cross the istricts report 4 19.pdfregional stem design challenge. two groups of 65 teams each...

1PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • APRIL 2019www.pennsburysd.org

PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • APRIL 2019

Across the DISTRICT

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, we salute the Pennsbury Best Buddies program, which is part of Best Buddies International. This group 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. On April 10th, Pennsbury’s chapter held its fourth large-scale event of the year – “Best Buddies Painting with a Peer” – at William Penn Middle School. Over 75 students from the middle and high

APRIL IS AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH!

At its annual appreciation brunch held in late March, The Salvation Army of Levittown recognized the Pennsbury School District for its exemplary community service and participation in the Salvation Army’s volunteer programs. “Teachers, students, and parents have come alongside The Salvation Army to provide much-needed support for the disadvantaged in Bucks County,” the group shared in its press release. “Afton, Edgewood, Eleanor Roosevelt, Fallsington, Makefield, Manor, Penn Valley, Oxford Valley, and Quarry Hill elementary schools, as well as Pennsbury High School and the Bucks County Technical High School have participated in bell-ringing during Red Kettle season. Charles Boehm, William Penn, and Pennwood middle

PENNSBURY RECOGNIZED BYSALVATION ARMY OF LEVITTOWN

Superintendent

Travis Bloom (left), principal of Charles Boehm Middle School, helped to oversee the “Best Buddies Painting With a Peer” event

that took place earlier this month.

schools came together to paint a “Wish Flower” with their buddies. “Lori D’Andrea, Special Education teacher, and Art teacher, Blair Greiner, did a wonderful job designing a detailed painting process, which had the children creating their own masterpieces that they could each take home,” said Special Education Supervisor, Erin Schwenk. “Blair developed a painting project that allowed the children to have a wonderful time expressing their individual art choices using their selected colors while following step-by-step instructions. The students also enjoyed socializing with friends, having snacks, and playing games, as well. We cannot wait for our final event of the school year, the Best Buddies Luau, hosted by PHS West later in May.” Contact Ms. Schwenk at [email protected] to learn more about the Best Buddies program and to find out how to order a Best Buddies T-shirt.

2 APRIL 2019 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org

District highlights report

schools have hosted toy drives.” Funds raised during 2018 Red Kettle season helped to provide food for 600+ families, distribute toys to 1,300 children, and share 1,100 items of clothing with those in need in Bucks County. School Director Gary Sanderson joined several Pennsbury administrators and teachers at the event to share in this special recognition.

The Pennsbury School District was honored with the 2019 Best Communities for Music Education award by the NAMM Foundation for the 11th consecutive year in recognition of Pennsbury’s outstanding commitment to music education! This designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. Qualifications include the submission of data that relate to funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs.

Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Education, Pedro A. Rivera, recently congratulated Pennsbury for this outstanding achievement in a letter to

PENNSBURY IS A “BEST COMMUNITYFOR MUSIC EDUCATION” – AGAIN!

Superintendent Dr. William Gretzula. “Music has the power to connect people from all walks of life as it touches emotions and stimulates the mind,” said Mr. Rivera. “Providing students with a well-developed music education as part of your district’s overall curriculum design not only supports the importance of a well-rounded education, but also encourages social, historical, and cultural traditions that define the nature of your community. Music matters!” Of the 623 school districts recognized nationwide as a “Best Community for Music Education,” 92 are from Pennsylvania.

The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit that advances active participation in music-making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs. For more information about the NAMM Foundation, visit www.nammfoundation.org.

The Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22 coordinated and hosted the recent Bucks County regional STEM Design Challenge. Two groups of 65 teams each competed on two separate days with elementary students (grades 4-5) on March 8th and middle school students (grades 6-8) on March 15th. The top team in each division advances to the state competition being held on Friday, May 17th at Harrisburg University in Harrisburg.

This year’s design challenge was to create a machine that would move three objects at least six inches across a table. Each team’s crane had to be able to pick up the object, move it at least six inches, and then set it back down. Teams were also required to provide journals documenting their concepts and plans, as well as final design blueprints of their proposed solutions. Upon arrival at the competition, they needed to assemble their creations for judging.

DISTRICT TEAMS SWEEPSTEM DESIGN CHALLENGE

Pennsbury received special recognition for assisting the local Salvation Army. From left: Manor Elementary teacher Kristin

Cimochowski, Manor Principal Terri Salvucci, Pennwood Middle School Principal Derek Majikas, PHS National Honor Society advisor

Shawn Zurybida, Pennsbury School Director Gary Sanderson, and Bill Smith, Salvation Army Advisory Board Chairman.



Five Pennsbury students participated in a national choir last month in Columbus, Ohio. These students were encouraged to audition for the national choir by music teachers, Jennifer Kimock (Edgewood) and Kathy Setash (Quarry Hill). They were selected to join many students nationwide in the 2019 OAKE National Conference Children’s Choir and Youth Choir. OAKE is the Organization of American Kodaly Educators, an organization for music teachers. Participants experienced three days of intense rehearsals with world-famous music educators/conductors, concluding with a concert at the Mershon Auditorium at the Wexner Center. “These students had many enriching musical experiences, while also having the chance to meet and sing with students nationwide,” said Ms. Kimock. The students involved were: Katya Nirschl (QH), Brooklyn McPhillips and Braedon Owen (EW), and Sebastian Godun and Jacob Julin (CB).

STUDENTS PERFORM AT NATIONALYOUTH CHOIR CONFERENCE

The students used K’Nex to build their projects; a building system that consists of interlocking plastic rods, connectors, blocks, gears, wheels, and other components, which can be pieced together to form a wide variety of machines and architectural structures. The middle school teams were given the additional task of presenting budgets for their projects in which they had to inventory each K’Nex piece they used, with correlating costs and summary, as an overall cost for their projects.

This year’s Bucks County Regional Winners were:

Elementary STEM Design Challenge:• Best Teamwork: Tawanka Elementary School,

Neshaminy School District• Most Creative Design: Plumstead Christian School• Most Environmentally Friendly: Holland

Elementary School, Council Rock School District Overall 3rd Place: Wrightstown Elementary School, Council Rock School District

• Overall 2nd Place: Plumstead Christian School• Overall 1st Place: Makefield Elementary School,

Pennsbury School District

Middle School STEM Design Challenge:• Best Teamwork: Churchville Elementary School,

Council Rock School District • Most Creative Design: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

School• Most Environmentally Friendly: Belmont Hills

Elementary School, Bensalem Township School District

• Overall 3rd Place: Pennwood Middle School, Pennsbury School District

• Overall 2nd Place: Lenape Middle School, Central Bucks School District

• Overall 1st Place: William Penn Middle School, Pennsbury School District

Congratulations to the Pennsbury teams listed in bold above for their outstanding achievements!

Be sure to read more details about the middle school competition under “William Penn Middle School” in this newsletter.

Vocal music teachers, Jennifer Kimock (left) and Kathy Setash (right), accompanied these outstanding choral students to

Columbus, Ohio for a national choir event.



in the SCHOOLS

In mid-March, Mark Guenther’s third grade class shared some musical cheer with local residents of Chandler Hall in Newtown. On a school holiday, the participating students’ parents brought them by car to entertain the Chandler Hall residents with songs and poems. Fifteen students attended the event, as well as many siblings and parents. A crowd of 40 senior citizens, including Mrs. Ruth Guenther, 91, were entertained by songs like: Country Roads, Grandma’s Feather Bed, Blowin’ in the Wind, River, and 50 States in Rhyme. Other class favorites included: Turtles and Snakes and My Hair Had a Party Last Night. The popular songs of Edelweiss and I’ve Been Working on the Railroad had the audience singing and clapping along with the students.

AFTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The Pennsbury Education Foundation (PEF) recently awarded eight grants to schools across the District, totaling over $18,600. The PEF is a 501(c)3 organization that relies on donations and supports the purpose of improving teaching and learning in Pennsbury through innovative educational initiatives. Grants are awarded through an application process that occurs twice each year.

The following spring grant recipients were announced by PEF President, Annette Young:

• Pennsbury High School West Acting Principal Cherrissa Gibson and teacher Thomas Pettit - $1,920 to purchase two rowing machines.

• William Penn Middle School Principal Christopher Becker and teacher Derek Cressman - $2,000 to purchase musical instruments.

• Fallsington Elementary School Principal Brian Shaffer and teacher Timothy Behe - $397.05 for Drums Alive! equipment. Fallsington teachers, Sheila Miley and Sherri Cohoon, were also awarded a grant in the amount of $741.20 for Junior Great Books.

• Charles Boehm Middle School Principal Travis Bloom and teacher David Murphy - $2,600 to purchase two HD camcorders. The school also received a separate grant in the amount of $499.95 for an audio mixer.

• Penn Valley Elementary School Principal Barbara Hidalgo and teacher Mollie Cancelliere - $499 for the Mind Yeti app.

• The PEF also presented a gift of $9,975.36 to the Pennsbury Technology Department to support the purchase of a classroom set of virtual reality headsets.

In addition to gathering generous donations from local funding sources and individual donors,

EDUCATION FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES SPRING GRANT AWARDS

the PEF also participates in the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program, which awards tax credits to businesses making contributions to the PEF.

Afton Elementary teacher, Mark Guenther, and his third grade students shared their musical talents with the residents of

Chandler Hall in Newtown on a day that schools were closed.



At Edgewood Elementary School, Principal Stephanie Hultquist is celebrating the work of students, Ollie Kauffman, a third grader in Ms. Bergen’s class, and Chase Buscaglia, a fourth grader in Mr. Kobasa’s class, for demonstrating the ability to be Open-Hearted, which is one of the attributes of the Edgewood Tigers’ R.O.A.R.S. with Success SWPBIS program.

“Ollie and Chase have given back to the community in tremendous ways for people at such

EDGEWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Stephanie Hultquist, Principal of Edgewood Elementary,led the school in honoring two students for their commendable

community volunteerism.

Mr. Guenther teaches the class a new song each week and once a song is perfected, it is recorded and sent home for the parents to enjoy. “There were so many songs to choose from the students had a hard time deciding which ones not to perform!” said Mr. Guenther. The class sang a total of 12 songs and the program lasted a full 40 minutes. Each student recited a poem he or she had memorized as well as a Toot! Toot! Poem they wrote during class. “On their own, the kids created cards to share, a colored program for each person, and a colored poster to be used as a prop during the All the Critters Got a Place in the Choir song. The props were left behind for residents to sign and return to the students as a memento of their experience,” said Mr. Guenther.

After the performance, the students, along with their siblings and parents, gathered for pizza in Wright’s Hall at the Chandler facility. “The students were excited, proud, and relieved to have that under their belts,” said their teacher. “They all did a marvelous job and both teacher and parents were proud of them! Afton Elementary School is very proud of the good character traits displayed by all of the students during our visit. Way to SOAR!” Students included in the event were: Maya Allard, Neel Amineni, Keira Campbell, Riley Conboy, Hannah Conboy, Mya Dendler, Josie English, Shea Fouss, Allie Fouss, Evan Hartenstein, DeVeaux Kooker, Haley Navon, Sophia Schneider, Abby Shapiro, and Sai ViJay.

young ages,” said Ms. Hultquist. Ollie has raised over $856.15 so far, and is continuing to raise money. He will participate in a walk that takes place on May 5th at Tyler State Park to benefit Multiple Sclerosis. Ollie said, “I chose to do this because I wanted to help my family members who have MS.” Chase contributed to Karts 4 Kids, which is a program to raise money for Johns Hopkins Children’s Hospital. The laps he raced allowed for donations to help support students in need of medical aid. Chase was recognized by Karts 4 Kids as a race ambassador. Chase said, “I was very excited to get to do this because I wanted to help people and make them better. And, I am really interested in racing.”

Both students were recognized for their efforts of promoting service in the community and their ability to demonstrate being Open-Hearted at an Edgewood Town Hall meeting. These meetings take place on a bi-monthly basis. Students receive R.O.A.R.S. capes when they are recognized for demonstrating an Edgewood Tigers R.O.A.R.S. with Success attribute. Ollie presented a series of Google slides about his service to the community to recognize other people who have been helping him along the way. Chase presented at the previous Town Hall meeting and showcased his race car for the students.



Teacher Cherie Lynne Kooker writes: “Oxford Valley students celebrated Pi Day by gathering in the school gym for the third annual “Pi” throwing event. For several days before the event, students purchased tickets for chances to throw a pie at an Oxford Valley staff member. The students raised $320! This money will be used for STEM activities, such as Challenge 24 and the STEM design challenge. The assembly ended with some very special pie throws. Ninety-three Oxford Valley students earned a chance to throw a pie at Principal Donna Minnigh. To earn a chance, students had to complete every monthly math challenge from September through February, as Ms. Minnigh set

On Saturday, March 30th, four Manor students participated in the BuxMont Children’s Choral

OXFORD VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

MANOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

“Twenty-five fifth grade Eleanor Roosevelt students participated in the Play 60 Field Day at the Eagles NovaCare Complex sponsored by the Philadelphia Eagles and The American Heart Association,” writes teacher, Jason Miller. “After attending a Play 60 assembly in December, students logged their daily activity minutes for a month. The 25 students with the most minutes logged were chosen to participate in the Field Day.” With the support of Principal Lisa Follman, the lucky students, accompanied by fifth grade teachers, Mr. Miller and Roger Kean, and Physical Education teacher, Brian Doron, competed in relay races, caught passes from Eagles players, and even kicked field goals through the uprights. Eagles players, Vinnie Curry, Rodney McLeod, Derek Barnett, and Nick Lovato, joined the students on the field for this enjoyable event. The Eagles mascot, Swoop, also made an appearance to help the students remember the importance of staying active and living a healthy lifestyle.

ELEANOR ROOSEVELTELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Fifth grade students from Eleanor Roosevelt earned theopportunity to participate in a Play 60 Field Day with Eagles

players and Swoop, the team mascot.

These students represented Manor Elementary during theBuxMont Children’s Choral Festival.

Festival. Chosen by their vocal music teacher, Marta Grothman, the students included: Carlee Parczck, Grace Ochoa, Isabella Duell, and Giovanni Longo. They were joined by students from eight area elementary schools and the members of the Pennsylvania Youth Chorale for a full day of music-making, followed by a rousing concert. “We are very proud of these students for representing Manor Elementary so wonderfully at this event!” said Ms. Grothman.



Owls of all types and sizes have been the hot topic for Kindergarteners at Quarry Hill this month. The Philadelphia Zoo on Wheels, a Pennsbury Partner, visited the school, bringing owls and other birds for the students to see and hear. Among many class activities that involved research and writing, students in Nancy Mitsos’ class first dissected “owl pellets” to learn more about what owls include in their diet. By studying what owls spit up regularly, the students were able to examine such things as tiny skulls, bones, and feathers of owl prey. Later, they presented “The Owl Show” for parents and family members to showcase all they had learned. Assisting the Kindergarteners in their studies were their fourth grade “buddies,” taught by Sandy Lopez.

Technology Department staff member, Amanda D’Amico, hosted a virtual reality tour of aquatic life around the globe for first grade students at Penn Valley. The students had read a nonfiction piece recently about animals and their traits for survival. The virtual reality tour displayed the amazing adaptations of underwater life around the world and how these creatures survive and thrive in their habitats. “The first grade students were in awe of the beautiful sights and for the ability to make reading come alive!” shares Gifted Support teacher, Kara Covello.

QUARRY HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

PENN VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Pi Day is a highly-anticipated, annual event at Oxford Valley Elementary. Funds raised help support STEM activities.

Through virtual reality, first grade students at Penn Valley Elementary examined aquatic life from around the world.

that challenge at last year’s assembly. She said that she would take three pies if over 75 students completed their challenges. OV students rose to the occasion and were challenged to hit 100 next year to see Ms. Minnigh take four pies!”

Teacher Nicole Raven reflected: “The Pi Day celebration at Oxford Valley is the best combination of fun and learning while enriching our students in mathematics. It’s so enjoyable watching and hearing our students apply this concept even at the youngest of ages. They look forward to it every year. Math specialist, Lisa Gallagher, had a great idea when she started this tradition.”

An owl came to visit Quarry Hill



Librarian Carolyn Wert reports on a special guest who visited Charles Boehm earlier this month

CHARLES BOEHM MIDDLE SCHOOL

One seventh grader remarked, “He was funny and gave us time to ask questions.” He also liked that Avi told them he wasn’t a very good student when he was young but he was determined to prove his teacher wrong.

“Any time we can have an author visit, our students benefit,” said Ms. Wert. “They had an

Where did “Pi Day” come from? As legend has it, physicist Larry Shaw launched Pi Day in 1988 by selecting the date March 14th as the numerical date (3.14) represents the first three digits of pi. It also happens to be Albert Einstein’s birthday! This year, the staff at Village Park Academy geared up to get “Pi’d” by the kids in honor of the day and to raise money for VPA’s Positive Behavior Support System initiatives. In addition to some top contributors, level 3 students (students who are on track and doing what they need to do at least 85% of the time) got to throw whipped cream pies at staff members. “Special thanks go out to our staff who volunteered, and especially those who actually got pied!” said Village Park Academy Supervisor, Pete Carfagno. “The entire event provided great photos and a nice opportunity to demonstrate firsthand how continuing to perform well each and every day can make school enjoyable, relatable, and beneficial for students in their overall growth.”

VILLAGE PARK ACADEMY

Pete Carfagno, Supervisor at Village Park Academy (seated),was willing to take a pie in the face thrown by one of his

students on Pi Day.

This lucky student had a one-to-one conversation with the world-famous author named Avi at Charles Boehm Middle School.

following the successful outcome of a submitted video request. “Thanks to the PSEA Mideastern Region and CAPS (Council for the Advancement of Public Schools), Charles Boehm had the privilege of hosting renowned author, Avi. Sixth and seventh grade students and Boehm staff were treated to an engaging presentation by Avi when he shared his story; i.e., how he was a poor student, how one of his teachers told him he was a terrible writer, how he decided to become a writer anyway, how it takes him anywhere between one day and four years to write a book, and how he has to do upwards of 80 rewrites for each of his books. He had the audience asking thought-provoking questions and chuckling over some of his responses. Avi spent time talking with students and staff before and after the assembly and all had positive comments to share throughout the day.”



Pennwood Middle School students were invited to demonstratetheir STEM work at a school-wide event hosted by Eleanor

Roosevelt Elementary.

opportunity to learn that despite difficulties, with perseverance you can achieve success.” Thanks go to three eighth grade students, Ava Cornwall, Jessica Martin, and Ella Visco, who, using Ms. Wert’s script, put together the winning video. The Boehm students “felt very fortunate” to have had the opportunity to host such a prolific writer.

Teachers Tom Mellon and Maureen Harbison recently invited guest speakers into their classrooms, writes Gifted Support teacher, Anita Quinn. Students from sixth and eighth grades had the opportunity to interact with local experts in the field of biological science. The students were challenged to think about science and its real-world applications by Dr. David Cragin, an Associate Director for Merck Sharp & Dohme for Product Stewardship and Science, Global Safety and Environment, and Dr. John Quinn, the Director of Science and Product Development for Becton Dickinson Bioinformatics.

“Dr. Cragin has been speaking in Pennsbury

schools for many years,” said Ms. Quinn. “He specializes in toxicology and, like the students, sees it as a ‘cool’ discipline to explore. He welcomes the chance to motivate students to pursue jobs in science. Dr. Quinn presented information linking cell cycle to applications in the field. He walked our learners through cell basics, cytometry- the science of measuring cells, and how those topics relate to current science in the news. The students were able to connect examples of growth disorders and disease to disorders of the cell cycle. Students discussed how diseases focusing on cancer are all caused at some level by cell cycle dysregulation, and how recently developed molecular biology techniques are improving cancer treatment.”

Ms. Quinn continued: “Our students were excited and engaged as they created these career connections. They appreciated this intimate level of community involvement. It was amazing to see their understandings of how innovations and technologies based on the tenets they were learning at Pennsbury allow us to gather data, explain process, and solve

problems. Students were intrigued and empowered by the role that STEM plays in the biological sciences, and are curious about possible STEM careers. We are very fortunate to have parents in our community who are willing to volunteer their time to share their passion and knowledge in this field of study.”

Students from Pennwood’s STEM Design Challenge teams were asked to join the annual STEAM fair at Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary this year, writes teacher, Jessica Berkey. At the elementary event, the middle school students were able to demonstrate how their winning devices worked. Their difficult challenge involved creating an object that could lift and move three objects six inches.

Congratulations and best of luck to the Pennwood Odyssey of the Mind team that is moving on to compete at the World Finals from May 22-25 at Michigan State University! This same team, coached by parent, Krista Oleynick, made it to Worlds two years ago when they were fifth graders at Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary. They tackled the problem titled, “Classics...Leonardo’s Workshop,” and came in second place at both regionals and states. Team members (all seventh graders) include: Harshavi Birla, Dominic Gentile,

PENNWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL



Daniel Kim, Megan Oleynick, Sophie Oleynick, Caylee VanVeen, and Milo Cabral (who attends Bucks Learning Cooperative).

Pennwood teacher, Ryan Kennedy, writes: “The competition is on at Pennwood! Thirty-two books are vying to become Pennwood’s favorite during the book bracket challenge called Book Madness.” Teachers Cynthia Segal and Amy Gogoj, in collaboration with Mr. Kennedy and Danielle Lowden, created this event and placed a large bracket display in the school’s library. “As part of the challenge, each student who votes will have the opportunity to win a copy of the champion book,” said Mr. Kennedy. “This is a great event built to encourage students to explore and discover new books!”

Book Madness, a special bracket challenge, was designed by teachers to encourage Pennwood Middle School students to

explore new books.

Science teacher, Kristin Slota, reports that on March 15th, three William Middle School design teams competed at the Bucks County IU #22 in the sixth annual STEM competition against teams from other Bucks County schools. “The Designer Penguin team members, Ahtesham Alvi, Nila Anbarasu, Marcus Buondonno, and Mia Thach, showed great determination preparing for the competition,” said Ms. Slota. “Team CATHI members, Meredith Glunz, Jenae Hallett, Julia Kawsah, and Ella Wendel,

WILLIAM PENN MIDDLE SCHOOL

demonstrated great teamwork and enjoyed this special classroom extension. The Construction Crew members, Patrick Kennedy, Ryan Kennedy, Shane Marchok, and Jack Shea, used research and the engineering design process to successfully complete the challenge. The teachers and staff at William Penn are very proud of the efforts of all three teams.”

After two hours of building and testing, the judges

recognized The Construction Crew from William Penn as the top team in the Bucks County Middle School STEM design challenge. The winning team designed a K’Nex machine that was environmentally friendly and capable of picking up objects and moving those objects six inches in distance.

The Construction Crew will represent Pennsbury at the State Competition in Harrisburg on May 17th. The William Penn community wishes their “Crew” the best of luck!

March was Youth Art Month, writes Art teacher, Blair Greiner, and to celebrate the student artwork at William Penn, students in the Aesthetics Club (as well as some additional volunteer student artists) created over 120 caricature portraits of the faculty and staff. “The portraits border the entire lobby of

The Construction Crew is the name of this winning team from William Penn Middle School. They topped other county teams at an event hosted by the Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22 and will

move on to represent Pennsbury at a state competition in May.



The baseball field at Pennsbury High School was dedicated as Vic Napolitano Field on April 6th with

PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL

Youth Art Month was celebrated in many ways during Marchat William Penn Middle School.

the building,” said Ms. Greiner. “These portraits brought some humor as well as awareness of the arts into the building last month.”

The students of William Penn surprised the faculty and staff with a six-minute video and initiation of the first “William Penn Life Changer” award. The video was shown at the end of the day and featured students in all grades acknowledging the adults at William Penn who have positively impacted their lives. “The students mentioned many of the faculty and staff who work with our students each day,” said Ms. Greiner. “The video concluded with the first-awarded ‘Life Changer’ – Sally Poletick. Ms. Poletick makes daily contributions to the overall well-being of all of her students and impacts them to be their best selves. In the video, student Madison Robbins stated that Ms. Poletick has given her a new perspective on school and she credits her for wanting to be present each day and do her best. Congratulations to all the Life Changers at William Penn and for the first awardee, Ms Poletick!”

great fanfare and poignant reflections by those who knew the legendary Pennsbury coach, who passed away in 2012. A large crowd of family, friends, alumni, team members, booster club members, and District dignitaries gathered as current Pennsbury Baseball Coach Joe Pesci kicked off the ceremony to unveil both the scoreboard sign and the bronze plaque that were mounted permanently in Coach Napolitano’s honor. Other speakers included Superintendent Dr. William Gretzula and long-time PHS Assistant Baseball Coach, Kenneth Alston, along with Vic’s wife, Ginnie Napolitano, and two daughters, Vicki McAllister and Lauri Ford-Del Rio. Family friend and former Pennsbury employee, Jack Masiello, was credited by several speakers for helping to lead the effort to name the field after Vic Napolitano. Following is the biography of “Coach Nap” that was shared with those who attended:

Vic Napolitano taught Physical Education in the Pennsbury School District from 1956 to 1993 and was the Head Baseball Coach for Pennsbury High School from 1965 to 1993. During those years, Vic’s Falcons won 13 League Titles, 3 District One Titles and reached the PIAA Final Four twice. His overall record through 28 seasons was 403-156.

Before becoming such a successful high school coach, Vic was one of the finest all-around athletes in Temple

PHS Baseball Coach Joe Pesci (left) joined family members of former Coach Vic Napolitano and Superintendent Dr. William Gretzula (right) at a special ceremony that honored Mr. Napolitano. The Pennsbury baseball field was dedicated as Vic Napolitano Field on April 6th.



University history. He played on the 1951 NCAA Soccer Championship Team, the Varsity Basketball Team, and captained the 1952 Varsity Baseball Team. Vic never played in a losing soccer game in high school or college. He signed a professional baseball contract with the St. Louis Cardinals and played four years of pro ball. He is a member of the Temple University Hall of Fame (2009), the Pennsbury Athletic Hall of Fame inaugural class (2001), and the Bucks County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame (2010). Vic was also named Bucks County Courier Times Coach of the Year, along with receiving their Twin Sports Award in 1974.

Vic Napolitano touched many lives, both as a coach and a teacher in his 36 years at Pennsbury. He was directly responsible for “opening college doors” for many of his players, who continued playing baseball at the college level, gaining educational degrees, and moving on to successful careers. Over a dozen of his former players signed baseball contracts with professional teams in the major or minor leagues.

Vic’s widow, Ginnie Napolitano, continues to live in the Yardley/Morrisville area, supporting many of the Pennsbury School District’s programs and activities. But she is still partial to the successful Pennsbury baseball program, to which Vic devoted much of his life.

Coach Napolitano’s Pennsbury Baseball record from1965-1993 included 28 seasons, 403 wins, 156 losses, 13 League Championships, 3 District One titles, and 2 PIAA Final Four appearances.

Recently, a college fair was organized by school counselors, Samantha Abdo and Kim Krajci, and hosted by Pennsbury High School. Approximately 300 people attended, including students, parents, and community members. Visitors had the opportunity to stop and meet with the more than 90 school exhibitors. “The gym was packed from 7 to 8:30 p.m., and we received positive feedback from both the families and the college reps,” said Ms. Abdo. Well done!

On March 29th, members of the Multi-Cultural Youth Leaders club (MCYL) traveled to Coatesville

High School to attend a S.P.I.R.I.T. Youth Summit, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice and Community Relations Services. In the case of this summit and workshop, S.P.I.R.I.T. stood for Student Problem Identification and Resolution of Issues Together. Pennsbury was one of 30 school districts in attendance. John Sanders, Applied Engineering teacher and MCYL sponsor, shares, “The S.P.I.R.I.T. group was formed to address social justice issues, with a focus on racial tensions, experienced by high school students across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The purpose of this summit was for every student in attendance to learn and implement problem-solving strategies on combating racial tensions within their own schools. MCYL is looking forward to using some of the strategies in Pennsbury.” Shivani Patel, an MCYL member, reflected on the benefits of the experience: “The S.P.I.R.I.T. summit taught me the importance of taking pride in the success of others and how things can be done differently when you see what your fellow high school students are doing in other districts.”

JROTC cadets from Coatesville, North Penn, and Pennsbury gathered at Horsham Air Guard Base on March 22nd for a “Combat Dining-In,” shares Major (Ret). Jim MacEachern, a Pennsbury AFJROTC teacher. “The Dining-In is a long-standing military

Members of the PHS Multi-Cultural Youth Leaders club (andadvisor John Sanders, center front) attended a youth summit at

Coatesville High School.



Air Force JROTC cadets from Coatesville, North Penn, and Pennsbury gathered at Horsham Air Guard Base in March for an activity-packed

event designed to build camaraderie among the units.

Ben Wachspress (shown with his father, Dan, at right) was recently awarded the Widener University High School Leadership prize at the

National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

custom to build camaraderie and esprit de corps. The gathering is steeped in tradition where units celebrate their successes and enjoy each other’s company while negotiating various rules that can lead them afoul of the President of the Mess (cadet commander), often resulting in being sent to the Grog Bowl, a not-so-good concoction of various ingredients. The event started with the Presentation of Colors and the National Anthem, sung by PHS sophomore, Gracie Maccarella. This was followed by a solemn POW/MIA ceremony to recognize those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, performed by the Coatesville cadets. Next came food and games. The schools competed in a tug-of-war, hula-hoop circle, giant Jenga (made by Cadets Girton and Maccarella), and a few other activities. The kids were well-behaved, had a lot of fun, and we can’t wait to do it again next year.”

Nine AFJROTC cadets attended a four-day U.S. Government Foundations Seminar at the Valley Forge Freedoms Foundation from March 28-31. “Students learned about the origins of our democracy, the art of crafting an argument versus arguing, and even had the pleasure of meeting Thomas Jefferson,” reports Major MacEachern. “In addition, they went on walking tours of Valley Forge National Park and historic Philadelphia. Over 100 students from more than 20 East coast high schools were in attendance. PHS cadets are able to attend this event free each year due to the generosity of the local Chapter of the

Military Order of World Wars, which is a tremendous supporter of Pennsbury’s AFJROTC.”

commenDAbleACCOMPLISHMENTS

PHS East Principal Reggie Meadows and PHS West Acting Principal Cherrissa Gibson are pleased to announce that Benjamin Wachspress was selected for the Widener University High School Leadership Award. According to school counselor, Lindsey Goldman, “Ben was chosen for this award because of his leadership skills, his commitment to make a change, and specifically his work with the Special Stars soccer program.”

Widener University and the Oskin Leadership Institute, in partnership with NBC10, founded the

BEN WACHSPRESS HONORED WITH WIDENER U. LEADERSHIP AWARD



In conjunction with the Pennsbury School District’s ongoing character education initiative, students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels are being spotlighted each month for possessing specific positive character assets. For the month of April, students are being recognized for exemplifying the trait of integrity. Honorees this month include Alliya Phipps, Marceli Dzieniszewski, Sam Foster, and Ava Walker.

LYFT CHARACTER AWARDWINNERS ANNOUNCED

High School Leadership Awards program in 2011 to identify the region’s high school students who embody the university’s commitment to develop and inspire leaders who affect positive change. Each year, principals of high schools in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware are encouraged to identify one current high school junior who has demonstrated courage by standing up for what is right, found a way to address a wrong, or made a difference in a significant way at his or her school or community. Each year, winners are recognized at the National Constitution Center and invited to participate in a leadership development conference at Widener.

High School Leadership Award winners who choose to enroll at Widener are named Apogee Scholars and receive a $20,000 scholarship over four years. Congratulations, Ben!

Cole Roberts, PHS Class of 2018, recently returned from college at the Tyler School of Art to be honored at the Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22 (BCIU) in Doylestown. A work of art that Cole created during his senior year at Pennsbury was selected for a year-long exhibition at the BCIU. Also attending the

PHS Bowling coach, Dave Nicol, is pleased to announce that at the recent PA State Championships held in Ephrata, PHS student, Jake Feher, placed 4th in the state. Congratulations, Jake!

2018 PHS GRADUATE HONOREDDURING BCIU ART RECEPTION

JAKE FEHER PLACES 4TH IN STATE BOWLING CHAMPIONSHIPS

PHS student, Jake Feher (right), placed 4th in Pennsylvania at the recent High School Bowling State Championships held in Ephrata.

Jake is shown here with Coach Dave Nicol.

opening reception for the exhibit were Cole’s family members, Pennsbury Superintendent Dr. William Gretzula, and K-12 Art Curriculum Coordinator, Ruth Anne Schultz.

Cole Roberts (center), PHS Class of 2018, was honored atthe Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22 during a special

reception held to unveil new student art that will remain onexhibit for the next year. Cole was joined by SuperintendentDr. William Gretzula and Pennsbury’s K-12 Art Curriculum

Coordinator, Ruth Anne Schultz.



We commend PHS junior, Jason Turner, for having his poetry submissions recognized by Bucks County Community College, earning him first runner-up status in the Bucks County High School Poet of the Year competition. Jason’s poems, Who is This Liberty?, Lost, and My Ancestors Sat on Thrones, impressed the judges, allowing Jason to tie for first runner-up with a student from Council Rock High School South. A reception and reading will be held on May 18th at 1:00 p.m. in the Orangery building on the BCCC Newtown campus. The student poetry will be collected and published in Writes of Passage, Vol 9, which will be distributed at the reading.

Kudos to PHS senior, Carolyn Priestley, for placing second in the recent Bucks County Community College short fiction contest. Carolyn was awarded a cash prize of $100 for her work titled, Ask Me Anything, about a girl named Ada who learns some important lessons from an encounter with a robot who was once a human

being. Carolyn is invited to read from her work on April 28th during a 2:00 p.m. reception in the Orangery building on the BCCC Newtown campus.

TURNER RECOGNIZED FOR POETRYBY BCCC

PRIESTLEY EARNS AWARD INBCCC FICTION CONTEST

The first elementary honoree this month is Ava Walker, who is in fourth grade at Fallsington Elementary School. Ava was nominated by Sherri Cohoon, Syndey Matejik, Karen Mummey, Linda Minnes, Kristen Cahill, and Principal Brian Shaffer. They say that Ava is a model student who consistently strives to do what’s right in all situations. She shares her own mind without concern for approval or acceptance from others. She stands up for what she believes in and will also stand up for others who need support or who have been treated unfairly. Ava does not let peer pressure affect her and is always welcoming to all those around her

Also winning the character award at the

elementary level this month is Alliya Phipps, who is in fourth grade at Oxford Valley Elementary School. Alliya was nominated by teacher Julie Samples. Ms. Samples says that when mentioning integrity, Alliya always comes to mind. She consistently does what she is supposed to do and uses her time wisely. She possesses a strong moral code which she will not sacrifice for anyone or anything. She stands true to her beliefs and would rather be alone than succumb to peer pressure. Alliya comes to school to learn, work hard, do what’s right, and be a good friend to all.

Marceli Dzieniszewski, a sixth grader at Charles

Boehm Middle School, was nominated by teacher, Sue Brennan. In her nomination, Ms. Brennan says that Marceli displays honesty in all situations. “If I accidentally leave a poster up that has answers, Marceli comes quietly to me and reminds me.” She says that Marcelli has a strong moral compass, which guides him to always do the right thing. He is the first to offer assistance to any child for any reason. He personifies Boehm’s principles of PRIDE.

Our high school honoree this month is Sam

Foster, a freshman who was nominated by teacher Amy DiFazio. Ms. DiFazio shares that in her Gifted Seminar, “Sam poses insightful questions and responds openly, respectfully, and thoughtfully to discussion questions and moral dilemmas.” Sam is a strong advocate for the rights and respect of the

LGBTQ community at Pennsbury and displays an outstanding work ethic. Sam has a genuine love of learning and comes to class with creativity and enthusiasm.

cArolyn priestley

JAson turner



The Bucks County Playhouse, in tandem with the Newtown Arts Theater Company, co-sponsor an annual student theatre festival at the Playhouse in New Hope. The festival spans two weeks and brings together performing groups from around the area to highlight their theatrical work. “This year, the Pennsbury High School Thespians brought four 20-minute, one-act shows, which were all student-directed,” writes Assistant Drama Director, Matt South. “Students rehearsed after school and on weekends to perfect their shows and get them to be under the 20-minute mark. Their hard work and dedication paid off!” On April 1st, Pennsbury performed The Other Room and Yellow Boat and brought home awards for Best Production (The Other Room directed by Samantha Belinski), Best Director (Finn Connor, for Yellow Boat), Best Actor (Graham Sudol, for his portrayal of Austin in The Other Room), and Best Actress (Robyn Kerachsky, for her portrayal of Benjamin in Yellow Boat). On April 9th, Pennsbury won Best Director (Daniel “DJ” Tomalin, for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time), Best Actor (Shane Howell, for his portrayal of Christopher in The Curious Incident…), and Best

PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL THESPIANS WIN BIG AT FESTIVAL

The Pennsbury High School Thespians were recognized with numerous accolades at a student theatre festival held at the

Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope.

These outstanding music students brought Pennsbury Falcon Pride to new levels at recent state festivals.

Production (The Curious Incident…). Pennsbury also performed Supermarket of Lost, which was directed by Abigail Forbes. Faculty advisors, Mary Kay Everett and Matt South, also received the Teacher Choice Award on April 1st. This daily award is presented to teachers who prepare their students for success, encourage creativity, and tackle deep subject matter.

Check out these students next at their Night of One Acts on May 23rd at 7:00 p.m. in the PHS West Orange Auditorium (The Cave).

Instrumental Music Curriculum Coordinator, Frank Mazzeo, is pleased to announce that nine students represented the Pennsbury School District in Pittsburgh recently at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association All-State festival and the National Association for Music Educators (NAfME) All-Eastern festival. The following students auditioned successfully for these prestigious opportunities: Jonathan Bywater, Amanda Rearden, Gregory Glatzer, Priya Deliwala, Rob Walton, Sonya Benegal, John Brunozzi, Grace Gerhauser, and Jordan Spivack.

MUSIC STUDENTS PERFORM AT PRESTIGIOUS FESTIVALS



PHS freshman, Rami Heiba (right, shown here with Coach Julius Twyman), won the Boys Tennis Singles SOL tournament!

Boys Varsity Tennis Head Coach Julius Twyman is proud to report that Pennsbury High School freshman, Rami Heiba, won the Boys Tennis Singles SOL tournament and will be competing in Districts! “Rami had to go through numerous number one players in the tournament to win. It wasn’t easy, but he represented the school extremely well,” said Coach Twyman. Congratulations!

RAMI HEIBA WINS BOYS TENNISSINGLES SOL TOURNAMENT

BOArD FACILITIES COMMITTEE5:00 p.m., May 2, 2019

Superintendent’s Conference Room

BOArD EDuCATION COMMITTEE7:30 p.m., May 2, 2019


BOArD POLICy COMMITTEE4:30 p.m., May 9, 2019


BOArD FINANCE/PArTNErSHIP COMMITTEE6:00 p.m., May 9, 2019


ACTION BOArD MEETINg7:30 p.m., May 16, 2019

Fallsington Elementary School

Upcoming MEETINgS

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