cross the istricts report 12 16.pdfthe roar letters now hang in windows at the school’s entrance...

1PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • DECEMBER 2016www.pennsburysd.org

PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • DECEMBER 2016

Across the DISTRICT

Generous gestures abound in our schools at this time of year, and November was an especially generous month in Pennsbury. In the school summaries below, look for examples of the many “giving” ways demonstrated by our students, faculty, and PTO families for those in need at Thanksgiving and also in honor of Veterans Day. Thank you to all!

School Board President Gary Sanderson shares this news: “As always, Pennsbury has come through to support the community during the holiday season. The following schools have agreed to work with the Salvation Army on their holiday efforts:

Pennwood Middle School is involved with a toy collection to support the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program, which donates toys to families unable to buy gifts for their children.

At Charles Boehm Middle School, students and staff are manning Salvation Army collection kettles at ShopRite of Yardley on December 3rd and 10th from 10:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.

At William Penn Middle School, the student body and staff are manning collection kettles at Macy’s (upper entrance) at the Oxford Valley Mall on December 3rd and 10th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Pennsbury High School and its Twilight program

GIVING THANKS

GIVING BACK

have always been heavily involved in the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. This year, volunteers – mainly from the National Honor Society – will man kettles on December 10th and 17th at Wal-Mart in Tullytown from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Mr. Sanderson added, “Feel free to join the students at the kettles as they support this worthy cause!”

The Long Orange Line made its 33rd consecutive appearance in the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade last month. The

PHS Marching Band appeared in the parade’s opening number and preceded Santa at the very end. See story on page 9.

2 DECEMBER 2016 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA

superintendent’s report • WILLIAM J. GRETZULA, Ed.D.

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in the SCHOOLS

For many years, Afton faculty members have taught their students the importance of our military and why veterans mean so much to all of us. This season, hundreds of letters and cards created by Afton students to express their appreciation were packed up and sent to veterans’ hospitals in Wilkes Barre, Philadelphia, and Brooklyn, NY by Francesca Holm, a second grade teacher. Ms. Holm shared that the children’s messages were “from the heart, so sincere and respectful and most importantly, thankful. We are ALL so very thankful!”

AFTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Hundreds of letters and cards of appreciation from Afton Elementary students were mailed to veterans in Wilkes Barre,

Philadelphia, and Brooklyn last month.

Philadelphia Eagles safety, Chris Maragos, joinedCharles Boehm and Edgewood students for a forum

on healthy eating and active lifestyles.

The Edgewood community bid farewell to outgoing Principal Michele Spack (the District’s new Director of Elementary Education) and welcomed new Principal Stephanie Hultquist, who began as the new leader at Edgewood after Thanksgiving recess. Welcome, Ms. Hultquist!

EDGEWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Social Worker Tammy Kehan-Leimer writes that 20 students from Edgewood and Charles Boehm Middle School were invited to participate in a healthy eating and active lifestyle forum at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. “Students made healthy yogurt parfaits and participated in a create-your-own-smoothie contest with Philadelphia Eagles safety, Chris Maragos,” said Ms. Kehan-Leimer. “The students were invited to this event with 100 other students attending schools in the National Dairy Council’s Mid-Atlantic region due to their dedication to the Fuel Up to Play 60 program. Both schools earned ‘touchdown school’ status by engaging in healthy eating and physical activity projects both in the classroom and out.” According to Ms. Kehan-Leimer, Edgewood uses the program and grant money awarded to have a facilitated recess each Tuesday for grades 1-5 and school-wide breakfast and taste testing events through the year. Boehm students meet bi-weekly for a lunch group and during resource periods to develop school-wide events, such as breakfast meet-ups and a campus-wide 5K. “The Fuel Up to Play 60 program is a great way to get students engaged in a healthy lifestyle!” added Ms. Kehan-Leimer, who invites anyone interested in finding out more about the school-based program to contact her, Joe Gallo, or Allyssa Churchwell.

3PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • DECEMBER 2016


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On November 9th, third grade students taught by Kimberly Behrle and Kris Bria welcomed retired Pennsbury Principal, Helen Stopper, to their classrooms to share a presentation on the history of Veterans Day. The students were invited to recite the

ELEANOR ROOSEVELTELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Third grade students at Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary welcomed former Pennsbury Principal, Helen Stopper (rear), for a

presentation on the history of Veterans Day.

The Vanaver Caravan Dance Company visited Eleanor Roosevelt and Manor elementary schools for a special look at dance and

music from a global perspective.

Fifth grade Art Club students at Edgewood worked diligently painting tiger stripes on 4-foot tall, 3-D letters that spell ROAR to represent the school’s character education initiative. Staff and students recognize the letters to stand for Respect, Open-Minded, Appreciative, and Responsible. The ROAR letters now hang in windows at the school’s entrance for all to see. “The students loved the challenge of painting tiger stripes on the gigantic letters,” said Cynthia Scott, a substitute Art teacher at Edgewood. “I told the students about the work of exhibit designers and we discussed whether it was an easy job or a difficult one to work in a large format.”

Pledge of Allegiance, sing patriotic music, and talk about the history of Armistice Day, now known as Veterans Day. Ms. Stopper declared November 9th as an International Day of Peace at Eleanor Roosevelt. The students made connections to family and friends who have served in the military in the past or who are currently in the service. The next day, the students were invited to write letters to veterans. Some students gave the letters to their family members while other cards and letters were given to veterans elsewhere.

New York’s Vanaver Caravan Professional Dance & Music Company visited Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary and Manor Elementary in November to offer students the opportunity to learn about music and dance traditions from around the world. The program was organized by Vocal Music teacher, Nancy VanDerBas, through the Bucks County Performing Arts Center (a Pennsbury Partner), and supported with generous donations from both school PTO organizations as well as grants from Mary and Doug Brodowski and Johnson & Johnson. Selected dances and songs represented such varied countries as China, Ireland, Canada, Senegal, Poland, and India, among others.

Teacher Bruce Perlman shares that the school nurse, Dana Lehrman, spearheads a special Thanksgiving food drive for Roosevelt families in



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Teacher MaryBeth Davis writes, “Manor Student Council members began their year of

Gifted Support teacher Angela Mastropaolo coordinated a mock Presidential debate for the benefit of the fifth grade classes taught by Courtney Gould and Sara Long at Fallsington. Fourth grade students from Ms. Mastropaolo’s class challenged themselves by taking on the roles of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, while a fifth grade student moderated the debate. The candidates touched on numerous topics, including higher education costs, the environment, a wall on the border with Mexico, wastewater treatment, and gun control. After the debate, Donald Trump won the class election by a slight margin.

MANOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

FALLSINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

need. “Families receive one of three choices; these include a free turkey, a turkey certificate, or a supermarket gift card from our Partner, McCaffrey’s Supermarkets. In addition, these families receive all the fixings to go with the turkey. All leftover donations were put to good use this year as they were diverted to the Bucks County Emergency Homeless Shelter thanks to another Partner, the Levittown-Fairless Hills Rotary.”

service helping to implement the Children Helping Children in Need food drive sponsored by the Levittown-Fairless Hills Rotary. The students promoted the drive and helped pack boxes to assist area families in need.

The Student Council also participated in a seasonal beautification of Manor’s front entrance. With the assistance of Beth Ault, secretary to the Principal, and Brian Marsula, head custodian, the students planted mums and decorated the entrance with cornstalks, scarecrows, and pumpkins.

This year Manor participated in the Operation Gratitude - Candy Buy Back Program to benefit troops overseas, shares Ms. Davis. “Our partner for this activity was Heine Associates Family Dentistry of Newtown. This is our fifth year participating in this program and our second year with Heine Associates. Manor families and staff contributed 20 pounds of candy to the troops and raised $40 for our Families in Need Fund. Manor Student Council assisted in the advertising and packing of the candy for transport. Thank you to everyone for making this endeavor a success again this year!”

A mock Presidential debate held at Fallsington Elementary pitted “Donald Trump” (left) against “Hillary Clinton” (right) with a

student moderator (center) posing the questions to the candidates.

Manor Elementary Student Council members ran a school-wide food drive in October to benefit a local emergency shelter.



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Teacher Jennifer McCormac writes, “On Wednesday, November 9th, Superintendent Dr. William Gretzula, Board President Gary Sanderson, and Principal Barbara Hidalgo joined Penn Valley’s second grade class to observe their mock election. “Cookies” were on the ballot!”

The “cookie” platforms included:

Oreo - all should be treated equallyChocolate Chip - everyone should have health care Sugar - reach for world peace Peanut Butter - everyone should be able to voteno matter their age

Students and staff were able to discuss platforms, vote for the choices they deemed most important, and fill out their own ballots. “The experience included a voting booth that even had the long lines that we all experienced this Presidential election!” said Ms. McCormac.

The activity culminated later that day when the winner was revealed: Oreo. Students then graphed the results and each wrote about why he/she chose a particular candidate.

PENN VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

First graders celebrated the 50th day of school in multiple waysat Walt Disney Elementary School.

PTO Co-President, Sara Christopher, shares that Diane Smith, Director of Education at the Bucks County Audubon Society, visited recently with the Quarry Hill Nestlings Club. “She allowed the Nestlings to try to pick up a variety of foods using different utensils to demonstrate why different birds need certain beaks,” said Ms. Christopher. “She also brought binoculars so Nestlings could practice searching for birds hidden in the classroom. The Nestlings had an awesome time. Thank you to the QH PTO for funding this guest speaker and to Vocal Music teacher, Kathy Setash, for all of her dedication and commitment to the Nestlings!”

QUARRY HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

First grade teacher, Lorie Becker, writes, “First grade students at Walt Disney celebrated the 50th day of school in style. The morning activities included writing about what their lives would look like when they are 50, having a bubble gum-blowing contest, and finding 50 words they could read from around the room. The afternoon was topped off by making root beer floats, having a hula hoop contest, and then just enjoying some music and having an old-fashioned sock hop. It was truly a fabulous 50th day!”

WALT DISNEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

School Board President Gary Sanderson (right), Superintendent Dr. William Gretzula (center) and Principal Barbara Hidalgo (left, standing) joined second graders at Penn Valley Elementary for a

mock election activity.



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Students in the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) reviewed the history of world conflicts prior to a special luncheon they hosted for local veterans. The annual event – which included a student performance of the National Anthem and introductory remarks by the NJHS president – takes place each year in the Boehm school library on the day before Veterans Day. Teacher Anita Quinn, who serves as the advisor for NJHS, led the discussion and invited the distinguished guests to introduce themselves so that students could learn about their service and the division of the U.S. military in which they served. This year’s guests included men and women of the armed forces who served during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Also attending the lunch were Pennsbury School Directors, Pennsbury administrators, and members of the local media.

CHARLES BOEHM MIDDLE SCHOOL

Ms. Becker also reports that the students at Disney enjoyed an assembly titled The Power of One. “The presentation taught students about bullying prevention and how they have power within themselves to put an end to it. The PTO sponsored the assembly. The anti-bullying presentation fits in with our School of Character goals as well as our designation as a school that is No Place for Hate. In discussions with students after the assembly, many said they felt truly empowered.”

Principal Laurie Gafgen shares, “I want to thank everyone who came out to our recent Family Math Game Night. A special thanks to the Math Committee, Heather McGurrin and Gary McManus, for their continued support. The event was well received by parents and guardians. Teachers from each grade level set up stations (EDM4 games) for the students to play with their families. We also had a technology center where the children logged onto Connect ED to show their parents/guardians how they can use the program at home. A special thank you to Ms. McGurrin for emceeing the event. Great work, everyone!”

In November, Jessica Checkovage’s third grade class teamed up with their Kindergarten buddies from Kristie Leidy’s class to give back to those who

Third grade students teamed with their Kindergarten buddies at Walt Disney to create a thank-you poster and letters for local veterans.

A special luncheon for local veterans was hosted byCharles Boehm Middle School students and staff.

served our country. Students learned about veterans and their responsibilities in the U.S. military. As a way for students to do their part, they wrote thank you letters to veterans. These letters were then handed out to veterans from our community at a local restaurant. In addition, the veterans’ observed the students’ handmade poster. Walt Disney students in various classrooms also contributed to the notes of appreciation.



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The acronym, PRIDE, represents the character education initiative at Charles Boehm. Each fall, the school holds a special assembly so that the incoming sixth grade students may become acquainted with what PRIDE means and how students are recognized for demonstrating specific character traits. The assembly this year was led by Physical Education teacher, Lisa Marie Ramagli, who was dressed as a colorful Pennsbury Falcon. A core group of faculty and staff members, including Pete Sienko, Maureen Miller, Colleen Wierzbowski, Susan Brennan, and David Schwind, joined Ms. Ramagli to recognize selected students for demonstrating the following elements of PRIDE: Prepared, Respect, Involved, Determined, and Excellent. The sixth graders also learned how they could earn PRIDE points throughout the school year for special rewards.

Pennwood Middle School students enhanced their study of water quality with a personal visit to their own building’s construction site.

These students at William Penn Middle School helped to sort donated food items during the school’s annual “Food for Friends” drive.

The construction management firm of D’Huy Engineering, Inc., which is overseeing the two-year renovation of Pennwood, teamed with science teacher, Pamela McDannell, and her students to enhance the study of water quality and share information about the extensive work taking place on the school site. Prior to the construction site visit, the students learned how to assess water quality and performed a field study at Tyler State Park. The

PENNWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL

Pennwood construction site enabled the students to expand their learning about stormwater management and sustainability, two components of the overall process that culminates in LEED-certification for the building. According to Ms. McDannell, “The site visit to watch the installation of the infiltration basin pipes and the water quality assessments provided the Pennwood students with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. The students also had the opportunity to sign one of the infiltration basin pipes before it was installed.”

William Penn’s annual “Food for Friends” Thanksgiving drive was sponsored once again by the National Junior Honor Society. “We delivered 50 baskets of food, complete with turkeys, to make a Thanksgiving dinner for our William Penn families in need,” said faculty advisor, Isabel Latch. NJHS members loaded all of the food items into boxes that had been decorated by some of the sixth graders after school. “We had extra items left over and delivered them to our local homeless shelter,” added Ms. Latch, who coordinated the drive with fellow teacher, Denise Dugan.

WILLIAM PENN MIDDLE SCHOOL

Ms. Latch also shared that the William Penn community held an “Operation Halloween” candy drive. “Our staff member, Nancy Trzcinski, has a



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The week concluded with a classroom extension to the Lincoln Financial Field, where students learned more about the actions being taken by the Eagles organization and Lincoln Financial to “go green.” While touring the facility, students were able to see and learn more about the use of renewable resources and the energy conservation efforts being taken by the organization. They also enjoyed the opportunity to walk around the Eagles home football field, visit the locker room, and walk through the press room where interviews with Coach Pederson take place. As a follow-up assignment to the visit, student pairs designed billboards to advertise the ways in which the Eagles organization is “going green.” These are now displayed throughout the hallways of William Penn.

daughter, Christine, who serves as an Operations Specialist 3, stationed on the USS Ponce, currently on active duty in the Red Sea. Ms. Trzcinski asked for staff members and families to send in their leftover Halloween candy and snacks. Of course, William Penn came through! Ms. Trzcinski packed up over 3,800 individual snack bags for the sailors on the USS Ponce.”

Veterans Day was observed at William Penn with a special video that highlighted the service of staff members and their families. Included in the video were photos of family members who once served in the military or who are still serving today.

Seventh grade science teacher, Kristin Slota, writes that during the week of November 14-18, William Penn 7C science classes celebrated America Recycles Day, which took place nationwide on November 15th. “The week began with a visit from Judy Archibald, the Director of Public Affairs at Waste Management, a Pennsbury Partner. Ms. Archibald shared her expertise about waste disposal and recycling with a group of 50 students. They learned about the decomposition rates of various waste products and also learned what items from their household trash could be recycled. During the presentation students were reminded of the importance of ‘Recycling Often’ and ‘Recycling Right.’ Students already knew to recycle all empty bottles, cans, and paper. Ms. Archibald increased the knowledge base of the William Penn students by teaching them to make sure to keep foods and liquids out of recycling. She also taught students the importance of keeping plastic bags out of recycling.”

The seventh grade students created America Recycles Day buttons to help spread the message about the importance of recycling. They also made a pledge online and wrote their personal recycling pledges on cards to be displayed on a bulletin board for all William Penn community members to see. William Penn staff members encouraged the students to become ambassadors in the local community by learning what materials can be recycled, by acting to reduce the amount of waste

they produce, and by sharing their knowledge about recycling with family members and friends. Throughout the week, students participated in several class activities to enrich their learning about recycling. Students reinforced their writing skills when they created an acrostic poem for one of the 4 “R”s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Repair. A catchy song incorporating the words, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, was included in the week’s activities as a mnemonic device to help students recall them.

Seventh grade science students at William Penn madepledges online to underscore the importance of recycling

in their everyday lives.



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Bible Fellowship Club students at Pennsbury High School sorted and packed donated food items for 22 Thanksgiving baskets given

to PHS families in need.

These PHS Student Council members loaded more than 2000 lbs of donated food to be delivered to the Bucks County Emergency

Homeless Shelter.

Now these students are asking everyone to take the America Recycles Day pledge. What will you do to improve your recycling practices in our community? In addition to Ms. Slota, teachers Kristilyn Kraus and Stephanie DePalo were also involved in these science-based learning activities.

A total of 22 Thanksgiving baskets were assembled by students in the Bible Fellowship Club for PHS families in need this year. The turkeys and all of the basket items were donated by individual staff members, classrooms of students, and PHS club members. Coordinating the effort were PHS teacher Robin Skogen and school nurse Kathleen McGinnis. In addition to the student clubs and classes, many individuals contributed cans, boxes, cash, and turkeys, according to Ms. Skogen. “This was our most generous year to date,” she said. “We were able to purchase juice for each family and we even had to turn away some offers. One person who refused to be turned away purchased boxes of candy for each family!”

PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL

Catherine Callahan reports that the PHS Student Council was involved in organizing and promoting an annual November food drive, with various B period classes earning top credit for their donations. These included George Miller’s class, which contributed 341

items, Stacey Garretson’s class with 278, and Megan Swope’s class with 207. “The food was donated to the Bucks County Emergency Homeless Shelter on Library Way at Five Points,” said Ms. Callahan. “We collected over 2000 lbs of food.” Advisors for the Student Council this year are: Catherine Callahan, Julie Staniec, Sam Abdo, and Liz Titano.

Assistant Principal Cherrissa Gibson reports that Pennsbury High School held a school-wide penny war in October to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Teacher Liz Titano coordinated the event and was recognized for doing so by the Eastern PA Chapter of the organization. Once all the donations were tallied (totaling $700.69!), several top classes were also recognized: These included the students of Jenna Garcia and Joscelyne Hauser. Runners up included the students of teachers Nicole Killeen and Ryan Boylan.

Instrumental Music Curriculum Coordinator, Frank Mazzeo, writes that the Pennsbury Marching Band participated in the 6ABC 97th annual Thanksgiving Day Parade as the Honor Band for the 33rd consecutive year. The Long Orange Line was featured in the opening production number and at the end of the parade ushering in Santa Claus.



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Samantha Centofante, a fifth grade student in Matthew Mount’s class at Edgewood Elementary, recently received exciting news from the Office of the Attorney General in Harrisburg. Samantha’s artwork was selected for the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General’s 2017 Drug-Free Calendar! Her submitted work will be featured

with the month of April in the calendar. Samantha and her family are invited to a special luncheon in the Attorney General’s office on December 19th, where all of the winners will be recognized. Samantha’s mother, Theresa Centofante, is a teacher at Oxford Valley Elementary. Congratulations!

FIFTH GRADE STUDENT’S WORKSELECTED FOR STATE CALENDAR

commendAbleACCOMPLISHMENTS On Wednesday, November 16th, the following

Pennsbury athletes gathered for a special signing ceremony and were honored by PHS administrators, coaches, and family members: William Bethel, who will play baseball for Chestnut Hill College; Mary

STUDENT ATHLETESANNOUNCE COLLEGE PLANS

PHS English teacher and Rotary Interact Club advisor, Breanne Cook, shares that this year’s holiday dinner for local senior citizens will take place on Friday, December 9th at Pennsbury High School West. “The event, organized by the Interact Club, will include dinner served by faculty and students, with performances by the Falconairs singing group, the Falcon Strings, the Pennsbury Dance Team, and the Chamber Choir. We anticipate welcoming upwards of 200 senior citizens from the Pennsbury community,” said Ms. Cook. Food for the event will be provided by The Nutrition Group, Pennsbury’s food service provider. Door prizes are being donated by student groups and local businesses. In addition to the PHS Interact club, student volunteers involved in the dinner also include members of the PHS Multi-Cultural Youth Leaders Club and the Winter Track & Field team.

Seven student athletes at Pennsbury High School gathered for a special signing ceremony to announce their college plans.

This artwork by Samantha Centofante was selected by the PA Attorney General’s office for a statewide “Drug Free” 2017 calendar!

sAmAnthA centofAnte



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Pennsbury’s ongoing character education initiative includes the monthly recognition of students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels as we spotlight important character assets. For the month of November, students were recognized for their “Positive Engagement.” The students selected to be recognized this month are Tyler Boraski, Joseph Andress and Kazi Karif Morshed.

Tyler Boraski is a fifth grader at Fallsington Elementary who was nominated by teacher Courtney Gould, school counselor Kristen Cahill, and Principal Brian Shaffer. They shared that Tyler is a kind and responsible student who is actively engaged in the school community as well as the greater Falls Township community. Tyler was selected by the Safety Patrol Coordinator to assist one of the Kindergarten students during transitions, and he always makes sure his Kindergarten buddy is comfortable and safe. Tyler is a class representative on the Student Council, which requires him to arrive at school early to participate in the monthly meetings and to promote school activities. Tyler remains actively involved in sports throughout the year by participating in intramural and travel basketball and baseball teams. Tyler also participates in a Toys For Tots fundraiser each year with his family and several other families in the community. His teachers say, “Tyler gives 100% effort in everything. Tyler’s contributions to the Fallsington and local communities have and will continue to have a positive impact in the lives of many.”

PHS BCIT teacher, Michael Zisa, writes: “Pennsbury High School was named the Top Performing School in the Philadelphia region in the 2016 National Money & Investing Challenge!” Pennsbury’s team was recognized recently at a special awards event held at the University of Pennsylvania. “The honor was awarded to Pennsbury for having the highest combined score among the challenge’s top 20 scoring students,” said Mr. Zisa. “Nine Pennsbury students placed in the top 20, with two placing in the top five, earning them small scholarships.” These students included: Steve Budzinski (3), Gabrielle Smith (4), Taryn Wright (9), Jacquelyn Gage (10), Margherita Gadaleto (13), Maya Chud (14), Shane Murphy (16), Matthew Trause (18), and Alec Lucas (20).

LYFT-PENNSBURY CHARACTER AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCEDPHS NAMED TOP PERFORMING SCHOOL

IN INVESTING CHALLENGE

PHS BCIT teacher, Michael Zisa (fourth from left), is pictured here with a number of the Pennsbury students honored recently for their

high achievement in the 2016 National Money & Investing Challenge.

Webb, running cross country for the University of Pennsylvania; Connor Doyle, who will swim for Virginia Tech; Nicole Costello, who plans to join the diving team at UNC-Wilmington; Kellie Frain, headed for Long Island University to join their bowling team; Ciara Devenuto-Wyeth, who will join the crew team at Jacksonville University; and Collin Hanlon, swimming for Lehigh University. Congratulations to each of these outstanding athletes!

The investing challenge was organized by the Wharton School of Business and the Common Knowledge Scholarship Foundation. All told, there were over 1,300 students in the region who took the quiz. “Having nine of our students place in the top 20 is certainly commendable and we are so proud of their accomplishments,” said Mr. Zisa, who led the team along with fellow BCIT teacher, Matthew Ott.



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Joseph (Joey) Andress, an eighth grader from William Penn Middle School, was nominated by faculty members, Kristen Boucher, Stephanie DePalo, Kim Esposito, Dave Howe, Sally Poletick, and Kristin Slota. According to his teachers, Joey is an extremely positive force in the classroom setting. He is an active participant in all classroom activities and discussions. His enthusiasm is so infectious that he inspires even the shyest of his peers to participate. Joey often receives SOAR cards for his leadership, enthusiasm and contagious, positive attitude. Not only is Joey’s positive engagement noticed inside the classroom, around the school, and outside in the community, but also on the football field. Joey demonstrates true team spirit, cooperation, and sportsmanship. William Penn’s football coach, Mr. Howe, noted that what impresses him the most about Joey is his constant encouragement and a genuine caring for his team and its players. He is known as the “ultimate teammate,” no matter what the situation, good or bad.

At the high school level, this month’s award goes to Kazi Zarif Morshed, an 11th grader, nominated by Applied Engineering / Technology Education (AE/TE) Curriculum Coordinator, Jessica Perfetto. Ms. Perfetto notes that Zarif is an excellent student who balances school with multiple extra-curricular activities. He is vice president of the Pennsbury Sea Falcons, an underwater robotics club. He is also a videographer who spends a great deal of time filming the high school football games. Zarif participates in the Pennsbury Prototyping Crew, working with 3-D printers in the AE/TE Department. In terms of his relationships with fellow students, Ms. Perfetto shares that Zarif is selfless and puts others’ needs before his own, at times staying after school and help other students who are struggling with math homework.

To learn more about this recognition program, call LYFT at (215) 949-1660, ext. 104, or email [email protected]. To obtain a nomination form, contact Sherwood Taylor at [email protected].

BOArD POLICy COMMITTEE4:30 p.m., December 15, 2016

Superintendent’s Conference Room

BOArD BuDgET COMMITTEE7:00 p.m., December 15, 2016Fallsington Elementary School

BOArD FACILITIES COMMITTEE5:30 p.m., January 5, 2017


BOArD AgENDA MEETINg8:00 p.m., January 5, 2017

Fallsington Elementary School

BOArD EDuCATION COMMITTEE5:30 p.m., January 12, 2017


rEguLAr BOArD MEETINg8:00 p.m., January 12, 2017Fallsington Elementary School

BOArD PArTNErSHIPS & MArkETINg COMMITTEE7:00 p.m., January 18, 2017

Fallsington Elementary School Cafeteria

BOArD POLICy COMMITTEE4:30 p.m., January 19, 2017


Upcoming MEETINgS

cross the istricts report 12 16.pdfthe roar letters now hang in windows at the school’s entrance...

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