PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • APRIL 2016
Across the DISTRICT
FOUR DISTRICT TEAMS EARN AWARDS AT COUNTY STEM CHALLENGE
STEM Supervisor, Elizabeth Price, is pleased to announce that four Pennsbury teams received awards at
the STEM Design Challenges held at the BCIU in March. “With over 60 teams from Bucks County entering
both the elementary and middle school divisions, it is a wonderful accomplishment,” said Ms. Price.
“Thanks, especially, to the teachers who supported this STEM enrichment opportunity.”
MARCH 9: GRADES 4-5 COMPETITION
MARCH 10: GRADES 6-8 COMPETITION
Pennsbury won two out of the five awards given
(60+ Bucks County elementary schools entered)
Pennsbury won two out of the five awards given
(60+ Bucks County middle schools entered)
Walt Disney Elementary
School Team
Won for “Most
Creative”
Flower Tower: A
Recycling Plant.
Coaches: Katie
Duncan, Gifted
Support Teacher,
Natalie Costanzo,
Math Specialist.
Won for “Most
Creative”
Aquaponics
Coach: Kelly
Giacomelli, Science
teacher.
William Penn Middle
School Team
Won for “Most
EnvironmentallyFriendly Building.”
Coaches: Alison
Majikas, Gifted
Support Teacher,
Joe Spinelli, Math
Specialist.
Makefield Elementary
School Team
www.pennsburysd.org
Won for “Best
Environmental
Theme”
Coach: Sandra
Hollenbaugh, Science
teacher.
Charles Boehm Middle
School Team
PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • APRIL 2016
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S uperintendent ’ s R eport • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.
There was also a fifth grade team from Edgewood,
led by Carolyn Schmitt, the Gifted Support teacher.
Makefield was represented by two teams, a fourth
grade team and a fifth grade team. Makefield held a
preliminary round of the K’NEX Design Challenge
with a total of nine teams competing from fourth
and fifth grades.
In addition, Kristen Marco, Gifted Support
teacher at Edgewood, and Donna Merriman,
Educational Technology Associate at Makefield,
both served as judges for the STEM Design
Challenges at the BCIU. “This was a big event
for all of the students and staff involved. It was
a perfect avenue for students to learn the design
process and see it in action in their own designs and
participation,” said Ms. Majikas of Makefield.
PARENTS FOR eSAFETY PLAN
SPECIAL MEETING
A special event for parents and guardians
concerned about internet safety is scheduled
for Wednesday, April 21st from 7:00-9:00 p.m.
in Keller Hall at Pennsbury High School West.
Titled, Parenting in Cyberspace - Is There An App
For That?, the evening will feature Brandon Lutz,
Technology Applications Specialist for the Bucks
County Intermediate Unit, presenting strategies for
keeping children safe, as well as information on iOS
restrictions, safety settings, and the ParentKit app
for managing screen time. Additional information
will be shared by Kevin Dorsey, Pennsbury’s
Director of Technology, about the use of technology
in our schools, as well as Jill Laurinaitis,
chairperson for the PTO committee, Pennsbury
Parents for eSafety, on suggested guidelines for
parents. The presentation will be followed by a
Q&A with the speakers and additional panelists,
including Rich Fry, Assistant Principal, Pennsbury
High School West; Sherwood Taylor, Director of
Administrative Services, Pennsbury School District;
Matt Weintraub, Assistant District Attorney, Bucks
County, and Mary Worthington, NOVA Bucks. This
event, which is open to the public, is made possible
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thanks to the partnership of LYFT, the Pennsbury
School District, and Pennsbury Parents for eSafety.
No registration is necessary.
VOCAL MUSIC STUDENTS SING
IN NATIONAL CHOIR
A total of six Pennsbury students were accepted
to sing in a national choir last month in Long Beach,
California. These students were encouraged to
audition by their Pennsbury Vocal Music teachers,
writes Edgewood Music teacher, Jennifer Kimock.
“They auditioned and were chosen from many
students nationwide to participate in the 2016
OAKE National Conference Children’s Choir, Youth
Choir, and Women’s Choir,” said Ms. Kimock.
“Participants experienced three days of intense
rehearsals with a world-renowned music educator/
conductor, concluding with a concert at the Long
Beach Performing Arts Center. These students had
many enriching musical experiences, while having
the chance to meet and sing with students from across
the country.” The students included: Amanda Qu,
Jason Brunette, and Sebastian Godun (Edgewood);
Madison Wilson (Charles Boehm); Rebecca Kimock,
and Delaney Weed (PHS). “This year for the first time,
I co-presented a session to music teachers attending
the conference, along with Amy Carter, former Vocal
Music teacher at Makefield,” added Ms. Kimock
Students from across the District were selected to sing in a
national choir at the Long Beach (CA) Performing Arts Center.
APRIL 2016 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA
www.pennsburysd.org
S uperintendent ’ s R eport • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.
PENNSBURY NAMED ONE OF BEST
COMMUNITIES FOR MUSIC EDUCATION
Instrumental Music Curriculum Coordinator,
Frank Mazzeo, is pleased to announce that
Pennsbury just recently received the re-designation
as one of the Best Communities for Music
Education in the U.S. from the NAMM Foundation.
Superintendent Dr. Kevin McHugh, writes: “I am
so very proud of the great work that our Music
teachers do each day with our students. Providing
them with the highest quality experiences at
every level is really important and commendable.
I often marvel at the quality of performance that
these teachers elicit from our students. They teach
aspiration to excellence, perseverance, collaboration,
mental flexibility, analytical thinking, importance
of details, expression of emotions, beauty, technical
accomplishment, and many other important skills for
life. They also model each of these attributes every
day for students and colleagues. Our community
is so very blessed to have such an outstanding,
dedicated department of talented music educators.
The arts are surely alive and well in Pennsbury!”
In the SCHOOLS
School Board President Gary Sanderson shared his environmental
expertise with students at Afton Elementary.
Gifted Support teacher, Eileen Koch, reports that
Afton held its annual Science and Technology Fair in
March. “Over 100 students in grades K-5 presented
Science projects,” said Ms. Koch. “These amazing
projects covered a broad range of scientific fields
such as: biology, physics, astronomy, chemistry, and
technology. Many students demonstrated hands-on
experiments complete with trifold boards that
explained their scientific process. Every project was
evaluated and the students were recognized for their
effort in making Science an important part of their
lives. Each student also received a special medal for
their scientific contribution to our fair. Debbi Carr,
AFTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Pennsbury School Board President, Gary
Sanderson, who works as an environmental
specialist, met with the entire fifth grade at Afton
to discuss the water cycle and the science of waste
water treatment. Mr. Sanderson made a presentation
to the students and also shared some personal
background on what inspired him to enter the field
of environmental protection in the first place. This
lesson preceded a classroom extension for the fifth
graders, who later visited a nearby waste water
treatment plant in Bristol with their teachers and
Mr. Sanderson.
www.pennsburysd.org
The Afton Elementary Science & Technology Fair attracted
over 100 eager participants from grades K-5.
PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • APRIL 2016
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S uperintendent ’ s R eport • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.
our Partner from Barnes & Noble Oxford Valley,
brought a voice-activated robot, electronic micro bits
for building circuits, and a working 3-D printer that
engaged many of the students. It was a successful
event that brought families and children together to
celebrate the value of Science in all of our lives.”
Local artist, Terri Herring, a member of the Bucks
Artists in Residence group, was recently invited
to the classroom of Afton Art teacher, Trisha
Baehser, to assist students in creating personalized
tiles for Afton’s outdoor learning garden. The
courtyard garden will soon feature a tile mosaic
mural comprised of petals, leaves, and flowers in
full-color ceramic.
According to Kindergarten teacher, Coleen Jones,
“The Kindergarten classes are so lucky to have their
Big Buddies! They always look out for us, and are
helping to guide us to the end of the Kindergarten
Rainbow. This year we decided to invite our buddies
to a Lucky Charm breakfast to thank them for all of
their support. This collaboration between grade levels
upholds the school’s Character Education initiative.”
First graders at Afton donned their finest ensembles
for their annual Fancy Day Celebration, shares
teacher, Michelle Corbett. During their “writers’
First grade students at Afton Elementary enjoyed dressing up for
Fancy Day in celebration of their “fancy” words.
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workshop” sessions, the students read the Fancy
Nancy series by Jane O’Connor and learned to
incorporate “fancy” words into their own stories.
During the celebration, the first graders were able to
reveal a “fancy” word as they strolled down the red
carpet lined by parent “paparazzi.” In addition to Ms.
Corbett, Afton’s first grade teachers include Rachel
Hauben, Chrissy Chalker, and Amy Pfluger.
Ms. Jones also writes: “Kindergarten students
started Afton’s Brain Train program as a result
of a Pennsbury Partners mini-grant awarded to
our school. Every morning, the Kinders get their
brain and bodies ready to learn by participating in
kinesthetic movements led by Physical Education
Teacher, Craig Van Demark.”
EDGEWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Things are “abuzz” at Edgewood! The third grade
students in Cynthia Scott’s Art class had an exciting
visit from Mike Johnson, Historic Garden Interpreter
at Pennsbury Manor, and Danielle Lehr, Education
Program coordinator. Both guests were dressed
in Colonial costume similar to what the people at
Pennsbury Manor would have worn while gardening
in Colonial times. “The students are creating small
bee skeps using the clay coil method in Art class,”
said Scott. “Realizing that most of my students did
not know what a skep was, I contacted Pennsbury
Manor to help answer the students’ questions about
beekeeping and to help bring the lesson to life.”
As the experts explained to the children why and
how bees were collected using a skep, it was also
mentioned that the skep dates back to medieval times
and was an important part of the kitchen garden
during the Colonial era when bees were used for the
collection of wax for candle making as well as honey.
A Colonial replica of a beekeeper’s outfit was on
display for the students to see (courtesy of Pennsbury
Manor), as well as several skeps, a smoker, and
examples of wax made from a hive. “The students
had many questions for the guests about bees,
such as: ‘Have any animals ever gotten inside a
APRIL 2016 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA
www.pennsburysd.org
S uperintendent ’ s R eport • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.
Heart Association to present the “Play 60 Pep Rally
Challenge” for Eleanor Roosevelt students on March
23rd. Through physical challenges, quiz-show-style
questions and answers, and a special appearance
by Swoop, the Eagles mascot, the presenters rallied
the students behind the important theme of making
healthy choices as a form of self-respect in their
daily lives.
Edgewood Elementary students greeted visitors from Pennsbury
Manor as a tie-in with an Art project in Cynthia Scott’s class.
bee skep?’ ‘What happens if a wasp gets into a bee
skep?’ ‘How do bees make wax?’ ‘How do bees live
in winter?’ And, ‘how many bees fit in a bee skep?’
This interdisciplinary connection enriched the Art
experience for the third-grade students,” said Scott.
“They look forward to learning more as they study
bees in their Science curriculum.”
Retired chemist, Allen Marks, the grandfather
of a Kindergarten student at Eleanor Roosevelt,
donated his time to present a Science demonstration
with dry ice for all four of the school’s Kindergarten
classes. Mr. Marks currently teaches Chemistry at
Bucks County Community College and also serves
on the Board of Trustees for Delaware Valley Science
Fairs, Inc. “Mr. Marks’ demonstration on the states
of matter tied in nicely with our Journeys Reading
curriculum in relation to the elements of Science and
how things work,” said teacher, Kathy Adams.
ELEANOR ROOSEVELT
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
NFL Fuel Up to Play 60 representatives from the
Philadelphia Eagles joined forces with the American
Retired chemist, Allen Marks, the grandfather of a student
at Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary, made a Science-themed
presentation to all of the Kindergarten students at the school.
FALLSINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Philadelphia Eagles mascot, Swoop, was joined by two team
cheerleaders as they counted push-ups executed by fifth grade
teacher Roger Kean (center) in a special NFL Fuel Up to Play 60
assembly at Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary.
www.pennsburysd.org
Jennifer Cornell, ESL teacher and Aimee
Sansotta, Reading Specialist, recently attended
an evening presentation at the Newtown Theatre
featuring authors Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver.
The two authors presented their new book titled,
PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • APRIL 2016
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S uperintendent ’ s R eport • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.
You Can’t Drink a Meatball Through a Straw, the latest
in the Here’s Hank series. “The books are geared
toward younger readers and contain a font that is
easier for children with dyslexia to read,” said Ms.
Cornell. “Henry spoke of his challenges in school
as well as his children’s challenges with dyslexia
and Lin spoke about her career as a Hollywood TV
producer and author. Two Fallsington students,
Sasha Platov and Fareed Sultan, were invited to
attend the event by Ms. Cornell and Ms. Sansotta.
They had each read an autobiography about Mr.
Winkler last year and wrote friendly letters to
him, to which he responded with personalized
autographs and positive messages. The students
were thrilled to attend the presentation, meet the
authors, and get their new books signed. Sasha had
the chance to thank Henry for responding to his
letter during the Q&A session. The evening was
entertaining and both authors were inspirational.”
Habitats and ecosystems were discussed during a hands-on
learning activity planned for students from Fallsington Elementary.
A Partners mini-grant funded a visit to the Fallsington Public
Library for this special lesson.
terrariums. “They really enjoyed this hands-on
activity,” said Mr. Obert-Thorn.
A special pep rally was held at Fallsington to kick
off the PSSA testing period. The Student Council
played a role in the event as they taught their fellow
students an original dance. Second graders recited
a special poem for the occasion, and a “game show”
focusing on good study skills was presented. A
special cheer from the school Pepsters added more
energy to the pep rally before the event concluded
with a PSSA video featuring faculty and staff.
Two Fallsington Elementary students were thrilled to get
the chance to meet TV/film actor and children’s author,
Henry Winkler (seated at center).
Thanks to a Pennsbury Partners mini-grant, fourth
grade classes at Fallsington had the opportunity
to extend their Science curriculum by visiting
the Fallsington Library across the street to learn
about habitats and ecosystems, writes teacher Ed
Obert-Thorn. Students participated in a lesson given
by Partner, Charlene Rendeiro, and then followed a
series of steps to create their very own self-contained
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A PSSA pep rally at Fallsington Elementary included a customized
cheer by the school’s Pepsters.
APRIL 2016 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA
www.pennsburysd.org
S uperintendent ’ s R eport • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.
MAKEFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Makefield’s fifth grade Junior Girl Scout Troop
217 helped create a new Character Corner adjacent
to the school cafeteria as their Bronze Award project.
“The Character Corner is a cozy place at Makefield
for kids to come to read a book, create a work of
art, or play a game as a reward for exhibiting good
character,” said Principal Donna McCormick-Miller.
Makefield Elementary Girl Scouts helped to create a new Character
Corner for use by all Makefield students. The scouts were joined
here by Sheril Morgan of Character.org (left) and Principal Donna
McCormick-Miller (right).
To help make this area be the best that it could
be, the scouts focused on making it comfortable
and enjoyable while also providing a message.
They researched, planned, budgeted, and finally
completed a few projects for the area. Handmade
“Pillows of Character” were made for students
to use on the floor. Each pillow sports one of the
character words: respect, trustworthiness, caring,
responsibility, citizenship, and fairness. A unique
Character Corner sign was created by having each
Girl Scout paint a canvas and then all eight were
assembled and the words added. Large bottle cap
flowers created by Art teacher, Gretchen Stout, and
her students also hang on one wall to promote the
character words. A bookcase was built, painted, and
filled with books, games, and art supplies. The books
collected for the area all have character-based themes
www.pennsburysd.org
that reinforce character education at Makefield.
Donations from school families, the PTO, and the
Girl Scout troop helped make this happen. A school
bake sale also supported the purchase of these items.
Lastly, a troop scrapbook to document their Bronze
Award work and a “Pillars of Education” storybook
are being created to add to the bookshelf.
“Character education and Girl Scouting go hand in
hand,” said Ms. McCormick-Miller. “Our Character
Corner project brought the best out of the Girl
Scouts, the community, the school, and the students
at Makefield. The Character Corner will be used by
the entire school for many years to come and the
scouts are proud to know that they had a large hand
in making it come to light. Girl Scout Troop 217
consists of Jade Gallagher, Lorelei Graffius, Kenzie
Hamer, Julia Sobey, Katie Spilatore, Katie Sutton,
Julia Tonetti, and Ella Wendel. Troop 217 leaders
are Ms. Wendel and Ms. Gallagher.
Gifted Support teacher, Alison Majikas, writes
that her students organized a fundraiser during
the month of February called Have a Heart. “This
was the fourth year that Makefield raised money
to donate to the American Heart Association,” said
Ms. Majikas. “The students in my third, fourth, and
fifth grade classes learned about how they could
help people suffering from heart issues by holding
a fundraiser and at the same time they learned
A total of $515 was raised by the families of Makefield Elementary
for the American Heart Association.
PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • APRIL 2016
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S uperintendent ’ s R eport • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.
the importance of maintaining a healthy heart.
They made posters, created a schedule for selling
chances to win a huge teddy bear, hung hearts
with Makefield family names in our windows, and
operated the table each morning. This was optional,
but all students were happy to participate. This year
we raised the most money in the four years of this
initiative – a total of $515!”
children their age who are affected by this disease,”
said Ms. Davis. “Our students and community raised
an astounding $1200 to support this wonderful cause.
The winning grade level, with an amazing $300
raised, was Kindergarten! They will receive a special
class party to celebrate all of their hard work.”
Learning Support teacher, Diana Callahan, writes:
Makefield celebrated World Down Syndrome Day on
March 21st. “We conducted a fundraiser to support
the non-profit organization, SPIN (Special People in
the Northeast),” said Ms. Callahan. “Their community
outreach liaison hosted two separate assemblies for
our students. For the past three years, this day has
been a special one for us. Last year, we raised money
to purchase a buddy bench, which was dedicated at
the start of the assemblies this year.”
Math Specialist, Lisa Gallagher, organized an
exciting series of Math-related activities and events
for Pi Day – 3.14 – for the students at Oxford Valley.
“After a series of ‘buddy’ events involving Math
problems in the classrooms during the day, a total
of 26 teachers volunteered to have a pie thrown at
them as a culminating activity for the entire school,”
said Ms. Gallagher. Students bought chances to
have their names selected to throw the pies on stage.
“One twist that the students didn’t know about was
that Principal Donna Minnigh also had a bucket
with names in it. The students were not offered to
buy chances to throw a pie at Ms. Minnigh. Instead,
the names in the bucket were of the students who
completed every monthly Math challenge so far
this year. I regularly assign a primary and an
intermediate problem-solving question each month
that students can turn into me. By the time of the
assembly, over 27 students had completed all six.
MANOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Manor’s Student Council sponsored a Penny War
competition to help raise money for the Pennies
for Patients Program, writes teacher MaryBeth
Davis. “This program was created to help young
people realize the importance of raising money for
Leukemia/Lymphoma research, which benefits
The Student Council at Manor Elementary led a school fundraising
effort that yielded $1200 for Leukemia/Lymphoma research.
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OXFORD VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Oxford Valley Elementary students helped to raise funds for a new
Cornerstone Courtyard by buying chances to throw pies in their
teachers’ faces on International Pi Day.
APRIL 2016 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA
www.pennsburysd.org
S uperintendent ’ s R eport • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.
A total of $263 was raised on Pi Day to help defray
costs for the Cornerstone Courtyard being created in
memory of late Principal, Fran Nitkin.
PENN VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
The second annual Penn Valley “Trashion Show”
took place on April 6th as a creative way to help
reinforce the theme of resource conservation and to
“Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.” Eighteen fourth and
fifth grade Trashion Show club members designed
and modeled their fashionable creations made from
recyclable materials. Club advisors this year are
Vocal Music teacher, Kate Haas, and Educational
Technology Associate, Phyllys Christy.
The annual Disney Day fundraiser at Walt Disney Elementary
was even more special this year as the school community
celebrated its 60th anniversary.
Sergeant Andrew Bunda and Officer Justin Grotz
of the Tullytown Police Department for braving
the chilly weather and joining me in the dunk tank.
Despite some dreary weather in the morning, the
event was a success!”
The second annual “Trashion Show” at Penn Valley Elementary
enabled students to underscore the importance of the phrase,
“Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.”
WALT DISNEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
In celebration of the school’s 60th anniversary,
Walt Disney families and school faculty have
organized and supported a number of special events
all year long. The annual Disney Day, held on April
2nd, was no exception. This event was open to the
community and featured vendor displays, games,
food trucks, a dunk tank, and much more. “I would
like to thank all of our parent volunteers as well
as the PTO for organizing such a big event,” said
Principal Laurie Gafgen. “A special thank you to
www.pennsburysd.org
Ms. Gafgen also shares that several classes at
Disney are participating in the Pennsylvania Game
Commission’s Seedlings for Schools program, which
offers free tree seedlings for students. The Game
Commission provides a classroom or one grade
level with enough material for each student to take
a seedling home to plant. Choices include white
spruce and assorted flowering crabapple.
CHARLES BOEHM MIDDLE SCHOOL
Boehm students, Robbie Oleynick, Sutirth
Mannikeri, Quinn Terry, Forest Ho-Chen, Ellen
Zhang, and Ohm Shah, advanced to the Math
Counts State Competition over the weekend of
March 18th. In addition to competing on the Sprint,
Target, and Team rounds, the students participated
in engineering activities facilitated by the University
of Pittsburgh. Coaches Jacqueline Gallelli and
Emily Coffey are “very proud of these mathletes
and their accomplishments this year.” Well done!
PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • APRIL 2016
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S uperintendent ’ s R eport • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.
Charles Boehm Middle School Math Counts team coaches Jacqueline
Gallelli (left) and Emily Coffey (right) congratulated their outstanding
young mathletes for qualifying to compete in the state championships
after Boehm’s team placed first in Bucks County.
Science teacher, Tom Mellon, writes that Sports
Pizza on Makefield Road in Yardley, a new
Pennsbury Partner, generously donated $349 to
Boehm early last month. “25% of all purchases made
by Boehmers during the month of February were
totaled and presented as a check by owner, Donald
Montoya. The contribution will be used to purchase
technology in the building.”
Support teacher, Anita Quinn. “The group is
expanding their reach while continuing to stay with
the 3R’s theme of ‘Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle,’” said
Ms. Quinn. “This time, they focused on re-purposing
items we already have. It worked to follow the
theme of the school musical, Cinderella. The NJHS
created an advertisement for their campaign of
collecting old athletic shoes to reduce the amount
of shoes that end up in landfills: ‘Don’t be like
Cinderella and throw your shoe(s) away. Wear,
Grind, Reuse, Repeat...Just do it!’ The hundreds of
shoes collected will be ground up and used by select
companies in sport and playground surfaces, as well
as in numerous types of athletic apparel, footwear,
and equipment products.” The NJHS also plans to
stage a used book drive in honor of Earth Day later
in April. “We will then have a used book sale in June
to kick off summer reading,” added Ms. Quinn. “We
will sell the books for $.25 each and the proceeds
will go toward more literacy activities. NJHS will be
helping to organize and run this event.”
These donated athletic shoes are just a few of the hundreds saved
from the landfill by Charles Boehm’s chapter of the National Junior
Honor Society for reuse in a variety of products.
Boehm teacher Tom Mellon (right) was proud to accept a check
donation from Donald Montoya of Sports Pizza, a new Pennsbury
Partner supporting a recent Boehm fundraiser.
Members of the Charles Boehm chapter of the
National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) have been
busy this Spring, according to advisor and Gifted
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PENNWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL
The Pennwood Jazz Band, under the direction of
music teacher Adam Pfannenstiel, participated in
the Princeton Middle School Jazz Festival held at
Princeton High School in March. The band had the
APRIL 2016 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA
www.pennsburysd.org
S uperintendent ’ s R eport • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.
the years: Esha Gajjar, Vii Patel, Elijah Lanchester,
Rebecca Mullen, Miguel Katz, Emily Pineault,
Julia Hodges, Harley Minton, Jessica Hunter,
Larissa Marshall, Sarena Harmen, Amy Drake,
Iyana Dawkins, Casey Durso, Kate Augustin,
Evan O’Rourke, Keira Levanthal, Matt Aronson,
Leslie Austin, Cliff Bakalian, Kelsey Busch, Kailey
Dominko, Dagny Gould, Brenna Lee, Morgan
Rowe, Robert Sayce, Ahaj Shroff, and Deepika
Yeramosu. “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. They all
did a marvelous job and represented their school
proudly!” said Ms. Thompson.
Grammy-winning trumpet player Randy Brecker (left) joined these
Pennwood Middle School jazz musicians at the recent Princeton
Middle School Jazz Festival.
opportunity to meet with and perform for world
famous, Grammy award-winning trumpet player,
Randy Brecker. “Students had the privilege of
taking a jazz clinic with Mr. Brecker and performed
a concert at the end of the evening,” said Mr.
Pfannenstiel. “This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
could not have been possible without the support of
our principal, Elizabeth Aldridge, and Pennsbury
Instrumental Music Coordinator, Frank Mazzeo.
PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL
On March 31st, Pennsbury High School
participated in the county-wide Reading Olympics
Competition at New Hope-Solebury High School.
The competition encourages students to read more
than they currently do, read a greater variety of
books, and enjoy the excitement of talking about
books. Congratulations to all five PHS Reading
Olympic teams and their coaches: Lynn Wambach,
Sue Downing, Rita Ann Thompson, and Natalie
Sutcliffe. All five Pennsbury teams, Fantastic Books
and Where to Find Them, The Night Readers, Battle of
the Books, Guardians of the Library, and Just Read It!
earned the top prize – a blue ribbon! The coaches
extend sincere thanks to the graduating seniors who
worked so hard for the Reading Olympics teams over
www.pennsburysd.org
Each of the five Reading Olympics teams from Pennsbury
High School achieved a blue ribbon – the top prize! – at this
year’s competition.
The juniors and seniors at PHS recently marked
the 68th annual Sports Nite weekend, with Black
prevailing against Orange with a final score of 21-18
in the friendly competition. The event included
the traditional relays, dances, cheers, skits, a food
drive, and much more. The high school’s Physical
Education Department organized this popular
event. Orange team Overall Captains were Olivia
Sargent and Lee Farrell. Serving as Overall Captains
for the Black team were Abby Wick and Willem
McCullough. The 2016 Sports Nite Queen was Macy
Jo Moors. PHS Assistant Principal, Lou Sudholz,
served as the administrative coordinator.
PHS West teacher, Angela Minor, was pleased
to welcome Representative Steve Santarsiero and
members of his staff to speak with students about the
political process. Senior Matthew Lynch organized
this effort, according to Ms. Minor. The gathering
PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • APRIL 2016
11
S uperintendent ’ s R eport • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.
took place after school with Pennsbury’s Model
UN club members as well as students currently
enrolled in the AP Government class at PHS. “The
discussion aligned with AP Government curriculum
and included topics such as political finance and
fundraising, grassroots activism, the primary process,
gerrymandering, the role of political parties, and
voter outreach,” said Ms. Minor.
Amy DiFazio, Chairperson of the World Language
Department, shares that on March 22nd, the German
Department celebrated its annual Abschiedsessen
(farewell dinner) to share memories and bid farewell
to 18 German exchange students and two teachers
from Pennsbury’s sister-school in Oldenburg,
Germany, Cäcilienschule. Under the direction of Ms.
DiFazio and PHS German teacher, Doug Campbell,
this year marked the 28th exchange between
Pennsbury and Cäcilienschule. “During their
two-and-a-half-week homestay, German students
actively participated in German classes, attended
other classes with their American hosts, and toured
historical Philadelphia, New York City, Princeton
University, Temple University and Washington
D.C.,” said Ms. DiFazio. “Seeing how cultural and
linguistic barriers were broken down for these
young adults was nothing short of awesome, and the
close friendships that were formed in such a short
period of time were simply erstaunlich (amazing).
Thanks to the GAPP exchange, 18 Pennsbury
students will experience their host brother/sister’s
life in Oldenburg this August, and explore Iceland,
Berlin, Munich, Salzburg, and other places, as well.”
Ms. DiFazio also reports that on April 1st and
2nd, Pennsbury German students participated
in the Delaware Valley Deutschfest in Jamison.
“Deutschfest is an immersion weekend that offers
competitions and fun for high school students
in the Philadelphia region, and is a wonderful
opportunity for students to practice and showcase
their knowledge of the German language and
culture,” explained Ms. DiFazio. Students competed
in poetry recitation, skits, and other oral and written
assessment activities. “Pennsbury won fifth place
overall and earned first place for Schulruf (original
12
cheer), first for Original Artwork/Banner, second
place for Original Name Tags and third place for
Best German Dessert.” Pennsbury was represented
by six students: Callie Spohn, Nicole Spohn, Lauren
Mayer, Isabelle Gilchrist, Gianna Passarelli,
and Matt Edenhofner. Sophomore Callie Spohn
was elected to the Delaware Valley Deutschfest
Executive Board for 2016-2017. “Ein tausend Dank
to Frau DeKorte, Pennsbury’s Deutschfest advisor,
for chaperoning students on this German camping
adventure!” added Ms. DiFazio.
Mark Cherepko, K-12 Social Studies Curriculum
Coordinator, writes: “Another successful voter
registration drive took place at PHS recently with
volunteers from the League of Women Voters.
Students had the opportunity to ask questions and
also register to vote if they were 18 or going to be 18
by April 26th. Tables were set up at all cafeterias for
this registration effort.
The League of Women Voters held a successful registration drive
at PHS for students who are already 18 or will be of voting age by
Primary Election Day on April 26th.
A student project in the Applied Engineering/
Technology Education Department was inspired by
a classroom paraprofessional, according to teacher
Jessica Perfetto. “The idea was to design and
construct a device that would assist visually-impaired
students to read at their desks at a more comfortable
reading angle,” explained Ms. Perfetto. “Drew
APRIL 2016 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA
www.pennsburysd.org
S uperintendent ’ s R eport • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.
Ficarrotta, Griffin Carideo, and Mohamed Afifi
immediately seized upon this opportunity to not
just complete their graduation projects, but also for
the good it would do for other Pennsbury students.”
Using the engineering design process and help from
Ms. Perfetto, the three began to design a prototype
based on the requirements and the needs of the
students, which consisted of three interchangeable
angles for reading and writing, and a ledge to
hold papers and pencils. The boys collected data
while researching and observing students in their
classrooms. Many hours were spent perfecting the
prototype. After they had selected and gathered all
of the necessary materials, the students got to work
cutting and sanding, using the tools in Ms. Perfetto’s
room. “After completing their first prototype, they
immediately went to the intended consumers to get
their approval before they began to build the three
final products, ensuring the device did everything
that was intended,” said Ms. Perfetto. “The three
boys hope that their hard work is used for years
to come. A special thank you to Ms. Resta and the
Transition Academy for their help and involvement.”
Fifteen French exchange students and two
teachers are staying with Pennsbury families
from April 9th-15th, shares Andrea Garberina,
Curriculum Coordinator for the World Language
Department. “These students and teachers are
from our sister-school in Ozoir-le-Ferriere, France,
which is near Paris,” said Ms. Garberina. “This is
the inaugural year of a new partnership between
Pennsbury and École Education et Culture Saint
Thérèse. We are proud to begin a new tradition as
we foster French-American relations and show our
friends the best of Pennsbury.” During their visit,
the foreign exchange students will attend some high
school classes and visit several sites in Princeton,
Philadelphia, and New York City.
PHS Physics teacher, Doug Macauley, shares that
the Young Engineers Club meets every Wednesday
from September to March during the school year.
“The club seems to be growing every year and we
welcome all current and future Physics students,”
said Mr. Macauley. “We hold three competitions per
www.pennsburysd.org
year with mostly main line schools in the greater
Philadelphia area. There are six separate events that
take place. Two are build-ahead events, which are
essentially engineering tasks. For example, high
schools design these events and students build
items from scratch to complete each task. Other
events are called rotation events. Schools compete
in 45-minute blocks and need to accomplish tasks in
a room. This year, Misha Tyryshkin, a Pennsbury
student, took the Bronze medal for one of the fastest
electrical-powered boats in the competition. This
event was designed by Pennsbury and was quite
challenging. I am so proud that Misha was able to
emerge the winner against so many students from
nine different high schools!”
Jana Van Buskirk, faculty advisor for the high
school’s Key Club, is pleased to announce that club
members collaborated with several adults from the
Kiwanis Club of Washington Crossing-Yardley for
an inter-generational activity that led to a large-scale
community event. Together, they prepared hundreds
of children’s treat bags for the annual Easter Egg
Hunt in Washington Crossing. Well done!
April is
Autism Awareness Month
Awareness • Action • Acceptance
Inclusion • Appreciation
PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • APRIL 2016
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S uperintendent ’ s R eport • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.
PHS BANDS RETURN FROM AUSTRALIA
The Pennsbury “Long Orange Line” Marching Band and the Pennsbury Concert
Jazz Band performed on their fifth continent in Sydney, Australia from March
19 through March 26, 2016. Bands Director, Frank Mazzeo, shares that the bands
arrived on Monday the 21st and immediately went to Scots College to perform a joint
concert with Australian high school students from the Presbyterian Ladies College
and Scots College. In addition to individual performances by six ensembles from
all three schools, the concert was highlighted by a joint performance, including all
three schools, performing the Australian and American national anthems. The “Long
Orange Line” concluded its performances and was received with a standing ovation
by the students from Scots College and the Presbyterian Ladies College. The Director of the Scots College
Band, Mr. Paul Vickers, stated, “Please know how heartfelt and appreciated your performance was (to
the students of the PHS Marching Band) - Australians do not give standing ovations as quickly and as
often as American audiences!”
Tuesday was highlighted with two performances by the Pennsbury Marching Band. The first
performance was a parade in front of the Sydney Olympic Stadium and the second was a “stand still”
field show performance in Spotless Stadium.
Wednesday was a touring day that included a trip to the Featherdale Wildlife Park (filled with koalas
and kangaroos), the Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbour, and the Botanical Garden. Thursday
featured a concert in the Ampitheatre by the “Long Orange Line,” and the day concluded with a concert
by the Pennsbury Concert Jazz Band in the “Shed” at the Sunday Telegraph Stage, with world renowned
trumpeter and trombonist James Morrison.
Friday was another day of touring, which included Manly Island, the “Rocks Precinct,” a walk across
the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and a farewell dinner in the Pavilion at the Royal Botanical Garden. The
trip included 144 students, 15 chaperones, 22 companions, Marching Band staff member Emily Alleva,
Associate Director Jonathan Lucas, Mr. Mazzeo, and Principal Shawn Neely.
Pennsbury’s Long Orange Line stood before the world-famous
Sydney Opera House during their recent visit to Australia.
14
Frank Mazzeo conducted (at left) while guest musician James
Morrison (center) performed with the Pennsbury Concert Jazz
Band at the Sunday Telegraph Stage in Sydney.
APRIL 2016 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA
www.pennsburysd.org
S uperintendent ’ s R eport • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.
Commendable
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
LYFT PENNSBURY CHARACTER AWARD
WINNERS ANNOUNCED
In conjunction with the District’s ongoing
character education initiative, students at the
elementary, middle, and high school levels are
being spotlighted each month to recognize specific
character assets. For the month of March, students
were recognized for “Personal Power” and
“Integrity.” The students selected to be recognized
are Race Rambam, Jennifer Cataldo-Smith, Celia
Dolan, and Claudia Sozio.
Race Rambam, a fifth grader at Edgewood
Elementary, was nominated for his personal power
by Principal Michele Spack, who says Race believes
he can make a difference and he is always thinking
about ways to make that happen. “Race is an
amazing musician. He participates in the School of
Rock. He started when he was seven years old and
performed with students who were a decade older.
Race always seeks to raise the bar for himself and
his classmates,” said Ms. Spack.
Jennifer Cataldo-Smith is a fifth grader at
Quarry Hill Elementary who was nominated for
her integrity. She was nominated by her teacher,
Carolyn White, who says Jennifer consistently
shows respect for her peers with appropriate
conversation and empathy. “Jennifer stays true
to who she is as a person and does not waver
when others try to pressure her to join in or
choose unwisely. Jennifer is a kind, empathetic,
and benevolent student who possesses many
characteristics of a leader,” said Ms. White.
Celia Dolan, an eighth grader at Charles Boehm
Middle School, was nominated for her personal
power by her teacher, Anita Quinn, who says Celia
is a self-motivated and determined individual.
www.pennsburysd.org
Celia is the president of the National Junior Honor
Society and uses that platform to make a difference.
Celia spearheads and organizes influential events at
Boehm and is also a leader in the community. Celia
embodies every sense of personal power, according
to her teacher.
Claudia Sozio is a senior at Pennsbury High School
who was nominated for her integrity by her teacher,
Angela Minor, who says Claudia is honest, forthright,
and has a strong code of ethics. When discussing
academic dishonesty in class Claudia asked, “Why
would people cheat? Why not just do what you are
supposed to do?” She expressed her belief that it was
disrespectful for students to cheat. Ms. Minor added,
“Integrity is instilled in this young lady.”
To learn more about this recognition program,
call LYFT at (215) 949-1660, ext. 104, or email timp@
uwbucks.org. To obtain a nomination form, contact
Sherwood Taylor at [email protected]. The
next round of recognitions will take place at the May
12th School Board meeting.
PHS SOPHOMORE WINS TOP HONORS
FOR JOURNALISM
Kudos to Katia Barricklow, a tenth grade student
at Pennsbury High School, who received a Gold
Key award for her entry in the 2016 Scholastic Art
& Writing competition for an essay titled, True
Threat or Distasteful Rap? Supreme Court to Rule Soon
In Important Online Free Speech Case. Originally
published as an opinion in the Bucks County Courier
Times, Katia’s article was based on research she did
PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • APRIL 2016
15
S uperintendent ’ s R eport • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.
during an ethics class
in her freshman year.
Some 685 students from
across the Philadelphia
region (Bucks, Chester,
Delaware, and
Montgomery counties,
and Philadelphia)
submitted their writing
in this year’s Scholastic
contest. Katia, who is a
teen reporter for the Bucks
County Courier Times’
“Reality”section, won the
only Gold Key award for
Katia Barricklow
journalism in the region.
Katia and other Scholastic award winners were
honored by the Philadelphia Writing Project and
the Philadelphia Arts and Education Partnership at
a ceremony and reception at the University of the
Arts on March 12th. The 2016 award marked Katia’s
second Gold Key win for writing. She also took top
honors in 2014 for persuasive writing.
Besides writing, Katia, 15, enjoys taking art
photographs and for the second year in a row, she
was named a finalist in the Photographer’s Forum
Best of College and High School Photography 2016
contest for her black-and-white photo titled, Love Me
for Me, which was selected from over 14,000 entries.
This same photograph also received honorable
mention in the 2016 Scholastic Art & Writing
contest. Congratulations on these impressive
accomplishments, Katia!
PHS STUDENT HONORED BY
WIDENER UNIVERSITY
PHS School Counselor, Tracey Mountford,
writes, “On Wednesday, March 23rd, PHS junior,
Kathryn Deitch, was honored at the Widener
University High School Leadership Awards. The
ceremony took place at the National Constitution
Center in Philadelphia. Kate was chosen for her
leadership in standing up for what is right and
16
Pennsbury junior, Kathryn Deitch (left, shown here with school
counselor Tracey Mountford), received a leadership award from
Widener University.
making a difference in a significant way. As a
member of the GSA student club, Kate has shown a
strong commitment to standing by her convictions
and helping others do the same thing. Widener
University has a long-standing commitment to
inspiring and developing leaders. They recognized
Kate for demonstrating these qualities and I am
proud to have been a part of this inspirational
ceremony along with Kate and her mom.”
PENNSBURY TEACHER IS FINALIST
FOR TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Please join in congratulating
Pennwood Middle School
teacher, Dr. Michael Hogan,
who was named one of three
finalists for the 2016 Bucks
County Teacher of the Year
award, to be announced on
April 21st by Inspire Federal
Credit Union and the Bucks
County Intermediate Unit #22.
This honor is awarded to a
local educator each year.
APRIL 2016 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA
Michael J. Hogan, Jr., Ed.D.
www.pennsburysd.org
S uperintendent ’ s R eport • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.
“There aren’t too many people who can change
the life of a student like an educator can,” said Jim
Merrill, Inspire FCU’s President and CEO. “These
three teachers, among many other teachers in this
county, have successfully accepted the educational
challenges inside a classroom, and their impact has
extended far beyond the walls of a school.”
Over 11,000 votes were cast to choose the finalists.
The three teachers who received the highest number
of votes were:
Michael J. Hogan, Jr., Ed.D. – teaches 7th & 8th
grade Social Studies at Pennwood
Nicky Pennepacker – teaches 9th grade English
at Truman High School
Alexander C. Doman Jr. – teaches 9th-12th grade
Applied Engineering Technology/Green Energy
at Bucks County Technical High School
Dr. Hogan holds three degrees from Saint Joseph’s
University in Philadelphia: a Doctor of Education
degree in Educational Leadership, a Master of
Science degree in Criminal Justice, and a Bachelor
of Arts degree in History. He has also worked as an
Adjunct Professor for graduate education programs
at Saint Joseph’s and at Holy Family University.
A committee is currently evaluating all three
candidates’ submission materials to select the
winner. The Teacher of the Year will receive $2,500
and an additional $1,000 donated to his/her school.
The two runner-ups will each receive $1,000 and an
additional $500 donated to the school.
Good luck, Dr. Hogan!
way to ensure the success of all of her students,”
said Ms. Becker. “She continuously volunteers to be
the cheerleader of PHS, and most importantly, is a
wonderful human being who cares about the welfare
of others.” Congratulations, Ms. Wisen!
BOOK INCLUDES CHAPTER ON
CHARACTER EDUCATION AT BOEHM
A new book for educators titled, Student Discipline:
A Prosocial Perspective, edited by Philip M. Brown
of Rutgers University, includes a chapter by
Charles Boehm Middle School Principal, Theresa
Ricci, about the success of character education
initiatives at her school. “The foundation for a safe
school rests on the creation of a healthy school
climate, a caring community where students feel
safe, and relationships facilitate prosocial growth
as well as academic learning,” begins the book
summary. Contributors to the book shed light on
their schools’ missions as “beacons of prosocial
school approaches,” according to the editor.
Congratulations, Ms. Ricci!
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR PUBLISHES
ARTICLE BY DONNA DUNAR, Ed.D.
An article titled, Character Education on a District
Level, by Donna M. Dunar, Ed.D. appears in
the April issue of School Administrator, which is
published by the American Association of School
Administrators. The organization’s latest issue
explores social-emotional intelligence in students
and bills the article in its table of contents this way:
“How a Pennsylvania district spread character
education across its 14 schools.” Kudos to Dr. Dunar!
KAREN WISEN NAMED TO LIST OF
“WOMEN WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE”
PHS West Principal Lisa Becker is happy to
announce that teacher Karen Wisen was selected
by the YWCA of Bucks County to be one of the
recipients of the 2016 Women Who Make a Difference
award. “As we all know, Ms. Wisen goes out of her
www.pennsburysd.org
PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • APRIL 2016
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S uperintendent ’ s R eport • KEVIN J. McHUGH, Ed.D.
Upcoming MEETINGS
Board Education Committee
8:30 a.m., April 15, 2016
Superintendent’s Conference Room
Public Walk-Through: 12-3:00 pm
Arrival Parade Begins: 5:15 pm
Board Facilities Committee
5:30 p.m., May 5, 2016
Superintendent’s Conference Room
Special Board Meeting
8:00 p.m., May 5, 2016
Fallsington Elementary School
Board Budget Committee Meeting
5:30 p.m., May 12, 2016
Superintendent’s Conference Room
Regular Board Meeting
8:00 p.m., May 12, 2016
Fallsington Elementary School
Board Education Committee
8:30 a.m., May 20, 2016
Superintendent’s Conference Room
18
APRIL 2016 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA
www.pennsburysd.org
PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL
SUBURBAN ONE LEAGUE • ALL LEAGUE TEAMS • WINTER 2015-2016
SPORT
BASKETBALL,
BOYS
1st TEAM
2nd TEAM
Mark Flagg
HONORABLE MENTION
Robert Daly
Addison Howard
Niasia Boone
Sydney Buell
William Connor Joyce
Antonio Martoccio
Zachary Clarke
Nicholas Visco
200 Yard FreestYle:
200 Yard MedleY relaY:
100 Yard Breaststroke:
100 Yard ButterFlY:
Collin Hanlon
Benjamin Cusick
Connor Nadel
500 Yard FreestYle:
Dennis Vinokurov
Benjamin Cusick
Ihar Piatsevich
Matthew Babel
Collin Hanlon
500 Yard FreestYle:
Matthew Humbert
BASKETBALL,
GIRLS
BOWLING, BOYS
David Callahan
Jorge D.W. Davis
Michael Susko
Dylan Farrell
John Feher
BOWLING, GIRLS
Elizabeth Bruner
Kellie Frain
Brittany Sinclair
Kimberly Bonar
Lexi Connor
WRESTLING
SWIMMING, BOYS
3rd TEAM
200 Yard IndIvIdual MedleY:
Connor Doyle
200 Yard FreestYle relaY:
Liam White
500 Yard FreestYle:
Dennis Vinokurov
dIvIng:
Collin Hanlon
Phillip Chrzanowski
Connor Nadel
Connor Doyle
100 Yard Backstroke:
Connor Doyle
400 Yard FreestYle relaY:
Dennis Vinokurov
Connor Nadel
Collin Hanlon
Connor Doyle
SWIMMING, GIRLS
100 Yard Backstroke:
200 Yard IndIvIdual MedleY:
200 Yard MedleY relaY:
200 Yard FreestYle:
Deanna Shuster
Leah Sirkis
Maura Donnelly
Hannah Maslow
Deanna Shuster
Catherine Kosko
Maura Donnelly
dIvIng:
Nicole Costello
100 Yard ButterFlY:
Deanna Shuster
200 Yard FreestYle relaY:
Sylvia Fisher
Maura Donnelly
Deanna Shuster
Catherine Kosko
100 Yard FreestYle:
Catherine Kosko
100 Yard Backstroke:
Maura Donnelly
400 Yard FreestYle relaY:
Sylvia Fisher
Leah Sirkis
Wendy Hansbury
Lindsay Harkins
100 Yard Backstroke:
Lindsay Harkins