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.

Follow the Pennsbury School District on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter)!

• 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 Parent Academy - Events & Recordings
• Pennsbury Sports Schedules
• PHS Project Updates
• Purchase a Pennsbury High School Yearbook
• Remote Learning Information
• Safe2Say - Anonymous Tip Line
• Senior Spotlight Submission Form - Class of 2024
• Special Education Advisory Council (SEPAC) - Events and Info

• 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

The weather was beautiful for the 5th annual YesYouCan 5K race on April 28. Over 750 people participated in the race, benefitting the Pennsbury School District with four goals in mind: build community, build confidence, do something good for yourself, and have fun! And fun they had!

Tom Stoddart, Pennsbury's Health & Physical Education Curriculum Coordinator got the crowd warmed up, followed by the National Anthem, performed by members of the William Penn Jazz Band. Pennsbury High School cheerleaders were on hand to offer motivation as runners and walkers from all 14 of Pennsbury's schools made their way through the 3-mile course that began at the Middle School campus.

Throughout the course, participants were greeted, guided, and hydrated by community volunteers, National Junior Honor Society members, and Pennsbury High School Honor Society members. At the one-mile mark at Makefield Elementary School, PHS Sophomore Maddie McGee provided musical entertainment.

After crossing the finish line, each participant received a medal, and students were invited to sign a YesYouCan5K banner that will hang in Pennsbury's central administration office in Fallsington.

The smiles, confidence, and community pouring onto Finishers' Field was a true testament to the success of the YesYouCan5K 2024. Thank you to the race organizers and sponsors for making this event an annual success and to the talented Pennsbury High School students who served as official race photographers!

Wednesday, May 1, 2024 was National School Principals Day. Please join us in honoring and appreciating the dedicated leaders of our schools! In the Pennsbury School District, our principals embody excellence, passion, and commitment to our students' success every day. They inspire and guide our educators, foster a positive learning environment, and work tirelessly to ensure the best possible education for every child. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each principal in our district for their unwavering dedication and leadership. Thank you for all you do to make Pennsbury schools exceptional places of learning and growth!

Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School recently hosted a special guest, Angela Alexy, a rising senior at Florida Institute of Technology. Angela's connection to the school as an alumnus of Eleanor Roosevelt and Pennsbury High School made this visit particularly exciting. Furthermore, her sister, Liana, is a fifth-grade student at Eleanor Roosevelt, making Angela's return even more special.

Angela, who is studying aerospace engineering, shared her passion for space exploration with the eager fifth graders. She began her talk by explaining what aerospace engineers do, from designing rocket ships to building telescopes.

Angela's presentation was not just informative but also interactive. One of the most engaging parts was when she calculated how many years it would take to get from Earth to other planets in our solar system based on how long it took for student volunteers to run and walk the length of the gymnasium. Angela calculated the number of years using computer code she had written.

Following her presentation, Angela encouraged the students to ask questions, and they eagerly obliged. Their curiosity about aerospace engineering was boundless, and Angela was happy to share her knowledge and experiences with them.

Angela's journey to becoming an aerospace engineer is a testament to the power of following one's passion. She shared with the students that when she was their age, she aspired to be a ballerina. She dedicated many years to dance, even participating in a pre-professional training program. However, as she matured, her interests shifted towards STEM, ultimately leading her to pursue a career in aerospace engineering. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that our passions can evolve and lead us to unexpected and exciting places.

Angela's visit left a lasting impression on the students, inspiring them to dream big and pursue their passions, whatever they may be.

Who knows? Perhaps one day, some of these fifth graders will follow in Angela's footsteps and become the next generation of aerospace engineers, continuing humanity's quest to explore the cosmos.

In early April, Pennsbury School District sent 6 teams from grades 3-12 to compete at the Odyssey of the Mind PA State Tournament, hosted at the Pocono Mountain School District. These teams showcased exceptional creativity and problem-solving skills, with all 6 finishing in the top 15 for their problem and division. Notably, one Division 1 team from Quarry Hill Elementary School secured 2nd place and will advance to the World Finals at Iowa State University in late May!

Congratulations to all the teams representing Pennsbury at the PA State Tournament, and best wishes to Quarry Hill's team (Kaylee Obert-Thorn, Jack Votava, Shyla Barno, Sophie Grenier, Madeleine Mocarski, Lily Schwartz, and Akira Dhundia) as they head to Iowa State University. Go Pennsbury!

For those interested in discovering more about Odyssey of the Mind, visit www.pennsburyom.com or contact the POMA Board at pennsburyom@gmail.com.

Congratulations to the following Pennsbury High School students who were recently recognized by the AATG (American Association of Teachers of German) for their highest percentile rankings on the National German Exam. Students were celebrated at an awards ceremony at the German Society of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia on April 21 and received medals and certificates for their outstanding achievement.

Silberurkunde (Silver Certificate): Svanna Strandberg (11), Lucas Jorgenson (12)

Bronzeurkunde (Bronze Certificate): Lila (Theo) Karczewski (10), Ella Kasatkin (11), Nora King (11)

Wir sind stolz auf Ihnen! (We are so proud of you!)

Top Photo (l-r) - Nora King 11th grade, Ella Kasatkin 11th grade, and Svanna Strandberg 11th grade

Bottom Photo (l-r) - Lucas Jorgenson 11th grade, Lila Karczewski 10th grade, and Frau Cardwell

District-Wide Contest

• During 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. If you participated in the Yes You Can 5K, don't forget to log it!

• 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, going screen free for a night or even a week, and making a healthy snack. The possibilities are endless!

Walk, Bike, & Roll

• May 8 is Walk, Bike & Roll To School Day. Students who live within walking distance of their schools are encouraged to walk, ride a bike, or roll to school with parental permission.

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

Afton Elementary School's Green Team recently conducted an energy audit. Todd Rogers, a Certified Energy Manager who worked with the National Energy Education Development Project to establish and manage a K-12 Energy Education Program, led the students on their audit and provided them with light meters, kilowatt meters, and other tools.

The students combed the school, looking for "Energy Vampires" and ways to be smart about energy use, using enough but not too much to maximize the learning environment.

Based on their findings, students submitted recommendations for improving school energy efficiency.

On Tuesday, April 23, Pennsbury staff enjoyed the beautiful weather and had the opportunity to focus on their personal wellness and professional development. Staff members across the District visited local parks, took nature walks, learned about nutrition, exercised, and engaged in the joy of reading, yoga, and meditation.

In addition to wellness, staff also attended curriculum-focused professional development sessions. These sessions ranged from topics like Structured Literacy, Digital Creativity on Canva, PBIS, and more.

Pennsbury instrumental music teachers Mark Capriotti and Francis Carpino had the pleasure of accompanying their students to this year's PMEA All-State Festival. Students Hope Massey and Owen Spiegelberg performed beautifully, and the ensembles throughout the festival were incredible.

Between the clinics, professional performances, and student performances, this was an extremely valuable experience for all involved. Everyone returned inspired and recharged. Students performed in the beautiful, acoustically sound Warner Theatre in Erie, Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) is a statewide nonprofit organization of over 3,700 members, dedicated to promoting the musical development of all Pennsylvanians. PMEA advances comprehensive and innovative music education through promoting effective instruction, providing meaningful learning experiences, and ensuring impactful and equitable music engagement for all.

Last Friday, April 26, students at William Penn Middle School had the privilege of delving into the fascinating world of bees with Mrs. Krayer as she shared her extensive knowledge about these essential pollinators.

The highlight of the day was observing a real hive in action and catching a glimpse of the Queen Bee herself. Students gained insights into the intricate workings of a hive and discovered the various roles bees play within their colony.

Beyond the classroom, this lesson extended into an environmental exploration. Students learned about the critical role bees play in our ecosystem and explored ways to protect these vital creatures for our future. These honeybees are part of a hive located at Shady Brook Farm in Yardley, lovingly tended to by Mrs. Krayer's husband, a dedicated local beekeeper.

Students wrapped up Earth Week by crafting bees out of clay, a hands-on reminder of the lesson's importance.

Congratulations to the 17 Pennsbury High School students who have received the Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy Award. These students will be recognized and celebrated at Pennsbury's Grade 9-11 Academic Award Ceremony on May 22, as well as at the Senior Awards Ceremony on May 28.

The Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy is a prestigious award given by the Pennsbury School District in recognition of students who have attained proficiency in two or more languages as they approach their high school graduation as stipulated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. These students have either achieved a 4 or 5 in an Advanced Placement world language course at PHS or were tested for an intermediate high proficiency in their heritage language.

The Pennsbury mission statement includes preparing all students to become creative, ethical and critical thinkers for lifelong success in a global society. Earning the Pennsylvania Seal of Biliteracy reflects the importance of world language learning, our students' academic success, as well as the tangible benefits of being bilingual by nurturing and respecting culture and diversity.

Congratulations to:

• Eliza Ault, Spanish
• Liliana Baughman, Spanish
• Jacob Berry, Polish
• Valeria Cadavid, Spanish
• Karla Cadena, Spanish
• Lucy Cunliffe, Japanese
• Patrycja Cwalina, Polish
• Julia Dziekonski, Polish
• Emily Freyne, Spanish
• Kian Hecht, Spanish
• Angela Huang, Mandarin
• Angel Lin, Mandarin
• Filip Milik, Polish
• Emiia Navarrete, Spanish
• Ariana Perez, Spanish
• Gabriela Plona, Polish
• Chloe Rhein, Spanish

Carly Wible, the manager of TMA Bucks Community Traffic Safety Program, recently visited Ms. Becker's first-grade class at Walt Disney Elementary School as a special guest presenter and reader. Students were treated to an impactful presentation on pedestrian safety, learning valuable tips on navigating traffic signals and signs safely. Following the presentation, Carly read a book that reinforced the importance of being safe and smart pedestrians, leaving a lasting impression on the young minds at Walt Disney Elementary.

This week in PE classes at Walt Disney Elementary School, students embarked on an exciting adventure playing a 6-hole disc golf course! Building on their skills from last week, where they honed their grip and short-distance putting techniques, this week focused on driving and scorekeeping.

The course setup varied, offering students a dynamic experience based on the recess yard's obstacles. From thrilling long-range putts to impressive drives off the tee box, students showcased their disc golf prowess with enthusiasm.

As part of encouraging outdoor activities, students were invited to explore Tyler State Park in Newtown, PA. There, they can enjoy a full-length 18-hole disc golf course with their families and friends, extending the fun beyond the classroom and into the community.

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.*

Last week, a group of Pennsbury staff members had the pleasure of visiting Tech Owl's brand-new Community Center, where an engaging Open House was hosted. The event spotlighted the impressive lending library, cutting-edge 3D printing services, equipment donation center, and much more!

At Pennsbury, the team has benefited greatly from Tech Owl's offerings, particularly their free 3D printed items. These custom-designed items empower individuals to enhance their access and independence in daily activities. Additionally, the team has utilized the Lending Library to test items tailored to students' interests, fostering greater engagement and participation in everyday life. During the visit, they even built and brought home an interactive switch following user-friendly instructions!

Tech Owl's extensive resources and support are accessible to families across Pennsylvania, making a significant impact on improving accessibility and quality of life. The team eagerly anticipates sharing this invaluable community resource with Pennsbury families.

Special thanks to those who attended the Open House: Noelle Kahney, Sarah Wood, Kelly White, Jen Baxter, Kate Velten, and Sarah Worthington

At Penn Valley Elementary School, Heather McGurrin's third grade class is gearing up for the special day of May 4. May the 4th be With You!

May 4 is widely celebrated as Star Wars Day, a playful nod to the iconic phrase "May the Force be with you." On this day, fans of the Star Wars franchise around the world come together to honor the beloved series with themed events, screenings, and activities.

The Oxford Valley Elementary SPARK Expo was held the evening of Wednesday, April 24. From STEM challenges to interactive demonstrations by guest inventors and STEM professionals, there was something to ignite curiosity in everyone.

Students showcased their creativity through projects like mini golf, mice mazes, and a captivating cardboard arcade, demonstrating their ingenuity and innovation. Two standout STEM challenges involved retrieving lost keys from a storm drain and engineering parachutes for wind tunnel tests, showcasing problem-solving skills and teamwork.

Families delved into robotics, stop motion, binary bracelets, and pom pom launchers, immersing themselves in a world of discovery and fun. The SPARK Expo truly offered something for every member of the family to enjoy, fostering a love for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a vibrant and interactive setting.

Dear Pennsbury Community,

I'm writing to you today with a heavy heart to inform you that we have made the difficult decision to cancel our upcoming SWAP event scheduled for May. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts and outreach, we have not received enough participation to make the event feasible.

First and foremost, I want to extend my sincerest apologies to those who were looking forward to attending and participating in our May SWAP. We understand the disappointment this may cause, and please know that this decision was not made lightly. We value the enthusiasm and support of our community, and we share in your disappointment that we cannot proceed as planned.

However, I want to assure you that this cancellation does not mark the end of our SWAP events. On the contrary, we are already looking ahead with optimism and excitement to the fall season. Our Fall SWAP event last year was a tremendous success, bringing our community together in a spirit of generosity and camaraderie just before the holidays.

With this in mind, we are committed to rescheduling our SWAP event for the fall, and we are determined to make it even bigger and better than before. We will be working diligently to ensure that our next SWAP is a resounding success, offering our community another opportunity to come together, share, and support one another.

Once again, I apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment this cancellation may cause. Your understanding and support mean the world to us, and we are grateful for your continued participation in our community events.

Please stay tuned for further updates and announcements regarding our fall SWAP event. In the meantime, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to seeing you at our next SWAP event in the fall!

Warm regards,

Terri Salvucci

Manor Principal and Pennsbury Community Swap Coordinator

Pennsbury Community Chorus Presents:

Donald McCullough's Holocaust Cantata

with special guest Avi Wisnia

WHEN: Monday, May 6, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: Shir Ami - 101 Richboro Newtown Rd, Newtown, PA

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS!

Pennsbury School District will be hosting the annual District Art Show on May 7, 8, & 9 at PHS East Campus. The Art Show celebrates the innovative, expressive, and divergent thinking of students in Kindergarten through Twelfth Grade! Please join us as we recognize our student artists, their hard work and thought provoking art at the District Art Show. Evening hours are 6-8pm on May 7, 8, & 9. PHS East Gymnasium is located at 705 Hood Blvd, Fairless HIlls. Your Art teachers cannot wait to see you there!

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 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.

Pennsbury High School Cheerleading announces **SAVE THE DATES** for clinics and tryouts for the 2024-2025 Season. Male and female athletes with experience of all levels are welcome. Parents and guardians of interested athletes are strongly encourage to attend the May 6 meeting so that all parties involved understand the level of commitment expected of Pennsbury cheerleaders. All questions can be directed to pennsburyhscheercoaches@gmail.com

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.

Now that the we've had two "traditional snow days," Pennsbury schools will transition to remote learning for all students in the event of another weather-related issue. This will allow us to count these days as instructional days and avoid lengthening the school year.

Please click the button below to familiarize yourself with the District's Remote Learning procedures.

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, or leave a message at 215-428-4100, ext. 73669 (PENNY).

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