Pennsbury On Point
March 3, 2023
March 3, 2023
Welcome to Pennsbury on Point!
If you have any photos or story ideas you would like to see featured, please email the Public Relations Department at publicrelations@pennsburysd.org.
Read Across America Week
It's Read Across America Week! Schools across the District have been celebrating with different daily themes and activities. Take a look below at just a handful of the many activities, like Decades Day at Fallsington and Camp Read-a-Lot at Walt Disney, that students participated in!
Some of the benefits of reading:
•Reading exercises the brain
•Reading is a form of entertainment
•Reading improves concentration and the ability to focus
•Reading improves literacy
•Reading improves sleep
•Reading increases general knowledge
•Reading is motivational
•Reading reduces stress
•Reading sets a positive example
•Reading teaches empathy
Afton Elementary
Edgewood Elementary
Students in grades K-5 at Edgewood Elementary dressed as their favorite book character and did a schoolwide "buddy read" with a different grade level!
Fallsington Elementary
Fallsington Elementary School focused on the 1950's-1990's during Read Across America Week. On Friday, students were encouraged to wear clothes that fit their favorite decade!
Oxford Valley Elementary
Oxford Valley students read stories about each of the 50 states as well as stories about famous women this week.
Students were invited to dress as their favorite storybook character on Read Across America Day. The week culminated with the school's annual Literacy Night, which featured a presentation from the Pocono Wildlife Refuge featuring fun wildlife courtesy of the Oxford Valley PTO.
The evening also featured a Book Swap, where students could leave a book and take a book of their choice. At the end of the evening, students also receive a brand new non-fiction book to add to their home library.
Penn Valley Elementary
Today at Penn Valley, students celebrated the conclusion of Read Across America Week with Pajama Day! Reading with their favorite stuffed animals, shooting hoops to raise money for the fifth graders, and showing off comfy pajama looks helped us all get excited about the value of literacy.
Quarry Hill Elementary
School-wide Readcess
School-wide Readcess
School-wide Readcess
Walt Disney Elementary
Charles Boehm Students Read to Friends at Eleanor Roosevelt
William Penn Promises
Students and staff at William Penn Middle School put together a special video in honor of Read Across America Week. We love the message of "I Promise!"
Black History Wax Museums
The 5th-grade classes at Manor and Fallsington Elementary Schools held their annual Black History Wax Museums this week. The project is a culmination of the 5th-grade's biography unit. Students chose inventors, doctors, athletes, scientists, abolitionists, and entertainers who made notable achievements to society.
Among the figures represented were Bessie Coleman, Ruby Bridges, Alma Woodsey Thomas, Augusta Savage, Rosa Parks, Lorna Simpson, Jackie Robinson, Jesse Owens, Michael Jordan, and many more. The 5th-graders researched their historical figures and wrote a biography that they recited at the museum whenever a student pressed a button to make them "come to life." Fellow students in grades K-4 were able to tour the museum along with parents, teachers, administration, and school board members.
Fallsington Elementary
Fallsington Elementary
Fallsington Elementary
Going All In(clusive)
This week at Pennsbury High School, students and staff helped Spread the Word to raise awareness about inclusion for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and the challenges they face. The annual day of awareness was on March 1. The theme for 2023 is "Going All In(clusive)." Click here to read more about Spread the Word and this year's theme. PHS has a Unified Sports program and a Best Buddies program, both of which support the initiative of Spread the Word. Thank you to Jackie Ward, Nick Ruggieri, Jessie Martin, Chloe Epstein, and Lou Sudholz for their help in Spreading the Word.
March is Youth Art Month, and schools across Pennsbury are celebrating! In addition to the usual displays of artwork that decorate our schools' hallways, unique art displays have also been set up. Pennsbury is fortunate to have many fantastic art teachers dedicated to helping young artists nurture and develop their talents and appreciation for the visual arts!
Youth Art Month began in 1961 to emphasize the value of children's participation in visual art education.
Edgewood Green Team
The Edgewood Green Team, under the leadership of teachers Natalie Merz, Kristen Marco, Jennifer Schlosberg and Kathy Murphy, have joined forces to support the district's recently approved 3-Year Sustainability Plan. The Green Team, made up of students from service council in Grades 4 and 5, met to develop a plan to operationalize recycling at Edgewood Elementary School.
The team devised pick-up zones for student groups to assist in weekly recycling collection around the building. Additionally, in alignment with our School Wide Positive Behavior Planning, the Green Team developed a video for the students and staff, identifying expectations for recycling. The messaging is slated to air in an upcoming ROARing News Broadcast.
PHS Orchestra Performs at Pennsbury Elementary Schools
On Wednesday, March 1st, the Pennsbury High School Symphonic Orchestra led by Mrs. Hebenstreit kicked off “Music in our Schools” Month by traveling to Walt Disney, Oxford Valley, and Manor Elementary Schools to perform for the students.
The performances featured music from movies, video games, and popular classical pieces. Students in the PHS Symphonic Orchestra shared their experiences within the ensemble and instrumental music program, and the reason they play their instruments. In addition to student testimonials, the elementary students also saw instrument showcases meant to inspire students to get involved in the music program, whether it be playing in orchestra, band, or singing in choir.
The Orchestra wishes to thank the students and staff for their enthusiasm and support of the performing arts at Pennsbury. A special thank you to all the administration and staff who helped make this tour immensely successful.
PHS Jazz Has Pizazz!
Congratulations to the Pennsbury High School Concert Jazz Band on an outstanding showing at "Jazz On The West Side" at Central Bucks West last weekend. The band, under the direction of Francis Carpino, took home the top honor of the night, a rating of Superior with Honors. The band also won all four section awards in their Open Class division. Zack Malinoff and Amanda Qu each received a Best Soloist award for tenor sax and piano, respectively. Bravo!
PHS Speech & Debate Members Headed to National Competition
The Pennsbury High School Speech and Debate team continues its impressive season. Gabrielle Bamberski and Swathi Bodduluri placed first in Congressional Debate - House and Congressional Debate - Senate, respectively, at the Valley Forge District Qualifier held at William Tennent High School on Sunday, February 26, 2023. The students will represent the team at the National Speech and Debate Association Tournament scheduled for June 11-16 in Phoenix, Arizona.
The remaining legs of the NSDA national qualifying series, Speech and Debate, and Big Questions debate, will be held in March and April.
The Valley Forge district encompasses all of Pennsylvania east of and including State College. Fifty students from 12 schools attended the qualifier.
Congratulations, Gabrielle, Swathi, and Coach Chris Berdnik!
Pennsbury Students Win at PSEA Student Art Exhibition
18 Pennsbury students had work accepted for this year's 36th Annual PSEA "Touch The Future" Student Art Exhibition for Bucks and Montgomery Counties. The show was juried by Emily L. Dugan, Admissions Counselor for the Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University.
Pennsbury took home 2 first-place winners! Congratulations to the following students:
Bane Child - Sophomore - Mr. May - Black and White Drawing Winner
Camille Padilla - Senior - Ms. Adair - 3D Functional Work Winner
The show opens on Sunday, March 5 from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Montgomery County Community College's Fine Arts Center Gallery in Blue Bell, PA.
Bane Child - 1st Place Black and White Drawing
Camille Padilla - 1st Place 3D Functional Work
Camille Padilla - 1st Place 3D Functional Work
Pennsbury Represents at PAEA Youth Art Month Virtual Exhibit
Three Pennsbury High School students currently have artwork on virtual display for the 2023 Pennsylvania Art Education Association (PAEA) Youth Art Month Exhibit. March is nationally recognized as the month to celebrate and commend young artists. The exhibit displays artwork from students in grades Kindergarten through 12th grade.
Congratulations to:
Alyssa Fouss - "Invisible Violence"
Dalila Araya Quiel - "Cara de Jardin"
Pomona Ivins - "Phantom Woodland Creature"
Pennsbury Capital Investment Team Advances to Semifinals
The Pennsbury Capital Investment team is officially a semifinalist in the Wharton Global High School Investment Competition! The Wharton Global High School Investment Competition is a free, online investment simulation for high school students. Students work in teams of four to seven, guided by a teacher as their advisor. Together, they learn about teamwork, communication, risk, diversification, company and industry analysis, and many other important aspects of investing.
Pennsbury will now be included in the top 55 teams from around the world. After semifinals, the top 10 teams will be announced the week of March 20, and those teams will then advance to the Global Finale on April 22, 2023. The Global Finale will be held in-person at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
Congratulations to the following Pennsbury students:
- Sriya Amineni, Junior, Team leader
- Sarah Gygax, Junior
- Meha Koul, Sophomore
- Mahi Patel, Sophomore
Trinkets for Sale!
Second-grade students at Makefield Elementary School recently wrapped up their money unit. To practice the skills they learned, the classes held a Trinket Sale. Each student brought in four different items from home that they were willing to "sell." As part of the sale, students had to calculate how much money they needed to purchase an item or how much change they needed to issue to the buyer. The lesson also gave parents a chance to jump-start spring cleaning by scouring the junk drawer for unwanted items to sell!
Manor Strong Celebration with Yogamazia
Recently at Manor Elementary School, Yogamazia paid a visit to the school's quarterly Manor Strong Celebration. Yogamazia is a kids and family yoga studio located in Richboro, PA. Founder and owner Dr. Michelle El Khoury taught students about the many ways to practice mindfulness. Students were encouraged to close their eyes, relax, focus on the present, and take some time for themselves.
Research continues to demonstrate that having consistent mindfulness practice in the classroom leads to positive outcomes in students. These include improved resilience, social-emotional and behavioral outcomes, enhanced focus and attention, and reduction in anxiety and depression. There are also benefits for educators who participate as well including improved mood, classroom management, and burnout prevention.
Yogamazia is a proud Pennsbury Partner, and this activity was made possible through a Pennsbury Partners Mini-Grant. Our staff and students are very grateful for this opportunity to learn and practice healthy, mindful fun!
Walt Disney STEM Club
Recently, students from Walt Disney Elementary participated in their very first after school STEM Club. The students are competing in the BCIU's STEM Design Challenge and were tasked with designing a solution to an environmental problem. Students will be judged on creativity, teamwork, challenge success, design, and presentation. The first-place team at each Intermediate Unit will be invited to compete at the state competition to be held in May in Harrisburg. This after school club was organized by teachers Katie Duncan and Rita Barish.
Edgewood Staff Family Photo
Check out this year's Edgewood Elementary staff family photo. "This picture speaks to our fun-loving school culture. What a great group of professionals who show genuine care for kiddos and one another on the daily. We have a great home to work in here at Edgewood," shared Edgewood Principal Stephanie Hultquist.
A Special Guest Slithers into Manor
Recently, Manor Elementary student Matthew Potgieter and his mother Mrs. Potgieter shared their special pet with Mrs. Casselli’s 2nd-grade class. Matthew's classmates loved meeting his pet snake! The students learned many different snake facts and enjoyed the visit.
Pennsbury Parent Academy Presents - Anxiety: How Caregivers Can Help
Join us on Monday, March 6, at 6:30 p.m., for Anxiety: How Caregivers Can Help, with Dr. Adam Sanez. During this 30-minute virtual presentation, Dr. Sanez will share practical, actionable tips for what parents and caregivers should and should not do in response to their child’s anxiety.
Last Call for Collectable PHS Sports Nite Apparel!
This year marks the 75th anniversary of Pennsbury's Sports Nite! This fierce yet friendly competition between the Black and the Orange is a time-honored tradition in the Pennsbury Community! Collectable Pennsbury Sports Nite spirit wear designs are now on sale to honor the tradition. Click here to check out the Spirit Wear store and place an order. Non-Sports Nite Pennsbury Spirit Wear is also available for purchase.
Orders must be placed by Saturday, March 4, at midnight. Merchandise must be picked up on March 30 from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. in the Pennsbury High School East Cafeteria.
The 75th annual Sports Nite will be held on April 15, 2023, at the Cure Arena in Trenton, New Jersey.
The Pennsbury Scholarship Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year! All PHS seniors planning to attend college/trade school can apply, and PHS graduates can apply each year they are in school! Click here for more information and to apply.
Applications Being Accepted for Lendo Fellowship Program - April 1 Deadline
What is SAP?
The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a team of school staff and an SAP Counselor who work together to address concerns that may be interfering with a student's ability to be successful in school. Check out the monthly newsletter below.
Teen Safe Driving ROADeo
TMA Bucks Community Traffic Safety Program is hosting its 3rd annual Teen Safe Driving ROADeo. This FREE event is open to all high school students in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. The event is designed to keep teens safe on the roadway through education, interaction, and fun. Click the link and sign up today!
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.
Join SEPAC Today!
The mission of the Pennsbury School District's Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is to collaborate with administration and parents to facilitate communication, sharing of resources, and offering of support programs. SEPAC strives to improve the experiences and education of all students who receive special education, while promoting understanding, acceptance, and inclusion within the Pennsbury School District. Click here to learn more.
SEPAC holds monthly meetings, and all parents are welcome to join. Their next meeting is Thursday, March 16 at 1:00 p.m. If you are interested in attending, please fill out this interest form.
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)
Do you enjoy working with children?
Do you like working close to home and earning a competitive salary?
Becoming a Pennsbury Bus Driver is the job for you!
We offer…
- A competitive salary
- Flexible hours
- A student-centered work environment
- Paid training for your CDL
Come join our team!
Apply online at: www.pennsburysd.org or call: 215-428-4140
Current CDL holders can start right away! (Once they receive proper clearances)
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.
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.
2022-23 Chromebook Fees
The annual required Chromebook fee that allows students in grades 5-12 to take their device home can now be paid online. The price is $40.00 (reduced to $15 for students who qualify for free and reduced lunch). The Chromebook fee can be paid by logging on to PowerSchool through a web browser, not the PowerSchool mobile app. Cash or check payments are also accepted at each school.
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).
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"!
2022-23 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