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
• District Emails Archive
• E-Flyers
• Employment Opportunities at Pennsbury School District
• Part-Time Jobs for Students
• Pennsbury End-of-the-Year Survey
• Pennsbury Parent Academy - Events & Recordings
• PHS Project Updates
• Safe2Say - Anonymous Tip Line
• Special Education Advisory Council (SEPAC) - Events and Info

• Please complete our annual Pennsbury End-of-the-Year Survey (takes less than 5 minutes).
• The school calendar for next year (24-25) has been posted.
• Have a safe and enjoyable summer! 🌞

The Pennsbury High School Commencement ceremony returned to the newly renovated Falcon Field this year. Seven-hundred and nineteen seniors graduated from Pennsbury High School on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.

The Class of 2024 was awarded a minimum of 67 different scholarships, totaling $898,356.00. (Scholarship information is self-reported by students and may not be complete.) Post-secondary plans for the graduates include commitments to the United States Military, trade schools including Automotive Training Center, Bucks County School of Beauty Culture, and Pennco Tech, and two and four-year colleges and universities including American University, Brown University, Bucknell University, Fordham University, Florida State University, New York University, Penn State University, Princeton University, and more.

Commencement speakers included Dr. Joanna Steere, President of the Pennsbury School Board of Directors; Dr. Thomas Smith, Pennsbury Superintendent of Schools; Reginald Meadows, Pennsbury High School Campus Principal. Student speakers were PHS Class of 2024 Top Scholars, Sriya Amineni, Daniel Kim, and Claire MacElroy.

Members of the Pennsbury High School Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Mark Capriotti, performed Pomp and Circumstance. Members of the Pennsbury Chamber Choir, under the direction of Lindsey Strauss, performed the Star-Spangled Banner and Pennsbury Alama Mater.

Click the button below for more images from this special day! 🎓🧡🖤

Pennsbury's M.O.S.T. Program held its annual graduation ceremony on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. M.O.S.T. stands for More Opportunities for Student Training. The program, designed for 18-21 year-olds, changes the focus from Academic Credits to Post-Secondary Outcomes and helps students practice social, functional, and vocational skills. Click here to learn more about Pennsbury's M.O.S.T. Program. Congratulations to Mason Bate, Tiffany Belinski, Quentin Elliot, Emily Gensamer, Jessica Hackimer, Jeffrey Schaal, Allen Solchaga, Vinny Tufo, and Anthony White.

Prior to graduation, Pennsbury seniors took one last stroll through the elementary schools where their educational careers began. Eighth-graders also took one last stroll through their middle schools as they now prepare to enter high school. Students and staff lined the hallways to wish the seniors and eighth-graders well in the next step of their journey!

We're thrilled to share the incredible achievements of Pennsbury's Green Teams during the 2023-24 school year! Their dedication, innovation, and hard work have made a significant impact on our community and the environment. Click the link below to see year in review!

Graduation wasn't just for the kids! Congratulations to our furry friends who recently graduated from the A.I.R. Therapy Dog Training Program. These dogs and their handlers are the second cohort to complete the therapy dog training program in Pennsbury. The eventual goal is for Pennsbury to have one certified therapy dog in each of the district's schools, providing innovative and different ways to support students.

"The simple action of petting a dog releases all good de-stressing brain chemicals. Interacting with a dog lowers our cortisol stress level. This is a comprehensive program utilizing trained and certified therapy dogs for our mental health. Individuals can train with AIR to certify their personal dog. AIR also offers the AIR School Therapy Dog Program to train dogs owned by school staff members to enhance certified therapy dogs' presence in schools." (Source - airngo.com)

Donna Petrecco has been sworn in as the new Region 2 director of the Pennsbury School Board. She succeeds Jim Prokopiak, who resigned in May. With her family in attendance, Petrecco was sworn in by (ret.) Judge Jan Vislosky at the Pennsbury School District Administration building in Fallsington on Thursday, June 13. Petrecco is a lifelong resident of Lower Bucks County. She has two children - one currently enrolled at Pennsbury High School, the other a PHS alum.

Pennsbury's Odyssey of the Mind team from Quarry Hill Elementary School had a whirlwind of a time competing in the World Finals at the end of May. They joined over 800 teams competing at various levels and problems, and finished 18th out of 52 teams in their problem/division. During the four day competition at Iowa State University, the team enjoyed participating in the opening and awards ceremonies, pin trading with competitors from around the world, volunteering to run the life-sized Operation board game at Pennsylvania's booth during the Creativity Festival, and even being interviewed by the sponsors - Arm & Hammer!

Congratulations to Shyla Barno, Akira Dhundia, Sophie Grenier, Maddie Mocarski, Kaylee Obert-Thorn, Lily Schwartz, and Jack Votava for a job well done. You proudly represented Pennsbury School District.

May was Wellness Month in Pennsbury! Wellness Month is designed to encourage all students and staff focus on their physical, social-emotional, and nutritional health and keep a wellness log. Activities included basketball, baseball, running, walking, biking, yoga, preparing healthy snacks, screen-free family time, and more. The school with the greatest number of activity time logged this year was Edgewood Elementary School! This year marks the second year in a row that the school captured the trophy!

Additionally, students at the elementary, middle, and high school level who logged the most wellness activities won a new bicycle courtesy of The Nutrition Group, Pennsbury's food service provider. Congratulations to Madelyn Avila (Edgewood), Kaley Natalini (William Penn), and Adriana Gage (Pennsbury High School).

This year, Manor Elementary School formed a 5th-Grade Committee, led by Manor parent Jill Calligan, to spearhead a bingo fundraiser which profited over $16,000. These funds were used to pay for all 76 fifth-grade students to attend their field trip for free and discount the cost to all chaperones. Every student also received the required calculator for middle school, a physical education pinnie, and a Charles Boehm spirit wear shirt. The committee wanted every student to transition to middle school in the fall and not have to worry about the cost of these necessities.

In addition, the 5th Grade Committee wanted to be sure Manor’s Class of 2024 left their mark on their school, and what better way to do so than with a mural! Nicole Burkett from Penelope Fox Art Studio was commissioned for the project. Nicole took a rough design from Manor SPARK teacher Catherine Jones and ideas from Manor PTO Board Members Krista Savidge and Michelle Johnson to sketch up a plan. Nicole painted the mural on a 14 gage 6ft stainless steel circle, which was donated by Waste Gas Fabricating for the project. Staff from the Pennsbury Facilities Department installed the circle and Nicole completed the project just in time for the Senior Clap Out, 5th Grade Move-Up, and all other year-end celebrations. The mural has quickly become the backdrop for many photos and we hope it brightens up the entrance of Manor for years to come!

Fundraising efforts have also allowed for the purchase of two additional outdoor tables to complete the outdoor classroom on the library patio, which will be completed this summer. This space will be able to hold an entire classroom beginning this fall for outdoor learning, thanks to Manor’s Class of 2024!

To celebrate the last day of school, Fallsington Elementary School hosted their annual talent show. Parents and staff watched in awe as students performed acts such as: solving a Rubix Cube in less than a minute, singing, dancing, doing gymnastics, playing a piano duet, performing an original comedy sketch, singing a song naming all 50 states, cup stacking, and more! Everyone who participated did an amazing job. Kudos to all for braving the stage in front of such a large audience!

On Wednesday, June 5, Charles Boehm Middle School's Building Equity Leadership Team (BELT) hosted a Family Game Night. Over 60 attendees enjoyed board games galore, coloring sheets, and delicious snacks. Admission to this event was free, but attendees were encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation for the local food pantry to help support families in need within our community. It was a great opportunity to bond with loved ones, make new friends, and support a great cause. It was a night filled with fun, laughter, and friendly competition.

Penn Valley Elementary School hosted its fourth annual Math Bee on June 7, 2024. One student was selected to represent each homeroom in kindergarten through fifth grade. The entire school cheered on their classmates as they solved fact fluency and problem-solving questions. All of our participants did an amazing job.

This year, the first-place award went to fifth-grade student, Ava Kind. Our second and third-place champions were Sharin Phillips in kindergarten and Nicholas Cartolaro in fourth grade. A fun time was had by all!

As part of Walt Disney Elementary School's end-of-year Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) celebration, an outdoor assembly was held. All students who had been honored as Dragon of the Month throughout the school year participated in grade-level water balloon tosses, adding a splash of fun to the event.

The assembly concluded with an exciting announcement from the “flight crew” students, who revealed the PBIS trait focuses for the next school year. These traits include Respectful, Responsible, Safe, Upstander, Kindness, Trustworthy, Perseverance, and Leadership.

The event was a wonderful way to celebrate the achievements of the students while setting a positive tone for the upcoming school year.

Third-grade students at Penn Valley Elementary School wrapped up the school year with a lively Hoedown Celebration. Hosted by teachers Mrs. Zubrzycki, Mrs. O'Neill, Miss Surdy, and Mrs. McGurrin, the event was a hit. Everyone sang together, exchanged sheriff badges, and showed off their square dancing skills after much practice. Students also autographed yearbooks and enjoyed some good old-fashioned hotdogs with potato chips. The celebration was a fantastic way to wrap up the year, bringing together students, teachers, and parent volunteers for a memorable event.

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

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. The school is 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 will be 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 will be 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

The Pennsbury Community Chorus Musical Theatre presents Beauty and the Beast, Jr.

July 22 - August 1, 2024.

Led by PHS Choral Director, Lindsey Strauss, this unique opportunity is open to rising 5th graders through rising 10th-graders.

Students will learn theatrical skills during the two-week camp, held at Pennsbury High School West, culminating in a performance showcasing those skills. For more information and to register, visit www.pennsburysings.org.

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.

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 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.

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.

Did you miss an email from the District? Check the archive!

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.

Dr. Thomas Smith, Superintendent of Schools

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