Pennsbury On Point
March 8, 2024
March 8, 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
- Purchase tickets to the PHS Performance of Anastasia
- Remote Learning Information
- Safe2Say - Anonymous Tip Line
- Special Education Advisory Council (SEPAC) - Events and Info
- Winter Weather Planning Information
The Reviews Are In for Anastasia!
Yesterday, 5th-grade students from across the district got a sneak preview of Pennsbury High School's production of Anastasia, and it was a huge hit among the young students! Check out the video below to hear their reviews of the show.
Anastasia opens tonight and runs through Sunday.
Tonight, March 8, 2024 - 8:00 p.m.
Tomorrow, March 9, 2024 - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 10, 2024 - 2:00 p.m.
PHS Architect Finalist Interviews
On Thursday, March 7, 2024, Pennsbury held a Special Board Action meeting regarding the Pennsbury High School Project. During this meeting, the two final firms being considered for the project were interviewed: KCBA and Crabtree, Rohrbaugh, & Associates. Community members also had the opportunity to speak. One finalist will be selected and approved at the March 21 regular School Board Action meeting.
Click here to watch the full video recording of the meeting.
Read Across America Week
It's Read Across America Week! Schools across the District have been celebrating with different daily themes, guest speakers, and activities. Take a look below at just a handful of the many activities that students participated in!
Afton Elementary
The second graders of Afton Elementary celebrated Read Across America Week with their very own "Starbooks" Day, a fun, book-themed take on the ever-popular Starbucks coffee shops.
Second grade teachers Megan McGee, Katie Oppenheimer, and Stephanie Reither shared that the goal of Starbooks Day is to expose their students to multiple book series and genres available in the school library and in their classrooms.
Students were excited to "sip," "taste," and read multiple books. Students also participated in some engaging reading and writing activities. It was a "brew"-tiful day!
Edgewood Elementary
Third, fourth, and fifth-grade students at Edgewood Elementary School had a very special visit from New York Times bestselling author Sara Shepard. Sara is the author and illustrator of the "Penny Draws" series. Sara spoke to the students about how she became both an author and illustrator, who inspires her, and how she begins the process of writing and drawing her books. The students were also able to brainstorm ideas with Sara for her next "Penny Draws" book! This visit was sponsored by Newtown Bookshop, a proud Pennsbury Partner.
Eleanor Roosevelt
On Friday, March 1, students at Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary had the opportunity to tune into a live Google Meet with Nick Bruel, author and illustrator of the Bad Kitty series. Eleanor Roosevelt's Gifted Teacher, Nicole Pierce, met Nick at the Chappaqua Children's Book Festival and won a virtual visit for Eleanor Roosevelt.
Nick shared an excerpt with students from one of his books and talked about what it is like to be an author. Nick also showed students how to draw characters from his Bad Kitty books. At the end of their session, Nick took questions from the students.
Fallsington Elementary
Amy Fadool from NBC Sports Philadelphia visited Fallsington Elementary School as a speaker in honor of Read Across America week. Amy spoke about her job as a sports anchor and reporter, and answered student questions about her career and the many athletes she's had the pleasure of meeting throughout the years.
“The best part of my job is connecting with the fans and giving them the best access to our teams,” said Amy. “One of the longest and best days of my career has been covering the Eagles Super Bowl championship win in 2018. The passion of Philly sports fans is truly unrivaled.”
A three-time regional Emmy award winning sports anchor, Amy joined NBC Sports Philadelphia in January of 2009. Prior to that, she served as a sports anchor/reporter in Baltimore and Nashville. She attended the University of Kentucky where she studied Broadcast Journalism.
Amy is a proud supporter of the American Cancer Society and serves as chair for the Philly Golf Classic. When she’s not on air, you can find Amy on the golf course or spending time with her family.
Quarry Hill Elementary
The Quarry Hill third, fourth, and fifth-grade jaguars were treated to a visit by author Adam Gidwitz on Thursday, February 29. What better way to spend time on an EXTRA day in 2024!
Adam Gidwitz, Newbery-award winning author, spoke to the students about his new book, Max in the House of Spies. In addition to this sneak peak, students learned about Adam’s journey of becoming an author. He also spoke about The Inquisitor’s Tale (his 2017 Newbery Honor book), the series A Tale Dark and Grimm (which is also a Netflix series), and the ever-popular Unicorn Rescue Society series. Adam also mentioned his podcast, Grimm, Grimmer, and Grimmest!
The event was organized by teacher-librarian Barb Pesature in conjunction with the Newtown Bookshop, a proud Pennsbury Partner. Additional signed copies are available at the Newtown Bookshop on Eagle Road in Newtown.
The Academy at Village Park
This week, The Academy at Village Park hosted their Pre-K friends for two reading events to celebrate Read Across America Week. On Tuesday, March 5 and Thursday, March 7, Academy students read stories to Pre-K students and helped them create fun crafts together.
It was a heartwarming celebration of literacy, collaboration, and the joy of storytelling. Thank you to everyone who made these events a magical experience for our young readers!
Walt Disney Elementary
At Walt Disney Elementary School, the first-grade students in Mrs. Becker's room were treated to some very special guest readers. Dr. Ricci, the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, and Mr. Schwind, Assistant Principal at Charles Boehm South, happily took time out of their busy days to read stories to students for Read Across America week.
Charles Boehm Math Team Advances to States
This past February, Charles Boehm Middle School's math team won first place for Bucks County at the Math Counts Competition. The Competition Series consists of four levels of live, in-person math competitions - school, chapter, state, and national. Four students on the Charles Boehm team will be progressing to states next month! Congratulations to Ayush Panda, Randall Zhang, Jackson McManus, Ben Rubinstein, and advisor Melissa Williams.
Math Counts is a national middle school mathematics competition that builds problem-solving skills and fosters achievement through four levels of fun, in-person "bee" style contests.
18 PHS Students Accepted to PSEA "Touch the Future" Art Show
Congratulations to 18 PHS students who had artwork accepted into the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) “Touch the Future” High School Art Show! In addition, student Riley Fanelli is being recognized in the category of 3-D Functional HONORABLE MENTION for the work "Wildflowers" with Art Teacher, Jon Twersky.
The show will be open to the public from March 3 - April 4. Please note that the gallery is closed between March 11-17 for the college's spring break. For more information about gallery hours and a map, please visit this website.
We hope you have a chance to visit this very impressive show which represents 25 high schools across Bucks and Montgomery Counties. Having a work exhibited at the show is no small feat. Congratulations to all who are featured!
William Penn Cheerleaders Become Pen Pals with Fallsington Kindergarteners
William Penn Middle School cheerleaders were so excited to exchange letters with their kindergarten pen pals from Fallsington Elementary School. Writing letters and having a pen pal is a wonderful way to help children improve their literacy skills. The practice of writing helps improves spelling, grammar, and punctuation. It's also a great way to have fun, create friendships, and learn about others!
Manor Wax Museum
Manor Elementary School recently held their annual fifth-grade wax museum exhibit. The project is a culmination of the fifth grade's biography unit. Students chose inventors, doctors, athletes, scientists, abolitionists, and entertainers of different racial and ethnic backgrounds who have made notable achievements to society.
Among the figures represented were Harriet Tubman, Bessie Coleman, Frederick Douglas, Marie Curie, Barack Obama, Jim Thorpe, Jesse Owens, Langston Hughes, Kristi Yamaguchi, Yo-Yo Ma, Frida Kahlo, 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.
Pennwood Best Buddies Celebrates Friendship Month
On Wednesday March 6, Pennwood Middle School's Best Buddies chapter celebrated March being Friendship month by making friendship bracelets to exchange with their buddy chapter at Kiski Area High School. Students had a great time creating and trading these colorful, handmade bracelets with their buddies.
Best Buddies is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Their programs empower the special abilities of people with IDD by helping them form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills, and feel valued by society.
PHS Students Shine During AP French Presentations
At Pennsbury High School, French AP students recently did an amazing job giving presentations on francophone countries to their class. Each group explained, showed, and reenacted customs, ceremonies, and dances from that country. Some groups even whipped up traditional, delicious dishes from their francophone country. It was quite the French cultural experience!
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
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
Tale as Old as Time
Registration Open Now
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.
Winter Weather Planning
With winter weather upon us, stay informed about Pennsbury's Winter Weather Procedure.
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).
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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