CSD Weekly Update
Friday, May 24, 2024
FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
As some of you may know, CSD, like many school districts, is facing a pressing budget shortfall of approximately $5 million dollars, a situation that demands our immediate attention and action.
The Pennsylvania courts found that the state's funding of public schools is unconstitutional because the quality of students’ education is determined by their zip code. Recently, I traveled to Harrisburg as part of a group advocating for more funding for public education from the Commonwealth.
The current education budget proposal represents a monumental victory for our public education system, including a groundbreaking $1.8 billion injection of new funding. This infusion of resources is not merely a gesture; it's a tangible commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, receives the quality education they deserve, a step in the right direction. It would also go a long way in helping local school districts reduce the need to increase taxes due to the significant inflationary cost associated with providing services and purchasing goods necessary to operate schools.
New funds for Centennial School District would potentially include:
- Funds to allow us to continue to provide a quality education through increases in Basic Education Funding and Special Education Funding.
- Funds to balance the district budget by cutting cyber charter costs by a reported estimate of $700,000.
This past year alone, we have experienced a $4.5 million increase in special education costs to meet the needs of our deserving students. A significant portion of this proposed education funding increase, $872 million, is earmarked for students our current funding system has most disenfranchised. For too long, these students have been shortchanged and left behind.
Furthermore, this proposal recognizes the burden placed on many school districts due to state underfunding, with a tax equity supplement to alleviate the strain on communities where property taxes have been pushed to unsustainable levels. Over 90% of Pennsylvania students attend public schools, and we must ensure they receive the support they need and deserve. We cannot afford to be sidetracked by distractions; our priority must remain to fulfill our obligation to fund our public education system fairly.
The current education budget proposal is more than just a financial plan; it's a statement of our values and priorities. It can be a testament to our unwavering commitment to our children's future and our communities' prosperity. Investing in education isn't just about balancing budgets; it's about shaping the destiny of nations. Therefore, let us recognize that the true measure of our society's greatness lies in our commitment to providing every child with the tools they need to succeed and become productive citizens in society, a commitment that will reverberate throughout our communities and our nation.
CENTENNIAL HIGHLIGHTS
ACADEMICS
Willow Dale's Field Day
On May 16th, Willow Dale Elementary School participated in their Annual Field Day. Teacher's got in on the action by opening their field day with an Inflatable/costume race. Students participated in 31 stations throughout the whole day. GO Blue and Gold. It was a PAWsome day!
Willow Dale's April Students of the Month & Teacher Spotlight
Congratulations to Willow Dale's April students of the month! These students were nominated by their classroom teachers for consistently showing respect and always displaying PAWSOME behavior! To celebrate all of the amazing teachers and staff members here at Willow Dale, we are selecting names at random for our teacher/staff members of the month! From April, we highlighted Mrs. Andres, Mrs. DeMarco, Mrs. Totans, and Mrs. Suchey-Gooley. Congratulations to our April staff members! We are so thankful for all of your hard work and dedication at Willow Dale.
The Monster Project
On Tuesday May 21st, Klinger Middle school 8th graders joined Davis Elementary 1st graders for the Monster Project! The Monster Project was funded by the Centennial Education Foundation and is a collaboration that supports reading, life skills and social emotional development.
Mrs. Felmey's first graders were excited to listen to the story I Need My Monster and use this mentor text to spark their imaginations! After listening to the story, the first graders designed their own monster using lots of color and details. These templates were then sent to Mrs. Wert's 8th graders to bring them to life. The first graders then began the writing process to create a class book about the monsters. Each student wrote a page describing their monster using adjectives, and created an illustration to go with it. These pages were all put together into hardback "published" books for the students. The first graders were thrilled to see their own monster come to life as a stuffed animal from the amazing work of the 8th graders. It was incredible to watch all the students interact with each other and celebrate the success of all the parts of The Monster Project!
Mrs. Wert's 8th grade Family and Consumer Sciences class took their newly acquired sewing skills and created monsters for the first graders based on drawings that they made. 8th grade students needed to apply to participate in the project and spent weeks doing an amazing job recreating the monsters. It was so much fun to see the student's reactions and exciting for some of our 8th graders to return the elementary school that they attended!
Willow Dale's "Read Out"
Willow Dale's Pollinator Garden
Ms. Kelly and Mrs. Hopkin received a grant from CEF to build a pollinator garden at Willow Dale! The garden will allow second grade students to see their science unit of plants and insects come to life. They can observe up close how both bees and butterflies help to pollinate the plants in the new garden. It will also allow all students at Willow Dale to enjoy the view next to the outdoor classroom pavilion.
The Next Duff Goldman could be at William Tennent
During the previous week, the students in the Gourmet class at WTHS completed their unit on cakes. They identified the roles of different cake ingredients, learned the creaming method, practiced cake pan preparation techniques, and successfully constructed two to three layer cakes. The students devoted significant effort to their projects, evident in the impressive displays of their work.
A Parent's Guide to Phonics Videos
Looking for more information and a free copy of A Parent’s Guide to Phonics: Understanding How to Help Your Child with Reading and Spelling?
Centennial School District is proud to offer:
follow-up videos on the CSD YouTube Channel
a free book for each family (contact your child’s school office)
Thank you to the CSD Elementary Reading team members who created these videos: Kim Flounders, Miriam Infanti, Dawn Kremer, Lisa Laatsch, Erin Landy, Danyel Masey, Jennifer McArdle, Rose Miele, Kelley O’Leary, and Susan Stackhouse.
ATHLETICS
Bucks County North League Track & Field Championships
Log College Boy and Girls track had a great showing at the championship this week.
The two fastest female runners in Bucks County, earning gold medals (pics below), were LCMS students Devyn M and Janelle R. Savannah D also earned a bronze medal! For the boys, Jason B won a bronze medal in the 400 while Brayden M earned the bronze medal in the shot put. The boys mile relay team also won a bronze medal: (Lexy Y, Pedro V, Edwin D, and Jason B).
Landon Vargas Memorial Dodgeball Tournament
The William Tennent Athletic Council held the annual Landon Vargas Memorial Dodgeball Tournament on Thursday, May 16, 2024. We are happy to announce the tournament raised $750 for the Landon Vargas Foundation.
Congratulations to this year's winning team, Pretty in Pink! The members of the winning team were: Cody Devor, AJ Foulds, Cameron Guzman, Jordan Lawson, Chase Lubrant, and Trey Noll. The runner up team was the Average Joes. The members of the second place team were: Jackson Archibald, Kirby Mooney, Connor Servis, Sam Vernick, Mike Woehr, and Julio Ybarra.
The "Best Dressed" Team Award went to the Uppercuts, made up of Chloe Hostetler, Mya Sebastian, Dan Ellis, Evie Kimbrough, Leah Stever and Nicole Irwin.
Interested in Sports for 24-25 School Year?
How Can I Participate???
Download your PIAA Physical - SECTION 6 OF THE PACKET MUST BE COMPLETED AFTER JUNE 1ST OF THIS YEAR.
DON’T HOLD ON TO IT - It does not matter what season you participate in. Once your paperwork is completed - turn it into the athletic office or email it to Joslin Poole (athletic trainer).
In preparation for the upcoming year, we will begin concussion testing in June. Concussion testing will be held in the cafeteria from 1pm-3pm on the following dates:
Monday 6/10 - Friday 6/14
Monday 6/17 - Friday 6/21
Monday 6/24 - Friday 6/28
Please have your athletes use this link to sign up for a date & time that works for them.
Fall Sports 2024: Fall 2024 Concussion Testing (signupgenius.com)
*These sessions are also open to incoming freshmen who are planning on trying out for your team. Athletes will need to bring their chromebook to complete the test, I will have extra for anyone who needs it. Anyone who is not able to take the test in June will have to get it done in August before the season starts.
Athletes can also begin handing in their PIAA physical form in June. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Do you have any questions???
Feel free to contact the coach for more details regarding try-outs, practices, etc..
THE ARTS
Log College Trills and Thrills Trip
On Friday May 17th the 7th & 8th grade Band, 7th & 8th grade Orchestra, and Log College Singers competed at the Trills and Thrills Festival at Manchester Township High School. For the first time in school history, all three groups came home with the highest rating of SUPERIOR. Our young musicians made Log College proud!
Log College Community Music Performance
On May 22nd, students from the Log College Jazz Band and the Log College Singers performed for the residents of the Masonic Village of Warminster nursing home. Residents enjoyed the tunes while the students had a minute to chat with the seniors to connect with members of our community.
Log College Intermediate Art Classes
Students in Ms. Berner’s Intermediate Art class are finishing up their final project for the year. These mixed media artworks incorporate embossed metal with colored pencil. Students created unique designs with zentangles and selected a section of the composition to emboss, creating concave and convex patterns; ink was then added to give the metal a patina-like finish. Students then used their understanding of color harmony to add pops of color to the rest of the composition. It has been a fun and creative way to wrap up their time in class this year!
COMMUNITY
William Tennent Alumni Bridge to Uganda Initiative
William Tennent alumni and academic hall of famer, Chuck Ormsby received donated items from William Tennent High School for his Bridge to Uganda initiative. including marching band uniforms, instruments, and athletic uniforms over the past few years.
District Survey Now Open!!
We thank you in advance for your thoughtful responses.
FREE FAMILY LITERACY CLASSES FOR ESL FAMILIES
What is Family Literacy?
Vita’s Family Literacy classes help ESL parents gain literacy and parenting skills to help their children succeed in school.
Who Can Join?
ESL parents with at least one child ages birth to 8 years old
What happens in Class?
Adult Education (ESL instruction), parenting education, literacy activities for parents and children
When and Where?
Classes start in July, end – mid August. Morning or afternoon sessions (depending on level).
Combination of in-person and Zoom classes.
Centennial Administration Bldg.
48 Swan Way, Warminster, PA 18974
Call 215-441-6000 Ext. 11085 and leave a message in English, Spanish, Russian or Ukrainian with your name and phone number. We will call you back to discuss eligibility and schedule an appointment.
Walk-In Wednesdays
On the second Wednesday of every month, we welcome you to stop in and speak with a Human Resources representative about exciting employment opportunities in the Centennial School District. The next open-door event will take place at the District Administration Building located at 48 Swan Way, Warminster, PA on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 between 8 am-12 pm.
FOOD AND NUTRITION
CSD IN THE NEWS
DOWNLOAD THE CENTENNIAL APP
The Centennial Chatbot is on the CSD App!
The Centennial Chatbot, accessible on all School and Administrative websites, offering around-the-clock guidance to vital information, is now accessible through the district's App! This development is thrilling and contributes to our ongoing efforts to enhance communication and engagement within the CSD community.
If you haven't downloaded the CSD App yet, now is the time! It's everything, Centennial, in your pocket. With the CSD App, you can easily access documents, events, news updates, and even emergency notifications from your smartphone.
Download for Android: https://bit.ly/3zbwGO8
Download for iPhone: https://apple.co/40D838D
ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS
IMPORTANT LINKS
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
May
May 27: All Schools & Offices Closed (Memorial Day)
May 28: CSD Special School Board Meeting, Enrollment Study Presentation, 6:00 pm
May 28: CSD School Board Meeting, 7:00 pm
June
June 5: William Tennent HS Graduation; Early Dismissal Grs. 9-12
June 6: Early Dismissal Grs. K-11; Grs. K-11 Last Day of School
June 7: Teacher Close-Out Day
June 11: CSD School Board Meeting, 7:00 pm
June 25: CSD School Board Meeting, 7:00 pm
For the Full Calendar Click HERE.
2024/2025 CSD Academic Calendar
On Tuesday 3/12/24, the School Board approved the district calendar for the next school year (2024/2025).
UPCOMING SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
(Back row from left to right): Mr. Flemming Godiksen (Vice President), Mr. Mark Gindhart (Assistant Secretary), Dr. Kathleen Maguire, Mr. Michael Hartline (Front row from left to right): Mrs. Jane Schrader Lynch; Mrs. Patti Crossan; Dr. Dana T. Bedden (Superintendent), Mr. Tony Sadowski, Mrs. Mary Alice Brancato (President), Mr. Charles H. Martin not pictured.
CSD Budget Work Session School Board Meeting
- This meeting is public and can be viewed on the CSD Cable Stations or via the CSD Website or YouTube Channel.
- Click HERE for CSD Public Comment Procedure.
Tuesday, May 28, 2024, 06:00 PM
48 Swan Way, Warminster, PA, USA
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Start Your Career at Centennial!
Please spread the word that Centennial School District is hiring:
If you know anyone who would be interested in these positions, please have them apply. We offer competitive rates, excellent perks, and benefits, including a pension. For questions, please call 215-441-6000, Ext. 11034.
Please check out our employment website for a complete list of vacancies. https://www.centennialsd.org/employment
Now Hiring Substitutes
Have you ever considered a job in education? Do you need a flexible work schedule? Why not try substituting?
Open Opportunities:
- Daily Substitute Teachers
- Long-term and Building Substitute Teachers
- Paraprofessionals (Instructional Aides and Personal Care Assistants)
CENTENNIAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION
VIP Graduation Raffle!
Enter to win 4 VIP Graduation Tickets with preferred parking!
That's seating on the field!!
$5 for one chance, $20 for 6 chances.
Get your raffle tickets now: https://www.centennialef.org/events/2024/4/18/vip-graduation-raffle
Winner will be chosen LIVE on Facebook on May 31st!
All proceeds benefit Centennial Education Foundation.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
WT Soccer Camp
The William Tennent Boys Soccer Program is excited to host its annual youth soccer camp which is open to all players entering 1st through 8th grades in the fall. Please see the details of the camp on the flyer and scan the QR code to register. Proceeds will directly support the WT Soccer program. Thank you for the support!
A Child's Place 2024-2025 School Year
CENTENNIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT eFOLDER
Each year, more and more people and organizations are turning to our District to help get the message out about various activities, events, fundraisers, etc. The intent of this process is to support student achievement and to provide mutual assistance and benefit through shared information. Our district spends a great deal of time collecting, reviewing, and posting flyers to the District eFolder. The District no longer is posting eFlyers to any social media outlets or the District cable channel. You may refer to Policy 913 for additional information.
Please click on this link to connect with all the community eFlyers of the month
Centennial School District
Website: www.centennialsd.org
Location: 48 Swan Way, Warminster, PA, USA
Phone: (215) 441-6000
Facebook: facebook.com/centennialsd
Twitter: @Centennial_SD