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1PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • MAY 2014

PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • MAY 2014

Across the DISTRICT

The Pennsbury Partners Program celebrated its 15th annual partnership recognition dinner last month at William Penn Middle School. As in previous years, awards were presented to one outstanding business partner and one outstanding non-profit partner. One special recognition award was also added to this year’s program. The 2014 celebration, which resembled a Hollywood awards party, featured musical entertainment by members of the Pennsbury Concert Jazz Band and members of the Pennsbury High School Symphony Orchestra. As guests arrived, they were greeted by a trio of herald trumpeters from the Pennsbury High School Marching Band.

Business and non-profit partners known for enhancing academic instruction, career awareness, and community service were recognized at the event, which was organized by Dr. Christine Zervos, Coordinator of Partnerships and Grants, and Robin Peters, Partnership Program Assistant. “In addition to benefiting students, partnering with Pennsbury offers many advantages for community agencies and businesses,” said Dr. Zervos. “Partnerships enhance marketing and public relations, provide greater visibility in the community, and offer the personal satisfaction that together, we will help shape the workforce of the future. As a result, we are all winners.”

Pennsbury’s administrative and professional staff members were also recognized for their

PENNSBURY PARTNERS RECOGNIZEDAT ANNUAL DINNER

The 2013-14 Non-Profit Partner of the Year is the Pennsbury LYFT Coalition, a unit of the United Way of Bucks County.

From left: Jon Leventry, PHS senior; Tim Philpot, LYFT Project Director; Gary Sanderson, School Director; Pastor Vicky Allen,LYFT Chairperson; Brianna Vest, PHS junior; Samantha Lipoff,

PHS senior; and Kat Sestrick, PHS sophomore.

commitment, time, and the collaborative efforts they extend to their Pennsbury partners. Nearly 200 guests attended the recognition dinner.

The recipients of the outstanding partnership award statuettes for the 2013-2014 school year included:

• Top It! Frozen Yogurt Cafe – Business Partner of the Year

A Pennsbury Partner since 2012, Top It! has provided certificates of recognition for honor roll students at all three middle schools (approximately 3,000 this year). Top It! also donated hundreds of certificates for free yogurt or smoothies for many school activities including: DARE graduations, the Pennsbury High School Prom Fashion Show, Career Fair, Homecoming, Student of the Week recognition awards, Reading rewards, Math incentive awards, and recycling

2 MAY 2014 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA

superintendent’s report • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.

programs. In addition, Top It! hosts fundraising events organized by many school-related groups and programs.

• United Way of Bucks County- LYFT – Non-Profit Partner of the Year

The Pennsbury LYFT Coalition was founded in 1995 as a community-prevention resource assisting students and families in the Pennsbury School District. LYFT, an acronym signifying the four municipalities that comprise Pennsbury (Lower Makefield Township, Yardley Borough, Falls Township, and Tullytown Borough) is part of the United Way of Bucks County. The primary focus of LYFT is to reduce the incidence of substance use and abuse by youth in the community and to support healthier youth development. LYFT has an array of initiatives in progress at any given time. Highlights of the past year include participating in Prescription Drug Take Back Days, conducting Project Sticker Shock, providing an after-school program at the middle school level called Z-period, and facilitating a distracted driving prevention program at the high school.

Student involvement in the 2014 recognition ceremony included comments from four high school students who participate in LYFT activities. These were Kat Sestrick, Brianna Vest, Jon Leventry, and Samantha Lipoff. Another Pennsbury High School student, Keara Sanderson, shared her experiences in a fundraising effort she organized at Top It! Frozen Yogurt Café. Keara spoke of the generosity of this year’s Best Business Partner.

One additional Pennsbury Partner was recognized by Director of Transportation, Charles Williams, for making a unique contribution to the Pennsbury School District. The Yellow Bird Players, a group of Pennsbury bus drivers, received a Special Recognition award at this year’s dinner. The Yellow Bird players present valuable information to kindergarteners, first, and second graders on school bus safety. This information is presented in the Pennsbury elementary schools in skit form using a simulated school bus to teach the students both good

and bad bus behaviors. The Yellow Bird Players received a “Governor’s Safety Award” in 1999 in the category of Safety Education.

Among this year’s dinner sponsors were Exelon – Gold sponsor; Lifetouch Photography and Metz Culinary Management – Bronze sponsors. Funds provided by the 2014 sponsors will enable the Partnership Program to provide mini-grants to Pennsbury teachers in the coming school year.

Over the last 19 years, the Pennsbury Partners Program has grown to be a highly successful, collaborative effort involving over 1,000 partners in the Pennsbury community.

Vocal Music teacher, Marta Grothman, writes that the Pennsbury Elementary Honors Chorus Festival was held in late March at PHS West. The event was organized and run by the elementary Vocal Music staff and their Curriculum Coordinator, James Moyer. The fifth grade students in attendance were chosen by their Vocal Music teachers. “The students committed time and hard work to prepare for the festival, rehearsing before or after school, or during their recess periods,” explained Ms. Grothman. “They also practiced at home! Students arrived at 8:30 a.m.

VOCAL MUSIC TEACHERS HOSTELEMENTARY HONORS CHORUS FESTIVAL

Fifth grade students from across Pennsbury rehearsedwith a guest conductor before their performance at the

Elementary Honors Chorus Festival in Keller Hall.



Steve Purdy, President of the Pennsbury Odyssey of the Mind Association (POMA), shares that this year, Pennsbury sent the highest number of teams in District history to compete at States. “Upon reviewing the scoring, it appeared that most of our teams did better against the other teams they faced at Regionals,” said Mr. Purdy. But the competition from the other regions was fierce, and unfortunately, none of the Pennsbury teams will be moving on to Worlds. “Although no teams moved on, we view this year as a big success!” said Mr. Purdy. “We had 15 teams join us with no previous experience. We were able to involve schools that either never participated previously, or it has been a very long time since they’ve been a part of POMA. All of the teams did a fantastic job!” Congratulations to the entire POMA organization for a job well done.

The entire Pennsbury community is invited to attend the annual District Art Show from May 28-30 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the PHS East gymnasium. Art Curriculum Coordinator, Ruth Anne Schultz, is working with the Art teachers from across all 14 Pennsbury schools to exhibit thousands of pieces of outstanding student work from the 2013-14 school year. Works created by students in grades K-12 will include two-dimensional and three-dimensional pieces done in such media as ceramics, Styrofoam, metals, and stained glass, as well as drawings, paintings, digital photography, collages, prints, jewelry, and sculpture. The selected works help to demonstrate the progression of Pennsbury’s Art curriculum across all grades, according to Ms. Schultz. “Visitors will

ODYSSEY OF THE MIND TEAMSCOMPETE AT STATES

DISTRICT ART SHOW SCHEDULED FORMAY 28-30 IN PHS GYMNASIUM

on the day of the event and practiced all day under the guidance of guest conductor, Fred Meads. They gave a superb performance for family members and other guests, for which they received the honor of a standing ovation. We are all very proud of these students.”

Children’s author, Dan Gutman, took questions fromstudents in multiple grade levels at Afton Elementary

during a series of Skype sessions.

be able to witness the sequential development of our Art courses, which build upon a strong foundation established at the elementary level,” she said. The District Art Show is a free event, open to the public.

Students at Afton had the chance to speak with popular children’s author, Dan Gutman, through multiple Skype sessions held throughout one morning in April. Mr. Gutman spoke with students about the road to becoming a successful writer and how his first stories were rejected by many publishers. He also spoke on his philosophy to never give up. The author keeps a collection of his rejection letters and he said it helps to fuel his fire and keep working harder. Students spoke into the camera during each Skype session to ask questions prepared just for Mr. Gutman. These sessions took place across all grade levels in half-hour increments.

AFTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

in the SCHOOLS

Third grade teacher, Eileen Koch, writes that on Thursday, April 24th, the third grade students at Afton participated in the annual Poem in your Pocket Day that is celebrated throughout the country. Students wrote various forms of poetry and tucked



The Makefield school community recently donated funds to a local organization established for student athletes with special needs called, Athletes Helping Athletes (AHA). The group’s president, Rick Leonetti, Sr., recently wrote to Principal Donna McCormick-Miller to express his thanks on behalf of AHA. “We were so touched by your school’s donation,” said Mr. Leonetti. “Thanks to the Superintendent of Pennsbury, and Pennsbury High School’s Athletic Director, several coaches, teachers, and players from the various sports, Pennsbury has become a very important part of AHA. Mike Diglia and Dawn Renson have been tremendous in running our program at the high school level. Mike has moderated the school’s first-ever AHA Club made up of student-athletes who host our children with special needs at the various home games. Your donation helps us help the various special needs athletic programs in our area. We are thrilled to be a partner with your District.”

Colonial Day at Makefield, which occurred on May 2nd this year, is a decades-long, bi-annual tradition. In fact, this year’s event was the 30th anniversary of Colonial Day at the school. The much-anticipated day involves the entire student body and the support of faculty, staff, and many parent volunteers. Colonial Day was originally developed and continues to be overseen by now-retired Makefield teacher, Dave Yantz, whose inspiration is perpetuated by current fourth and fifth grade faculty. The event has a direct tie-in with the elementary curricular topics of U.S. and Pennsylvania history. Re-enactors, interpreters

The Fallsington Student Council, along with advisors Monica James, Courtney Gould, and Kristen Cahill, organized a Pasta for Pennies

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, Edgewood students and staff took part in a Walk-a-Thon on Friday, April 25th to raise money for the Bucks County Autism Support Coalition. Principal Michele Spack writes, “This was our fifth annual walk for autism. In addition, this year we held a basket raffle. Items and baskets were created by classrooms where some of our children are included, in addition to our IU autistic support classrooms, and by some parent donations.” Well done!

MAKEFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

FALLSINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

EDGEWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

them into little pockets they designed. They joined other students in the Afton garden to share their original poems. Finally, the students took their poems in their pockets home to share with their families. “Students enjoyed writing and sharing their creative poems,” said Ms. Koch. Their poems will be on display as “flowers” in the school’s learning garden during Afton’s Young Authors’ Night in June.

These Fallsington Elementary Student Council membershelped organize a fundraiser to support the Leukemia

and Lymphoma Society.

fundraiser to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The campaign ran for two weeks in April. Fallsington students brought in coin donations with the goal of helping children and adults in the fight against blood cancers like leukemia. The fundraiser was very successful and raised a total of $1,059.37. Terri Sherman’s second grade class raised the most money – $157.52 – and won a lunch sponsored by the Olive Garden.



of William Penn and George Washington, and Revolutionary soldiers all play important roles on this momentous day established just for Makefield students. A “journeyman” tells his tales in one room, while students gain step-by-step instructions on Colonial dances in another. Engaging demonstrations by tradesmen and craftspeople are also on site each year. These include a blacksmith, a spinner, and an open-hearth cooking expert. While the younger grade levels have the opportunity to tour the exhibits, the fourth and fifth grade students participate throughout the day in such activities as quill writing, tin punching, stenciling, butter churning, gardening, and candle making. To top things off, a traditional Colonial lunch is prepared and served by parent volunteers. “This year’s Colonial Day was another huge success,” said Principal Donna McCormick-Miller. “In recent years, we’ve also incorporated our school’s Learning Garden into the festivities. Students learn about plants that were grown during Colonial times and how they were used for cooking and medicinal purposes.” She added: “Special thanks go out to our teachers, our custodial staff, our many parent volunteers, and our re-enactors who dedicate such passion and personal time to this special experience for our students.”

Colonial Day is a bi-annual event at Makefield Elementary. Retired teacher, Nyla Houser, above, was one of many volunteers who

engaged students in lively discussions centered on Colonial life.

Students at Oxford Valley Elementary received reusablelunch bags and containers to promote “litterless lunches”

thanks to a grant from Waste Management.

Teachers, Cherie Lynne Kooker and Heather Ryan, and Educational Technology Associate, Julie Samples, organized a special grant-funded opportunity for the first and fourth graders at Oxford Valley. These students attended what was called the Litterless Lunch Earth Day Program. “The goal of this program was to have all 155 students in these grades learn the importance of Earth Day, how to care for our planet, and what they can do to help,” explained Ms. Samples. The week of April 21st included a variety of Earth Day lessons, vocabulary, and activities for grades 1 and 4, and on April 24th, students attended the Litterless Lunch assembly, tying it all together.

OXFORD VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

“As part of the presentation, we reviewed the lessons the students had learned that week, discussed their activities, and displayed their Earth Day art work,” said Ms. Samples. Finally, as a culminating activity during the assembly, “we distributed the Litterless Lunch bags, which were funded with an $800 grant from Pennsbury Partner, Waste Management,” continued Ms. Samples. Each student received a special Pennsbury reusable lunch bag, water bottle, and food containers, “so that they will no longer add any more waste to the planet from their school



PHS Art teacher, Danyelle Lala, shares that in 2005, she and her students (at the time) at Walt Disney painted a fiberglass “Nipper Dog” called Monet’s Mutt for a public art project and fundraiser in Moorestown, NJ. Pennsbury’s contribution was auctioned off and sold for $4,500. “The private owners of our “Nipper Dog” called me to ask if the school would take it back,” said Ms. Lala. “They were moving and needed to find it a new home.” The 2005 festival featured 30 five-foot, fiberglass

A Pre-Kindergarten theme during the month of April was Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, reports Pre-K teacher, Tarisa Rorick. “We collected recycled materials and used them all month long to create many different projects, including a giant robot!” Ms. Rorick also led the class in their study of plants during this time. “Learning about the life cycle of a plant and all of its parts was very exciting for the students,” she said. “On Tuesday, April 22nd, we capped off our study with Earth Day. We enjoyed cleaning up our school and planting beautiful flowers in front of Walt Disney. It was the perfect conclusion to our Reduce, Reuse, Recycle theme!”

WALT DISNEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLlunches.” Ms. Samples noted: “An elementary school of our size will have, on average, 3,600 bags of garbage from lunch waste alone each year. Through this program, we can reduce that number by 1,440 bags!” Judy Archibald, a representative from Waste Management, was invited to attend the assembly, speak with the students, and join the teachers in passing out the Litterless Lunch bags.

Many students from Oxford Valley turned out at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday, April 26th to help support one of their schoolmates and her team, Maddy’s Mavericks, in the fight against Cystic Fibrosis (CF). CF is a genetic disorder that particularly affects the lungs and digestive system. CF affects more than 30,000 kids and young adults in the United States. OV teacher, Ashley Juno, reports that her fifth grade students donated their time and money to support this important cause. “The weather was perfect while everyone enjoyed the walk, games, and food that were provided,” said Ms. Juno. “In addition, the students at OV held a walk-a-thon during recess on April 25th. All the money raised is being donated to the CF foundation in honor of Maddy’s Mavericks.” The teachers at OV also participated in a “Denim Day,” proceeds from which were presented to the foundation on the day of the walk.

Oxford Valley teacher, Ashley Juno (center), accompaniedstudents to Citizens Bank Park for a special walk to support

the fight against Cystic Fibrosis.

Pre-K teacher, Tarisa Rorick (center), led her students in planting new gardens at Walt Disney Elementary on Earth Day.



Charles Boehm teachers, Tom Mellon and Michelle Meehan, share that Boehm eighth graders paid a visit to Manor Elementary School recently in conjunction with a special cross-curricular writing activity: “Our middle school students completed two chapters about plants and then wrote children’s books for third graders,” said Mr. Mellon. “The students at Manor read the books before they were visited by 25 Boehm students.” The middle school students presented mini lessons on personification, similes, and metaphors using self-designed posters. “They presented

CHARLES BOEHM MIDDLE SCHOOL

Eighth grade students from Charles Boehm Middle Schooltraveled to Manor Elementary for an activity that combined

Science and Language Arts.

Pennwood students in the Career Connections group traveled to Bucks County Community College for a tour and overview.

“Nipper” statues decorated by artists and supported by various sponsors. Eldridge Johnson, the founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company and acquirer of the “Nipper” trademark, moved his family to Moorestown in 1919 – hence the connection between the town and “Nipper.” Monet’s Mutt returned safely in late April and will be added as a permanent installation at Walt Disney! Monet’s Mutt “nipper”

their posters to small groups of third graders and encouraged them to write poetry. Some of the Manor students shared their work with our eighth graders. This activity offered students an opportunity to express themselves through the arts. They were also given the chance to work with younger children in the District and to integrate Science and Language Arts through the use of poetry.”

Last month, Pennwood teacher, Jan Smith, and School Counselor, Linda Alampi, took their eighth grade Career Connections group to Bucks County Community College for a visit and tour. The students met with Maryellen Raymond, Assistant Director of Admissions, for a brief overview of the college. “The students were challenged with a question and answer review and given BCCC frisbees for being so attentive!” said Ms. Alampi. Marie Cooper, the Director of Disability Services, also met with the Pennwood group. Ms. Cooper brought along a student from the college who has a disability to share his experiences with the students. “Our students were then given a wonderful tour of the college by Casey Grienmeier, Administrative Assistant of Admissions,” added Ms. Alampi. “They left feeling quite positive and hopeful for the future.”

PENNWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL



The Pennsbury High School Chamber Choir, under the direction of Vocal Music Curriculum Coordinator, James Moyer, embarked on its annual concert tour in early April. This year, the 28-voice Chamber Choir visited the Kansas City metro-area. While there, they performed on the stage at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The choir went to Lawrence, Kansas and participated in a choral exchange with Lawrence Free State High School, and also sang at the University of Kansas (KU) for Dr. Paul Tucker, the Director of Choral Activities and the KU Chamber Singers. The PHS Chamber Choir gave a joint concert with the Lawrence Motet Singers at the Plymouth Congregational Church in Lawrence, KS. The choir also performed a concert at the John Knox Retirement Village in Lee’s Summit, MO. Additionally, the Chamber Choir sang the National Anthem for the Kansas City Royals during their home opening weekend. The tour concluded with a concert at the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, where the group performed a series

PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOLJoseph D’Alicandro, teacher and Band Director,

coordinated a master class last month for students with internationally-recognized jazz performer and educator, Denis DiBlasio. Mr. DiBlasio is the Director of Jazz Studies and Composition at Rowan University as well as the Executive Director of the Maynard Ferguson Institute of Jazz Studies at Rowan. He is a saxophonist, composer, arranger, and musical director for the Institute. An internationally acclaimed performer and clinician, Mr. DiBlasio is also an educator for the Yamaha Music Corporation of America. The master class featured Mr. DiBlasio working with the William Penn Jazz Band on the music the band performed at their spring concert, as well as a discussion of the art of improvisation. The students had the opportunity to play along with Mr. DiBlasio on a tune he wrote for the Maynard Ferguson Big Band called Coconut Champagne. The William Penn Jazz Ensemble will feature Coconut Champagne at their Spring concert on May 7th and at the Jazz at Pennsbury concert on May 9th.

Teacher, Kim Esposito, shares the exciting news that student, Christian McKernan, “did an excellent job representing William Penn on April 4th at the state level GeoBee competition in Harrisburg, where he scored a 7 out of 8 in the preliminary competition,

WILLIAM PENN MIDDLE SCHOOL

Christian McKernan, a student at William PennMiddle School, represented Pennsbury at thestate-level GeoBee competition in Harrisburg.

PHS Choral Director, James Moyer (front), led the Chamber Choir on a concert tour in the Kansas City metro-area in April.

finishing 6th overall.” A total of only 101 students in Pennsylvania qualified to attend the 2014 Pennsylvania Geographic Bee. Way to go, Christian!



The Falconairs, a PHS women’s choir led by Vocal Music teacher, Elizabeth Hohwieler, gave a moving performance at the National

Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C.

of World War I-themed selections, including In Flanders Field by Paul Aitken and The Dying Soldier by Mack Wilberg. The concert was presented in Memory Hall at the museum. Upon returning to Pennsbury, Mr. Moyer received a touching letter of thanks from a couple from Salina, Kansas. “We walked in just as the first notes [of the Chamber Choir’s performance] sounded and it literally took my breath away!” the writer said. “The power of your beautiful, haunting music in that sacred space was absolutely perfect, a truly spiritual experience.”

Early last month, Pennsbury’s Falconairs traveled to Washington, D.C. for a weekend concert tour. This is an elite women’s signing group made up of 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students led by Vocal Music teacher, Elizabeth Hohwieler. Prior to departure, these women had an instructional clinic with Dr. John Leonard from The College of New Jersey to work on pieces to be performed during the tour and upcoming concerts. On Friday, April 4th, the Falconairs held an outdoor concert at the Capitol building, and then sang America the Beautiful on the steps of the House for U.S. Representative, Mike Fitzpatrick. “Congressman Fitzpatrick then arranged for the girls to witness votes for two bills in the House of Representatives that afternoon – our government at work!” said Ms. Hohwieler. “They finished off with a tour of the Capitol.” The girls then traveled to the National Holocaust Museum, where they performed a program in the Hall of Remembrance for many visitors. “One of the pieces performed was the hauntingly beautiful Bachuri Le’an Tisa by Gideon Klein,” said Ms. Hohwieler. “This piece was written in Terezin for the young women in the ghetto and the concentration camp known as Theresienstadt. It was especially meaningful for the Falconairs to have the opportunity to perform this piece in the Hall of Remembrance and to remember the young women who once sang this piece so long ago in such terrible circumstances.” On Saturday, the Falconairs participated in a choral adjudication. They sang in the National City Christian Church, “a magnificent building designed by the same architect who designed the Jefferson Memorial,

which the Falconairs had visited the day before.” The afternoon was spent visiting the Smithsonian Institution. Saturday evening concluded with a dinner at the National Conference Center and a visit with other choirs attending the festival. The Falconairs received a Gold (superior) rating. “On Sunday, we finished the tour with a visit to the National Zoo, home of the newest panda baby! The students had a wonderful, musical weekend,” concluded Ms. Hohwieler.

On April 1st, Pennsbury High School participated in the countywide Reading Olympics competition held at New Hope-Solebury High School. “The competition encourages students to read more than they would ordinarily, read a greater variety of books, and to enjoy the excitement of reading and talking about books,” said Rita Ann Thompson, librarian at PHS West. Congratulations to all five PHS Reading Olympics teams and their coaches: Lynn Wambach, Sue Downing, Maureen Gradel, Anita Strauss, Tanya Bahn, Celeste Grimes, and Ms. Thompson. The Pennsbury teams, He Who Must Not be Read, Book Bindings: We Keep it Together, The Fault in our Books, and The Book that Lived earned blue ribbons, and Panic! At the Library earned a red ribbon. “Thank you to our graduating seniors who have worked so hard for the Reading Olympics team: Arielle Berman, Alex Costello, Miranda Lee, Kathleen Richards, Neelam Vohra, Bobby Wagner,



Eighteen PHS students hosted the same number of German exchange students from March 25-April 14. The German visitors participated in Pennsbury German classes and also visited Washington D.C., New York City, Philadelphia, and Princeton while they were here. This exchange marks Pennsbury’s 26th year of participation in the German American Exchange Program, which was organized this year by teachers, Frau Amy DiFazio and Herr Tom Goode. “On behalf of the Foreign Language Department, I extend my deepest gratitude for the District’s support of our program,” said Ms. DiFazio. “Our 18 German exchange students and two

Amanda Yarson, Jenn Chickola, Lauren Weinstock, Pragya Singh, Tony Clark, Emily Gaillard and Corinne Winarski,” said Ms. Thompson. “Also, thank you to our teachers who volunteered their time to assist the teams at the competition: Craig Chassen, Anthony Barth, and Janine Sobotka. We are very proud of the hard work and dedication by all of the team members in preparation for this one night that celebrates reading. You did a marvelous job and represented your school proudly!”

In April, Wink4Pink Club advisor, Karen Wisen, led a special EOP period to unveil the grand total raised during the club’s charitable collaboration with the PHS Hockey Club, Grundy’s Ice Rink, and the Truman Ice Hockey Team during the annual “pinkout” hockey game in February. “This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and the one where everyone comes together for such an amazing cause,” said Ms. Wisen. The group raises funds for breast cancer prevention efforts, in particular for the local Healing Consciousness Foundation. This year’s impressive grand total was $9,586.95!

Reading Olympics teams from PHS West (top) and Eastperformed well in a county-wide competition at

New Hope-Solebury High School.

The PHS Wink4Pink club celebrated with the Pennsbury Ice Hockey team after raising a grand total of nearly $10,000 during their

annual “pinkout” game.

Eighteen Pennsbury students hosted German exchange students for three weeks. After forming strong bonds, the American and German

students gathered one last time for their farewell dinner.



colleagues from the Caecilienschule in Oldenburg were here for three weeks. At the farewell dinner, I was overwhelmed with heartfelt thanks and positive feedback from both students and parents about this unique opportunity that we offer. To watch a group of strangers with cultural differences blossom into a family circle in three weeks is an amazing accomplishment, and the presence of our German friends actively participating in German classes across PHS is an awesome, authentic opportunity. As I explained to parents, the Exchange and Foreign Language Program at PHS inspired me profoundly as a former Pennsbury student, and I am proud to continue the legacy that Dr. Waskie started here back in the late 1980’s.”

PHS French teacher, Katie Eissler, shares that the following students were selected by the Foreign Language Department to take the Grand Concours National French Exam. Congratulations to these students on their excellent work and dedication to foreign language learning:

Level 1: Jordyn Abrahams, Ari Bortman, AnnaBywater, Jaclyn DiPierro, Andrew Dugan, JustinFriedman, Jesse Hawley, Claire Johnston, KarenJusczak, Laurel Perkins, and Amanda StewartLevel 2: Harley Minton, Emily Towne, andMichael WillsLevel 3: Devin Barricklow, Andie DeChirico,Bradley Edwards, Adam Fisher, Hanna Hecht,Amy Hobday, Shadi Memar, Taylor Orsini, AminaPasierb, Diana Priestley, and Lindsey Reinhard Level 4: Francesca DogiasLevel 5: Jackie Moruzzi

Late last month, the Pennsbury High School National Honor Society (NHS) inducted a total of 197 new members, with more expected in the Fall, according to the group’s advisors, Natalie Lyons and Cecelia Wood. Outgoing NHS officers addressed the audience of proud parents, guardians,

and family members. The officers who served this year included:

President - Cameron BarkanCo-Vice Presidents - Bobby Peters andKatie DenshawSecretary - Pragya SinghTreasurer - Emily EisnerHistorian - Kelley HeaslipParliamentarian - Jenn ChickolaTech Liaisons - Jason Fields and Max Gordan Newly-inducted NHS officers for the 2014-15 school

year were announced as follows:

President - Adam FisherVice President - Jennifer EadyTreasurer - Teja YeramosuSecretary - Jacob AbrahamsHistorian - Pranali GhandiParliamentarian - Ellen HarshaTech Liaisons - Michael Harrison andRyan Stumbaugh

“This year’s class participated in over 50 events, raised $400 for the high school’s We Care fund through our annual volleyball tournament, and they even helped us achieve the Red Cross Hero award with their diligent work at the blood drive,” added Ms. Lyons.

The Pennsbury High School Marching Band performed at Disneyland in Anaheim, California during a five-day trip to the Los Angeles area April 12-17. While in town, the Pennsbury Concert Jazz Band worked with studio musicians and also performed at a jazz club called Catalina’s. The cultural visit included stops at the Griffith Park Observatory, downtown Los Angeles, the Santa Monica Pier, and the Hollywood sign. Frank Mazzeo, Director of Bands in Pennsbury, organized the trip with the support of Music staff members, Patrick Bailey and Mark Capriotti. The Pennsbury administrator accompanying the band to California was PHS Assistant Principal, Reggie Meadows.



Brooke Bergmann, the PHS School Counselor who works with students moving on to play NCAA sports at the college level, is pleased to announce the following students recently signed National Letters of Intent to play their respective sports at these colleges in the Fall:

• Erica Gray - James Madison University (VA), cross country

• Jake Goldberg - Philadelphia University (PA), baseball

• Brendan Campbell - Carson Newman College (TN), baseball

• Bridget Purdoch - Kutztown University (PA), swimming

The Pennsbury Sea Falcons Submersible Robotics team had a great day on Saturday, April 26th, on the campus of Drexel University. The Sea Falcons participated in an annual competition known as Operation SeaPerch. The primary sponsors of the competition are the Drexel University College of Engineering, the NavSea Corporation, the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, and the Department of the Navy. The basic objective of the SeaPerch challenge is to increase student interest in Science, Technology, Engineering

and Math (STEM), as well as Robotics. The event is structured to give students an overall experience in the engineering process. “Aside from the actual construction and operation of the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), students were involved in other tasks, including a test of their capabilities to recognize and encourage better solutions and engineering, which was in the category of Spirit and Sportsmanship,” explained John Sanders, the Sea Falcons advisor and a teacher in Pennsbury High School’s Applied Engineering and Technology Education Department. “The Sea Falcons won second place in the Spirit and Sportsmanship category, and they also received an Honorable Mention on the unique design and engineering of their ROV. Of all the teams represented in the competition, the Pennsbury parents, as always, out-numbered the others!” Mr. Sanders added: ”I am so proud of this team, and I truly appreciate our parents, our department, our School District, our School Board, and our administrators for their continued support.”

The Pennsbury Marching Band upheld its tradition of making appearances at Disney theme parks when the students recently

visited the Los Angeles area.

The Pennsbury Sea Falcons took second place in the Spiritand Sportsmaship category during a recent robotics competition

held at Drexel University.

The Multi-Cultural Youth Leaders Club (MCYL) advisor, John Sanders, reports that the group recently hosted a representative from the Sickle Cell Disease Foundation of the Delaware Valley. Ms. Debbie Butler came to PHS to meet with the club



members and to accept a check of $100 from the MCYL. “This disease usually affects people of color,” said Mr. Sanders, “and Ms. Butler provided a Power Point presentation to familiarize our members with this ‘forgotten’ disease.”

Two recent assemblies at PHS dealt with the important issue of distracted driving and safety for teens. First, local advocate, Joel Feldman, met with approximately half of the high school population after addressing the other half of the students last Fall. Mr. Feldman founded the Casey Feldman Memorial Foundation to honor his daughter who was struck and killed by a distracted driver. His presentation focused on the impact that such destructive behavior can have on families and individuals. Family and Consumer Science teacher, Gayle Gould, shares that the FCCLA student club also sponsored an assembly for students on this important topic. In this case, the vital safety information was presented in an interactive game show format; students were issued remotes to provide their responses to situations posed on the overhead screen. The issues included distracted driving, drinking, and road safety.

coMMendAbleACCOMPLISHMENTS

Pennsbury High School junior, Jacob Wachspress, was one of five students in Pennsylvania – and the only one from Bucks County – to qualify for the USA Mathematical Olympiad! In February, 70 Pennsbury students participated in the American Mathematics Competition (AMC). Three of those students, Ninad Mahajan (9th), Alex Friedman (11th), and Jacob (11th), advanced on to the American Invitational

JACOB WACHSPRESS QUALIFIES FORUSA MATHEMATICAL OLYMPIAD

JAcob WAchspress

Ryan Stumbaugh, a junior at Pennsbury High School, has won the 2014 Junior Travel Award for his achievement on the National Spanish Examination and for his excellent skills in the Spanish language. Kevin Cessna-Buscemi, Director of the National Spanish Examinations, said: “This national award is

quite prestigious for Pennsbury High School. It is valued at over $3,000, and is only awarded to 16 students from across the United States from among the 160,000 students who take the exam each year.” Students become eligible by earning high scores on the National Spanish Examination during sophomore year. Ryan earned a silver medal last year and then submitted a written essay in Spanish and had an interview in the target language with his current AP Spanish teacher, Philip Wert. These samples were then sent to a selection committee appointed by the American Association of Teachers

RYAN STUMBAUGH WINS TRAVELAWARD FOR SPANISH ACHIEVEMENT

Mathematics Examination (AIME). “The purpose of these competitions is to spur interest in Mathematics and to develop talent through problem-solving in a timed format,” explained PHS Mathematics teacher, Stacy Garretson, who coordinated the AMC testing at Pennsbury High School.

When the AIME results were released, Jacob qualified for the USAMO, or the United States of America Mathematical Olympiad! “This is a prestigious event,” said Ms. Garretson. Just 265 students from thousands of AIME participants qualified to take the USAMO. The test consisted of six essay-proof questions to be solved over two days in nine hours – that’s three questions for 4.5 hours each day. The test took place on April 29th and 30th. The 12 top-scoring students will be honored at an award ceremony held in Washington, D.C. on June 2nd.

ryAn stuMbAugh



PHS English Department Chair, Maryann Daley, is pleased to announce that Devin Kawailani Barricklow, a junior, was named Bucks County High School Poet of the Year by Bucks County Community College! Devin will speak at a reception and poetry reading in the Orangery on the BCCC Newtown campus on May 18th at 2:00 p.m. The public is invited

to attend this free event at the college.

PHS Art teacher, Abigail Cramer, is pleased to announce that the digital photograph taken by senior, Elexa Jefferson, was sold at the Phillips’ Mill Photographic Exhibition. “Of the 122 student pieces submitted from 18 local school districts, 41 were accepted into the show and only a select few were

PHS STUDENT NAMED BUCKS COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL POET OF THE YEAR

STUDENT ART WORK SELLSAT EXHIBITION

of Spanish and Portuguese. Applicants must also agree to take a Spanish language course during their senior year. “Pennsbury’s recent approval of a Spanish Literature and Conversation course for 2014-2015 allowed Ryan to meet the criteria for the award and to have this incredible opportunity to travel and represent his school,” said Mr. Wert. In July, Ryan will be traveling to Spain with the other 15 winners. “I am proud and excited for Ryan, as I know he has a passion for Spanish and I am always thrilled to see my students take their language skills from the classroom and use them to explore new horizons,” said Mr. Wert. “Señor” Wert was able to break the news to Ryan in front of his current AP class, who threw him an impromptu “fiesta de celebración.” In addition to Mr. Wert, Ryan has also been taught by Pennsbury Spanish teachers, Harry Padilla and Aaron Dringus.

devin KAWAilAni bArricKloW

purchased,” said Ms. Cramer. “Lexi is planning to major in an Art-related field such as Illustration, Graphic Design, or Photography in college, and she has been accepted with scholarships into many Art programs, including NYU, Salem College, and the Maryland Institute College of Art.” elexA Jefferson

BOArD EDuCATION COMMITTEE7:00 p.m., May 29, 2014

Superintendent’s Conference Room

BOArD FACILITIES COMMITTEE5:30 p.m., June 5, 2014

Superintendent’s Conference Room

BOArD AgENDA MEETINg8:00 p.m., June 5, 2014

Fallsington Elementary School

rEguLAr BOArD MEETINg8:00 p.m., June 17, 2014

Fallsington Elementary School

Upcoming MEETINgS

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