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Neshaminy School District
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Summer road trip leads to a class project
Neshaminy High School Environmental Science teacher James Maloney had a crazy idea last year. Why not ask car companies for a free loaner for a summer trip to visit America’s National Parks? After all, what he would see on such a trip could be a valuable learning experience that he could share with his students.
After 70 letters and 69 rejections, his idea caught the eye of a marketing executive at Toyota. They agreed to give him a Rav4 (appropriately wrapped with advertising), which was delivered by Team Toyota of Langhorne. James and his fiancee took the trip over the summer, which he chronicled in a blog.But the trip was just the beginning. Toyota regional manager Brad Heagy wanted to help James turn his experience into a learning opportunity for his students - and challenged the students in James’ AP Environmental Science class to come up with five proposals for projects around the school promoting Environmental Science. The students spent the month of September preparing their proposals - including such projects as a greenhouse for the courtyard at NHS, a water bottle refilling station, a trout hatchery to improve the fish population in Neshaminy Creek and more.
In early October the students presented their proposals to parents, staff and regional Toyota executives at the Black Box Theater. Though the original plan was to fund one of the projects, Toyota was so impressed with the students work that they offered to fund all five projects, for a grand total of $10,000.
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NFT, District reach 3-year contract deal
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After several months of negotiations and a fact-finder's report, the Neshaminy teaching staff has agreed to a new three-year deal with the District. The previous one-year deal ended on June 30, 2016 and the new contract will be retroactively effective to July 1, 2016.
Negotiations between both sides commenced in January, 2016. In August, both the Neshaminy Board of School Directors and representatives from the Neshaminy Federation of Teachers asked a state-appointed fact-finder to make recommendations regarding ongoing negotiations for a new contract.
The finished report was received by both parties on September 26, 2016. The membership of the NFT voted to accept the report several days later. The Board approved the deal during a Regular Action meeting on October 5.
Since both sides accepted the report, the terms of the 2015-2016 Collective Bargaining Agreement will be amended with the fact-finder's recommendations and become the terms of a new three-year agreement which will be retroactively effective starting July 1, 2016.
Details of the agreement and the fact-finder's report can be found on the District web site by clicking here.
This agreement ends the negotiations and no further consideration or vote is needed by either the Board or the NFT. The finalized contract document will be prepared and signed by representatives from both sides within a few weeks.
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New Director of Operations appointed
In October the School Board of Directors approved the hiring of Timothy Trzaska as the District’s new Director of Operations, replacing Paul Minotti who retired at the end of September. Mr. Trzaska comes to Neshaminy from Centennial School District and Bristol Township School District, where he held similar positions. He is a graduate of Widener University with a degree in Civil Engineering.
His job will be to provide leadership and organization management for the maintenance, custodial and transportation services staff in the district to ensure a safe and secure environment for our students and staff. The duties include budgeting, oversight of maintenance contractors and sub-contractors, development of long-range plans for facilities and grounds as well as transportation, and working with local municipalities and agencies to ensure district facilities and vehicles comply with codes and ordinances. In October the School Board approved changing the title of the position from ‘Director of Facilities’ to ‘Director of Operations’ to better reflect the scope of the job.
Paul Minotti joined Neshaminy in 1991. He oversaw an extensive renovation of the high school starting in 2006, and most recently provided guidance and oversight for the district-wide Road Map plan that included major building upgrades in several schools, as well as demolition of the old Tawanka Elementary School and construction of the new Tawanka building which opened for students in August.
Comprehensive Plan Committee meets
A group of teachers, administrators, students, parents and community members attended a dinner meeting meeting at Maple Point on October 13. This diverse group, who started their work last year, is helping form a 3-year plan which will clarify and guide the district’s mission in curriculum, student services, community relations, facilities, safety and other areas . Once finalized, the results of their work will be presented to the public and the School Board for approval this winter.
Rotating Art Gallery debuts
The artistic talents of Neshaminy students and teachers will be on display throughout the year thanks to a new rotating art gallery in the Board Room at the District Administration Office. Each month, selected art works from a different school will be mounted on the walls, and will also appear in an online gallery according to David Geanette, Supervisor of Arts, Humanities and Program Development. The purpose of the gallery is to not only to share the artistic talents of our students, but also to highlight the unique methods used by the district’s art teachers to motivate and inspire creativity. Carl Sandburg Middle School took the first slot in October, followed by Poquessing Middle School in November. The creator of each piece of art chosen will be honored with a letter from the Superintendent marking their achievement.
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Pearl S. Buck
Elementary School
Early introduction to computer programming
With support and direction from Library / Media Specialist Tracy Humbert, in collaboration with teacher Jeff Rodos, 2nd grade students will be learning the fundamentals of Computer Science. During a portion of their library time, they are learning about programming through clever and creative 'offline’ lessons, which consist of learning about vocabulary terms and the ‘why' behind computer science. Students will transfer what they learned and use it during their computer time to work on the online lessons, which will give them first-hand experience in actual computer programming. They will be tasked with programming bees to collect honey and nectar, make zombies shamble across the screen and even generate computer art with Ana & Elsa from the movie Frozen! All the second grade students are very excited to start on their journey into computer science.
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Car dealer donates 125 science books
Colonial Subaru of Feasterville selected Pearl S. Buck elementary for the "Subaru Loves Learning" book donation -- a pledge to do right by the communities in which we all live and work. It is a promise to make a positive impact in the world by focusing on improving our neighborhoods and communities. This program is designed to donate outstanding, prize-winning books to schools with the goal of engaging young learners in the world of science and inspire them to want to learn more. This year, Buck received 125 new science-themed books. Thank you to Buck parent, Mrs. Kopp, for making the connection!
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Joseph Ferderbar
Elementary School
New service club debuts
Ferderbar Elementary is excited to announce the Earlyact program for the 2016-2017 school year. EarlyAct is a school-wide service club sponsored by Feasterville Rotary. The mission and operation of EarlyAct is closely linked to the ideals of Rotary.
Students in grade 3 and 4 will gain an increased awareness and knowledge of their community and the world through the program, and it engages them in character-building activities and prepares them for leadership roles. They will identify and carry out projects which will benefit Ferderbar, as well as local and global communities.
Teachers Patty Compton, Mary Cwiklinski, and Mary McGinly are the student advisors for Earlyact. They are looking forward to planning projects throughout the year!
Walter Miller
Elementary School
Halloween celebration
The staff at Walter Miller had a very ‘emotical’ day during the school’s Halloween celebration.
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Herbert Hoover Elementary School
Hoover celebrates school spirit in October
In an effort to create a “Safe and Joyful” learning community at Hoover Elementary School, parents, teachers, and staff members collaborated on the development and implementation of new arrival and dismissal procedures for the car rider line. These new procedures have positively impacted the school community because students and parents are now able to travel to and from school in a safe and organized manner. Additionally, the Hoover students implemented a Race for Resources event in October that raised over $10,000 to support school programs and field trips. Dr. G. was so pleased with the success of this event that he danced his “Happy Dance” during all three lunch periods at Hoover Elementary.
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Albert Schweitzer Elementary School
Student lands $1000 grant for toy donation
Albert Schweitzer fourth-grade student Grace Jacoby enjoyed a very special shopping trip to a Target store recently, along with several of her classmates who are all in the school's Service Learning Club (SLC). Grace is the recipient of a $1000 grant from the Karma for Cara Foundation, which she applied for in June. This grant program is directed at kids under the age of 18 who want to complete a service project in their community, and is named after Cara Becker, a 21-year-old dedicated volunteer who died after a four-month battle with Leukemia in 2012.
Tawanka Elementary School
Tawanka enjoys NHS Roadies ‘Spooky Kooky’
The Neshaminy High school Drama Club ‘Roadies’ visited the elementary schools just before Halloween to perform their annual variety show featuring comedy, singing and drama. An evening performance was also held at the Black Box Theater at NHS on October 27.
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Maple Point Middle School
Physical Education teacher honored
Congratulations to Maple Point Physical Education teacher Kathleen Kenney. Ms. Kenney was selected as the 2016 Pennsylvania State Association of Health Physical Education Recreation and Dance Professional Honor Award recipient. This award recognizes professionals who demonstrate leadership and dedication to the PSAHPERD organization.
Ms. Kenney has been involved with the group since 2009, and last year served as the president of the southeastern district.
Coaches vs. Cancer tournament honored
On October 13, Coaches vs. Cancer of Philadelphia held their 2016-17 School Initiative Kickoff event in Conshohocken. The Maple Point Middle School Student Council was recognized for their efforts during the 2015-16 school year which raised $7,500 for the American Cancer Society during a basketball tournament. Planning for this year’s version of the event is already under way.
Poquessing Middle School
Students accept ‘Rachel’s Challenge
Rachel Scott was the first victim of the Columbine massacre in 1999. Before that fatal day, she was also a prolific diary writer, who frequently wrote about themes of kindness and compassion.
In her memory, her father created Rachel’s Challenge, a positive behavior program designed to get students thinking about how they treat others. Students at Poquessing heard a moving age-appropriate presentation in late October, and were offered a chance during their lunch period to sign a banner promising to follow the positive guidelines of the program.
Carl Sandburg Middle School
Eagles ‘Superfan’ delivers a positive message
Eagles 'Superfan' Shaun Young delivered an anti-drug message to fifth and sixth grade students at Carl Sandburg Middle School October 26. Young has appeared extensively in local media for a number of years both as a top fan of the Eagles and as an advocate for anti-drug, anti-bullying and other causes. He was inducted into Pro Football's Ultimate Fan Association in 2009.
Sandburg shows their Halloween SPIRIT
Carl Sandburg celebrated both Halloween and SPIRIT Day (their school-wide positive behavior program) at the same time today. Students who earned 'red cards' by performing good deeds over the past few weeks were invited to participate in some fun games during an assembly in the gym and compete for prizes.
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Business student places in national competition
In June, Neshaminy HS freshman David Fiel competed nationally to win a tenth place finish in the Future Business Leaders of America Networking Concepts competition. David traveled to Atlanta, Georgia for the FBLA National Conference and Competition, which was held from June 27 through July 2. This is a national distinction that recognizes his achievement among 47 states, Brazil, Cayman Islands, China, DoDDS Europe, Haiti, Korea, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands.
David was eligible to compete at the national level after winning a third place award at the FBLA Pennsylvania State Leadership Conference in the spring. State winners then compete for honors at the National FBLA Leadership Conference each summer.
District rallies to support Pink Out
Students and staff at every Neshaminy school were seeing a lot of pink Friday October 21 as the district supported the annual Pink Out, a fundraiser to benefit cancer victims. The annual event, now in its 5th year, is sponsored by the Neshaminy High School Student Council. Money is made through the sale of pink t-shirts, which are worn on Pink Out day both in school and at the home football game Friday evening, and other direct donations leading up to Pink Out.
The proceeds go to the Healing Consciousness Foundation, a cancer support group based in Southampton, PA. A total of $4200 was raised for this year's event.
99 inducted into National Honor Society
The National Honor Society chapter at Neshaminy High School inducted 99 new members during a ceremony at Theodore Kloos Auditorium Thursday, October 20. Neshaminy NHS President Elanur Altunbas hosted the ceremony and delivered the keynote address, along with Principal Dr. Robert McGee.
First responders, Phanatic, Swoop highlight 5K event
Neshaminy High School hosted the fourth annual Barkann Family Healing Hearts Foundation 5K Run & Walk on Saturday, October 1. The foundation was formed by Ellen Barkann, wife of Philadelphia sports broadcaster Michael Barkann (of Comcast SportsNet and WIP radio) to benefit families that have suffered a loss, especially the families of the military and first responders. Previous runs were held at the Philadelphia Zoo, but thanks to the efforts of Neshaminy HS teacher and coach Neil French and Principal Dr. Rob McGee, the foundation changed their venue.
The event featured a number of sports celebrities, including Michael Barkann himself, Eagles scout and former player Brian Dawkins; mascots Swoop from the Eagles and the Phillie Phanatic; and some Eagles cheerleaders. Area first responders were invited and turned out with an impressive selection of police cars, fire trucks and ambulances which were lined up outside Harry E. Franks Stadium during the event. They included police officers from Penndel and Middletown Township, and firefighters from Middletown-Langhorne, Parkland and Penndel fire companies. A group of National Guardsmen also attended.
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Neshaminy Update is published monthly during the school year and distributed to Neshaminy families via email. To submit comments, suggestions or news items for consideration, please email Chris Stanley, Community Relations Coordinator.
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Neshaminy School District
2250 Langhorne-Yardley Road
Langhorne, PA 19446
Joseph Jones III
Superintendent
(215) 809-6000
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Neshaminy School Board
of Directors
Mr. Scott E. Congdon - President
Ms. Irene M. Boyle - Vice President
Mr. Bob Feather
Mrs. Tina Hollenbach
Mr. Mike Morris
Mr. Stephen Pirritano
Mr. Ron Rudy
Mr. Robert Sanna
Mr. Marty Sullivan
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Neshaminy School District
Langhorne, PA
Summer road trip leads to a class projectNeshaminy High School Environmental Science teacher James Maloney had a crazy idea last year. Why not ask car companies for a free loaner for a summer trip to visit America’s National Parks? After all, what he would see on such a trip could be a valuable learning experience that he could share with his students.After 70 letters and 69 rejections, his idea caught the eye of a marketing executive at Toyota. They agreed to give him a Rav4 (appropriately wrapped with advertising), which was delivered by Team Toyota of Langhorne. James and his fiancee took the trip over the summer, which he chronicled in a blog.But the trip was just the beginning. Toyota regional manager Brad Heagy wanted to help James turn his experience into a learning opportunity for his students - and challenged the students in James’ AP Environmental Science class to come up with five proposals for projects around the school promoting Environmental Science. The students spent the month of September preparing their proposals - including such projects as a greenhouse for the courtyard at NHS, a water bottle refilling station, a trout hatchery to improve the fish population in Neshaminy Creek and more.In early October the students presented their proposals to parents, staff and regional Toyota executives at the Black Box Theater. Though the original plan was to fund one of the projects, Toyota was so impressed with the students work that they offered to fund all five projects, for a grand total of $10,000.Link: watch a VIDEO about the projectNFT, District reach 3-year contract dealAfter several months of negotiations and a fact-finder's report, the Neshaminy teaching staff has agreed to a new three-year deal with the District. The previous one-year deal ended on June 30, 2016 and the new contract will be retroactively effective to July 1, 2016.
News From Our Schools
Pearl S. BuckElementary SchoolEarly introduction to computer programmingWith support and direction from Library / Media Specialist Tracy Humbert, in collaboration with teacher Jeff Rodos, 2nd grade students will be learning the fundamentals of Computer Science. During a portion of their library time, they are learning about programming through clever and creative 'offline’ lessons, which consist of learning about vocabulary terms and the ‘why' behind computer science. Students will transfer what they learned and use it during their computer time to work on the online lessons, which will give them first-hand experience in actual computer programming. They will be tasked with programming bees to collect honey and nectar, make zombies shamble across the screen and even generate computer art with Ana & Elsa from the movie Frozen! All the second grade students are very excited to start on their journey into computer science.Car dealer donates 125 science booksColonial Subaru of Feasterville selected Pearl S. Buck elementary for the "Subaru Loves Learning" book donation -- a pledge to do right by the communities in which we all live and work. It is a promise to make a positive impact in the world by focusing on improving our neighborhoods and communities. This program is designed to donate outstanding, prize-winning books to schools with the goal of engaging young learners in the world of science and inspire them to want to learn more. This year, Buck received 125 new science-themed books. Thank you to Buck parent, Mrs. Kopp, for making the connection!Joseph FerderbarElementary SchoolNew service club debutsFerderbar Elementary is excited to announce the Earlyact program for the 2016-2017 school year. EarlyAct is a school-wide service club sponsored by Feasterville Rotary. The mission and operation of EarlyAct is closely linked to the ideals of Rotary.Students in grade 3 and 4 will gain an increased awareness and knowledge of their community and the world through the program, and it engages them in character-building activities and prepares them for leadership roles. They will identify and carry out projects which will benefit Ferderbar, as well as local and global communities.Teachers Patty Compton, Mary Cwiklinski, and Mary McGinly are the student advisors for Earlyact. They are looking forward to planning projects throughout the year!Walter MillerElementary SchoolHalloween celebrationThe staff at Walter Miller had a very ‘emotical’ day during the school’s Halloween celebration.
Herbert Hoover Elementary SchoolHoover celebrates school spirit in OctoberIn an effort to create a “Safe and Joyful” learning community at Hoover Elementary School, parents, teachers, and staff members collaborated on the development and implementation of new arrival and dismissal procedures for the car rider line. These new procedures have positively impacted the school community because students and parents are now able to travel to and from school in a safe and organized manner. Additionally, the Hoover students implemented a Race for Resources event in October that raised over $10,000 to support school programs and field trips. Dr. G. was so pleased with the success of this event that he danced his “Happy Dance” during all three lunch periods at Hoover Elementary.LINK: Car rider videoAlbert Schweitzer Elementary SchoolStudent lands $1000 grant for toy donationAlbert Schweitzer fourth-grade student Grace Jacoby enjoyed a very special shopping trip to a Target store recently, along with several of her classmates who are all in the school's Service Learning Club (SLC). Grace is the recipient of a $1000 grant from the Karma for Cara Foundation, which she applied for in June. This grant program is directed at kids under the age of 18 who want to complete a service project in their community, and is named after Cara Becker, a 21-year-old dedicated volunteer who died after a four-month battle with Leukemia in 2012.Tawanka Elementary SchoolTawanka enjoys NHS Roadies ‘Spooky Kooky’The Neshaminy High school Drama Club ‘Roadies’ visited the elementary schools just before Halloween to perform their annual variety show featuring comedy, singing and drama. An evening performance was also held at the Black Box Theater at NHS on October 27.
Maple Point Middle SchoolPhysical Education teacher honoredCongratulations to Maple Point Physical Education teacher Kathleen Kenney. Ms. Kenney was selected as the 2016 Pennsylvania State Association of Health Physical Education Recreation and Dance Professional Honor Award recipient. This award recognizes professionals who demonstrate leadership and dedication to the PSAHPERD organization.Ms. Kenney has been involved with the group since 2009, and last year served as the president of the southeastern district.Coaches vs. Cancer tournament honoredOn October 13, Coaches vs. Cancer of Philadelphia held their 2016-17 School Initiative Kickoff event in Conshohocken. The Maple Point Middle School Student Council was recognized for their efforts during the 2015-16 school year which raised $7,500 for the American Cancer Society during a basketball tournament. Planning for this year’s version of the event is already under way.Poquessing Middle School
