William Penn School District • 100 Green Avenue — Annex • Lansdowne, PA 19050
• 610-284-8000
• www.williampennsd.org
Committed to Excellence
FALL 2015
MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Looking back on a year
of notable achievements
We have reached the end of another
school year culminating with the
graduation of 323 of our seniors. Some
will enter directly into the work force,
but many of our graduates plan to
continue their education at colleges,
universities, technical and trade schools,
or serve in one of the branches of the
United States Armed Forces. Thousands
of dollars in grants and scholarships
were awarded to our amazing future
leaders.
“Flour” Power at Ardmore Avenue
Members of the Ardmore Avenue Elementary School Student Council are shown with
some of the more than 60 loaves of bread the 6th-grade classes baked to benefit the
interfaith food cupboard housed at the Lansdowne Presbyterian Church. The sixthgrade teachers, Ms. Corrine Kauffman, Ms. Amy Hostetter, and Ms. Kathryn O’Boyle,
directed the bread-baking project. King Arthur Flour Company donated the flour and
yeast needed to make the loaves.
Penn Wood graduates will attend
institutions of higher learning such as
Drexel, Johnson & Wales, Spelman,
Penn State, Temple, University of
Pittsburgh, St. John’s, Widener,
Delaware County Community College,
Villanova, Delaware State, Lincoln,
LaSalle, Morgan State, and many, many
more. Our graduates’ fields of study
include Biochemistry, Education,
Engineering, Pre-Medicine, Graphic
Design, and Nursing to name a few. In
MR. JOSEPH J. BRUNI
this issue of Happenings, there is a
Superintendent
partial list of where our graduates will
continue their education as well as an article about the accomplishments of
the ten top ranked graduates of the Class of 2015. I am sure that you, like me,
will be Penn Wood Proud!
William Penn School District students and staff had a number of
achievements that we celebrated throughout the year. We have showcased
many of these achievements throughout this newspaper, which is a special
year-end review of the 2014-2015 school year. Some WPSD notable honors for
the year include:
• The Penn Wood High School Marching Band and Colorguard won first
place in the Liberty Division at the Cavalcade of Bands Competition;
• The Penn Wood student team (see photo at left) of Earl Johnson, Jacob
McCann, Sarah McCann, and Danny Santos created the winning mobile app
in Sen. Anthony Williams’ anti-bullying mobile app contest;
• The Ardmore Avenue Elementary School Choir performed in the Channel
6ABC Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade;
• Collins Asamoah, Penn Wood High School junior, was selected to attend
the Congress of Future Medical Leaders;
• Dawan Brown and Omoy Miller, Ardmore Avenue Elementary School
students, auditioned for and were selected as members of the Philadelphia
(Continued on page 2)
RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER
WILLIAM PENN SCHOOL DISTRICT
100 Green Avenue — Annex
Lansdowne, PA 19050
610-284-8000
www.williampennsd.org
Upper Darby, PA
Permit No. 846
PAID
Presorted Standard
Postage & Fees
SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE
Celebrating our recent
achievements; preparing
for the upcoming year
2015-2016
District Calendar
(Continued from page 1)
Boys Choir;
• Elementary school students Kyle Taylor (Aldan
School), Inara Hills (Bell Avenue School), Jahmaya Poles
(Bell Avenue), Daniel Kpodi (Bell Avenue), Mariam
Marah (Bell Avenue), Rore Anderson (East Lansdowne
School), Jessica Vu (East Lansdowne), and Gianni
Sargent (Evans School) were selected to participate in the
District 12 Delco Intermediate Band Fest;
• High school seniors Stephan Canning and Josiane
Yague were selected to perform in the PMEA District 12
Band;
• Jacob McCann, Penn Wood High School senior and
Drum Major, was selected for the District 12 Band, District
12 Orchestra, and Region VI Band;
• Nia Lartley, Matthew Cheng, and Sory Kaba, Penn
Wood High School students, placed first, second, and third
in their events in the Future Business Leaders of America
Regional Championships and advanced to the State
Competition;
• Penn Wood High School art students Ilycia
Boatwright-Buffaloe, Mitchell Saye, and Matthew
Tommie’s ceramics pieces were accepted for Temple
University’s Tyler School of Art exhibit of distinguished
high school ceramics work;
• Jamirah McCloud, Penn Wood High School senior,
was selected as a scholarship semifinalist by the Coca-Cola
Scholars Foundation;
• Penn Wood High School wrestler Kelvin Awo was
named Most Outstanding Wrestler at the Delco Christian
Invitational and Francis Knuckles, Ryan Jackson,
Abraham Charles, and Nazir Williams were undefeated
in their weight classes;
• Malik Jackson, Penn Wood High School basketball
player, scored his 1,000th point;
• The Penn Wood Middle School Future City Team
won an IEEE Philadelphia Section Award and a PA
Planning Association Planning Excellence Award at the
Future City Regional Competition;
• Lashanna Bryant, Josepha Yague, and Nia Lartley,
Penn Wood High School students, received Silver Key
Awards in the Scholars Art & Writing Awards competition;
• Ms. Alyce Grunt, Penn Wood High School art teacher,
won first place in the Community Arts Center’s Duke
Gallery Exhibit;
• Magnet Fofanah,
Penn Wood senior, was
named to the All-Delco
Hi-Q Team;
• Morgan McLaurin,
Nia Lartey, Omobolanle
Odusoga,
Nieme
Brooker, and Nadia
Larety, Penn Wood High
School students, placed
first, second, and third in
various competitions at
the District 10 Speech
Finals and qualified for
MAGNET FOFANAH
the State Tournament;
• The two Penn Wood High School Mock Trial Teams
both advanced to the Mock Trial Playoffs;
• The 4x400-meter relay team of Ndiaga Seck, Charlie
Wells, Ahmere Ponzo, and Dennise Manyeah won the
Silver Medal in the State Indoor Track & Field
Championships. The team also placed 3rd in the Indoor
Nationals, earned All-American status, and won the
Suburban A Championship at the Penn Relays;
• Imani Robinson, Aldan Elementary School 5th-grade
student, and Fatou Diop, East Lansdowne Elementary
School 2nd-grade student, had winning entries in the
FALL 2015
(Calendar continued on page 15)
Delaware County Tobacco Free Coalition’s Student
Bookmark Contest;
• Penn Wood High School seniors Pamela Carter and
Danny Santos were recognized by Yeadon Mayor Rev.
Rohan Hepkins for community service and leadership;
• Kayla Kirkland, Penn Wood freshman, won the
Yeadon Library Women’s History Month Essay Contest;
• Penn Wood High School students Jameira Miller and
Antwan Morris completed the Villanova Engineering,
Science, and Technology Enrichment and Development
Academy;
• The Walnut Street Elementary School 5th-grade team
of Mikhaidia Miller, Elijah Reid, Natural Guerra, and
Anson Brown-Thompson won first place in their division
in the DCIU STEM Design program and competed in the
State Finals;
• Addison Josh Scott, Penn Wood High School
basketball player, was named Most Valuable Player at the
Delco Hero All-Star Basketball Game;
• PAGE 2 •
• Mr. Rafi Cave,
William Penn School
Board
Vice-President,
was recognized as a
Public Citizen of the Year
by the Public Citizens for
Children and Youth
(PCCY);
• Ms. Hope Bova,
School Site Facilitator at
Walnut Street Elementary
School, was selected as
one of ten 2015 Phillies
All-Star Teachers;
RAFI CAVE
•
Walnut
Street
Elementary School staff members Ms. Nancie Camarota
and Mr. L’Toray Hill each received a Making a Difference
Award from the Delaware County Local Task Force on
(Continued on page 3)
HAPPENINGS
2014-2015 William Penn School District Volunteeers
The William Penn School District
recognizes those who provide invaluable
volunteer service in our schools. Volunteers
are nominated by principals and staff
members, and each volunteer receives a
certificate and token of appreciation. We
extend sincere thanks to our 2014-2015
volunteers.
Aldan Elementary
Stacy Donohue, Lorene Good, Karen
Ianieri, Wadiyah Ivery, Sara Lee Langsam,
Dianne McCouigan, Jeanne McCouigan,
Lauren Smith
Ardmore Avenue Elementary
Claudia Black, Racquel Bruton, Jametta
Butler, Gene Colodonato, Clair Davis,
Patricia Dwyer, Marie-Luise Faber, Melissa
Goldner, April Hall, Diane Hamilton, Kim
Hayes, Betsy Jesson, Pamela Knots, Mark
Martinez, Susan Maxwell, Allyson Mercer,
Bryant Miller, Jamella Miller, Anna
Neilsen, Carol Penjuke, Thuy Ros
We extend our sincere “thanks”
to our district volunteers
Bell Avenue Elementary
Dawn Boyce-Smith, Shante Fitzhugh,
Pamela Fried, Melvin Jones, Sr.; Alfreda
Keck, Barbara Kremp, Deborah Martin,
Amy Sampil
Colwyn Elementary
Park Lane Elementary
Angela M. Smith
Susan Chan-Peter, Cassandra Distin,
Tiffany Mason, Lisa Richardson, Rebecca
Sheehan, Ebonee Williams
Jamil Allen, James Garrett, Debbie
Gilette, Jacqueline Guy, Anna Hunter,
Antonio Hunter, Demetria Hurnton, Rosella
Jackson, Rick Kirkland, Deborah Martin,
Sarah Poplawski
Evans Elementary
Walnut Street Elementary
Serena Austin, Fletcher Bell, Lashanna
Bryant, Rose Doe, Destiny Fields, Joylin
Jefferson, Solomon Joe, Taneba Kabu,
L’Toray Hill, Meagan Jones, Audrey
Pyles, Consuala Saunders
East Lansdowne Elementary
Penn Wood Middle
Superintendent’s message
(Continued from page 2)
the Right to Education;
• Ms. Nicole Reale, English teacher at
Penn Wood Middle School, received a
Delaware County Excellence in Teaching
Award;
• The Penn Wood High School Robotics
Club Team won second place in the MESA
Regional Prosthetic Arm Competition held at
Temple University’s School of Engineering;
• Cecelia Livingston, Penn Wood junior,
received a 7th Congressional District
Scholar-Athlete Award from Congressman
Patrick Meehan and was recognized by the
Eastern Delaware County Branch of the
American Association of University Women
for academic achievement and community
service;
• Agnes Mansaray won a 5th-place medal
in the 800-meter run at the Indoor Track &
Field Championship and won 2nd place at
the Outdoor Track & Field Championship,
breaking the school record, the Delaware
County record, and making the All-State
team;
• Twenty-three students at Bell Avenue
Elementary School were inducted into the
National Elementary Honor Society.
Many exciting programs and events take
place each month in our schools. You are
invited to visit our website at
www.williampennsd.org to view the WPSD
Weekly (my weekly newsletter) and district
monthly calendars and newsletters that are
published during the regular school year. To
be added to the district e-mail list, send a
request to Ms. Pamela Bookman at
[email protected].
Changes for September 2015
We continue efforts to place elementary
school students into their neighborhood
schools. Many children will be returned from
assigned placements to their neighborhood
schools in September.
To enhance communication, we created
the William Penn School District Official
Facebook page. Please visit us at
www.facebook.com/WilliamPennSchoolDistrict
and please be sure to LIKE us! The new
FALL 2015
Brahim King, Deborah Martin, Nancy
Maxin, Tishyoma McMillian, Talena
Mitchell, Jada Pender, Briana Pierce,
Shania Ricketts, Melina Sidibe, Shayla
Stancie, Pat Walker, George Washington,
Mary Washington, Brandi White
Facebook page will be updated with some
content from our website as well as
additional content such as photos and
interesting news articles. The Facebook page
is another avenue for sharing our
experiences, events, programs, news, and
more in order to enhance communication
with and stay connected to WPSD
stakeholders.
Bennar Biddle, Erika Bly, Theresa
Borden, Davita Brown, Magda Byrne,
Joyce Harden, Darlene Hill, Lowranzel
Hill, Tamika Hill, Dawn Mapp, Marta
Perkiss, Alfred Poplawski, Carol
Poplawski, Nicole Reale, Lisa Richardson,
Melissa Ruggiero, Seamus Smith, Robert
Smythe, Alexandra Stein, Nyala Thorpe,
Krystle Watson, Renee Wayne, Ann Marie
Willoughby
Penn Wood High
Amina Abdalla Ali, Bob Ashenfelter,
Kelvin Awo, Tamika Beckett, Nina Brickle,
Kyle Brown, Norman Brown, ShaQuan
Buffaloe, Kristy Byrnes, Michael Cahil,
Angela Carter, Pamela Carter, Brandon
Cerdan, Joey Crawford, Janie Dominguez,
Michael Falcone, Roe Falcone, Michelle
Fecanin, Christopher Gomez, Michelle Ha,
Andre Hardy, Cassandra Harris, Timothy
Harris, Jennifer Hoff, Joi Hopkins, Vera
Jenkins, Ericka Johnson, Somonya Jorden,
Robert F. Kelly, Jr., Esq.; Diane Leach,
Barbara McCann, Jacob McCann, Sarah
McCann, Bill McCray, Jamella Miller,
Jeffrey Miller, Kelly Nguyen, Ariona
O’Donnell, Tahirah Overton, Valencia
Peterson, Kyle Pritchard, Stephanie
Reavey, Derrick Richardson, Lisa
Richardson, Jeanna Savage, Bethany
Schwartz, MaryTeresa Soltis, Esq.; Dennis
Spence, Kimberly Spence, Mimi Thai,
Barbara Touhey, Terry Valentino, David
Wetzel, Felicia Williams, Richard Williams
Melvin Yancey, Ann Yurcaba, Laura Zales
Mr. Brian Wilson, Principal of Penn
Wood Middle School and a Major in the
111th Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard
at the Willow Grove Air Reserve Station,
returned from military assignment and has
returned as Principal of the middle school.
Ms. Devin Layton, who did an exemplary
job as Acting Principal of Penn Wood Middle
School last school year, has returned to her
position as Assistant Principal of the Penn
Wood Middle School.
Ms. Marie Thompson is the newly
appointed Principal at Bell Avenue
Elementary School, as Mr. Walter
Rodriguez recently resigned from the school
district to pursue another leadership
opportunity.
Since our last issue of Happenings, there
has been an addition to the Central
Administration staff. Mr. Nicholas Kraynak
is the William Penn School District
Operations Supervisor and Supervisor of
Transportation Services.
The first day of school for students in
grades 1-7 and 9-12 is Tuesday, September 8,
2015. Eighth grade students will start on
Wednesday, September 9. Kindergarten
conferences will be held September 8, 9, and
10 — with the first full day of kindergarten
starting Friday, September 11. We look
forward to all of our students returning in
September for a successful 2015-2016 school
year!
Sincerely,
Mr. Joseph J. Bruni
Superintendent of Schools
Teacher Ms. Nancy Benson (center) is holding Caroline, her 10-month-old
daughter, who is a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) survivor.
Students and staff at East Lansdowne Elementary School participated in a
fundraiser Dress-Down Day and formed a CDH Awareness Ribbon around
her. East Lansdowne Principal Ms. Phyllis Cubit (wearing a pink sweat suit
jacket) starts the left side of the ribbon. The Dress-Down Day netted $210
which was sent to CHERUBS for CDH research.
Thank You for Your Support!
The following companies provided incentives for the
William Penn School District 2015 United Way Campaign.
Acropolis Pizza
Longwood Gardens
Adventure Aquarium
National Liberty Museum
Annenberg Center
National Constitution
for the Performing Arts
Center
Arden Theater Company
People's Light & Theatre
Benett’s Menswear
Philadelphia Museum
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
of Art
Hansen Printing
Society Hill Playhouse
Hedgerow Theater
Tyler Arboretum
Historic Philadelphia, Inc. Walnut Street Theater
• PAGE 3 •
HAPPENINGS
THE YEAR IN SPORTS
Championships, honors, records for student athletes
November 2014
• Girls’ Track Team and Boys’ Track
Team won the 2014 Del Val League CrossCountry Championships.
December 2014
• Tayvon Ruley, Kwabriem Jenkins
and Daniel Allen received All-Delco
Football Offense Team Honorable Mention.
Jordan Johnson received All-Delco
Football Defense Honorable Mention.
• Agnes Mansaray received All-Delco
Cross Country Honorable Mention.
• Oumou Diarra and Ely Perez received
All-Delco Girls’ Tennis Honorable
Mention.
• John Mansaray made the All-Delco
Boys’ Soccer Second Team. Koffi
Adjesson, Collins Asimoah, Frankie
Knuckles, and Hassan Warritay received
All-Delco Boys’ Soccer Honorable
Mention.
• Zahira Toro and Lauren Bowie
received All-Delco Girls’ Volleyball
Honorable Mention.
• Dahnye Redd earned all-tournament
honors in the Springfield Tip-Off
Tournament. Dahnye also earned a trophy
for MVP Honors in the LVBR Holiday
Challenge.
• Boys’ Basketball Team wins the
championships games in the Cougar TipOff Classic Tournament in Harrisburg, PA
and the Hoop Group Tip-Off Tournament in
Reading, PA.
January 2015
• At the Hispanic Games in New York,
Agnes Mansaray ran the 4th fastest time in
the state in the 800-meter run; the 4x400
girls’ relay team of Agnes Mansaray,
Petula Darnley, Maisha Coleman, and
Tyshea Truit ran the 5th fastest time in the
state. The 4x200 boys’ team of Charlie
Wells, Ndiaga Seck, Ahmere Ponzo, and
Dennis Manyeah turned in the fastest time
in the state. The 4x400 team of Ndiaga
Seck, Charlie Wells, Ahmere Ponzo,
Dennis Manyeah, and Jahi Smith ran
fastest in the state and 4th fastest in the
United States.
• In the Girls’ Delco Championships,
Agnes Mansaray placed second in the 800meter run. The 4x400 team of Agnes
Mansaray, Petula Darnley, Tyshea Truitt,
and Maisha Coleman placed fourth.
• At the Marine Corps Holiday Classic at
the New York Armory, Agnes Mansaray
took sixth place and had the best time in the
county in the girls’ 800-meter run. Ahmere
Ponzo was seventh and had the best time in
the county in the boys’ 800-meter run.
• Kelvin Awo was named Most
Outstanding Wrestler at the Delco Christian
Invitational. Francis Knuckles, Ryan
Jackson, Abraham Charles, and Nazir
Withers all won their weight classes.
• Basketball player Malik Jackson
scored his 1,000th point.
• Mr. Lamont Ferrell, Penn Wood High
School Graduate of the Class of 1984 and
basketball standout, was inducted into the
Delaware County Athletes Hall of Fame.
February 2015
• Penn Wood Girls’ and Boys’
FALL 2015
Corrie Johnson was third in the Del
Val
League
Tennis
Singles
Tournament.
Basketball Teams won their second
consecutive
Del
Val
League
Championships.
• Agnes Mansaray finished fifth in the
800-meter run at the Delaware Valley Girls
Track and Field Coaches Association Meet
of Champions.
• At the Delaware County Boys Indoor
Track and Field Championship, Dennis
Manyeah won the high jump and the relay
team of Manyeah, Jahi Smith, Charlie
Wells, and Ahmere Ponzo won the 4x800meter relay.
March 2015
• At the State Indoor Track & Field
Championships, the boys’ 4x400-meter
relay team of Ndiaga Seck, Charlie Wells,
Ahmere Ponzo, and Dennis Manyeah won
the silver medal. Agnes Mansaray won a
5th place medal in the 800-meter. The boys’
4x400-meter relay team also placed 3rd in
the Nationals and earned All-American
Honors.
• Dahnye Redd, Simone Walker, and
Joy Morton made the All Del-Val Girls’
Basketball First Team. Garielle Hairston
made the Second Team. Nadege Durand
and Carle Andrews received Honorable
Mention.
• Malik Jackson and Addison Josh
Scott made the All Del-Val Boys’
Basketball First Team. Calvin Melton
made the Third Team. Pernell Ghee
received Honorable Mention.
April 2015
The Penn Wood High School Lady Patriots won their second consecutive
Del Val League title.
• Dahnye Redd made the All-Delco
Girls’ Basketball First Team. Joy Morton
and Simone Walker received Honorable
Mention.
• Malik Jackson made the All-Delco
Boys’ Basketball First Team. Addison Josh
Scott made the Third Team. Pernell Ghee,
Javon Lindsey-Terrell, and Calvin
Melton received Honorable Mention.
• Abraham Charles was named to the
All-Delco Wrestling First Team. Daniel
Allen received Honorable Mention.
• Addison Josh Scott was named Most
Valuable Player at the Delaware County
Hero All-Star Basketball Game.
• Corrie Johnson came in third place in
the Del Val League Tennis Singles
Tournament.
Agnes Mansaray won a host of
medals and broke a number of
May 2015
• Corrie Johnson and Sory Kaba placed records. She is pictured after
third in the Del Val League Tennis Doubles winning a 5th place medal in the 800meter run at the PA Indoor State
Tournament.
• The 4x400-meter relay team of Charlie Track & Field Championships.
Wells, Ndiaga Seck, Ahmere Ponzo, and Championship, breaking the school record,
Dennis Manyeah won the Suburban A the Delaware County record, and making
Championship at the Penn Relays.
the All-State Team.
• Cecelia Livingston, member of the
• Dennis Mansaray, Ahmere Ponzo,
Penn Wood Track & Field Team, received a Jahni Smith, and Ndiaga Seck won 5th
7th Congressional District Scholar-Athlete place in the 4x400-meter relay at the State
Award from Congressman Patrick Track and Field Championships, breaking
Meehan.
the school record and making the All-State
• The Penn Wood Girls’ Track Team Team.
won their 5th consecutive Del Val League
• At the Delco Football Hero Bowl,
title.
Breon Cottman-Cole was named
• Agnes Mansaray won a silver medal in Defensive Most Valuable Player and Jalisa
the 800-meter run at the State Track & Field Walters was named Cheerleader Most
Valuable Player.
The Penn Wood Boys’ 4x400-meter Relay Team earned All-American status,
made the All-State team, and broke several records in 2015.
• PAGE 4 •
June 2015
• The 4x800-meter relay team of Dennis
Manyeah, Ahmere Ponzo, Jahi Smith,
and Ndiaga Seck made the Boys’ Track
All-Delco First Team. Dennis Manyeah
and Ndiaga Seck made the Second Team.
Sekou Kanneh, Amani Kuderha, Ahmere
Ponzo, and Jahi Smith received Honorable
Mention.
• Tyrus Bluford and Kevin Gales
received Baseball All-Delco Honorable
Mention.
• Agnes Mansaray made the Girls’
Track All-Delco First Team. The 4x400meter relay team of Agnes Mansaray,
Petula Darnley, Maisha Coleman, and
Tyshea Truit received Honorable Mention.
HAPPENINGS
CELEBRATING SUCCESS
BELL AVENUE ELEMENTARY
• Bell Avenue students Jahmya
Poles, Inara Hills, Mariam Marah,
and Daniel Kpodi were selected to
represent the William Penn School
District at the 2015 PMEA District
12 Intermediate Band Fest. They
joined 110 fifth- and sixth-grade
students from 35 schools throughout
Delaware County to form an
ensemble that played concert music
a grade above what is normally
taught at the elementary school level.
• Bell Avenue presented the
accomplishments of our students by
hosting a PSSA Honors Assembly, at
which time we also presented Bell
Avenue’s newly-designed t-shirts.
We displayed our students’ talents at
our Band Concerts and Talent Show.
We were pleased to host the Girl
Scouts and Cub Scouts programs in
our school. Other activities we
shared throughout the year include a
Year End Review: Our principals share
a few notable achievements made in
the 2014-2015 school year.
Ms. Marie Thompson, Principal
Scholastic Book Fair, NED Show
assembly
promoting
positive
behavior and academic achievement,
Field Day, and school dances.
• In June, Bell Avenue was
pleased to honor 19 students by
inducting them into the National
Elementary Honor Society (NEHS).
NEHS members are high-achieving
students who have an understanding
of what it means to be a responsible
student and citizen. At Bell Avenue,
students must have a grade point
average of 3.5 and above, display
positive character, and demonstrate
service and leadership. Special
thanks to Mrs. Hope FlemingMallory for serving as NEHS
Advisor, Mr. Robert E. Wright, Sr.,
guest speaker and William Penn
School District Board Member, and
to our parents and staff for their
support.
Students at Bell Avenue Elementary School were recognized for scholarship, character, service,
and leadership by being inducted into the National Elementary Honor Society.
PARK LANE ELEMENTARY
Dr. Dawneé Watson-Bouie, Principal
• Park Lane Elementary School has had a
very busy and productive 2014-2015 year
building our systemic focus to implement
consistent instruction for children in every
classroom in our school. We want our
children to achieve their greatest potential
by first building and unifying our resources
for longevity and continuous school
improvement. Therefore, three cheers to our
entire school community for working
collectively toward our District’s Mission
and Building’s School-wide Goals for
Continuous Improvement at all levels
within our educational environment.
Parental support of our school-wide goals
has made a BIG DIFFERENCE in
individual, homeroom and grade level
growth and success of our students
throughout the year. We thank our parents,
for they are our greatest ally to ensuring
Park Lane Elementary School is beneficial
for our children and families!
• At the instructional level, we have
much to be proud of in regard to our
genuine care and focused actions
addressing our children’s academic and
emotional needs. Two thumbs up to the
Park Lane Elementary teachers and staff for
always being there for children! Students
have been learning how to decode, read
more fluently, and think rigorously about
text. This year, teachers have also worked
collectively to build execution of best
teacher practice in Reading, develop all
students’ basic skillsets in Mathematics,
and build school-wide safety nets. Our
Solution Teams are Attendance, Parent
Involvement, Cooperative Culture, and
Tutoring. These teacher-led teams have all
been successful in motivating and
FALL 2015
During Black History Month, Park Lane Elementary School sixth-graders performed a re-enactment of “A World
Without Black People,” a tribute to African American inventors.
rewarding students for “Coming to School
• It is a true celebration for the entire History Tribute, Dr. Seuss Read Across
on Time, Doing their Homework and Using Park Lane Community in how we use our America Celebration, PSSA Prep Rally &
Think-It Through Strategies to Solve talents, hearts, and passion to have fun Celebration Dance, Grade Level Field
Problems.” Thank you to all teachers and student-centered activities throughout the Trips, Parent Involvement Pastries for
staff members who have given the extra year. These activities include Safety Patrol, Parents Event, Talent Show, Field Day, End
time and dedication to make these goals Parent Involvement Meet My Teacher & of the Year Award Recognition & 6th Grade
visible to our students throughout the year Principal Ice Cream Social, Red Ribbon Celebration. Park Lane Elementary School
with rewards such as Dress Down Coupons, Drug Free March, YoJo Anti-bullying — what a Panther Proud place to learn and
Bubble Celebrations, Water Ice Parties, Assembly, Respect Assembly, Student grow! We thank our community for
Treasure Chest Incentives, and Video Council, Foster Grandparent Program, allowing our school to serve with joy and
Dance Party — just a few wonderful Parent Involvement SFA Reading Night passion. Everyone’s continued positive
incentives used to help students stay Event, Home & School Fall Ball, Great energy, support, and involvement will make
motivated in reaching Quarterly Goals and Kindness Challenge, Mileage Club, the greatest difference to our most
Expectations!
African-American History Play & Laser important assets, OUR CHILDREN!
• PAGE 5 •
HAPPENINGS
CELEBRATING SUCCESS
ALDAN ELEMENTARY
• Aldan Elementary was able to utilize the last year of our
grant funding to provide buses for clubs and afterschool
activities. In addition to stretching our school day to provide
tutoring in both reading and math, we had several activities to
stretch our bodies and minds. The ever popular Fitness Club
continued; we started a Computer Club as well as a Tennis
Club, which was a smashing success. Students filled many
roles as cast members and stage hands to create a magical
land for a delightful version of the Wizard of Oz. Student
Council and Girl Scouts kept hands and hearts engaged in
numerous crafts and service projects.
• We had a variety of activities and events to engage
parents. We began the first day of school with fathers
accompanying their children for the Million Fathers March to
start the year off on the right footing. We had a well-attended
“Read and Respond” night to share ideas on encouraging
children to read daily and complete their homework. We had
a fabulous trip for the entire school to The Franklin Institute
which included two special exhibitions, “Animals Inside Out”
Ms. Janet Braker,
Principal
which provided cross-sections of the bone, muscle, veins,
arteries and skin. The other was the “Art of the Brick,” a
showcase of reproduced and original artwork by LEGO artist
Nathan Sawaya. The famous heart is still beating at the
Franklin Institute and students enjoyed going through as their
parents have done for generations. It was a special but
exhausting day of science learning we shared together.
Special thanks to all of the parents who volunteered on our
Field Day as we couldn’t hold such an active event without
your support.
• Our MLK project this year was once again co-creating a
unique mural that will be eventually displayed outside our
newly-renovated computer lab. We were fortunate to have
grant funding to refurbish the lab with a new whiteboard, 30
student computers, a standing teacher desk, and a projector to
supplement our mobile carts. These laptops and the new iPads
we received for our library enable our students and staff to
have a technological window to the world outside our walls as
part of their learning opportunities at Aldan.
COLWYN ELEMENTARY
• Colwyn Elementary School was proud to acknowledge
and announce to the entire school, students who had attained
perfect attendance for the 2014-2015 school year. These
students were present for every school day and were also
able to avoid any tardy days as well. We thank the parents
and guardians of these students for their continued support
and partnership.
• As Colwyn Elementary School began to bring the 20142015 school year to a close, we celebrated with a schoolwide field day at our neighborhood park. With all of the
Colwyn faculty (including the cafeteria staff) and the
continued and unsurpassed support and partnership of our
Home & School President, Ms. Angela Smith, it was an
enjoyable day for everyone. Activities for the students
included tug o’ war, water relays, clothes relays, kick ball
games, bean bag tosses, sack races, and two moon bounces.
Water-ice and pretzels were offered to students in addition to
their lunch. After returning to the building, classrooms
partnered for additional activities. We send special thanks to
all of the volunteers who worked with us that day and to Ms.
Karen Barron for taking a Personal Day of her time to
provide face-painting for the students (assisted by Ms.
Tashawna Maxwell).
EAST LANDSDOWNE ELEMENTARY
• East Lansdowne hosted International Day, a
celebration of our children's different backgrounds.
There were over 20 countries represented, including
Ireland, Germany, Guatemala, Puerto Rico, Haiti,
Italy, Ecuador, Ethiopia, United States, Philippines,
Guinea, Pakistan, South Korea, Mali, Jamaica,
Liberia, China, and Sierra Leone. Our students
made flags and conducted research on the countries.
Students also wore clothing representative of those
countries and brought in international dishes for our
families and staff to enjoy.
• The East Lansdowne sixth-grade classes
organized the annual “Famous Blacks in Wax”
tribute which was very successful. Each student
researched a famous Black American and wrote a
one-minute speech detailing important events in the
FALL 2015
The Aldan Elementary School “Read and Respond”
Night event was held to share ideas on how to
encourage children to read daily and complete their
homework.
Dr. Patricia Blanding-Stewart, Principal
• Colwyn Elementary continues to strive to “Always
Have High Expectations” for every student in our school.
During the 2014-2015 school year we embarked on the
Success For All (SFA) curriculum/program. Through
professional development, school district, and SFA
Organization Team members’ support, the Colwyn faculty
embraced SFA in an astonishing manner. Two additional
contributors to our program were our awesome tutors, Ms.
Maria Mahalik and Ms. Donna Rossi. Many hours of
preparation and collaboration were provided so we would be
prepared and able to challenge our students each day. In the
first quarter of school, we began with 37% of our students in
September scoring proficient and/or advanced. At the end of
the fourth quarter, 50% of Colwyn students scored proficient
and/or advanced. Many individual students showed
enormous amounts of growth. We all celebrated 13% growth
in reading comprehension and fluency for the school year!
Thank you to the entire faculty! We thank Ms. Elsie Butler
for her strengths and support as our Facilitator.
Three of the Colwyn Elementary School students who
were recognized for having perfect attendance show
off the certificates they were awarded.
Year End Review: Our principals share
a few notable achievements made in
the 2014-2015 school year.
person’s life. Students in kindergarten through fifth
grade rotated through the wax museum-style setup
as the sixth-graders dressed like and recited
important information about the famous Americans
they researched. Our students and parents were very
much involved in the tribute and the students
enjoyed learning more about history.
• The students received a “Rigamajig” from
KaBoom!, possible through a grant acquired with
the assistance of School Board President Ms.
Jennifer Hoff. A Rigamajig is a large-scale
building kit that is a collection of wooden planks
wheels, pulleys, nuts, bolts, and rope that allows
hands-on free play and learning. Students worked in
groups to create structures to complete specific
tasks.
• PAGE 6 •
Ms. Phyllis Cubit,
Principal
Two sixth-grade students
at
East
Lansdowne
Elementary
School
prepare to meet visitors
at the school’s “Famous
Blacks in Wax” tribute.
HAPPENINGS
CELEBRATING SUCCESS
Year End Review: Our principals share
a few notable achievements made in
the 2014-2015 school year.
EVANS ELEMENTARY
Ms. Dujuana Ambrose-Dessau, Principal
• Throughout this school year volunteers
successfully donated over 1,000 volunteer
hours to Evans. Volunteers assisted in the
building of the new playground, tutoring
students in reading and/or math, supporting
all school activities during and beyond the
school day, and during field trips. Our
volunteers included parents and family
members of our students, community
members, and a host of high school
students.
Thanks to the generosity of the Foresters company, KaBoom! organization,
and volunteer hours contributed by the school students, parents, and
community, a new playground was erected at Evans Elementary School.
• Evans hosted many activities this year
to excite everyone and build community.
We had our annual field day — which
promoted health and physical fitness —
ARDMORE AVENUE ELEMENTARY
• Ardmore students, parents, and staff were treated to a
magnificent Ardmore Got Talent evening in June to wrap
up the school year. The talent show was directed and
produced by staff members and there were over 30 acts
that performed every type of talent from dancing to
singing to stand-up comedy. Attendees were also invited to
see the 2nd Annual Ardmore Art Show produced by our
Art Teacher, Mrs. Leah Addis, and the students of
Ardmore Avenue. Parents were also encouraged to view
our project-based social studies continent projects that
adorned the Berkley Street hallways. Every grade level
produced displays of the continent their grade level
studied throughout the year. Way to go, Ardmore family!
• The Ardmore Avenue sixth grade classes, under the
direction of their teachers, showed their green thumbs this
spring by starting a vegetable garden. The students built
the garden from the ground up and learned about the
stages of growth that plants go through from seed to table.
• Strong sense of community: Our
students, staff and community work closely
together to make every member of the
Evans family feel supported and connected.
Older students partner with younger
students as buddies. During periods of
transition, someone always offers support.
Mr. Timothy McKay,
Principal
Our bounty includes tomatoes, beans, peppers, several
types of leafy greens, as well as onions and carrots. The
students enjoyed learning about the effort that is needed to
grow the vegetables neatly displayed at the grocery store,
and developed an appreciation for the hard work. Students
are enjoying it so much that they came in during the
summer to keep up with the watering and weeding. Bon
Appetit!
• The children in eight elementary schools were
fortunate when Ms. Jane Harbert, Director of Schools,
was able to provide funds for the purchase of 25 iPads for
each library. At Ardmore, the children were able to use the
iPads to create presentations using Explain Everything,
read digital books, and develop collaborative and
technology skills that will help them meet the growing
demands of the 21st century. Mrs. Brenda Fry, the school Members of the Philadelphia Flyers hockey team read
librarian at Ardmore and Colwyn, was thrilled to be able to stories to students at Ardmore Avenue Elementary School
share these wonderful technology tools with her students. in honor of Dr. Seuss on Read Across America Day.
WALNUT STREET ELEMENTARY
Teams of 5th- and 6th-grade students competed in the DCIU 2015
STEM Design Challenge. The 5th-grade team came in 1st place in their
grade division. The 6th grade team had a very strong showing in their
division. Team members included Mikhaidia Miller, Elijah Reid, Natural
Guerra, Anson Brown-Thompson, Nasharie Stewart, Julian Saunders,
Ernestine Giayhue, and Aaqil Selby. Advisor was Mr. Kevin Stephan.
FALL 2015
topped off by a school-wide cook out. For
Read Across America (Dr. Seuss Day), we
held a special reading celebration. We
celebrated good school attendance with a
school-wide trip to the zoo, hosted the
Eagles Book Mobile, Celebrated 100 days
of school with numerous classroom
activities, hosted a play and a talent show.
Mr. Joseph Williams, Principal
• Three of Walnut Street’s teachers were
honored as distinguished educators. Ms. Hope
Bova was honored as a Phillies All-Star
teacher. She was recognized for her
commitment to the students and community of
the William Penn School District. She was
presented with a plaque and recognized by the
fans in attendance during the Phillies game on
May 7th. Ms. Nancie Camarota and Mr.
L’Toray Hill were honored by the Right to
Education Task Force for their commitment to
students with disabilities. They were honored at
a ceremony that was hosted at Interboro High
School. Each received a plaque in front of
friends and family.
• After more than 20 years, Walnut Street
has a new playground. A dedicated committee
of staff members, with the support of the
community, raised over $50,000 to build a
much-needed play area for our students and
• PAGE 7 •
other children in the community. The
playground was officially dedicated to a former
teacher, Mr. Richard Kearney. The donations
received allowed Walnut Street to continue its
commitment to rebuild other parts of our play
area. We will improve our basketball courts,
plan a mural, and continue to add more play
equipment.
• Under the direction of Mr. Kevin Stephan,
our 5th and 6th grade students participated in
the Delaware County Intermediate Unit STEM
Design Challenge. Students were charged with
creating a device using K’Nex pieces that
would move a ping pong ball a designated
amount of space across a table. They worked
painstakingly after school, during recess and
lunch, and also during spring break. Their
efforts were rewarded with a victory for the
5th-grade team at the regional competition and
a trip to the State finals.
HAPPENINGS
Top-Ranked Penn Wood High School Grads — Class of 2015
Jacob McCann, a.k.a. “Yacob,” Valedictorian, will attend Penn State University where he will
major in Chemical Engineering as he pursues a career as a Chemical Engineer. He credits his
“Moms” as his role models and says they give him inspiration to reach his goals.
Community College through the Dual Enrollment Program. She was a member of the
Penn Wood Marching Band Colorguard, played on Penn Wood’s Lacrosse and Soccer
teams, and was a member of the Penn Wood Hi-Q Team.
Jacob earned a place on the Distinguished Honor Roll since seventh grade, participated in
the Dual Enrollment Program at Drexel University, was President of the National Honor Society,
Leadership Officer of the Senior Class Committee, and served on the Student Council. He
served as Captain of the Mock Trial Team, was involved in the Youth Garden, and participated
in the Science Olympiad. Jacob was Vice-President of the Robotics Club and was a member
of the Penn Wood Robotics Team that came in second place in the MESA Regional Prosthetic
Arm Competition held in April at the Temple University School of Engineering.
Kanyinsola previously received a Classroom Superstar Award in Chemistry as well as
an award for participating in a student team that created an anti-bullying public service
announcement. At the 2015 Penn Wood High School Awards Night, Kanyinsola
received the Presidential Award for Educational Excellence and a Classroom Superstar
Award in Health/Physical Education. At the Commencement Ceremony, she was
awarded the Frances Label Memorial Scholarship.
Kanyinsola is excited to continue her educational journey. “This is just the beginning
of a new chapter in the book of my life,” she said.
Jacob plays the clarinet, oboe, and piano and was Drum Major of the Penn Wood Marching
Band and a member of the Concert Band. Jacob auditioned and was selected to play in the
Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 12 Band, District 12 Orchestra, and
the Region 6 Band. Jacob was named Student of the Month for November 2014 by the Upper
Darby-Lansdowne Rotary Club.
As a junior, Jacob received the award for Outstanding Junior in English, award for
Outstanding Junior in Social Studies, and the American Chemical Society Award. At the Penn
Wood High School 2014-15 Awards Ceremony, Jacob received the Presidential Award for
Educational Excellence, award for Most Outstanding Senior in Music, award for Most
Outstanding Senior in Foreign Language, and a Classroom Superstar Award in Math. At the
Commencement Ceremony, Jacob was awarded the Charles J. Washburn Memorial
Scholarship.
~~~~~~~~~~
JACOB McCANN
SARAH McCANN
TRUC HA
Ahmed was a member of the Penn Wood High School Chapter of the National Honor
Society, was a member of the Distinguished Honor Roll since seventh grade, and took
classes at Drexel University as part of the Dual Enrollment Program. He participated in
the Robotics Club and was a member of the Penn Wood Robotics Team that came in
second place in the MESA Regional Prosthetic Arm Competition held in April at the
Temple University School of Engineering.
~~~~~~~~~~
Ahmed has received awards for Most Outstanding Freshman in Spanish, Most
Outstanding Sophomore in Technology, and awards for being a member of a team that
created an anti-bullying public service announcement. The Lansdowne-Upper Darby
Rotary Club recognized Ahmed as Student of the Month in December 2014 for
academic excellence and community service.
Sarah McCann, Salutatorian, will major in Political Science/Pre-Medicine at George
Washington University in the fall. Sarah is pursuing a career as a Physician. Her role model and
source of inspiration is Ms. Malala Yousafzai. “As a Penn Wood graduate, I now know we
cannot let society define what we are capable of. We decide our futures and the greatness
we will achieve,” Sarah said.
Sarah was President of the Senior Class Committee, a member of the Penn Wood High
School Chapter of the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, and served on the
Student Council. Sarah earned a place on the Distinguished Honor Roll since seventh grade
and took college courses at Delaware County Community College through the Dual
Enrollment Program. She was Captain of the Penn Wood High School Hi-Q Team, a member
of the Mock Trial Team, No Place for Hate/Gay-Straight Alliance Club,
and a contributor to the Penn Wood High School Newspaper. Sarah
was Captain of the Softball Team and also played on the Soccer Team.
At the 2015 Academic Awards Night, Ahmed received the Presidential Award for
Educational Excellence. He was awarded the Frances Label Memorial Scholarship at
the Commencement Ceremony.
~~~~~~~~~~
KANYINSOLA ODUNJO
AHMED YOUSIF
HABON ALI
Sarah received the award for Most Outstanding Sophomore in
History, Most Outstanding Junior in Art, the Wendy’s Heisman Award,
and was selected as Student of the Month for November 2014 by the
Upper Darby-Lansdowne Rotary Club. At this year’s Awards Night,
Sarah received the Presidential Award for Educational Excellence, and
Honor Award from the Philadelphia Section of the Society of Women
Engineers. Sarah was awarded the Lorraine Mary Hogg Memorial
Scholarship at this year’s Commencement Ceremony.
Habon Ali will major in Biology at Temple University in the fall. She plans to
become a family physician. She credits her mother for inspiring
her to succeed. She stated, “My mother has always been an
inspiration to me. She helps me aspire to do better and leads
by example by being a kind, hard-working person.”
Habon was a member of the National Honor Society,
National Math Honor Society, and served on the Senior Class
Committee. She has been a member of the Distinguished
Honor Roll since seventh grade and has also taken courses at
Drexel University through the Dual Enrollment Program. Habon
was a member of the Penn Wood Hi-Q Team, Mock Trial Team,
and the Penn Wood Marching Band Colorguard. She
participated in the Robotics Club and was a member of the
Penn Wood Robotics Team that came in second place in the
MESA Regional Prosthetic Arm Competition held in April at the
Temple University School of Engineering.
~~~~~~~~~~
Truc Ha, a.k.a. “Michelle,” will attend Temple University where she
will double-major in Psychology and Biology. She is pursuing a career
as an Anesthesiologist or Dermatologist. Truc says her mother is her
source of inspiration and role model. She said, “My mom can deal with
so much hardship in her personal life and still be there for her family.”
KELLY NGUYEN
TRENAE L. CROSSON-BAILEY
GOUNDO COULIBALY
Michelle was a member of the National Honor Society, National Art
Honor Society, National Math Honor Society, and took courses at
a Classroom Superstar Award in Science. At Commencement, she received the Arnold G. Coleman
Delaware County Community College through the Dual Enrollment Program. She has been a member of Scholarship Award.
the Distinguished Honor Roll since seventh grade. Michelle served on the Senior Class Committee and
Student Council, and was a member of the Patriots Marching Band Colorguard and the Anime Club. She
~~~~~~~~~~
was an Intern at the Penn Wood High School Student Branch of the Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union.
Michelle tutors elementary school students in reading and basic math.
Kanyinsola Odunjo will major in Biology at Villanova University. She is pursuing a career as a physician
of obstetrics/gynecology. Her mother is her source of inspiration. She stated, “My beautiful mother is my
The Upper Darby-Lansdowne Rotary Club named Michelle Student of the Month in March 2015. She role model and inspires me. She has worked so hard to get me to where I am, and I just want to make
received an award for Perfect Attendance as a sophomore, an award for helping to create an anti- her proud.”
bullying public service announcement, and a third place award in the Penn Wood High School Art Show.
Kanyinsola was a member of the Penn Wood High School Chapter of the National Honor Society, was
At this year’s Awards Night, Michelle received the Presidential Award for Educational Excellence and a member of the Distinguished Honor Roll since seventh grade, and took courses at Delaware County
FALL 2015
Ahmed Yousif will major in Electrical Engineering at Purdue University in pursuit of a
career as an Engineer. His parents are his role models and inspire him to succeed.
• PAGES 8 & 9 •
The Lansdowne-Upper Darby Rotary Club recognized
Habon as Student of the Month in February 2015. She won
awards for Most Outstanding Freshman in Social Studies,
Citizenship, and was named to the All-Delco Hi-Q team. At
MILAN BRYANT-MAPP
this year’s Awards Night, Habon was awarded the Presidential
Award for Educational Excellence and a Classroom Superstar
Award for English. At the Commencement Ceremony, Habon received the William Penn Education
Association Susan Brobston Award.
~~~~~~~~~~
Goundo Coulibaly, a.k.a “Tato,” will attend the Harrisburg University of Science & Technology to study
Pre-Medicine. She is inspired by her great-grandmother and her mother, stating they are “the reason why
I strive for better and success every day.” She is pursuing a career as a pediatrician.
Goundo was a member of the National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, and a member of
(Continued on page 11)
HAPPENINGS
Class of ’15 grads continue education
DA’JUAN ANDREWS
Delaware County Community College
RAYMOND CLARK
United States Marine Corps
OUMOU DIARRA
Wilkes University
MICHELLE FECANIN
Campbell University
Penn Wood High School Class of 2015
graduates have been accepted into many
colleges, universities, and institutes across
the United States. The following is a partial
list of Penn Wood graduate’s fall attendance
plans:
• Habibah Abdus-Shahid - LaSalle
University
• Seth Agyarko - Pennsylvania State
University
• Isaac Agyepong - Pennsylvania State
University
• Olayinka Aiyebo - St. John’s University
• Babatunde Aladetohun - St. John’s
University
• Shakera Alexander - U.S. Army
• Ahmed Ali - Johnson & Wales University
• Habon Ali - Temple University
• Daniel Allen - Cheyney University
• Tatiana Altidor - LaSalle University
• Elsie Anaglate - Delaware County
Community College
• Gabrielle Anderson - Bryn Athyn
College
• Da’Juan Andrews - Delaware County
Community College
• Wyneisha Armstrong - Delaware County
Community College
• Kelvin Awo - Wilkes University
• Suzan Bailey - The Restaurant School at
Walnut Hill College
• Christiana Bangura - Albright College
• Joshua Beckett - Delaware County
Community College
• Monique Bediako - Villanova University
• Andrea Bell - Pennsylvania National
Guard- Army
• Marquis Bey - Bloomsburg University
• Michael Boone - Philadelphia University
• Dequan Brockenbrough - Harris
University
• Aignae Brown - Central Penn College
• Armani Brown - Delaware County
Community College
• Charles Brown - Delaware County
Community College
• Monet Brown - Central Penn College
• Simajja Brown - Philadelphia Community
College
• Michael Brunson - Pearson Technical
School
• Catherine Buck - Delaware County
Community College
• Shakiyah Burston - Delaware County
Community College
• Stephen Canning - Pennsylvania State
University
• Khadijah Carrington - West Chester
University
• Pamela Carter - West Chester University
• Damira Casey - Lincoln University
• Rebecca Catakaw - Delaware County
Community College
• Brandon Cerdan - Delaware County
Community College
• Matthew Cheng - Shippensburg
University
• Almoon Choy - Pennsylvania National
Guard- Army
• Raymond Clark - U.S. Marines
• Dazha Clayborne - Indiana University of
Pennsylvania
• Nasir Cole - West Chester University
• Brittany Connor - The Restaurant School
at Walnut Hill College
• Whitney Connor - Empire Beauty School
• Robinson Coriolan - Delaware County
Community College
• Sianneh Corlon - Temple University
• Jevon Corpening - Pennsylvania State
University
• Breon Cottman - Thaddeus Stevens
College
• Ronnae Cottrell - Fashion Institute of
Design & Merchandising
• Goundo Coulibaly - Harrisburg
University of Science & Technology
• Ke-Airra Crockett - Indiana University of
Pennsylvania
• Trenae Crosson-Bailey - Pennsylvania
State University
• Tanea Cunningham - Harcum College
• Selma Dahn - University of North Dakota
• Rosedania Damas - Indiana University of
Pennsylvania
• Ciera Delgado - Delaware County
Community College
• Lovell Desir - Chestnut Hill College
• Mahmond Diallo - Delaware County
Community College
• Oumou Diarra - Wilkes University
• Naseer Diggins - Delaware County
Community College
• Aminata Doezo - Pennsylvania State
University
• Malama Doumbia - Delaware County
Community College
• Cheyenne Downing - Delaware County
Community College
• Augustus Duncan - Cairn University
• Jair Dunn - Delaware County Community
College
• Jasmine Ellis - St. John’s University
• Jenay Eskridge - Aveda Institutes
• Clinton Etumnu - Delaware County
Community College
• Tony Fairfax - Delaware County
Community College
• Tyree Farmer - Pennsylvania State
University
• Michelle Fecanin - Campbell University
• Jasmine Ferguson - Delaware County
Community College
• Myron Ffrench - Towson University
• Joseph Fletcher - Delaware County
Community College
• Magnet Fofanah - St. John’s University
• Indigo Frazier - Delaware County
Community College
• Kenadie Freeman - Kutztown University
• Janell Gale - Delaware County
Community College
• Nazir Gale - Temple University
• Kevin Gales - University of Maryland
Eastern Shore
• Dominique Garnett - Delaware County
Community College
• Nurudeen Gbaryee - Full Sail University
• Slewion Geegbae - Penn Foster Institute
TYRESE HOPKINS
New Jersey Institute of Technology
LONDA JENKINS
Spelman College
DAVID KRANEFELD
Temple University
JAMIRAH McCLOUD
Penn State University
FALL 2015
• PAGE 10 •
(Continued on page 13)
HAPPENINGS
MAKING A DIFFERENCE AWARDS
Walnut Street School
staff members honored
for their contributions
Walnut Street Elementary School staff members Ms.
Nancie Camarota, Special Education Teacher, and Mr.
L’Toray Hill, School Security Officer, each received a Making
a Difference Award by the Delaware County Local Task Force
on the Right to Education. The Making a Difference Award
recognizes people who go out of their way through their work
or support to promote acceptance and understanding in the
inclusion of all children.
Mr. Joseph Williams, Principal, and Ms. Jayme Krauss,
Teacher, nominated Ms. Camarota for showing genuine care
for her students, building trust and great relationships with
parents, contributing to the overall well-being at the school,
and being instrumental in helping to secure funding for the
Walnut Street school playground.
Amir Pickens, an eighth-grade student at Penn Wood
Middle School, and Ms. Stacey Graham, Instructional
Assistant at Walnut Street School, nominated Mr. Hill for the
award. Mr. Hill was selected for going the extra mile for
students — not only being invested in their education, but also
in the students’ social and personal growth. He volunteers for
special programs and is respected by students as a leader,
motivator, and role model.
Ms. Nancie Camarota (left) is
congratulated by Ms. Stacey Graham
after Ms. Camarota received a Making
a Difference Award.
Mr. L’Toray Hill (blue shirt) received a Making a Difference Award after
being nominated by student Amir Pickens (second from right) and Ms.
Stacey Graham (right). (Photos by Contrast Photography)
Top graduates from Penn Wood Class of 2015
(Continued from page 9)
the Penn Wood High School Distinguished Honor
Roll since seventh grade. She was a member of
the Girls’ Basketball Team and the Theta Mu Club
(Math Club).
Accolades include an award for participating in
the creation of an anti-bullying public service
announcement and for participation in “Keep
Lansdowne Beautiful Day.” At this year’s Academic
Awards Night, Goundo was awarded the
Presidential Award for Academic Excellence. At
the Commencement Ceremony, she was
presented the Lansdowne High School Class of
1953 Scholarship Award.
bullying public service announcement, and
various martial arts awards. The self-declared
“Queen of School Spirit,” Kelly was voted Most
Spirited each of her four years at Penn Wood High
School.
This year, Kelly received the Presidential Award
for Educational Excellence at Academic Awards
Night. At the Commencement Ceremony, she was
presented the William Penn Education
Association Service Career Scholarship.
Trenae received the Most Outstanding
Freshman Award in English and an award for
serving on a team that created an anti-bullying
public service announcement. At the 2015
Academic Awards Night, Trenae received the
Presidential Award for Educational Excellence
and Most Outstanding Senior Award in English. At
the Commencement Ceremony, she was
presented the Mellon Certified Restoration
Scholarship Award.
~~~~~~~~~~
Goundo offered congratulations to her fellow
classmates. “Congrats, Class of 2015. We made it!”
Kelly shared her philosophy, stating, “Stop!
Stop and ask yourself this before you do anything
else: Will you regret this? Yes? No? Regardless of
your answer, just do it and learn from your
mistakes. Just ‘YOLO’ it out and things will be fine.
Just go for it.”
~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~
Kelly Nguyen plans to major in Occupational
Therapy at Elizabethtown College in pursuit of a
career as an occupational therapist. She noted
she has many role models, but her “favorite role
model is Brendon Urie. He helped me see my
potential as I learned that I am capable of
anything,” she said.
Trenae L. Crosson-Bailey will major in PreMedicine at Pennsylvania State University (Main
Campus, University Park), as she plans a career as
a Pediatric Oncologist/Hematologist. Her role
models are Ms. Tanya Crosson (her mother) and
Elder Esther Purnell (Co-Pastor at church).
Trenae’s sources of inspiration are Ms. Sarah Hill
and Ms. Mikayla Andrews.
Milan was a member of the Distinguished Honor
Roll throughout her high school career and also
took courses at Delaware County Community
College through the Dual Enrollment Program. She
was a member of the Penn Wood Senior Class
Committee, participated in Science Olympiad,
Newspaper Club, and the STEM Program. Milan
has volunteered as a weekly art tutor for the last
two years and has tutored students for three
years in Math, English, and Science.
Trenae was a member of the National Honor
Society, a member of the Distinguished Honor Roll
since 8th grade, and took courses at Delaware
County Community College for four semesters
through the Dual Enrollment Program. She was a
member of the Penn Wood Choir and Drama Club.
Community activities include involvement in
Dance Ministry, Outreach Ministry, and volunteer
tutoring. Trenae also worked as Shift Manager at
Little Caesar’s and crew member at Wendy’s fast
food establishments.
Milan was selected as Student of the Month by
the Upper Darby-Lansdowne Rotary Club in April
2015. She received a Classroom Superstar Award
in Algebra (freshman), Classroom Superstar
Award in Biology (sophomore), and Most
Outstanding Senior Award in Social Studies. This
year, she also received the Presidential Award for
Educational Excellence. At the Commencement
Ceremony, Milan received the Delaware County
Community Foundation Scholarship Award in
Memory of Arthur and Christine Burgee.
Kelly was a member of the National Art Honor
Society, National Honor Society, and Mu Alpha
Theta National Math Honor Society, and has been
on the Distinguished Honor Roll throughout her
high school career. Kelly was a member of the
Penn Wood Drama Club, Video Club, Choir,
Softball Team, and served on the Student Council.
She enjoys volunteering, participating in Tang Soo
Do (Korean Martial Arts), and petting stray cats.
Accolades include Most Outstanding Student
Awards for Art and English (9th and 10th grades),
award for participating in the creation of an anti-
FALL 2015
• PAGE 11 •
Milan Bryant-Mapp will attend the University of
the Sciences where she will major in Medical
Laboratory Science in pursuit of a career in that
field. Retired neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Carson
is her role model and inspires her to succeed.
HAPPENINGS
CELEBRATING SUCCESS
PENN WOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL
• Ms. Nicole Reale was awarded the
Excellence in Teaching Award for the
William Penn School District by the
Franklin Mint Federal Credit Unit
(FMFCU) on April 30, 2015. Ms.
Reale has taught English at Penn Wood
Middle School for 10 years. She has
the unique ability to provide
instruction through scaffolding and is a
valuable support to our English
Language Learners. Congratulations
Ms. Reale! We thank you for all your
hard work and dedication to our
students.
• A team of students at Penn Wood
Middle School competed in the
Regional Future City Competition. The
Future City program is a national,
project-based educational experience
where students work as a team with an
educator and engineer mentor to plan
cities using SimCity software. At the
Regional Competition, the Penn Wood
Middle School team won an IEEE
Philadelphia Section Award from the
Year End Review: Our principals share
a few notable achievements made in
the 2014-2015 school year.
Ms. Devin Layton,
Acting Principal, 2014-2015
Institute of Electrical and Electronic
Engineers and a Planning Excellence
Award from the Pennsylvania Planning
Association.
• Penn Wood Middle School was
recognized by Public Citizens for
Children and Youth for being the first
school in the William Penn School
District to fully implement the
Breakfast in the Classroom program.
The program allowed approximately
750 students the opportunity to receive
breakfast in homeroom each day. With
the implementation of Breakfast in the
Classroom, we have seen a decrease in
the number of students reporting to the
nurse throughout the school day.
• This past year, the Penn Wood
Middle School Science Department
successfully piloted McGraw-Hill’s
Integrated Science program and will
fully incorporate the technology based
curriculum for the 2015-2016 school
year.
Officers and current members of the Penn Wood Middle School Chapter of the
National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) inducted 24 students into the NJHS. Students
are selected for NJHS membership based on outstanding performance in the areas
of scholarship, citizenship, service, leadership, and character.
PENN WOOD HIGH SCHOOL
Dr. D. Brandon Cooley,
Principal
Fox 29 News Anchor/Reporter Ms. Lauren Johnson is surrounded by Penn Wood High
School students at Penn Wood’s 2nd Annual Career Night. Ms. Johnson and other The Penn Wood High School Patriots Marching Band and
professionals volunteered their time to highlight their career path to interested high school Colorguard won Second Place in the Liberty Conference at the
Cavalcade of Bands Championships.
students.
• The Penn Wood High School Robotics included over 200 public and private high 4x400-meter Relay Team won 3rd place in Jazz Band earned 2nd place at the
Team won second place in the MESA schools with over 1,000 students the Indoor Track and Field Nationals and Cavalcade of Bands Jazz Championships
(Mathematics
Engineering
Science competing. A Penn Wood High School earned All-American distinction. The Penn and awards for Best Sight Reading, Best
Achievement) Regional Prosthetic Arm senior was named to the All-Delco Hi-Q Wood High School Girls’ and Boys’ Trumpet Section, and Best Rhythm Section.
Competition at the Temple University Team.
Basketball Teams both won Del Val The Marching Band won the Silver Medal
School of Engineering. Penn Wood High
Championships.
in the Liberty A Division Championship.
School won 1st place in the Oral
• Penn Wood High School’s not one, but
Interpretation of Poetry and 2nd place in two, Mock Trial teams advanced to District
• Penn Wood High School students were
• Visual Art students were recognized for
Oral Interpretation of Prose at the Playoffs.
selected for PA Music Educators excellence by the Scholastic Art & Writing
Pennsylvania High School Speech League
Association Regional Band and District Association and had work exhibited at the
Finals at Susquehanna University that
• Penn Wood High School’s Boys’ Track Orchestra. The Penn Wood High School Temple University Tyler School of Art.
FALL 2015
• PAGE 12 •
HAPPENINGS
Grads continue education
(Continued from page 10)
• Tyrique Gillis - Bryn Athyn College
• Joshua Gray - Pennsylvania State UniversityHarrisburg
• Truc Ha - Temple University
• Kayla Hall - Shippensburg University
• Kendra Hand - Lincoln University
• Tymir Harmon - Delaware County Community
College
• Courtney Harris-Gardner - Lincoln University
• Zikya Hatchell - Shippensburg University
• Jenna Hawkins - Delaware County Community
College
• Taylor Hinds - Laboratory Institute of
Merchandising
• Kierra Honesty - Shippensburg University
• Khiry Hopkins - Harrisburg University of Science
& Technology
• Tyrese Hopkins - New Jersey Institute of
Technology
• Ronald Houston - Delaware County Community
College
• Chanel Hunter - Morgan State University
• Dante Hutson - Shippensburg University of
Pennsylvania
• Malik Jackson - West Chester University
• Kelley Jafolla - Delaware County Community
College
• Humuhawa Jagitay - Neumann University
• Frederick Jallah - Morris College
• Desmond James - West Chester University
• Breanna Jamison - Indiana University of
Pennsylvania
• Dasha Jenifer - Temple University
• Dashawn Jenifer - Delaware County Community
College
• Londa Jenkins - Spelman College
• Corrie Johnson - Albright College
• Courtney Johnson - New England Culinary
Institute
• Fred Johnson - Morgan State University
• Jordan Johnson - Millersville University
• Tekeyah Jones - American Music Drama Academy
• Sory Kaba - Albright College
• Mary-Janat Kamagate - Drexel University
• Abdul Kamara - Delaware County Community
College
• Charles Kamara - Harrisburg University of Science
& Technology
• Mohammed Kanneh - Delaware County
Community College
• Chaffic King - Delaware County Intermediate Unit
• Mamudu Konneh - Harrisburg University of
Science & Technology
• David Kranefeld - Temple University
• Joanna Kulp - Delaware County Community
College
• Rhoda Kyem - Shippensburg University
• Talaya Lamb - Kutztown University
• Tamir Laws - Albright College
• Javaine Levy - Harcum College
• Markelle Lewis-Powell - Delaware County
Community College
• Alexis Maddox - The Restaurant School at Walnut
Hill College
• Jequan Major - Shippensburg University of
Pennsylvania
• Milan Mapp - University of the Sciences
• Patrichlyn Mayson - Northampton Community
College
• Jacob McCann - Pennsylvania State University
• Sarah McCann - George Washington University
• Jamirah McCloud - Pennsylvania State University
• Charles McDowell - Widener University
• Terance McIntosh - Shippensburg University
• Morgan McLaurin - Temple University
• Anthony McManus - Clark Atlanta University
• Taisjae McMillan - Clark Atlanta University
• Deonne Medley - Shippensburg University
• Kourtney Milligan - Kutztown University
• Thomas Moore - Delaware County Community
College
• De’jah Morgan - Walnut Hill College
• Jeremy Morris - Delaware County Community
College
• Menkon Morris - Pennsylvania State University
• Maurice Moss - Delaware County Community
College
• Alexxus Myers - Neumann University
• Elizabeth Nelson - Neumann University
• Kelly Nguyen - Elizabethtown College
FALL 2015
• Tadia Nicholson - Lincoln University
• Kanyinsola Odunjo - Villanova University
• Omobolanle Odusoga - Pennsylvania State
University
• Beatrice Oladeji - Pennsylvania State University
• Tahirah Overton - Geneva College
• Jeanette Padilioni - Rosemont College
• Danee Page - U. S. Marines Corps
• Diane Paul - Indiana University of Pennsylvania
• Anyssa Pitts - Widener University
• Ahmere Ponzo - Morgan State University
• Cruz Poole - Delaware County Community
College
• Atalya Porter - Immaculata University
• Queen Pour - Pennsylvania State University
• Zymier Putman-Coates - Community College of
Philadelphia
• Adela Quiah - Pennsylvania State University
• Briana Ransome - Delaware County Community
College
• Daiszha Redd - Military
• Maleika Reddick - Temple University
• Tykquarria Ridgel - Empire Beauty School
• Carron Riley-Nance - Neumann University
• Jasmine Roberts - Indiana University of
Pennsylvania
• Giovanni Romanelli - Delaware County
Community College
• Dajene’ Rothwell - Virginia Union University
• James Sanders - University of Pittsburgh
• Danny Santos - Pennsylvania State University
• Mitchell Saye - Pennsylvania State University
• Zikomo Scarlett - All State Career School
• Addison Scott - Arcadia University
• Keyshawn Scott - PA National Guard Army
• Naje Scott - Delaware County Community
College
• Misha Sheikh - PA National Guard Army
• Christina Similien - Delaware County Community
College
• Hannah Simon - Delaware County Community
College
• Prince Simpson - PA National Guard Army
• Stephen Simmons - Delaware County Community
College
• Winifred Sirleaf - Delaware County Community
College
• Ashley Smith - Delaware County Community
College
• Lebriyah Smith - Delaware County Community
College
• Tiana Smith - Central Penn College
• Aliyah Spears - Delaware County Community
College
• De-Andre Stephenson - Delaware County
Community College
• Charlotte Tatum - Temple University
• Aaron Taylor - PA National Guard Army
• Hassan Tejan-Kella - Lehigh Carbon Community
College
• Phuong Thai - Temple University
• Kamelia Thompson - Pennsylvania State
University
• Taylor Timothy - Lincoln University
• Terrie Todd - West Chester University
• Matthew Tommy - Delaware County Community
College
• Alexis Trabanino - Delaware County Community
College
• Zion Tuma - Temple University
• Osamuyi Uwadia - Lincoln University
• Elizabeth Vandi - Neumann University
• Sierra Vincent - University of Maryland
• Monai Walker - Jean Madeline Aveda Institute
• Simone Walker - Millersville University
• Jalisa Walters - U.S. Air Force
• Maijah Whitsett - Pennsylvania State University
• Janaya Williams - Delaware County Community
College
• Kiarra Williams - Hofstra University
• Javan Wilson - U.S. Air Force
• Josepha Yague - Delaware County Community
College
• Josiane Yague - Delaware County Community
College
• Nagi Yahya - Community College of Philadelphia
• Brittany Young - Neumann University
• Tevar Young-Grant - Delaware County
Community College
• Ahmed Yousif - Purdue University
• Nahja Zaboor - West Chester University
• PAGE 13 •
Collins Asamoah (left) is pictured with Guidance Counselor
Ms. Amanda Cleveland.
Asamoah participates
in Medical Leaders event
Collins Asamoah, Penn Wood
High School junior, attended the
Congress of Future Medical
Leaders from November 14-16.
2014. The Congress is an
academic honors program for
students with a minimum GPA of
3.5 who have displayed academic
excellence and a desire to enter the
medical profession. Ms. Amanda
Cleveland, Guidance Counselor
for the Class of 2016, nominated
Collins for the program.
Mr. Asamoah has earned a place
on the Distinguished Honor Roll
since seventh grade, is one of four
Captains of the Varsity Soccer
Team, member of the Future
Business Leaders of America,
member of the Student Council,
and a participant in the Science
Olympiad. He plans to major in
Biochemistry at the University of
Pennsylvania or Penn State
University, in pursuit of a career as
a pharmacist.
The Congress was created by
the National Academy of Future
Physicians and Medical Scientists
to provide recognition and
mentorship for the students
selected. It was designed to
address the problem of limited
resources, direction, and guidance
for students with high potential
and the desire to enter the medical
field.
When students leave the
Congress, they will enter a free
program that provides continual
mentorship, resources, direction,
and a network of connections to
achieve their dreams. The
Congress is held in Washington,
D.C.
FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM
ATTENTION PARENTS/GUARDIANS:
MAKE SURE YOU COMPLETE A 2015-16 APPLICATION FOR YOUR
CHILD(REN) TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE SCHOOL MEALS PROGRAM.
√ A new Free and Reduced-Price School Meals Family Application must
be completed EVERY SCHOOL YEAR to be eligible for the meals
benefits program.
√ Complete ONE APPLICATION for your entire family.
√ Applications are
o sent home in the Welcome Packets
o available at William Penn School District schools
o available in the Office of Registration
o downloadable from the William Penn School District website at
www.williampennsd.org
Return your completed Application to your child’s school.
Contact Ms. Dawn Fry at 610-284-8005 ext. 1276 if you have questions
about the Free and Reduced-Price School Meals Family Application.
Myschoolbucks.com
Myschoolbucks.com is a convenient and secure online payment service that
gives parents/guardians the ability to monitor their child’s school meal
account and pre-pay for meals. To sign up for this service, visit
www.myschoolbucks.com.
HAPPENINGS
MIDDLE SCHOOL FUTURE CITY TEAM
Penn Wood teams win awards
in regional design competition
By Susan Chan-Peter,
Science Teacher, Penn Wood Middle School
How can we make a sustainable and
better place to live in the future? That was
the question a team of Penn Wood Middle
School eight graders had to respond to in
the Future City competition this past school
year. The students imagined, researched,
designed, and built their city of the future
— featuring their solution to a citywide
sustainability issue on urban agriculture.
Students were assigned to different tasks
based on their interest. For instance, one
group of students presented their solution
through virtual city design utilizing
SimCity software, while another group
wrote an essay describing the city.
Collectively, the complete team works on
the scale model of their city and
presentation to display to the judges.
The results? Epic! Students had the
opportunity to not only have fun completing
this hands-on project, but it also allowed
them to do the things engineers do —
identify problems, brainstorm ideas, design
solutions, test (there were a lot of them!)
and retest, build, and share their results. The
entire process required this group of
hardworking students to apply math and
science concepts to real-world issues,
develop their writing and public speaking
skills, research, and find solutions to
engineering issues. At the same time, the
team had to manage their time effectively
as, in addition to school coursework, all of
the students in the group were involved
with the school musical and/or sports.
Students had a great experience learning
how a city is designed and how all the
different elements fit together. Students
learned how people’s lives are connected,
and had to consider how people in the city
The Penn Wood Middle School Future City Team shows the city design solution they
planned, tested, and built, which netted them two awards at the Regional Future City
Competition.
will be fed, how they will be entertained,
and how they will get around.
Eighth grader Ariel English got
involved in the project after watching it take
shape. “It caught my attention and I started
working on it probably a month after other
people got started,” she said. “When you
watch the news, you always see (stories)
about the future. I love science and thought
it could be something I’m good at.”
Ariel has had a hand in several elements
of the table-top model the team had to
create for the competition. The rules require
the prototype be made entirely of recycled
items and cost no more than $100. Penn
Wood’s future city is surrounded by water
and uses solar panels, wind mills, and other
means to generate as much renewable
energy as possible. Students considered
current events and implemented them into
their project, such as the city being
patrolled by robotic police officers. In
addition, as this year’s competition was
focused on urban agriculture, students
created an indoor aquafarm where
vegetables and fruits are grown indoor
utilizing the nutrients from fish.
The team also planned their city with two
levels. The top level contained the hospital,
police station, City Hall, schools, aquafarm,
and a stadium. There were different
entranceways that connected to the lower
level, which was surrounded by a glass
enclosure that was made out of plastic
wrap, a shower curtain, or some other
material. Therefore while moving around
the lower level, which contained a mall,
subway system, and apartment buildings,
tropical fishes and all the other sea life were
able to be seen.
“We tried to be creative and think about
what a city could look like in a few years,”
said Brian Parker, “When trash cans get
full, (the garbage) the trash gets dropped
onto an underground conveyer belt that
takes it to a fire that converts the energy
back into the city.”
The final table model was affixed to a
50” x 25” piece of plywood, that was built
from a mish-mash of items, including
polyurethane foam, recycled plastic bottles
and newspapers, Lego pieces, popsicle
sticks and old Christmas ornaments.
The Penn Wood Middle School team
presented their vision of the future along
with sixth, seventh and eighth graders from
41 other schools in the greater Philadelphia
region, including Beverly Hills Middle
School, Drexel Hill Middle School, Radnor
Middle School, St. Andrew School and
Valley Forge Middle School.
The team’s hard work and long hours
after school for three months paid off, as the
Penn Wood Middle School team won two
awards at the Future City Regional
Competition – the Institute for Electrical
and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Philadelphia Section Award and a PA
Planning Association Planning Excellence
Award. In addition, the Institute for
Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
honored the Penn Wood Middle School
Future City Team at their annual gala at the
Union League in Philadelphia.
The following students participated in
the Future City competition: Ariel English,
Ammar Keita, Brian Parker, Thaine
Harris, Nasir Sephes, Jacob Makell,
Nasir Stewart, Jason Collins, Daiquan
Collins, and Camille Williams.
Pictured with state Sen. Anthony Williams (center) are students (from left)
Jacob McCann, Sarah McCann, Earl Johnson, and Danny Santos, members
of the Penn Wood High School team that won Sen. Williams’ Anti-Bullying
Mobile Application Contest.
FALL 2015
• PAGE 14 •
HAPPENINGS
SPECIAL
AWARDS
WPSD Official Calendar
(Continued from page 2)
COURTNEY JOHNSON
Courtney Johnson, a Penn Wood High
School senior who was enrolled in the
Delaware County Technical School in the
Culinary Arts & Hospitality Program,
received a $52,000 scholarship to the New
England Culinary Institute.
Courtney also won a Silver Medal in the
Pastry Arts Cake-Decorating event at a
Family, Career and Community Leaders of
America Career and Technical Student
Organization competition.
Students who attend Delaware County
Technical High Schools are given the
opportunity to participate in competitions
to test their knowledge and hands-on skills
in the programs in which they are enrolled.
Students who win their events are eligible
to compete on the state and national levels.
Mr. Joseph Bruni, Superintendent,
congratulates Ms. Nicole Reale,
Penn Wood Middle School English
Teacher. Ms. Reale was presented
with a 2015 Delaware County
Excellence in Teaching Award by the
Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union
and
the
Delaware
County
Intermediate
Unit.
Only
18
outstanding teachers in Delaware
County are selected to receive this
award each year.
FALL 2015
• PAGE 15 •
HAPPENINGS
WILLIAM PENN SCHOOL DISTRICT DIRECTORY
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION
BOARD of SCHOOL DIRECTORS
Ms. Jennifer Hoff
President
Region 7,
Lansdowne
100 Green Avenue — Annex, Lansdowne, PA 19050-2095
610-284-8000
Mr. Joseph J. Bruni
Superintendent
610-284-8005 ext. 1236
Ms. Catherine Greenstein
Director of Special Education
610-284-8005 ext. 1254
Ms. Danielle Blanco
Manager, Food Services
(Contracted Services, Aramark)
610-534-4400
Ms. Jane Harbert
Director of Schools
610-284-8005 ext. 1268
Mr. Rafi Cave
Vice President
Region 9, Yeadon
Mr. Sunni Jennings
Supervisor of Operational
Technology
610-284-8005 ext. 1240
Ms. Pamela A. Bookman
Public Relations Coordinator
610-284-8005 ext. 1237
Mr. Brian Keiser
Assistant Business Administrator
610-284-8005 ext. 1227
Ms. Amy Brown
Special Education Supervisor
610-284-8005 ext. 1248
Mr. Nicholas Kraynak
Operations Supervisor/
Transportation
610-284-8005 ext. 1250
Dr. Frank M. Bruno
Director of Pupil Services
610-284-8005 ext. 1242
Ms. Tamara Nash
Registration Coordinator
610-284-8005 ext. 1234
Mr. Joseph Conley
Director of Human Resources/
Labor Relations
610-284-8005 ext. 1231
Mr. Dwayne Newsome
Manager, Bus Depot
(Contracted Services, First Student)
610-461-2586
Mr. A. Jeff Cuff
Business Administrator
610-284-8005 ext. 1222
Mr. Brian Smeltzer
Director, Maintenance & Operations
(Contracted Services, Aramark)
610-534-5400
Donate your instrument to a
William Penn School District Student!
Your tax-deductible instrument donation
can enable a student
to participate in a music program!
Call 610-284-8005 extension 1237
or send an email to [email protected]
Thank you for your support!
William Penn
HAPPENINGS
is published
by the William Penn School District,
Pamela A. Bookman, Editor
Design and Layout by Page 1 Publishers, Inc.,
Thorndale, PA
FALL 2015
Ms. Monique Boykins
Region 2, Colwyn
Mr. Darren Burrell
Region 3, Darby
Ms. Louella
Richardson
Region 4,
Darby
Ms. Marion Fitti
Region 5,
East Lansdowne
Ms. Charlotte Hummel
Region 6,
Lansdowne
Mr. Robert E.
Wright, Sr.
Region 8,
Yeadon
SCHOOLS
Ms. Melissa Bolden
Special Education Supervisor
610-284-8055 ext. 1248
Musical Instrument
Collecting Dust?
Mr. Robert Reardon
Region 1, Aldan
Aldan Elementary School
610-626-3410
1 N. Woodlawn Avenue
Aldan, PA 19018
Ms. Janet Braker, Principal
Park Lane Elementary School
610-534-4880
1300 Park Lane
Darby, PA 19023
Dr. Dawnee Watson-Bouie, Principal
Ardmore Avenue Elementary School
610-623-7900
161 Ardmore Avenue
Lansdowne, PA 19050
Mr. Timothy McKay, Principal
Walnut Street Elementary School
610-534-5660
224 S. 6th Street
Darby, PA 19023
Mr. Joseph Williams, Principal
Bell Avenue Elementary School
610-284-6100
1000 Bell Avenue
Yeadon, PA 19050
Ms. Marie Robinson, Principal
Penn Wood Middle School
610-586-1804
121 Summit Street
Darby, PA 19023
Mr. Brian Wilson, Principal
Ms. Devin Layton, Acting Principal
Ms. Dawn Holley-Mader, Assistant Principal
Colwyn Elementary School
610-957-5470
211 Pine Street
Colwyn, PA 19023
Dr. Patricia Blanding-Stewart, Principal
East Lansdowne Elementary School
610-626-2415
401 Emerson Avenue
East Lansdowne, PA 19050
Ms. Phyllis Cubit, Principal
Evans Elementary School
610-623-5975
900 Baily Road
Yeadon, PA 19050
Ms. Dujuana Ambrose-Dessau, Principal
Penn Wood High School –
Cypress Street Campus
610-626-3223
600 Cypress Street
Yeadon, PA 19050
Penn Wood High School –
Green Avenue Campus
610-284-8080
100 Green Avenue
Lansdowne, PA 19050
Dr. D. Brandon Cooley, Principal
Ms. Penny Blaine, Assistant Principal
Dr. Hyeseon Judy Lee, Assistant Principal
Ms. Katherine Lawson, Assistant Principal
Ms. Ursula Willis, Assistant Principal
Welcome Back to School
The schools of the William Penn School District will hold their Back-toSchool Night in September. Back-to-School Night is an opportunity for
parents and guardians to visit the schools their children are attending, learn
about the policies of the schools and teacher expectations, meet with the
school staff and administrators, and visit their children’s classrooms. The
Back-to-School Nights for the 2015-2016 school year are as follows:
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
6:00 p.m.
East Lansdowne Elementary School
6:00 p.m.
Park Lane Elementary School
6:00 p.m.
Walnut Street Elementary School
6:30 p.m.
Colwyn Elementary School
Thursday, September 17, 2015
6:00 p.m.
Bell Avenue Elementary School
6:00 p.m.
Evans Elementary
6:30 p.m.
Aldan Elementary School
6:30 p.m.
Ardmore Avenue Elementary School
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
7:00 p.m.
Penn Wood High School —Cypress Street Campus
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
7:00 p.m.
Penn Wood Middle School
Thursday, September 24, 2015
7:00 p.m. Penn Wood High School – Green Avenue Campus
• PAGE 16 •
HAPPENINGS