School Board approves mall tax reductionAt their April 23 public
meeting, the Neshaminy School Board voted to accept a reassessment
settlement following an appeal by McStome-Kravco, Inc., the owners of
Oxford Valley Mall. This agreement will reduce their tax bill by just
under $800,000 for 2019, and includes retroactive refunds of $512,000
for 2018 and $251,000 for 2017. Under the agreement, the District will
be able to pay back the retroactive refunds in two payments spread over
a two-year period. Also as part of this agreement, additional tax
appeals for ancillary office and retail properties surrounding the mall
were withdrawn.
The District conducted its own assessment of the mall property and found that it has been reduced in value due to multiple empty storefronts and office space. The mall, like many across the nation, has struggled to find new tenants in a difficult retail climate, challenged by online sales and the rise of standalone "big box" retail stores. Raise Them Strong comes
to Neshaminy
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Brooks
Gibbs is an award winning social skills educator who teaches
students, parents, and teachers how to build emotional resilience and
live by the Golden Rule. He will be visiting Neshaminy for a
presentation for parents and guardians on Tuesday, May 14 at 7 pm in the
auditorium at Maple Point Middle School. Brooks is the author of Raise Them Strong and is a featured speaker for the 2018-19 Global School Assembly. |
Over 2,500
schools have invited him to speak, allowing him to reach 2 million
students face-to-face. His viral videos have amassed more than 200
million views worldwide. For additional information regarding this
presentation, please review at the website below.
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Registration open for free preschool program
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Neshaminy is pleased to
once again offer Pre-K Counts within the District for the 2019-2020
school year. Pre-K Counts offers an opportunity for families that might
have household incomes too high to qualify for a program such as Head
Start but are still struggling to afford a quality preschool. As
an example, a family of four can earn up to $77,250 and still qualify
for Pre-K Counts!
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 2019-2020 school year, 6 hours-a-day, at three locations -- Joseph Ferderbar Elementary School (Feasterville), the Lower Southampton Early Learning Center also in Feasterville (the former Lower Southampton Elementary School), and Albert Schweitzer Elementary School in Levittown.
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 2019-2020 school year, 6 hours-a-day, at three locations -- Joseph Ferderbar Elementary School (Feasterville), the Lower Southampton Early Learning Center also in Feasterville (the former Lower Southampton Elementary School), and Albert Schweitzer Elementary School in Levittown.
Art Show t-shirts on sale until May 12
The Neshaminy Art
Department is proud to offer 3 student-designed t-shirts to celebrate
the 31st Annual District Art Show. Orders must be placed by Sunday, May
12, 2019 at 11:59 pm EDT at the online store linked below.
The District Art Show will be held Wednesday & Thursday, May 22 & 23 from 7-9 pm each night at Neshaminy HS. Each of the three designs is from a different level (elementary, middle and high school).
The District Art Show will be held Wednesday & Thursday, May 22 & 23 from 7-9 pm each night at Neshaminy HS. Each of the three designs is from a different level (elementary, middle and high school).
Sunset Challenge is almost here
Hundreds of runners have already signed up for the #StandUp Neshaminy / Rooney Family Screen Printing & Embroidery Sunset Challenge! This 5K & 2K running race will be held at Maple Point Middle School on Friday, May 10 starting at 6:45 pm. Runners, students and families are all encouraged to join this fun competition. The race course is certified and will be electronically timed by RunBucks, LLC. The deadline for guaranteed t-shirts has passed but some will be available for late registrations subject to availability.
April 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 during in April include (click on their names to see nominating information): |
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- Jim Breslin, Coordinator of Student Affairs, Poquessing Middle School
- Danielle Dyas, Teacher, Albert Schweitzer Elementary School
- Bill Lever, Social Studies Teacher, Maple Point Middle School
- Danielle Mancini, Teacher, Albert Schweitzer Elementary School
- Anne-Marie Mettus, volunteer, Feasterville Rotary Club
- Suzanne Pacitti, volunteer, Feasterville Rotary
Club
- Grant Passman, School Counselor, Poquessing Middle School
- Jeff Rodos, Learning Support, Pearl S. Buck Elementary School
- Kathy Rydzewski, Teacher, Tawanka Elementary School
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Selected
Upcoming
Events
Wednesday-Friday, May 8-10: Almost, Maine, Black Box Theater, NHS, 7 pm Saturday, May 11: Almost, Maine, Black Box Theater, NHS, 1 pm & 7 pm Friday, May 10: Sunset Challenge 2K/5K, Maple Point MS, 6pm Friday, May 10: Sports Block Party, Middletown Community Park, 5 pm Saturday, May 11: Jazz at the Farm (NHS, Poquessing jazz bands), Heritage Farm in Langhorne, 4:30 pm May 13-24: Keystone Test window Tuesday, May 14: Raise Them Strong presentation at Maple Point, 7 pm Monday, May 20: Recupido Scholarship Food Truck event, Maple Point, 5-9 pm Wednesday, May 22 & Friday, May 23: District Art Show, 6:30 - 8:30 pm Thursday, May 30: Neshaminy HS Senior Awards, 6:30 pm Please
check the District website, school websites and District Facebook page
for more information and additional events throughout the year!
|
 Neshaminy
Education Foundation |
Celebrate the 25th
anniversary of the Neshaminy Education Foundation!
The
non-profit Neshaminy Education Foundation was formed as part of the
Neshaminy District Strategic Plan in 1993. Since then, the NEF has
raised hundreds of thousands of dollars which is used to support
innovative classroom grants and student scholarships for graduating
seniors.
The NEF will hold a celebratory gathering before the District Art Show at Neshaminy High School on Wednesday, April 22 from 5:30-7 pm in the Art Gallery Conference across from the Main Office at NHS. All those involved with the NEF are invited to join this informal social then enjoy the Art Show and Orchestra Concert starting at 7 pm. Light refreshments will be served. |
News
From Our Schools
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Pearl S. Buck Elementary School
Sliming is a messy way to promote math
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In early April, Principal Brian Kern and first grade teacher Randy Nesbitt were "slimed" as the reward for a March math challenge. The student with the highest number of minutes in each homeroom was afforded the opportunity to slime Mr. Kern or Mr. Nesbitt. A second participating student from each homeroom was randomly selected for the slime dump. From the chants and cheers, it was obvious the sliming was thoroughly enjoyed by all. |
Students help clean the neighborhood for Earth Week
The 2nd Grade helped keep
the neighborhood and school grounds clean during Earth Week by
participating in a Neighborhood Clean Up Walk through Twin Oaks.
Everyone enjoyed the walk, and many neighbors came out to thank the
students for their efforts in keeping their community looking
beautiful.
They also finished out their Earth Savers (Project Based Learning) unit with an earth-friendly picnic and a “trash to treasure” creative activity. Students were asked to bring in a trash-free lunch, using reusable or recyclable containers. They ate outside, enjoyed the beautiful school grounds, and counted the number of trash items they had in their lunches.
They also finished out their Earth Savers (Project Based Learning) unit with an earth-friendly picnic and a “trash to treasure” creative activity. Students were asked to bring in a trash-free lunch, using reusable or recyclable containers. They ate outside, enjoyed the beautiful school grounds, and counted the number of trash items they had in their lunches.
Joseph Ferderbar Elementary School
Heart Association challenges raise over $3,000
Students participating in
the Kids Heart Challenge at Ferderbar raised $3,374 for the American
Heart Association. This fun activity, formerly called the Jump Rope for
Heart, is designed to promote positive healthy lifestyles through
awareness of heart-healthy living while raising money for life-saving
scientific research.
EarlyAct presentation highlights student service
A group of Ferderbar
students spoke at the Neshaminy School Board Public Meeting on April 23
as part of a series of presentations highlighting activities at each
elementary school this year. The students talked about the service
learning projects they are participating in as part of the EarlyAct
Club, which is sponsored by Feasterville Rotary.
Among the projects they shared with the Board was the Elf Fund (which provides holiday help for families in need), the Ekenywa project (supporting a worldwide organization that helps fund clean water projects in Kenya), and the Broken Crayons project which collects and recycles used crayons and donates them to hospitals.
Among the projects they shared with the Board was the Elf Fund (which provides holiday help for families in need), the Ekenywa project (supporting a worldwide organization that helps fund clean water projects in Kenya), and the Broken Crayons project which collects and recycles used crayons and donates them to hospitals.
Herbert Hoover Elementary School
Middletown Township hosts 2nd grade for Government Day
On April 9, the 2nd grade from Herbert Hoover Elementary School visited the Middletown Township building to celebrate Local Government day with help from the staff there, firefighters and police officers including Neshaminy School Resource Officer Melissa Robison. The students participated in several fun activities and tours that increased their understanding of municipal government, public works and public safety agencies.
Walter Miller Elementary School
Phanatic recognizes prolific readers at Miller
On April 12, students at
Walter Miller Elementary School enjoyed a visit from a very special
green guest as a reward for being one of the top schools in the
Philadelphia region in the 2018-2019 Phanatic About Reading contest.
The students won the visit by accumulating hundreds of hours of time
spent reading at school and home. The class with the most minutes --
Kerry Bettelli's 1st grade -- got to pose for a photo with the Phanatic
and Mrs. Bettelli read the Phanatic's book, The Best Rain Delay Ever,
to the entire school during the assembly.
NHS grad, Army Specialist visitsArmy Specialist
Macey Smith, a 2017 Neshaminy graduate, surprised Janet
Loftus' kindergarten class with a visit at Walter Miller in late March.
The students have been writing her all year while she was stationed in
Afghanistan. They were so excited when she came in their class for a
visit. She was also honored at a Phillies game as a "Hometown Hero" on
March 31.
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Albert Schweitzer Elementary School
Fundraiser puts a spring in their steps
On April 12, students in
each grade at Albert Schweitzer Elementary School took turns walking
around the track near their school for their 7th annual Tech Trot. The
students gathered pledges leading up to this fundraiser, which provides
money for technology purchases for the school.
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Special Olympians competeOn Saturday, April
27, students from
Albert Schweitzer Elementary School took part in the Bucks County
Special Olympics. Along with their teacher Joellen Exner and student
volunteers Julianna and Maddie Exner they participated in various
throwing and running events.
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Tawanka Elementary School
Tawanka welcomes guest readers
The Township Library of
Lower Southampton Librarians visited Tawanka in April to read to
kindergarten and first grade students and share some activities. The
students were excited to welcome them!
Rock project is one for the ages
Third graders had hands
on fun exploring fossils during a rock
assembly. They dug up rocks and minerals to experience what a
paleontologist might find.
Maple Point Middle School
Debate Competition tests research, presentation skills
On April 24, Debate Teams
from all three middle schools competed during the annual Neshaminy
District Debate Competition at Maple Point Middle School. About 60
students participated and the MP Student Council was also on hand to
help move the teams between different rooms as they tackled different
issues. The students moved to several different stations to present
their positions on various topics, then had to respond to alternate
points of view by members of their opposing teams.
Mothers Day Walk to support the Barkann Foundation
Maple Point MS is once
again partnering with the Barkann Healing Hearts Foundation for their
2nd Annual Mother’s Day in-school Walkathon. The proceeds from this
event will support a luncheon for mothers who are battling through
personal and family hardships. The Walkathon takes place May 9 and 10.
Students or and their family members can join the Walkathon with a $5
donation.
The entire community is invited to visit the website below to purchase raffle tickets for 3 great prizes: Phillies Tickets in the Diamond Club Section, tickets to see Ariana Grande, or tickets to see Shawn Mendes in concert. Raffle tickets are $2 or 3 for $5 and can be purchased online. Please support this great cause!
The entire community is invited to visit the website below to purchase raffle tickets for 3 great prizes: Phillies Tickets in the Diamond Club Section, tickets to see Ariana Grande, or tickets to see Shawn Mendes in concert. Raffle tickets are $2 or 3 for $5 and can be purchased online. Please support this great cause!
Workshop aims to prevent bullying, violence
On April 3, students at
Maple Point MS heard a powerful message about violence prevention
and conflict resolution from representatives from the Tariq Khamisa
Foundation (TKF). A follow-up presentation was held for parents and
guardians that evening.
TKF was founded in 1995 after college student Tariq Khamisa was killed by a 14-year-old gang member, Tony Hicks. Tony was tried as an adult and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Tariq’s father, Azim Khamisa, felt this tragedy created victims on both ends of the gun. Azim, in an act of extraordinary grace and forgiveness, reached out to Tony’s grandfather, Ples Felix. The two men came together in the spirit of healing to end youth violence.
TKF was founded in 1995 after college student Tariq Khamisa was killed by a 14-year-old gang member, Tony Hicks. Tony was tried as an adult and sentenced to 25 years in prison. Tariq’s father, Azim Khamisa, felt this tragedy created victims on both ends of the gun. Azim, in an act of extraordinary grace and forgiveness, reached out to Tony’s grandfather, Ples Felix. The two men came together in the spirit of healing to end youth violence.
Poquessing Middle School
Interact, EarlyAct clubs help Rotary celebrate their 40th
Members of the Neshaminy
HS and Poquessing MS Interact Clubs along with the Ferderbar ES
EarlyAct Club volunteered at the 40th Annual Feasterville Rotary Club
Pancake Breakfast April 14 at Twining Hall in Trevose. Students painted
faces, played games and did crafts with kids and even helped with the
day’s guest of honor, the Easter Bunny.
Second mural involves five grades
A
group of volunteer
parents, friends and Poquessing staff members were busy during early
April putting the finishing touches on a wall-sized mural outside the
auditorium at Poquessing. Starting last year under the direction of art
teachers Katie Storck and Heidi Goodhart-Rufe, the music-themed mural
includes tile pieces created by every student in the school, including
last year's 8th-grade who have since moved on to the high school and
this
year's 5th grade. The tiles include everything from song lyrics to
cutouts of musical notes and instruments. The mural is now on full
display, but an official 'unveiling' is planned for the near future.
This is the second such mural at Poquessing; the first is in the
vestibule entrance at the front of the building.
Carl Sandburg Middle School
Students learn games to last a lifetime
Seventh-graders at Carl
Sandburg Middle School learned some new games as part of a "Lifetime
Recreational Games" unit in their physical education classes in April.
The goal is to have them try out games that might be enjoyed at a
family picnic or neighborhood BBQ. The games included four square,
ladderball, pickleball, bocce, "can jam" (a Frisbee accuracy
challenge), paddleball, and a new game called "Ramp Shot" that can be
described as a cross between cornhole and cricket.
Neshaminy High School
K-Hall Kraft Fair promotes entrepreneurship
Students in Jackie
Rippert and Cheryl Kornicki's classes have been busy creating items to
sell at their annual K-Hall Kraft Fair, which opened
for a day for students and staff at Neshaminy HS. Among the items they
created
and sold are plants, spa products, painted jars, pet treats, flavored
oils and decorative items. Some of the proceeds will go to charity,
some to the SILO food pantry at NHS and some toward future field trips
for these entrepreneurial students.
NHS FBLA Club honored at state competition
The Business, Computer and Information Technology Department is proud to recognize the Neshaminy Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) members. The club raised funds for the 2018-19 state project, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, with several activities earlier this year including a 5K walk and t-shirt sales. Neshaminy received top honors placing 10th out of 299 total state chapters in total funds raised. The NHS chapter also earned the Gold Seal Chapter and the Outstanding Chapter awards.
Thirty two Neshaminy HS FBLA members attended the State Leadership Competition on April 8-10, 2019 in Hershey. The students competed against the top winners in their events from across the state of Pennsylvania. Freshman Ohenmaa Ofosu-Mensah placed first in Introduction to Financial Math. The NHS Entrepreneurship Team of Joey Nolan & Dan Gutman placed 4th and Aaron Lewis took home 5th place in Banking & Financial Systems. These four students will be heading to the National FBLA Leadership Conference and Competition in San Antonio, Texas in June where they will compete against the top finishers in the United States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam. The Emerging Business Issues team of Andrew Schmitz and Steven Muller placed tenth.
Aaron Lewis placed 5th in Investments and Stock Markets, and Steven Muller placed 8th in Social Media Marketing in Open Events Competitions.
Workshop promotes safe driving
On Tuesday, April 9, NJM
Insurance Group held a safe driving workshop called, Share the Keys. This workshop was
intended for both new drivers and their parents or guardians
together to help reduce the risk of crashes & better understand the
rules of the road. Several prizes were given away to those attending
including NHS parking permits for 2019-2020, Wawa gift cards, free
driver education course tuition (which can help with insurance costs),
and an emergency roadside kit.
Basketball team reaches new heights
The Neshaminy HS Girls
Varsity Basketball team ended their season with a record number of wins
this year, rising all the way to the PIAA state tournament semifinal
round (an all-time school record). They went 12-0 to take the Suburban
One League National Conference Championship, went 27-5 for the entire
season, and were ranked 11th in the entire state. Brooke Mullen and
Alison Harvey both scored over 1,000 points this year. Congratulations
to this talented team and Coach Joe Lally for a tremendous season!
NHS athletes visit Ryan Arcidiacono at a Sixers game
Chicago Bulls point guard and NHS grad Ryan Arcidiacono had some current players from his former team join him at the Sixers game on April 11 in Philadelphia. In related news, his brother, Neshaminy HS graduate Chris Arcidiacono, has committed to play at Villanova (Ryan's alma mater) next year after spending a post-graduate year at the Perkiomen School.
| 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
|
Neshaminy
School Board
of Directors
Marty
Sullivan - President
Stephen
Pirritano - Vice President
John Allen Cyndie
Bowman
Irene M. Boyle Bob Feather Tina
Hollenbach
Adam
J. Kovitz
David Marrington |
Mission Statement
The Neshaminy community builds
futures by empowering each child to become a productive citizen
and a lifelong learner.
