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1PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • OCTOBER 2012

PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • OCTOBER 2012

Across the DISTRICT

The 2013-2016 Comprehensive Plan for the Pennsbury School District was placed on display in the reception area of the Central Administration Building and also at the Fallsington Public Library on the morning of October 11th and will remain there for the public to view through November 8th. The Plan will be considered for final approval by the School Board at the November 8th meeting of the Board of School Directors.

Pennsbury High School is proud to announce the many AP Scholars who scored as follows on the AP exams taken last spring:

AP SCHOLARGranted to students who receive scores of 3 or

higher on three or more AP Exams: Tyler Bausinger, Andrea-Sylvia Biscoveanu, Chase Browndorf, Karen Caruso, Aleksandra Chernyshova, Katherine Dillon, Julia Donahue, Michelle Fedun, David Frank, Lindsay Freuhauf, Bailey Kilkuskie, Sarah Koenig, Rebecca Laden, Jiovanni Maestrale,

PENNSBURY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN POSTED FOR PUBLIC VIEW

AP SCHOLARS RECOGNIZED

James Mangiaracina, Brandon Ostrow, Alexia Rauen, Amanda Rawlins, Sam Schacter, Benjamin Schreiber, Stephanie Shoneman, Pragya Singh, Christopher Spano, Zoe Spielvogel, Daniel Travis, Shaun Vadaketh, Niti Vora, and Katherine Webb.

AP SCHOLAR WITH HONORGranted to students who receive an average score

of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams: Ariel Abir, Natasha Bednarz, Dashiell Brown, Mohona Chowdhury, Daniel Chrzanowski, Genevieve

Donahey, Liliana Frankel, Connor Harriman, Melissa Hough, Alissa Johnson, William Johnson, Emily Kraeck, Thomas Martin, Julie Metkus, Juhi Motiani, William Pelosi, Jesse Perlstein, Hannah Schapiro, Tejas Shah, and David Sun-Chu.

AP SCHOLAR WITHDISTINCTION

Granted to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams

taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams: Daniel Adler, Marisa Borusiewicz, Eric Brennan, Elizabeth Carlson, Michael Duch, Lauren Fried, Isaac Gritz, Ramya Gurunathan, Ann Herman, Rachel Hludzinski, Michael Howland, Thomas Kappil, Alexander Kearns, Aaron Levey, Jason Liu, Shu Wen Liu, Jonathan Mauro, Alexander Mayer, Ryan McCloskey, Brooks Mershon, Marisa Millenson, Alana Papula,

The PHS Marching Band welcomed musicians from all three Pennsbury middle schools (center) for the annual Be Our Guest

event held at Falcon Field during a varsity football game. More than 400 musicians joined together to perform the Star Spangled Banner.

“It was a special experience for all involved,” said Pennsbury Bands Director, Frank Mazzeo. For more Band news, see page 7.

2 OCTOBER 2012 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA

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

Aishwarya Patel, Neil Patel, Matthew Rauen, Nicholas Rizer, Zhixian Shen, Ian Sibner, Jonathan Soffer, Adam Sokol, Priyanka Solanki, Kaitlyn Stocker, Rachel Thomas, Andrew Walker, Justin Wang, Corey Weistuch, and Michael Wright.

STATE AP SCHOLARGranted to the one male and one female student

in each U.S. state and the District of Columbia with scores of 3 or higher on the greatest number of AP Exams, and then the highest average score (at least 3.5) on all AP Exams taken: Matthew Rauen.

NATIONAL AP SCHOLARGranted to students in the United States who

receive an average of at least 4 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams: Ramya Gurunathan, Michael Howland, Thomas Kappil, Alexander Kearns, Jason Liu, Alexander Mayer, Brooks Mershon, Marisa Millenson, Neil Patel, Matthew Rauen, Nicholas Rizer, Zhixian Shen, Ian Sibner, Rachel Thomas, and Justin Wang.

Congratulations to these Pennsbury High School students who were recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Program for their exceptional academic promise:

Commended Students in the 2013 National Merit Program include Elizabeth Carlson, Karen Caruso, David Frank, Sarah Koenig, Emily Kraeck, Sean Kropp, Jared Reibel, Hailey Riechelson, Stephanie Shoneman, Anastasia Tyryshkina, Farha Ulfat, Shaun Vadaketh, Katherine Webb, Cassidy Williams, Dashiell Brown, Marisa Borusiewicz, and Natasha Bednarz.

Semifinalists in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Competition include Andrea Biscoveanu, Michael Duch, Liliana Frankel, Connor Harriman, Alissa

NATIONAL MERITSTUDENTS ANNOUNCED

Johnson, William Johnson, Alana Papula, Adam Sokol, Daniel Travis, and Brian Zdancewicz. These academically-talented high school seniors have the opportunity to continue in the competition for National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered next spring. Best of luck to all of these students!

We salute two distinguished colleagues who have announced their retirements in the coming weeks.

Tom Gillette, Director of Physical Plant, joined Pennsbury in 1998. Mr. Gillette supervises a staff of approximately 200 employees in maintaining over two million square feet of building space. He is also responsible for all phases of capital investment in facilities from long-range planning through design, bidding, and construction. In addition, he oversees all areas of environmental safety, mail operations, facility/field usage, and numerous professional service and maintenance contracts.

Since he began working in Pennsbury, Mr. Gillette has led multiple school renovation projects. In chronological order, these included Quarry Hill Elementary, Manor Elementary, Penn Valley Elementary, Pennsbury High School, Walt Disney Elementary, Oxford Valley Elementary, Makefield Elementary, and Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary. He also worked with multiple District-wide and Board committees, including the Board Facilities Committee, the Administrative Budget Committee, and the District Safety Committee, while also serving as a member of the Superintendent’s cabinet. Mr. Gillette is an appointed member of the Board of Trustees for both the Center for Student Learning and the Valley Day School.

BEST WISHES TO TWO RETIREES

thomAs p. Gillette



Driving is a complex activity – it involves putting together multifaceted evaluations, split-second decision making, and performing intricate maneuvers. As Oct. 21-27 marks National Teen Driver Safety Week, it is important for teen drivers to develop and maintain the proper attitude about driving. Remember – driving is a privilege, not a right. Parents/guardians should start an open dialogue with their teens about safe driving skills before they turn 16 and consider establishing a parent /teen driving contract. A sample of this contract and more safety tips for teens and parents are available at www.JustDrivePA.com. The Web site also includes information on passenger and license requirements that went into effect in 2011. These are important reminders for parents and young drivers alike.

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGEFROM PENNDOT

Previous experience includes facilities management positions in the Haverford Township School District, Enertech Services, Inc., the University of Pennsylvania, and Energy Management Services, Inc. Mr. Gillette began his career in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1975 and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve in 2001. He holds a B.A. in Economics from Wittenberg University, an A.A.S. in Energy Engineering from the University of Cincinnati, and an M.S. in Energy Management and Policy from the University of Pennsylvania.

After he leaves Pennsbury, Mr. Gillette may engage in some consulting work and construction arbitration. He also looks forward to spending more time with his family, which includes his wife, Ann, daughter and son-in-law, Dorie and Brian, and his grandson, Tristan. He also anticipates some quality time spent traveling, golfing, and woodworking.

Mary Russell began her career in Pennsbury in 1969 as an Electronic Data Processing Specialist. At that time, the School District’s Computer Center was located in Room 118 at Pennsbury High School East, adjacent to the school’s Computer Department. Today, Ms. Russell is Supervisor of the Computer Center, where she administers District software for the Finance, Purchasing, Payroll, and Human Resources departments, and also oversees the student information database, SmartWeb, the HR Portal, and the Pennsbury Parent Portal. Over the course of her career, Ms. Russell has witnessed dramatic changes in how computerized information is stored and utilized. “The first computer in Pennsbury was the size of a large desk and had a memory of 14K,” she said. “That computer did less than today’s smartphone.” According to Ms. Russell, prior to 1982, all District software was written by Computer Center employees. Up to that point, “all student information management was handled with IBM cards,” she added.

mAry russell

Ms. Russell holds a degree in Applied Science from Bucks County Community College. While attending school, she worked with three fellow students in the college’s computer center, and joined Pennsbury soon after graduation. She met her husband, Elliott Russell, in college as well. A lifelong Bristol Borough resident, Ms. Russell enjoys living near her adult sons, Brian (a Pennsbury electrician), Keith (a substitute teacher at PHS), and Scott.

Having made the decision to retire a year ago, Ms. Russell eagerly anticipates this next phase of life. In addition to spending time with her granddaughter, Emma, she plans to pursue her love of traveling with her husband and their friends.

in the SCHOOLS

Based upon the success of a similar effort last year, the Pennsbury Partners office is pleased

“CHILDREN HELPING CHILDREN IN NEED” FOOD DRIVE LAUNCHED



to announce another partnership food drive co-organized by the Levittown-Fairless Hills Rotary and the elementary schools of Pennsbury. From October 3-28, students in all eleven schools are invited to drop off food donations in their lobbies to be collected by the Rotary members and delivered to the homeless shelter in Levittown. Kudos to all for this worthwhile initiative!

In late September, staff members participated in the Great Strides Walk...Taking Care to Cure Cystic Fibrosis in Lower Makefield Township. Coordinated by teacher, Terri Boileau, Roosevelt employees recognized and celebrated the efforts of one of their students who, over the years, perseveres in spite of life’s challenges. Collectively, the staff raised nearly $1,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Reading Specialist, Alisa Myles, reports that nearly 200 students celebrated their summer reading efforts by picnicking with their friends and teachers in the school’s new outdoor classroom. “Faculty members were delighted to learn that students were reading throughout the summer,” said Acting Principal, Gail Campbell.

ELEANOR ROOSEVELTELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Students celebrated their summer reading efforts in the new courtyard classroom at Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School.

Local reporter, Petra Schlatter, met with gifted studentsat Makefield Elementary School to discuss news

gathering and article writing.

According to Principal, Donna McCormick-Miller, Makefield Elementary continued with the tradition of its school-wide Walk to Remember in observance of 9-11. “Student Council officers assisted with several morning announcements and songs that related to Patriot Day, followed by a walk around the school grounds,” said Ms. McCormick-Miller. “Our fifth graders also walked in memory of 9-11 during their lunch recess.” As in past years, the Makefield school community gathered donations and made a generous contribution to the Garden of Reflection in Lower Makefield, in addition to the Pennsbury Scholarship Foundation in memory of PHS alumnus, Nate DeTample. Over the years, “we have donated more than $11,000 to the Garden of Reflection,” said Ms. McCormick-Miller.

Gifted Support teacher, Alison Majikas, shares

that Petra Schlatter, a reporter for The Advance, visited the fifth grade gifted support class to teach them about newspaper article writing. “The students are creating a newspaper for the school,” said Ms. Majikas, who also hopes to invite student editors from the PHS monthly publication, The Pennsbury Voice, to meet with her class.

MAKEFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL



Another visitor to Ms. Majikas’ gifted support classes was Loretta Rush, a 4-H program assistant. She presented a Penn State Extension lesson about embryology to all of the gifted support students in grades 3-5 in late September. Ms. Rush left the class with fertilized eggs to tend to while they were in an incubator and then as they hatched. All students at Makefield were invited to visit with the newborn chicks, and Ms. Majikas also presented enrichment lessons involving eggs, chicks, and quantitative reasoning to the first and second graders.

Oxford Valley students marked National Bullying Prevention Month by welcoming educators from the Bucks County Peace Center who focused on conflict resolution and peer mediation. Fourth graders received instruction on the Respecting Me, Respecting You program. The Peace Center, along with school counselor, Tricia Gunerman, are working to incorporate this new program into the many character education programs established at Oxford Valley.

The school’s No Place For Hate banner is displayed proudly in the lobby. Oxford Valley was officially designated as a No Place for Hate school during the previous school year. An assembly was held in September to reiterate the message and for the entire student body to take the No Place For Hate pledge together.

Recently, Fire Prevention Week was celebrated at Oxford Valley. Kindergarten teachers, Terrie Guarino and Danielle Michael, arranged a visit by the Falls Township Fire Department. Local fire company volunteers brought their fire truck and gave the kindergarteners a chance to see it more closely. First grade teachers, Lisa Breuer, Cherie Lynne Kooker, Liz Roberts and Dr. Joanne Smith, embarked on a walking trip to the Fire Department for a special tour. “Thank you to Kevin Dippolito, Fire Chief of Fairless Hills, for providing such worthwhile experiences for our students,” said Principal, Fran Nitkin.

OXFORD VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

This month, Oxford Valley students will participate in a scarecrow decorating contest. Look for pictures in the next Superintendent’s report!

Reading Specialist, Kerry Bauerle, writes that Penn Valley’s Summer Reading Celebration was held in mid-September to recognize students for their outstanding reading efforts during the summer months. “We are especially proud of our top readers at each grade level,” said Ms. Bauerle. “They are Emma Santos (Kindergarten) who read 1,065 minutes; first grader, Keegan Gregoire-James (1,980 minutes); second grader Mya Dudek (3,720 minutes); third grader Rocky Moretti (2,303 minutes); fourth grader Jacob Dudek (3,720 minutes); and our outstanding fifth grader, Alexis Reed, who read 7,440 minutes this summer!” Families gathered at Penn Valley for the popular annual event, which included multiple student prizes ranging from purchased and donated items to special sports memorabilia once again generously provided by teacher, Scott Saunders.

PENN VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

On October 2nd, Village Park Elementary kindergarten teacher, Mariealana Collins, was surprised to learn that her name was chosen at random by Principal Helen Stopper for a generous delivery of donated classroom supplies. The materials were presented in person by representatives of OfficeMax and its nonprofit partner, AdoptAClassroom.org, as part of a national advocacy program for teachers called “A Day Made Better.” According to OfficeMax, which launched this annual recognition on a national scale in 2007, the event helps to underscore the fact that for the average American teacher, returning to school often means spending as much as $1,000 out-of-pocket on essential classroom supplies. Upon winning the materials, Ms. Collins invited all of her colleagues to come to her kindergarten room to “shop” for their own classroom needs.

VILLAGE PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL



Ms. Stopper learned last spring that a teacher from her school could be selected for recognition. At a faculty meeting held at that time, all of the teachers on her staff witnessed the random drawing of a colleague’s name for this honor. Also attending the meeting was Dr. Christine Zervos, Coordinator of Community Partnerships and Grants, who explained to the staff that OfficeMax is an official Pennsbury Partner. The teacher’s name was kept secret so that he or she could be surprised just after the start of the new school year. “I literally picked a name out of a hat,” said Ms. Stopper, who was pleased at the opportunity to have a teacher at her school be recognized by this generous Pennsbury Partner.

Village Park kindergarten teacher, Mariealana Collins (center) was surprised when representatives of OfficeMax dropped in with

$1,000 worth of donated school supplies for the entire staff.

Charles Boehm Middle School students, teachers, staff, and administrators joined together in a Macarena dance to kick off the

school’s No Place for Hate designation at their annual PRIDE assembly.

Students, administrators, and faculty of Charles Boehm gathered recently in their gymnasium for a special assembly to mark the launch of the school’s No Place for Hate designation in connection with the Anti-Defamation League initiative. The school’s existing PRIDE program (promoting the concepts of being Prepared, Respectful, Involved, Determined, and Excellent) was also celebrated with special recognition paid to five students whose behaviors exhibited each of the qualities of PRIDE. These students were: Josephine (Jo) Tennant (Prepared); Ciara DeVenuto-Wyeth

CHARLES BOEHM MIDDLE SCHOOL

(Respectful); Nicole (Nikki) Naylor (Involved); Ryan McCarty (Determined); and Sam Murphy (Excellent). The unifying school event was topped off with a special flash mob performance of the Macarena dance by the entire faculty. Students also had the opportunity to sign a special No Place for Hate banner as a pledge to help reduce bias and bullying, increase appreciation for diversity, and to build upon their community of respect at the middle school. Co-leaders of the PRIDE program at Boehm are teachers, Pete Sienko and Donna Minnigh, with lots of support from the POS (positive) Squad of the following faculty members: Holly Barron, John Bertolette, Jessica Birkbeck, Donna Bradshaw, Susan Brennan, Linda Brescia, Jeanne Caputo, Meredith Hopkins-Williams, Barbara Jelstrom, Christian Korn, Tom Mellon, David Murphy, Kevin Perkins, Joy Ream, Tish Savidge, Sherry Snyder, Colleen Wierzbowski, and Principal Theresa Ricci. The team in place to lead the No Place for Hate initiative at Boehm includes: Donna Bradshaw, Linda Brescia, Jeanne Caputo, Lauren Deery, Megan Edson, Meredith Hopkins-Williams, Brad McCormick, Michelle Meehan (Chair), and Principal Theresa Ricci (Chair), along with parents, Shannon Poulton and Jody Travagline, community member, Maura Papazian, and twelve CAPS students.

Principal Theresa Ricci is pleased to recognize the special, above-and-beyond efforts of Jarrie Mullen, a member of the custodial staff, who does an impressive job of lifting the spirits of everyone at Boehm. “Jarrie amazes us all with her decorating talents and often



David Hall, a sophomore from Pennsbury, has been named Student of the Month for September

PENNSBURY STUDENTRECOGNIZED AT BCTHS

contributes seasonal designs and materials that frequently involve her own out-of-pocket expenses,” said Ms. Ricci.”We all appreciate Jarrie’s extra efforts and her enthusiastic support of Charles Boehm.”

Educational Technology Specialist, Laurel Fish, shares that Pennwood Middle School held a Walk-A-Thon recently to build unity among the students. Teachers joined the students as they walked five kilometers to take a stand against bullying. “Together, we were able to showcase our strength and unity as a Pennwood family,” said Ms. Fish. “To date, we have raised over $3,000 to sponsor bullying prevention programs at Pennwood.”

PENNWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL

Jarrie Mullen, a member of the custodial staff at Charles Boehm Middle School, inspires the entire Boehm community by going “above-and-beyond”

in her daily work, according to Principal Theresa Ricci.

This year marks the 63rd anniversary of the Pennsbury High School Long Orange Line Marching Band! The Band is internationally recognized as one of the premier U.S. high school marching bands. Last spring, the group performed internationally for the third time in five years when they toured the nation of Argentina – on the band’s fourth continent. Previously, the Long

PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL

Orange Line performed at the International Rugby Tournament, Hong Kong Sevens, in Hong Kong, followed by an appearance in London’s New Year’s Day Parade. The Pennsbury Marching Band also has the distinction of being the only band on Earth to have performed at all five Walt Disney Theme Parks, including Orlando, Anaheim, Tokyo, Paris, and Hong Kong. This year’s Long Orange Line is under the leadership of Drum Major, Karen Caruso. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead such a dedicated and hard working group of people,” said Karen. “Our hours of hard work have led to an incredible amount of progress of which we are all very proud.” The Long Orange Line will kick off the Fall parade season with a performance at the upcoming Philadelphia Pulaski Day Parade on Sunday, October 14. Be sure to catch the live television coverage of the parade from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. on 6ABC.

commendAbleACCOMPLISHMENTS

Please join in congratulating PHS student, Mohana Chowdhury, who was recently honored by Widener University and WCAU-TV/NBC10 in connection with their High School Leadership Awards program. Mohana was recognized for “demonstrating academic excellence and character traits that mark her as a potential leader and future citizen of character,” according to Widener University.

MOHANA CHOWDHURY RECEIVES LEADERSHIP AWARD



at the Bucks County Technical High School. Congratulations!

Pennsbury art teacher, Danyelle Lala, received a grant from the National Consortium for Teaching About Asia to participate in their 2012 Residential Summer Study Program in Hangzhou, China. “Hangzhou is a remarkable city, known for the beauty of the West Lake,” said Ms. Lala. “The lake is surrounded by traditional Chinese architecture, while downtown is full of unique modern buildings that look like the sun and moon. While there, I visited a tea plantation and several traditional craft museums (umbrellas, scissors, swords, and fans) in Hangzhou. I plan on sharing this experience with my classes through lessons on calligraphy, landscape painting of the West Lake, and ceramic tea bowls.”

PHS ART TEACHER TRAVELS TO FAR EAST

BOArD rEvENuE DEvELOPMENT COMMITTEE7:00 p.m., October 16, 2012

Superintendent’s Conference Room

ELEMENTAry ENrOLLMENT AND SPACE uTILIzATION COMMITTEE WOrk SESSION

7:30 p.m., October 30, 2012Pennsbury High School - West,

Staff Development Room (Room E-12)

BOArD FACILITIES COMMITTEE5:30 p.m., November 1, 2012


BOArD AgENDA MEETINg8:00 p.m., November 1, 2012Fallsington Elementary School

rEguLAr BOArD MEETINg8:00 p.m., November 8, 2012Fallsington Elementary School

BOArD rEvENuE DEvELOPMENT COMMITTEE7:00 p.m., November 13, 2012


Upcoming MEETINgS

New This Year in Pennsbury:

Town Hall Meetings withthe Superintendent

Tuesday, October 23, 2012, 7:30 p.m.Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School library

Tuesday, January 22, 2013, 7:30 p.m.Pennwood Middle School library

Tuesday, March 26, 2013, 7:30 p.m.Walt Disney Elementary School auditorium

Join us as District Superintendent,Kevin J. McHugh, Ed.D.,

leads the discussion on variousDistrict-related topics and

takes questions from stakeholders.

cross the istricts repor… · hough, alissa johnson, william johnson, emily kraeck, thomas martin,...

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