Congratulations, graduates!
The Class of 2018 celebrates at the end of
the commencement ceremony June 14
Class
of 2018 Fast Facts
- Number of graduates: 662
- Percentage of college-bound graduates: 90
- Percentage of work-bound graduates: 8
- Percentage of graduates serving in the military: 2
Valedictorians:
Rachel Hoenisch, Nicholas Meadows and Albert Shen
Student Council:
Samantha Helstrom, President; Andrew Kelly, Vice-President; Lauren
Kane, Class Secretary; Anna Skrot, Class Treasurer; Megan Bressler,
Class Historian
Class Officers:
Courtney Arcidiancono, President; Matthew Roach, Vice-President; Emma
Gilbert, Secretary; Logan Donahue, Historian
When school lets out, teachers become the students
The first week of summer for the students at Neshaminy was not vacation
time for educators throughout the district. Besides finishing up
paperwork and preparing classrooms for the summer, staff members spent
several days in professional development classes learning from each
other and outside presenters on a wide variety of topics.
The two-day Neshaminy Ignite
program offered dozens of classes on
topics ranging from new educational software and cutting-edge
curriculum to student safety and child support. Curricular seminars
included:
- Project-based learning methods
- Math in Focus
- Using Google Classroom in Physical Education classes
- Elementary Literacy Best Practices
- Middle School Science and Three Dimensional Learning
- AVID program training
- Art and music teaching techniques
- World Language Sharing Discoveries
- Software training on Canvas, Naviance, Google Tools,
nursing software, SeeSaw, website management and more
- Positive Behavior program (SWPBIS) best practices
These classes were an opportunity for teachers to share their
real-world experience using new techniques, materials and software to
maximize effectiveness.
Student social and emotional support issues were addressed as it is an
important part of the district's strategic plan. There were seminars on
social work, nursing, physical
education, suicide prevention, and stress management (for students and
teachers).
Staff members in each building participated in ALICE (Alert, Lockdown,
Inform, Counter, Evacuate) training to learn best practices for
recognizing and responding to an active shooter situation. This
training even included drills in which they put their knowledge to work
with simulated alerts.
All staff members also participated in another important social /
emotional student support topic -- an opioid awareness seminar. You can
read about this impactful program in the article below.
#StandUp Neshaminy brings the opioid crisis out of the
shadows
A
group of recovering addicts from the area share their personal stories
with Neshaminy educators during a seminar at Carl Sandburg Middle
School on June 20.
By now, almost everybody has heard about or even been personally
affected by the fast-growing nationwide opioid abuse
crisis. This drug epidemic is unlike
any other that preceded it, claiming victims across demographic, social
and racial lines. Bucks County has been especially hard-hit, with 185
opioid-related deaths recorded last year, a 50% increase from the
previous year. While the highest rates of overdoses are found in those
of age
25-54, teenagers have been increasingly affected with victims as young
as 12 years of age reported locally.
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Last
year a small group of concerned Neshaminy teachers and parents gathered
at
Maple Point Middle School to think about ways to respond and provide
resources for schools and families to prevent opioid abuse and help
those already affected by it. Organized by Jan King, Lead Teacher for
Health and Physical Education at Neshaminy, this group grew during the
year to include teachers,
administrators, parents, counselors, rehabilitation center staff, local
police departments,
Bucks County officials, and outside support groups. The effort was
branded #StandUp Neshaminy
in recognition of the widespread nature of this problem, and the need
to address it openly and provide resources and help together as a
caring community.
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During a half-day seminar on June 20, all Neshaminy teachers were
introduced to this effort. The program featured hard-hitting
statistics, methods to identify and help drug abuse victims, and
information about the various forms of drug abuse ranging from alcohol
and vaping to prescription drugs and heroin.
Three recovering addicts -- all Neshaminy graduates — told their
personal stories of how they descended into drug abuse and the painful,
uncertain journey to recovery. A powerful keynote address was delivered
by Brandon Novak, a high-profile professional skateboarder and actor
from Levittown. He is a recovering addict whose addiction cost him his
career
and nearly his life. He is now working with Banyan Treatment Center to
help other addicts.
#StandUpNeshaminy will be rolling out a public education effort
starting this summer. A series of informational videos produced
by the group along with list of resources can be found by visiting
their website, www.standupneshaminy.org.
1:1 technology moves up to high school
The Neshaminy 1:1 technology initiative started back in October 2015
with the 5th and 6th grade students. Students who were in the original
deployment were issued iPads to be used as an instructional tool all
year long. Their teachers were trained to manage the digital classroom
through Canvas, which is the district’s Leaning Management System.
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Fast-forward
to the 2017-2018 school year -- Chromebooks were issued to
students in grades 5 and 8 while grades 6 and 7 were issued iPads. In
addition, over
5,300 devices were deployed to students in varying degrees in grades 2
through 8.
That first 6th grade group from 2015-2016 will be moving up to 9th
grade next year, which now starts the 1:1 rollout for at Neshaminy High
School. As they move up, the classes behind them will also be added to
the high school program with the ultimate goal of all grades enjoying
the benefits
of the program by the 2021-2022 school year. |
These devices have found purposes in virtually every subject area, from
collaborative science projects and individualized math applications to
literacy, writing and even physical education utilization. At the high
school,
Chromebooks will not only find similar applications but will also
provide both students and parents a variety of online tools to set
common format and style conventions, provide daily updates on classroom
activity, and act as a one-stop assignment due date calendar.
Summer Stock presents two
classic musicals
The Neshaminy Summer Stock program is pleased to present two popular
classics this year as the finale to the month-long program held at
Neshaminy High School. All performances will take place in the Theodore
Kloos Auditorium at the high school.
The junior workshop (grades 2-5) is presenting The Wizard of Oz
(Young Performers Edition) on Thursday, Friday and Saturday July 26, 27
and 28 at 11 am each day. Reserved tickets are $8.00 and general
admission tickets are $7.00.
The senior workshop (grades 6-12) will present The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, July 25, 26 and 27 at 7 pm; Saturday
July 28 at 2:30 pm and 8 pm. All tickets are $12.
Tickets can be purchased during workshop mornings at the high school
auditorium starting Monday, July 16 or at the door subject to
availability. Please visit www.neshaminysummerstock.com
for more information.
Pre-K Counts seeking students for free preschool program
A
quality preschool program is essential to prepare students for
kindergarten and beyond. The cost of these programs can be a barrier.
Pre-K Counts offers an opportunity for those that might have household
incomes too high to qualify for a program such as Head Start but are
still struggling to afford preschool. As an example, a family of
four can earn up to $75,300 and still qualify.
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Neshaminy Pre-K
Counts is a grant-funded program for children who are
three or four years of age by September 1. Classes will meet five days
a week during the 2018-2019 school year, 6 hours-a-day, at two
locations (Lower Southampton Early Learning Center in Feasterville (the
former Lower Southampton Elementary School), and Albert Schweitzer
Elementary School in Levittown). Additional sites may be added pending
grant approval.
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Families are urged to sign up as soon as possible so
registration can begin as soon as funding is approved.
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Free summer meals offered
Beginning in June, the
Bensalem and Levittown public library branches will offer free lunches
to children 18 years and younger. They will serve lunch three times a
week on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 12 to 1 p.m. The program
ends on August 1. Children can visit the library and enjoy a delicious
and nutritious meal as part of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP),
a federally funded program run by the USDA. SFSP ensures that children
from low-income areas continue to receive nutritious meals when school
is not in session.
Children do not have to apply or register to receive these meals.
2018 - 2019 budget adopted
On
June 19, the Neshaminy School Board of Directors voted 8-0 (with one
absence) to approve a final budget of $183.9 million for the
2018-2019 school year. As reported in the May Neshaminy Update
newsletter, this budget does include the Act 1 maximum allowed tax
increase of 2.4%, or 3.7 mills. The major factor in that increase is
state-mandated increases in district contributions to the Pennsylvania
State Employees Retirement System (PSERS), which rose over $1 million
this year.
The budget funds various projects including, but not
limited to, installation
of an elevator and roof repairs at Neshaminy High School, roof work at
Carl Sandburg
Middle School and Albert Schweitzer Elementary School, wall repairs at
Poquessing Middle School, bleacher repairs at Harry E. Franks Stadium,
and various security system upgrades and replacements.
Join us to help Build Futures!
Do you love working with kids and want to jump-start a career in
education right here at Neshaminy? For those interested in
learning about jobs as substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, personal
care assistants, clerical personnel and support staff, a regional
Substitute Hiring Event will be held Thursday, July 26, 2018 at the
Bucks County Intermediate Unit in Doylestown. Click the link below for
more information about this opportunity.
A number of additional opportunities throughout the district for
certified and support staff can be found at the district employment
site below (updated frequently). All applicants must obtain required
Pennsylvania clearances.
June We Build Futures Award
winners
Superintendent Jones
once again honored district staff who made significant
contributions to fulfilling the district's mission or advancing the
implementation of the Neshaminy Strategic Plan.
Those honored in June include (click on their names to see
nominating information):
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- Patience
Burton, Guidance Counselor, Neshaminy High School
- Susan
Fennecken, Guidance Counselor, Neshaminy High School
- Dr.
David Glennon, Principal, Herbert Hoover Elementary
School
- Joann
Holland, Principal, Poquessing Middle School
- Joe
McMahon, Head Custodian, Neshaminy High School
- Bob
Mueller, Assistant Principal, Neshaminy High School
- Colleen
Oetinger, ISS Aide, Neshaminy High School
- Donald
Palmer, Assistant Principal, Poquessing Middle School
Congratulations to all award winners! More information about the We
Build Futures Awards can be found on the district website below.
Pearl S. Buck Elementary School
Move-Up Day celebrates superheroes
Fourth grade students wrapped up their elementary experience with a
celebration event and their Move-Up ceremony. The theme for this
class was Superheroes, and their Super Power is kindness. They were
reminded to always use their Super Power as they move to middle school!
Joseph Ferderbar Elementary School
Walking Club celebrates miles of achievement
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On June 13, an assembly was held to recognize students in grades 1-4
who participated in the walking program at
recess this year.
Students were recognized for their distance achievements, and the class
totals were announced. There was also a prize drawing and a popcorn
party for the top classes.
The school totals were: 3748 miles overall (like walking from
Feasterville to Managua, Nicaragua!). First grade walked 1097 miles,
second grade 1983 miles, third grade 404 miles and fourth grade 263
miles.
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Herbert Hoover Elementary School
Graduate students interning at Hoover over the summer
Michelle Taylor, Lauren
Woodson, and Shannon Seratch are graduate students at Holy Family
University, enrolled in the Principal Preparation program. This summer,
they will help Dr. Glennon prepare for the start of the 2018-2019
school year, and are also designing a workshop to provide additional
information to parents about how they can help their children to
experience success during math instruction.
- Lauren Woodson is a Math Teacher at Pennsbury High
School East
- Michelle Taylor is a Math Specialist at Pennwood
Middle School
- Shannon Seratch is a Special Education Teacher at
BCTHS
Hawk's Nest Team pens a new mission pledge
Students returning in the
fall will have a brand new pledge created by the 'Hawk's Nest'
leadership team as part of the PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and
Supports) program:
I am a Hoover Hawk.
I fly with pride!
I am a leader.
I am a productive citizen and a lifelong learner.
I am respectful, responsible, and safe at all times.
I know how to use the Seven Habits to build my future.
I work hard to make everyone feel welcome at our school.
I am thankful that my teacher knows how to make learning fun for
everyone!
Walter Miller Elementary School
Buddy Bench fosters friendships
The first grade at Walter
Miller Elementary School made it a class project to install a 'Buddy
Bench' in the playground and instruct the rest of their school, class
by class, on how it should be used. Buddy Benches are a great way to
allow children to find new friends and help those that could use a
friend.
Albert
Schweitzer Elementary School
Move-Up Ceremony celebrates a busy year
Outgoing
fourth-grade students celebrated their final days at Schweitzer during
their Move-Up ceremony in June, highlighted by a slideshow of a busy
school year!
Tawanka Elementary School
Patriotic Concert celebrates America
The
first grade at Tawanka sang a collection of patriotic songs during two
concerts in June, one for their families in the evening and one for
classmates the next day. Among the selections were Yankee Doodle, America the Beautiful,
Proud to be an American, and
This Land is Your Land.
Maple Point Middle School
Eighth grade celebrates their years at Maple Point
On
Tuesday, June 12, the
8th grade at Maple Point was joined by their families for a move-up
ceremony as they get ready for Neshaminy High School! An awards
ceremony was also held to celebrate academic, co-curricular and
athletic success.
Poquessing Middle School
Move-Up Ceremony honors eighth-graders
Poquessing Middle School honored their eighth-grade class during a
Move-Up Ceremony on June 12.
Carl Sandburg Middle School
Class of 2022 ready for high school
On June 12 the Carl Sandburg 8th grade celebrated their final days of
middle school during the Move-Up ceremony shared by their families.
Neshaminy
High School
Rise
inspiration visits NHS Roadies
Drama students at
Neshaminy HS welcomed Lou Volpe for a series of talks on June 7. Lou is
the retired Truman HS drama teacher whose career inspired the NBC-TV
series, RISE. He answered
questions from the students and talked
about how the drama program at his school took off with help from a
student wrestler who joined a production of Godspell back in the
1970's -- a time when 'jocks' did not participate in theater. Later his
program was instrumental in getting the Broadway hits Les Miserables and Rent opened up for high school
productions.
Roadies break a leg in Nebraska
Congratulations to five
Neshaminy Drama State Superior Qualifiers representing their school at
the first International Thespian Festival held at the University of
Nebraska in Lincoln, Nebraska June 28-30. They achieved two 'Excellent'
scores, three 'Superior' scores, and Brielle Lewandowski was one of 10
performances out of 870 selected to perform in the International
Performance Showcase.
Envirothon team excels at state competition
On May 23, Neshaminy’s Envirothon Team of Kiara Marable, Jason
Faccenda, Ashly Alexander, Caroline Angerer, and Bill Angerer placed
13th out of 65 county teams at the 35th annual Pennsylvania Envirothon.
This is the fourth highest place recorded at the State competition in
school history.
Led by Senior Jason Faccenda, the team placed third overall in
Forestry. The team also placed 14th overall on the Oral Component of
the competition. The Envirothon team is coached by Lead Science Teacher
Brian Suter. Congratulations to all!
In Memorium
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U.S. Navy Ensign
Sarah Mitchell, a 2013 graduate of Neshaminy High
School who also attended Poquessing Middle School and Lower Southampton
Elementary School, passed away during a training mission in the Red Sea
off the coast of Jordan on July 8.
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| Neshaminy
Update is published monthly during the school year and distributed to
the Neshaminy community via email and web. 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 19047
Joseph
Jones III
Superintendent
(215)
809-6000
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Neshaminy
School Board
of Directors
Marty
Sullivan - President
Bob
Feather - Vice President
John Allen
Cyndie
Bowman
Irene M. Boyle
Tina
Hollenbach
Adam
J. Kovitz
David Marrington
Stephen
Pirritano
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Mission Statement
The Neshaminy community builds
futures by empowering each child to become a productive citizen
and a lifelong learner.
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