition of a Santa visit in a subdued, calm, and familiar environment. Families were welcomed to take pictures with Santa, enjoy some milk and cookies, explore a Christmas sensory bin, or color a Christmas picture. It was such a nice opportunity to see our students revel in the spirit of Christmas.
Sandburg AVID classes reach out with letters of hope
This holiday season, students in Carl Sandburg's 8th grade AVID class took part in a Care-Mail Holiday Card service project. The non-profit Break Free Education Organization believes students held in confinement need to know people care about them- especially during the holidays and Sandburg's AVID students were ready to share the spirit of the season. Each AVID student was matched with a student ranging in age from 15 - 17 in confinement in New York. AVID students wrote thoughtful personalized letters to bring joy and hope during this lonely time and by doing so, they were reminded of all they have to be grateful for this holiday season. They hope the holiday letters bring as much joy to the teens as they brought to the AVID classes who wrote them.
Chivalry and turkey legs on the menu for medieval field trip
On December 8 the Carl Sandburg MS 7th-grade took a field trip up north and back in time to Medieval Times in Lyndhurst, NJ. The students were treated to a queen's feast and a show where they learned about chivalry, the medieval knight's code of ideal behavior, which contained an anti-bullying message.
Handcrafts in the Hall builds business skills for NHS students
Students in several classes worked for weeks to craft items for the winter-themed "Handcrafts in The Hub" Craft Fair on Wednesday, December 20th during periods 4-7. After creating, packaging and pricing the beautiful items, they sold their student-made crafts, plants, dog treats, and snacks to grateful customers that included students and NHS staff. All profits will go to offset the costs of beneficial educational experiences outside of NHS. This annual craft fair has become a favorite holiday tradition at the high school.
NHS Math Class supports toys for tots
On November 27, students in Mrs. Kornicki’s math class at NHS took donated money from family, friends, and colleagues and shopped for toys to be donated to Toys-for-Tots. The high schoolers selected toys known to be favorites totaling near $1100. The pile was delivered to members of the NHS Interact Club who helped get the toys get to local families before the holidays.
24 NHS business leaders qualify for state competition
Congratulations to the 56 Neshaminy High School Future Business Leaders of America club members who participated in the Pennsylvania Regional Competition, and the 24 Regional Competition winners. The competition was held at Delaware Valley University on December 14 where the students took objective tests, production tests and/or participated in a performance for judging. Along with Neshaminy, FBLA chapters from Bensalem, Central Bucks East, West and South, Council Rock North and South, Morrisville, New-Hope Solebury, Palisades, Pennridge, Pennsbury, Quakertown and William Tennent competed in various business events. 24 Neshaminy High School FBLA students have qualified to compete at the State Competition in Hershey this April!
NHS Thespians shine at state conference
The Roadies had a great time at the 2023 PA State Thespian Conference in early December. Lea Newman and Cameron Krauss were both inducted into State Hall of Fame and each of them earned scholarships for their musical theater performances. Their show "Boy Meets Girl" not only received a Superior rating for the show, it received a perfect score! Cameron Krauss completed his year long duties as a-state officer and Quinn Goldberg was elected to to this year’s State Officer Board.
Video: Neshaminy enjoys a live in-school holiday concert
On the final day before the winter break, Neshaminy HS students were invited to watch a festive in-school concert in Theodore Kloos Auditorium. Students were asked to sign up for seats at the concert, which "sold out" quickly (for free, of course). The concert was also video livestreamed, allowing other students and staff throughout the district to enjoy the performances from the NHS Orchestra, Choir and Concert Choir in real time.
October, November NHS Students of the Month
The November Neshaminy HS Student of the Month recipients were nominated by the staff from the Business, Computer, and Information Technology (BCIT) and Technology Education Departments (Tech Ed) along with the Rotary Student of the Month. They were recognized with a ceremony in the Black Box Theater in front of their families and invited guests on December 7. Congratulations to the following:
- Jacob Gopal – Langhorne Rotary: Sponsored by Mrs. Rodgers
- Brendan Taylor - BCIT: Sponsored by Mrs. Ladzinski & Mr. Stewart
- Madison Engelhardt – Tech Ed: Sponsored by Mr. Waybrant
- Keir Riegen - BCIT: Sponsored by Mrs. Moore
- Ethan Hoyas – Tech Ed: Sponsored by Mr. Fresco
- Bhavya Patel - BCIT: Sponsored by Mrs. Hall & Ms. Rotchford
- Margaret Gottschalk – Tech Ed: Sponsored by Mr. Wood
- Jace Redick - BCIT: Sponsored by Mrs. Hall & Ms. Rotchford
- Thomas Abrams – Tech Ed: Sponsored by Mr. Randt
The October Neshaminy HS Students of the Month award recipients were recognized during a ceremony in November. Pictured above (left - right): Romeo Angelini, Representative Joe Hogan, Sarah Kelly, Savannah Ruiz-Hinson, Jack Kidd, Amanda Chen, Mia Misero, Kaylie Karpovich, Jason Stock, Principal Mr. Stephen Garstka, and Charles Ewe
Livestreaming NHS sports videos move to new website
Neshaminy HS sports fans have a new home to watch livestream videos of many varsity and JV games. Currently these games are captured by automated HUDL cameras in Gym 3, at Harry E. Franks Stadium and at the new multipurpose field next to the stadium. The games have been available for viewing on the district's YouTube channel, but HUDL is moving those feeds to a new dedicated website, https://fan.hudl.com/neshaminy The games can be viewed free of charge and archive videos of past games are also available on the site.
Other district videos will continue to be posted on the YouTube channel, and livestream video of Neshaminy HS concerts at www.neshamiy.org/nhsmusicvideo.
Neshaminy Update is published monthly during the school year and distributed to the Neshaminy community via email and web. To submit comments, suggestions or news items for consideration, please email Chris Stanley, Community Relations Coordinator.
Neshaminy School Board of Directors
Marty Sullivan - President
Tina Hollenbach - Vice-President
John Allen
Cyndie Bowman
Alicia Lafferty
Beth Marshall
Carlos Rodriguez
Kellen Sporny
Jill Waldbieser
Neshaminy School District
Acting Superintendent
Jason Bowman
Assistant to the Superintendent / Director of Elementary Education
Michelle Burkholder
Assistant to the Superintendent / Director of Pupil Services
Dr. Kevin Kane
Business Administrator
Donald B. Irwin, Jr.
Director of Human Resources
Kelly Kozik
Assistant to the Superintendent / Director of Educational Operations
Paul Meehan
Neshaminy School District
2001 Old Lincoln Highway
Langhorne, PA 19047