
Pennsbury On Point
March 28, 2024

March 28, 2024
Welcome to 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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Quick Links
Find details for each link throughout the newsletter!
- 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
- Remote Learning Information
- Safe2Say - Anonymous Tip Line
- Special Education Advisory Council (SEPAC) - Events and Info
From Pennsbury to Paris: Instrumental Music Department's French Adventure
The Pennsbury High School Instrumental Music Department is currently on a six-day tour of France. The trip began with a visit to Normandy, where students toured Omaha Beach and The Long Orange Line performed at the Normandy American Cemetery.
The PHS Concert Band and Orchestra performed at Le Theatre Rouge, a venue inside Jardin D'Acclimatation, which is a children's amusement park. The audience was filled with high school students form the American School of Paris, whom the young musicians were able to socialize with at the conclusion of their performance.
On Thursday, March 28, the Pennsbury Concert Jazz Band performed at Le Bal Blomet - the oldest jazz club in Paris. They performed an hour-long set of and played along with special guest, French pianist Johan Farjot! The day was capped with a dinner cruise along the Seine.
In addition to performing and sight-seeing, the students are also participating in various musical clinics. The trip will culminate with a fun day for all at Disneyland Paris before returning to America. Many thanks to the Pennsbury Instrumental Music Department and the Pennsbury Instrumental Music Boosters for their time and efforts in bringing this amazing opportunity to life for our students.
Mikayla's Voice Comes to Charles Boehm
Students at Charles Boehm Middle School recently participated in Mikayla's Voice, a movement dedicated to promoting inclusion, empathy, and understanding for individuals of all abilities.
An assembly was held at the school last week where students learned about the mission of Mikayla's Voice and what it is like to have a disability, prompting further discussion among the student body. According to the non-profit organization, Mikayla was born with a severe, permanent brain injury and never spoke a word.
"Despite her multiple disabilities, she was fully included in her local elementary school, where her third-grade class wrote and illustrated Our Friend Mikayla, a book about having a friend with a disability. These young authors told Mikayla's story, giving her a voice through which to share some of life's most valuable lessons." -www.mikaylasvoice.org
As part of the program, students also worked together on an art project called Kaya's Kaleidoscope. Students created their own individual canvases, which were then joined together to form one large work of art. The organization says the art is "symbolic of school communities; every canvas is as essential to the mural as each student to their school."
The finished work of art was unveiled during the school's Winter Sports Assembly yesterday. During the assembly the school also celebrated the winners of the Pi Day fundraiser who got to "pie" a staff member of their choosing!
Extra! Extra! Pennwood Students Dive into the World of Yellow Journalism!
Students in Mr. Herncane's class at Pennwood Middle School delved into the realm of Yellow Journalism this week. Through this hands-on activity, our students not only honed their writing skills but also gained a deeper understanding of the ethical responsibilities that come with journalism.
As part of their lesson, students explored the historical significance of Yellow Journalism and its impact on shaping public opinion. From sensationalized headlines to exaggerated stories, they uncovered the power of media manipulation and the importance of critical thinking in today's information age. The lesson culminated with the budding journalists crafting their own sensationalized headlines!
Pennsbury On Broadway!
The Pennsbury Choral Department spent the day in New York City on Wednesday, March 27. Students caught a matinee showing of the Broadway smash hit Hamilton and particpated in a workshop with performers from the show.
Lincoln Investment Donates $5,000 to Pennsbury Education Foundation
The Pennsbury Education Foundation (PEF) would like to thank Alexis Cain and Lincoln Financial Group for their generous donation of $5,000!
Their support is a testament to their commitment to education and community enrichment. With their contribution, PEF can continue to empower students and educators within the Pennsbury School District to reach new heights of success.
The PEF is committed to supporting the best possible curriculum, instruction, and programs for all Pennsbury students. A 501(c)(3) organization, the PEF relies on donations from individuals and businesses to support the purpose of improving teaching and learning in Pennsbury through innovative educational initiatives. Visit our website to learn more!
Pictured above - Dr. Theresa Ricci (left,) assistant superintendent of curriculum & instruction, Dr. Tom Smith, superintendent of schools, Alexis Cain, Lincoln Financial Group
Sole Standout: PHS Senior Chosen as Pennsylvania's Delegate to AJAS Conference
Congratulations to Pennsbury High School senior, Samarth Mannikeri, who attended the American Junior Academy of Science (AJAS) Conference that was held in Denver, Colorado from February 14-17, as the only student delegate from Pennsylvania.
Samarth was invited to attend the conference due to his achievement at the PJAS State Competition in Penn State University (Main Campus) from May 14th to May 16th. AJAS is the only US honor society recognizing America's premier high school students for outstanding scientific research. The AJAS mission is to introduce, encourage, and accelerate pre-college students into the professional world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. AJAS meets annually in conjunction with the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s (AAAS) annual meeting. AAAS is the largest scientific organization in the world and the publisher of Science. AAAS serves as an authoritative source for information on the latest developments in science and bridges gaps among scientists, policy-makers and the public to advance science and science education.
At the conference this year, Samarth was able to present his research from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia titled, “Decoding the Exome; Unveiling Genetic Insights through Computational Analysis.”
Congratulations, Samarth!
Bucks County IU Art Awards
Congratulations to Michael M. and his art teacher, Beth Brody from Manor Elementary! Michael’s work, “Shake Dog,” was selected by Pennsbury superintendent Dr. Tom Smith to be professionally framed and hung at the Bucks County IU Children’s Collection, representing the District!
The Visual Arts Advisory Council meets during the school year to make collaborative connections and create advocacy for the Visual Arts in all Bucks County Schools. Blair Greiner, PSD Art Coordinator, is the district representative and was thrilled to enter Michael’s work into the collection. The artwork will return to Pennsbury after one year and hang permanently at the Fallsington Administration Building in the Superintendent’s Collection.
A reception was held at the BCIU on Thursday, March 21 to honor Michael and the other student artists from Bucks County whose works were selected. Each student artist received a certificate of their work, and a bag full of art supplies from the Michener Art Museum. Michael’s work was also chosen as the cover of the evening program!
In the 1940s, former Bucks County Superintendent Charles Boehm, assisted and supported by world-famous and local artist Walter Emerson Baum, began collecting local artwork with the mission of supporting our region’s artisans and promoting Art and Art Education to the students of Bucks County. The Bucks County IU now holds over 350 pieces. This collection is overseen by the Arts Education Trust Board and the Bucks IU Board of Directors.
Congratulations to Michael and all the student artists from Bucks County who were honored!
Eleanor Roosevelt Holi Presentation
The PTO at Eleanor Roosevelt invited Priya Kumari, a multi-award winning children's book author to do a presentation related to the holiday, Holi. Mrs. Kumari wrote a children's book called, My Holi: Colors of Cheer and read her book to the school. She then invited Thina to show students the five traditional dances that pertain to Holi. After discussion and demonstration of the different dances, students were invited to get into a circle with their class to learn and participate in one of the dances. After the assembly, students went back to their homerooms to write a kind message on a handprint, which was then added to a mural tree at the front of the school by students and volunteers. The tree represents the colors of Holi and words of kindness.
Read with Me!
Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School's 5th-grade Character Council has launched a fantastic Mentor Reading Program where 5th graders serve as guest readers for younger students.
As part of the program, the 5th-graders handpick books that perfectly embody the three pillars of the school's Character Program: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe. These young leaders are not only spreading the joy of reading but also instilling essential values in the school community through literature.
The younger students love having the 5th-graders come into their classroom to read and the Character Council members have done a wonderful job of being outstanding readers and role models!
The Pennsbury School District is partnering with our PTOs, PEA, PESPA, and PASA for a great community event that supports our district's wellness mission. We cordially invite you to join almost 900 family members, district administrators, building principals, teachers, staff members, and students walking and running together in the YesYouCan 5K.
When: April 28, 2024 @ 9:00 A.M. (check-in 7:30-8:30)
Where: Behind Pennwood Middle School
Register: www.YesYouCan5K.com
First time going this distance? You can do it! Here is a link to a 4-week plan and article shared by Tom Stoddart, our K-12 Health and Physical Education Curriculum Coordinator.
Each participant will check a box for a school affiliation. School PTOs will share the profits of the event based on the number of runners connected with each school. A portion of the proceeds will also be donated to the charity Pennsbury Kids.
We hope to see you on April 28, 2024!
29th Annual High School Art Exhibition
We are are thrilled to announce that we have 15 PHS students and their artwork in the BCCC 29th Annual High School Exhibition this month! The award ceremony and the PA 1st Congressional District Art Competition presentation of awards by the Honorable Brain Fitzpatrick is April 14 at 1:00pm. Gallery hours are Mon- Fri 10am - 6pm Saturdays, March 30, April 6, 13 from 12pm - 4pm at Hicks Art Center, Bucks County Community College, 275 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA 18940
Exploring the World
What a journey it's been in Life Skills and Autistic Support classes at Pennsbury High School as students recently embarked on a fascinating exploration of foreign countries!
In the weeks leading up to their presentations, the students not only delved deep into the research about various countries but they also brought the cultural experience to life by preparing delicious food connected to the regions they were studying.
The students' hard work was displayed as they each presented their research projects. Each presentation was a testament to their curiosity and commitment to learning about the world around them!
There's No Place Like Quarry Hill!
Last week, Quarry Hill celebrated Read Across America week in the Emerald City! Students arrived at school and walked along the Yellow Brick Road through the doors of Oz while "Follow the Yellow Brick Road" played in the background. Celebrating the 85th anniversary of the Wizard of Oz production, Quarry Hill students read to "Oz" by reading up to 60 minutes each night last week to earn miles (one minute = one mile) along the Yellow Brick Road on the reading bulletin board in effort to reach the Land of Oz. The class in each grade level that read the most minutes won a small class celebration.
In addition to reading extra all week, students were challenged to solve daily riddles each morning, to figure out where Dorothy's ruby red shoes were hiding in the building. Each day, one lucky winner per grade level each was picked at random, and if they knew the correct answer, they won a $5.00 gift card to Barnes and Noble, courtesy of the Quarry Hill PTO.
Quarry Hill ended the week in a school community READCESS where all students read at a common time for fifteen minutes! Themes of friendship, kindness, courage, using your brain, and realizing what makes our community here at Quarry Hill so special were all celebrated. The biggest lesson learned was most definitely, "There's No Place Like Quarry Hill!"
Pennsbury Instrumental Music Summer Program 2024
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:
Complete the ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM here: https://rb.gy/hvs0hw
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 for a few weeks this Summer, but open to all Pennsbury students in that age range.
The Entire Pennsbury Community is Welcome to Participate!
A SWAP Meet, short for "Swap and Share" or "Stuff We All Possess," is a great way for people to exchange gently used items they no longer need for things they can use or want. These events are environmentally friendly and promote sustainability by reducing waste and promoting the reuse of items. Here's how a SWAP meeting typically works:
- Gathering Items: Participants gather items from their homes that are in good condition but are no longer needed or wanted. These items can include clothing, toys, household items, books, and more. The idea is to bring items that someone else might find valuable.
- Sorting and Display: When you arrive at the SWAP meeting, items are usually sorted into categories and displayed in an organized manner. This makes it easier for participants to find what they're looking for.
- Giving and Getting: Participants can either give, get, or both. If you have items to give, you can place them on designated tables or in specific areas for others to take. If there are items you need or want, you can browse through the items brought by other participants and take what you need.
- No Money Exchange: The key principle of a SWAP meeting is that no money is exchanged. Everything is based on the principle of sharing and swapping items freely.
- Unclaimed Items: After the SWAP meeting, any unclaimed items are often donated to local charities or organizations, ensuring that even items that weren't swapped find a useful purpose. You can take it to the nearest location and support another person by donating any items you have left.
SWAP meetings are a win-win for both individuals and the environment. They promote recycling and reusing, reduce waste, and provide an opportunity for community members to connect while helping one another. It's a great way to declutter your home and acquire items you need without spending money.
We hope you can join us. If you would like to join us, click here and complete the Google Form.
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!
Pennsbury Parent Academy
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
Tale as Old as Time
We've Got Spirit, Yes, We Do!
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
ACP - Bringing Affordable Internet to Families
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.
Remote Learning Information
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.
Become a Paraprofessional
The Pennsbury School District can help you earn your paraprofessional certificate of competency.
How to Get Started:
- Create a training account at PaTTAN: pattan.framwelder.com
- Complete the 7 online courses: Bureau of Special Education Para Credential of Competency Entry Level Training Series and save your certificates.
- Email paras@pennsburysd.org to set up an interview to complete the process.
Questions? Email us at paras@pennsburysd.org
Become a Bus Driver
The Pennsbury School District can help you earn your CDL.
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
Part-Time Jobs for Students
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.
Pennsbury School District E-Flyers Page
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 Requesting Empty Pill Bottle Donations
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!
Yarn, Anyone?
The PHS Crochet Club wants to outfit the troops this winter, and they need your help! Pennsbury crafters are going to make handmade hats and scarves for U.S. troops through Operation Gratitude's Handmade with Love Program. If you have any extra yarn lying around, please consider donating it to the PHS Crochet Club. Donations can be dropped off at PHS East. To arrange pickup of large donations or for more information, please contact club advisor Breanne Weeden at bweeden@pennsburysd.org.
Pennsbury Sports Schedules
Click the links below to view the current schedules for Pennsbury Athletics.
Current Team Schedules - Schedules are subject to change at any time. Check this page often for the latest updates!
Safe2Say Something
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.
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"!
Confidential Residency Reporting Tip Line
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:
(215) 428-4100 ext. 84777 (TIPSS)
Ask Penny
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).
2023-24 School Calendar
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About Pennsbury
215-428-4111
Email: publicrelations@pennsburysd.org
Website: www.pennsburysd.org
Location: 134 Yardley Avenue, Fallsington, PA 19058
Phone: (215)-428-4100