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.

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• Affordable Connectivity Program - Bringing Affordable Internet to Families
• Confidential Residency Reporting Tip Line
• Donate to PHS Mini-THON!
• District Emails Archive
• E-Flyers
• Employment Opportunities at Pennsbury School District
• May Wellness Activity Log
• Part-Time Jobs for Students
• Pennsbury Parent Academy - Events & Recordings
• Pennsbury Sports Schedules
• PHS Mini-THON Raffle Baskets
• PHS Project Updates
• Purchase a Pennsbury High School Yearbook
• Safe2Say - Anonymous Tip Line
• Senior Spotlight Submission Form - Class of 2024
• Special Education Advisory Council (SEPAC) - Events and Info

This year, over 40 Pennsbury staff members will retire from the Pennsbury family. We wish them well as they begin the next phase of their life. Collectively, these retirees have dedicated almost 1000 years to the students of Pennsbury!

At the School Board Action meeting on May 16, 2024, the Pennsbury Board of Directors hosted a reception and formally recognized these individuals for their commitment to our students.

Please join us in congratulating this year's retirees for their dedicated service to the Pennsbury School District!

Quarry Hill Elementary School was abuzz with excitement as the renowned entertainer Justin Guarini paid a special visit to the students. Third and fourth graders had the unique opportunity to watch as audience members while the fifth-grade chorus rehearsed for their upcoming recital.

In collaboration with Quarry Hill’s music teacher and conductor, Jennifer Stephens, Justin worked closely with the fifth graders, helping them improve their performance. He kicked off his session by sharing a personal story from his time on American Idol, where he famously finished as the runner-up in the show’s inaugural season. Justin recounted a moment when he messed up the lyrics in front of 30 million live viewers. Quick on his feet, he came up with a rhyme on the spot and kept going, using this anecdote to emphasize the importance of perseverance and confidence in performance.

Justin provided practical advice to the soloists, suggesting they adjust the microphone to their height, stand closer to it, and sing out confidently. He also worked with the student drummer and a student with maracas, encouraging them to create their own beat, enjoy the music, and maintain rhythm throughout the song. His final tip was for everyone to smile while performing, noting how it can transform their presentation.

In just a short time, the fifth-grade chorus showed noticeable improvement under Justin’s guidance. The students were thrilled by the experience, eagerly lining up for autographs and pictures after the rehearsal.

From the tender age of four, Justin Guarini has been in love with entertainment. Accepted into the prestigious Atlanta Boys Choir program at such a young age, he has spent the past 20 years captivating audiences worldwide. His career took off during the first season of American Idol, where he performed live in front of millions each week. Justin has since toured across America, starred in seven Broadway musicals and plays, hosted live televised events for the Grammys, Emmys, and Tonys, and charmed audiences in his award-winning commercial campaign as “Lil’ Sweet” for Dr. Pepper. He has also shared his wealth of experience in his best-selling book, “Audition Secrets.”

Justin’s visit to Quarry Hill Elementary left a lasting impression on the students, inspiring them to stay confident, keep performing, and always remember that the show must go on.

Congratulations to the Pennsbury-LYFT Character Award winners for the month of May. Students Leilani Pomierny, Harper Cook*, Margaret McGinty, and Pattybeth Jajua were honored at the Pennsbury School Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, May 16, 2024.

The purpose of the Pennsbury-LYFT Character Award is to recognize and reward students who embody exemplary character traits and behaviors. The character trait for May was Leadership.

Click here to read the full press release.

*Harper was unable to attend and will be honored at the June 20 board meeting.

The Pennsbury School District has a vacancy for School Director for Region 2. Interested candidates should forward their cover letter and resume to Chris Berdnik, Board Secretary, at cberdnik@pennsburysd.org by noon on May 28, 2024.

A special meeting of the Pennsbury Board of School Directors has been scheduled for Thursday, June 6, 2024, and will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the multi-purpose room of the Fallsington Elementary School located at 134 Yardley Avenue, Fallsington, PA. The purpose of this meeting is the appointment of a Board member.

The Pennsbury High School Drama Department held its annual red carpet event, Dessert Theatre & Thespian Celebration, at the "Cave" at PHS West on Saturday, May 11.

The event featured student musical performances and the induction of 16 new members into PHS's International Thespian Troupe, an Honor Society for the Dramatic Arts.

The evening was an emotional send-off for the Drama Troupe's senior members as they took to the Cave's stage for one last performance. Senior members include Tim Brachelli, Evan Capozzola, Meghan Crohe (International Thespian Honors), Haley Eliason, Maeve Healey (Honor Thespian), Jaymes Lewis (Honor Thespian), Ava Mascio (Honor Thespian), Gianna Mathas, Emilia Navarrete, Shaelyn Nuschke (Honor Thespian), Morgan Pearson, Annamarie Radzinski, Aliana Rivera, Delaney Ryan, Jacqui Thomas, Elena Umstead (Honor Thespian), Caylee Vanween, Lucas Weng, and Scott Wilson (Honor Thespian).

Heartfelt congratulations to our talented inductees! Your dedication and passion for the dramatic arts have earned you a well-deserved place in PHS's International Thespian Troupe. We look forward to witnessing your future achievements in the world of theatre.

Class of 2024

Emilia Navarette

Class of 2025

Hibah Abdellatif

Emily Carlin

Lola Castro

Matt Deem

Nina Evon

Gwen Hoppe

Crystal Menzies

Class of 2026

Liam Abercauph

Athena Matthes

Hayleigh Monachello

Liam Neill

Emma Pepe

Samantha Woolman

Class of 2027

Joshua Cahan

Olivia Czyz

To qualify for International Thespian Society membership, students must accumulate 10+ points. One point equals 10 hours of service. To be eligible for the rank of Honor Thespian and International Honor Thespian, students must meet a minimum requirement of 60+ total points and 180+ total points, respectively.

The Pennsbury Drama Department is open to all students and offers a full year of theatrical productions for actors and technicians. Activities are held year-round and include:

• The fall drama
• PA State Thespian Conference
• The spring drama
• Dessert Theater
• DramaFest
• A Night of One-Acts (student-directed one-act plays)
• The International Thespian Conference

This Sunday, May 19, 2024

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Big Oak Citgo

812 Big Oak Rd

Morrisville, PA 19067

🎭 Thank you for your support! 🎭

The Pennsbury School District Board of Directors recently honored S. Haydon Massengill, a senior at Pennsbury High School, for his exemplary service as the PHS student school board representative over the past two years. During the recognition ceremony, the Board presented Haydon with a resolution highlighting his dedication and contributions to the school community. The resolution acknowledged his valuable insights and efforts in representing the student body's interests, commending his commitment to fostering communication between students and the school board. We wish Haydon well as he heads off to Colorado College this fall to pursue a double major in political science and history with a minor in music business.

The school board also recognized Nivrithi Kanubaddi as the incoming PHS junior school board representative. The current junior representative, Zaki Ali, will become the senior representative. The Pennsbury High School student board representatives attend each monthly school board action meeting, providing a voice for the students on the school board.

Pictured above: S. Haydon Massengill with school board directors Lois Lambing (left) and Linda Palsky

Small photo - Zaki Ali (left) and Nivrithi Kanubaddi

Students from Pennwood Middle School proudly represented their school at this month's Pennsbury School Board Action Meeting. Students Maggie Lin and Luke Sherratt updated the school board on all of the exciting events and learning taking place at Pennwood. Click the button below to view their presentation.

A group of twenty-one students from Penn Valley Elementary School had the opportunity to participate in a STEM-based learning adventure at the Philadelphia Zoo.

The Penn Valley enrichment groups embarked on an educational journey where they learned about various animals, their care, and the essential elements they need to survive. As they explored the zoo, the students engaged in a fun and interactive scavenger hunt and bingo game, seeking out fascinating phenomena and facts about the animal kingdom.

This trip was organized by staff members Pilar Otto, Amanda McDowell, and Anthony Fallacaro, who ensured that the students had a memorable and educational day at the zoo.

Tomorrow, May 18 is Pennsbury High School's Annual Mini-THON!

Pennsbury High School West Orange Gym - 608 S Olds Blvd, Fairless Hills

1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

$20 Entry Fee

Click here to donate to Pennsbury's Mini-THON

Join us in our Fight Against Childhood Cancer!

🎫 Click here to view and purchase tickets for Pennsbury's Mini-THON Raffle Baskets! 🎫

Tickets are $2 each. Online ticket submissions must be completed by 4:45 p.m. tomorrow, May 18. The drawing will be at 5:00 p.m.

Four Diamonds Mini-THON® empowers K-12 students to raise funds and awareness to help conquer childhood cancer. Mini-THONs raise money for cancer care and research while having fun and learning work-ready skills. (Source)

Thanks to a generous grant from the Pennsbury Education Foundation (PEF), teacher Amy Tomko’s kindergarten class at Quarry Hill Elementary School embarked on a creative and meaningful project: designing a Kindness Rock Garden outside their classroom! The students were thrilled to be involved in every step of the process, learning how to create a rock garden from start to finish.

Ms. Tomko extends her heartfelt thanks to several individuals who played key roles in making this project a success. Jess Wagman assisted in writing the grant, Pat Lake helped with the supply order, Larry Killian provided support with drainage and cleanup, and Tanya Richter contributed a beautiful sign for the garden.

The Pennsbury Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, is dedicated to fostering new and innovative programs and acts as a catalyst for continuous improvement within the Pennsbury School District.

• During the month of May, all Pennsbury students and staff are encouraged to focus on their physical, social-emotional, and nutritional health. Record your daily wellness activities daily using this May Wellness Activity Log.

• We will celebrate the school with the most entries. One lucky winner from elementary, middle, and high school will be selected at random to WIN A NEW BICYCLE courtesy of The Nutrition Group!

• Activities include walking, biking, playing sports, yoga, practicing mindfulness, screen-free nights, making a healthy snack, and more. The possibilities are endless!

We are very excited to see how our students and staff participate in Wellness Month!

As a part of their ABC Countdown to the end of the school year, students at Penn Valley Elementary School are celebrating the final 26 days with a daily theme for each letter of the alphabet. On May 15, the theme was E for Exercise! Students and staff were encouraged to take a walk or incorporate physical activity into their day.

Second and third grade students started their day with planks, backbends, and push-ups, AND they were sure to log all of their exercises in their May Wellness Activity Log!

On Wednesday, May 15, Makefield Elementary School welcomed incoming kindergarten students and their families for the 2024-2025 school year with a delightful "Spring into Kindergarten" event. This special day provided a wonderful opportunity for future students to socialize with their soon-to-be classmates, play games together in the gymnasium, and visit classrooms, helping them feel more comfortable and excited about starting school.

Parents and families had the chance to engage with Makefield's PTO, gaining valuable insights and information while taking a tour of the school building. Meanwhile, Makefield Principal Eileen Martin gathered all the incoming students in the library for a special storytime, reading The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing.

The story, which captures the excitement and nerves of children preparing for their first day of kindergarten, resonated with both the children and their parents. It depicts kids packing school supplies, posing for pictures, and facing the challenge of saying goodbye to Mom and Dad. In the end, the book reveals that kindergarten can be a fun and exciting adventure.

This engaging event helped to ease the transition for incoming students and their families, fostering a sense of community and anticipation for the new school year.

The Pennwood Middle School Concert Band and Jazz Band visited Quarry Hill Elementary School this week to perform for third, fourth, and fifth grade students.

Led by band director Adam Pfannenstiel and student teacher Jon Brunozzi, the young musicians performed a variety of pieces for the students to get them excited about Pennsbury's instrumental music program. Brunozzi, an alumni of Edgewood, Charles Boehm, and Pennsbury High School completed his student teaching with Mr. Pfannenstiel and recently graduated from Temple University.

Mr. Pfannenstiel took the time to explain the different types of instruments to the students, sparking curiosity and giving them an inside peek at the middle school music program.

Walt Disney Elementary School recently hosted an exciting Third Grade Biography Bash Day, celebrating the hard work and creativity of its students. Throughout the project, students read a biography, wrote their own biography, and then embodied their chosen famous person.

In school, the students crafted biography posters highlighting key moments from their subject's life, important lessons they learned, and the qualities that made them successful. At home, they created costumes and a special bag project. Inside the bag, they included five items representing their chosen individual's life and achievements.

The Biography Bash Day showcased an impressive array of historical and contemporary figures. Some of the famous individuals represented by the students included:

• Neil DeGrasse Tyson
• Simone Biles
• Martin Luther King, Jr.
• Frida Kahlo
• Avril Lavigne
• Taylor Swift
• Davy Crockett
• Bruce Springsteen
• Marie Curie
• Susan B. Anthony
• Milton Hershey
• Harriet Tubman
• Helen Keller
• Walt Disney

This engaging event was guided by third-grade teachers Jess Holzerman, Sheri Flinn, Kim Munger, and support teacher Regina Lewis. Their dedication and support helped the students bring history to life and learn valuable lessons about perseverance, creativity, and the impact of these remarkable individuals.

On Monday, August 26, 2024, from 2:00 - 6:00 PM, Pennsbury School District will be hosting our annual Starting School “Write” open house at Village Park Elementary School located at 75 Unity Drive, Levittown. This is part of our "Returning to School with Equity in Mind" initiative. The goal is to help all children in our district have access to necessities in order to have a strong start to the school year.

All Pennsbury School District families who would benefit from assistance are invited to this event for FREE back-to-school haircuts by professional hairdressers and barbers, backpacks, lunch boxes, and other school supplies.

Community members can donate money or new school supplies to this great event to support our K-12 Pennsbury students. We believe that with the help of everyone in our community, we can show support for those most in need. Individuals interested in donating money should contact Keller Arnold from Pennsbury Kids at keller@pennsburykids.org.

Donation boxes are located at each school through the end of the school year. Donations can also be delivered to Village Park Elementary School at 75 Unity Drive, Levittown. We are collecting the following items:

Supplies needed: pencils pens, crayons, scissors, glue sticks, rulers, markers, pencil boxes, notebooks, loose leaf paper, highlighters, folders, binders, headphones/earbuds, TI84 Calculators, post-it notes, index cards (3X5)

We are also accepting new backpacks, drawstring bags, lunch boxes, reusable water bottles, new clothing, shoes (sneakers)

Food pantry items: canned goods and other non-perishable food items, feminine hygiene products, shampoo, conditioner, soap and deodorant

Calling all PHS students! Are you interested in becoming Freddy the Falcon? The search is on for the newest Falcon mascot! Rising 9-11th grade students are encouraged to fill out this form if interested in becoming PHS's beloved mascot! The form closes Monday, May 20.

Pennsbury is sharing "Senior Spotlight" social media posts for graduating seniors on the district's Facebook and Instagram pages. Posts include a picture of the senior, along with a custom caption.

Click here to fill out a Google Form so you can have your Pennsbury High School senior featured in our Senior Spotlight!

*Only one post per senior, so please confer with other family/friends before submitting. A form must be submitted for a senior to have a post.*

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.

• Yearbooks are $90 and available for purchase until 6/1/24 (while supplies last).

• Click this link to purchase!

• Pick up for seniors: Senior Picnic on June 6*

• Pick up for 9-11 grade: After school the week of June 10

*Limited copies will be available at the senior picnic for $85

Click here for more information about the Pennsbury Instrumental Music Program!

Mission Statement: The Pennsbury Instrumental Music Department, a student-centered learning community, will prepare each member to achieve their highest potential and to demonstrate skills and talents necessary for quality of life by providing a musically diverse program with the involvement and support of families and community.

Click here to check out News from the Nest, the Pennsbury Athletic Department's new newsletter! Stay up to date on all things Falcon Athletics!

Join us for the 2024 Pennsbury Instrumental Music Summer Program, being held Monday evenings, July 1 - August 19, 2024! This program is open to all current 4th - 8th grade Pennsbury Band and Orchestra students. Students will participate in full ensemble rehearsals and sectionals! Attendance at all sessions is encouraged but not mandatory, so come play your instrument with us as much as you are able!

When: Monday evenings 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Aug 5, 12, 19

Culmination Concert: Monday, August 19 at 7:00 p.m. @ PHS East

Where: Currently in Grades 4 & 5 - William Penn Middle School (1524 Derbyshire Rd, Yardley, PA )

Currently in Grades 6, 7, & 8 - Pennwood Middle School (1523 Makefield Road, Yardley, PA)

Cost: $100 on or before 5/15/24; $125 after 5/15/24

To Register:

1. Complete the ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM here: https://rb.gy/hvs0hw

2. Send payment to:
   Pennsbury Instrumental Music Summer Program
   ℅ Adam Pfannenstiel
   Pennwood Middle School
   1523 Makefield Rd, Yardley, PA 19067

• Checks or Money Orders must be made payable to: PIMB
• Please put STUDENT NAME & “SMP” in the memo line
• PLEASE NO CASH!

Cancellations on or before June 23, 2024 will incur a $25 charge. No refunds after June 23, 2024.

Many parents and caregivers struggle with how to help their child or teen with behavioral health issues. By attending one of these FREE workshops targeting specific age groups of the child, we will provide you with useful, age-appropriate information and practical strategies you can use at home right away. You’ll also meet other caregivers facing similar issues. Presenters are both skilled clinicians specializing in children and teens, and parents themselves.

All caregivers are welcome, including but not limited to: parents, step-parents, grandparents, foster parents, and professional caregivers! All classes will be held in person at: Lenape Valley Foundation 500 North West Street, Doylestown, PA. Attendees must complete the form to register and attend. One form must be submitted for each attendee. Click here to register!

Run by Pennsbury teachers Dana Hoffman and Aphrodite Crane. It will be taking place at Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School this summer, but is open to all Pennsbury students in that age range.

Click here to register!

Join us for the 2024 Pennsbury Instrumental Music Summer Program, held Monday evenings from July 1 - August 19, 2024. This program is open to all current 4th - 8th grade Pennsbury Band and Orchestra students. Click here for more information and to register!

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

Visit our website for recordings of past presentations.

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service. This new benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.

Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail-in application. You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting www.fcc.gov/ACP, or by calling 877-384-2575.

How to Get Started:

1. Create a training account at PaTTAN: pattan.framwelder.com
2. Complete the 7 online courses: Bureau of Special Education Para Credential of Competency Entry Level Training Series and save your certificates.
3. Email paras@pennsburysd.org to set up an interview to complete the process.

Questions? Email us at paras@pennsburysd.org

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

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.

PHS Key Club is cleaning pill bottles to be donated to developing Latin American countries. These pill bottles will be used to package medical supplies for those in need. Students have cleaned over 180 bottles and are looking to clean even more throughout the school year. If you are looking to declutter your medicine cabinet, please reach out to Vanessa Fry (vfry@pennsburysd.org) or Oksana Cheeseman (ocheeseman@pennsburysd.org) to donate!

Click the links below to view the current schedules for Pennsbury Athletics.

Weekly Sports Schedule

Current Team Schedules - Schedules are subject to change at any time. Check this page often for the latest updates!

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.

Click here to submit an anonymous tip.

The Nutrition Group is now hiring! Positions include Food Service Workers, Cooks, and Kitchen Managers with rates from $15 - $17 per hour. The hours are Monday-Friday, school hours only. No nights, weekends, or holidays! Apply today by calling the Nutrition Group office at 215-949-6740 ext. 2, or click here and search for "Pennsbury"!

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:

residency@pennsburysd.org

(215) 428-4100 ext. 84777 (TIPSS)

Click here for more information.

Have a question about Pennsbury? Don't trust the rumors, ask Penny!

Send Penny an email at askpenny@pennsburysd.org.

tsmith@pennsburysd.org

215-428-4111

Email: publicrelations@pennsburysd.org

Website: www.pennsburysd.org
Location: 134 Yardley Avenue, Fallsington, PA 19058
Phone: 215-428-4100