the districts... · 2020-05-22 · alex sobkowiak temple university finance robbie oleynick...

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1 PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT FALLSINGTON, PA MAY 2020 www.pennsburysd.org PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT FALLSINGTON, PA MAY 2020 ACROSS THE D ISTRICT We welcome Regina Rausch back to Pennsbury, this time as the newly-appointed Director of Special Education. The Pennsbury Board of School Directors named Ms. Rausch during the virtual Board meeting held on April 23, 2020. The appointment is effective July 1st. Currently, Ms. Rausch is the Assistant Director of Student Services for the REGINA RAUSCH APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION REGINA RAUSCH Superintendent Please join in congratulating Afton Elementary School Principal, Dr. Joseph Masgai, who was selected to be a resident ambassador in the U.S. Department of Education (ED) School Ambassador Fellowship Program for the 2020-2021 school year, effective July 1st. Out of a pool of 500 applicants from across the United States, Dr. Masgai was chosen as one of only 35 to participate in a Skype interview and one of only 15 to be invited as a finalist to interview in a full-day process at the ED in Washington, D.C. Dr. Masgai was selected as one of two resident ambassadors who will spend the year working with the U.S. Department of Education. The mission of the School Ambassador Fellowship is designed to improve education for students by involving educators in the development and implementation of national education policy. According to the ED, selected participants for the Washington Fellowship “serve as full-time Federal employees in Washington, D.C. for one school year. Fellows are placed in offices within the ED to work on education programs and policy matters. They contribute valuable school and classroom-level knowledge and perspective to the Department, greatly increase their own AFTON PRINCIPAL CHOSEN FOR NATIONAL AMBASSADORSHIP DR. JOSEPH P. MASGAI knowledge and understanding of Federal education policies and programs, and collaborate to provide specific outreach to other teachers. Over the year, Washington Fellows gain in-depth knowledge of Department initiatives; provide their perspectives to senior staff; share relevant school and classroom experiences with internal and external audiences; facilitate discussion among educators about policy in D.C. and in areas around the country as necessary; and plan and implement various convenings and events for local educators and others on behalf of the Department.” “This is a tremendous opportunity for Dr. Masgai, the Afton community, and the Pennsbury School District,” said Michele Spack, Director of Elementary Education. “We will have a voice at the highest level of education representing the District and lending a voice to educational policy that will help us all. We know that he will be a great ambassador and will make Pennsbury proud.”

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Page 1: the DISTRICTs... · 2020-05-22 · Alex Sobkowiak Temple University Finance Robbie Oleynick Worcester Polytechnic Institute Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Anders Pesti

1PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • MAY 2020www.pennsburysd.org

PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • MAY 2020

Across the DISTRICT

We welcome Regina Rausch back to Pennsbury, this time as the newly-appointed Director of Special Education. The Pennsbury Board of School Directors named Ms. Rausch during the virtual Board meeting held on April 23, 2020. The appointment is effective July 1st.

Currently, Ms. Rausch is the Assistant Director of Student Services for the

REGINA RAUSCH APPOINTEDDIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION

reginA rAusch

Superintendent

Please join in congratulating Afton Elementary School Principal, Dr. Joseph Masgai, who was selected to be a resident ambassador in the U.S. Department of Education (ED) School Ambassador Fellowship Program for the 2020-2021 school year, effective July 1st. Out of a pool of 500 applicants from across the United

States, Dr. Masgai was chosen as one of only 35 to participate in a Skype interview and one of only 15 to be invited as a finalist to interview in a full-day process at the ED in Washington, D.C. Dr. Masgai was selected as one of two resident ambassadors who will spend the year working with the U.S. Department of Education. The mission of the School Ambassador Fellowship is designed to improve education for students by involving educators in the development and implementation of national education policy.

According to the ED, selected participants for the Washington Fellowship “serve as full-time Federal employees in Washington, D.C. for one school year. Fellows are placed in offices within the ED to work on education programs and policy matters. They contribute valuable school and classroom-level knowledge and perspective to the Department, greatly increase their own

AFTON PRINCIPAL CHOSEN FORNATIONAL AMBASSADORSHIP

Dr. Joseph p. MAsgAi

knowledge and understanding of Federal education policies and programs, and collaborate to provide specific outreach to other teachers. Over the year, Washington Fellows gain in-depth knowledge of Department initiatives; provide their perspectives to senior staff; share relevant school and classroom experiences with internal and external audiences; facilitate discussion among educators about policy in D.C. and in areas around the country as necessary; and plan and implement various convenings and events for local educators and others on behalf of the Department.”

“This is a tremendous opportunity for Dr. Masgai, the Afton community, and the Pennsbury School District,” said Michele Spack, Director of Elementary Education. “We will have a voice at the highest level of education representing the District and lending a voice to educational policy that will help us all. We know that he will be a great ambassador and will make Pennsbury proud.”

Page 2: the DISTRICTs... · 2020-05-22 · Alex Sobkowiak Temple University Finance Robbie Oleynick Worcester Polytechnic Institute Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Anders Pesti

2 MAY 2020 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org

District HigHligHts report

K-12 Mathematics Supervisor, Dr. Gary McManus, writes: “This year at the elementary level, students embarked on a journey of Falcon Fluency. Falcon Fluency is a program for students to do in school and at home to practice their math facts and become the ultimate fluent Falcon! All 100% of students at the elementary level participated in this program that was helmed by building math specialists: Pam Murphy (Afton), Kim Sheaffer (Edgewood), Valerie Houseknecht (Eleanor Roosevelt), Meghan Mix (Fallsington), Joe Spinelli (Makefield), Maryann Sweeney (Manor), Meeghan Goldman (Oxford Valley), Amanda McDowell (Penn Valley), Colleen Curry (Quarry Hill), and Rupali Pathak (Walt Disney). The success of this program is a direct result of the students’ promise they made in September and the guidance and leadership of the math specialists.”

SPRING IS A BUSY SEASON FOR MATHEMATICS STUDENTS

Abington School District, where she oversees programming for more than 1,400 students with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and 500+ students with Gifted IEPs. At Abington, she manages five Supervisors of Special Education and the Supervisor of Gifted Education, among numerous other duties and responsibilities. Previously, she served in a variety of capacities in special education and student services for Abington and the Bucks County Intermediate Unit. Prior to those positions, she worked for Pennsbury from 2000-2011 as both a special education teacher and a behavior specialist.

Pennsbury Superintendent, Dr. William Gretzula, shared that close to 25 people served on the interview committee and represented various stakeholders within the school community, including Board members, central and building-level leaders, supervisors, professional and support personnel, as well as parents. Most notably, the words used to characterize Ms. Rausch were “competent” and “confident.” Dr. Gretzula added, “Pennsbury is fortunate to have an opportunity to welcome Ms. Rausch back to the Pennsbury nest where she served our students, families, and staff well in her previous tenure. We joked that her time at the BCIU and Abington School District were her years of studying abroad, and we are so excited for her to bring that new knowledge and enhanced skills back to Pennsbury. The committee was thoroughly impressed with Ms. Rausch’s budgeting experience, expansion of programs to support various student needs, her desire to foster positive relationships with all families even in times of disagreement, and her uncompromising belief in students to achieve to their full potential.”

Although Ms. Rausch could not attend the virtual Board meeting physically due to current mitigation efforts and school closure, she asked Dr. Gretzula to share the following sentiment: “Tonight is a very special night for me. Twenty years ago I started my journey as a special educator here in Pennsbury School District. I am excited and grateful to return to Pennsbury to serve our students, families, and the community.”

As the new Director of Special Education, Ms. Rausch will report to Dr. Gretzula and serve as a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet. She will provide supervisory oversight of all special education programs, as well as the development, implementation, and administration of all aspects of the special education and gifted education programs. She will also oversee psychological and behavioral services, speech and hearing support, as well as occupational and physical therapy. In addition, Ms. Rausch will be responsible for directing and overseeing the IEP, GIEP, and 504 processes, and make recommendations for action to the Board of School Directors.

Ms. Rausch holds a Master’s degree in Education from Gratz College and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education from Temple University. She also holds a Certificate of Applied Behavior Analysis from the University of North Texas, a Supervisor of Special Education Certificate from the Pennsylvania State University, and a Principal K-12 Certificate, also from Penn State.

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3PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • MAY 2020www.pennsburysd.org

District HigHligHts report

Additionally, the American Mathematics Competition was held at Pennsbury High School in February. Ezra Greenberg qualified and sat for the National Exam. Way to go, Ezra!

In April 2020, Pennsbury High School was ranked by U.S. News & World Report to be among the top 200 high schools in the Commonwealth.

PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL RANKED BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT

Dr. McManus continued: “Recently, our middle school MATHCOUNTS teams competed at the county competition at Dock Mennonite High School in Souderton. Coaches Debbie Diamond, Kathy Falcone, and Scott Gabriele accompanied these students to the competition, which resulted in great

All three of Pennsbury’s middle school MATHCOUNTS teams did especially well at a February competition. Pictured: William Penn’s

team won first place!

victory. Students Sriya Amineni, Muhammad Adam Dembrowski, Dean Majikas, and Daniel Zeng placed first in the county competition, which moved them on to the State Competition.”

MATHCOUNTS is a middle school club that acts as a bridge for mathematically-talented and competitive students into Pennsbury High School’s Mathletes Team. Dr. McManus extends best wishes to the following Mathlete seniors as they move on to higher education: Gianna Vitucci, Noah Erdogan, Devisree Tallapaneni, Rainier Acierto, Luke Nolan, Peter Beidler, Alex Sobkowiak, Robbie Oleynik, Anders Pesti, and Aden Radovich. “The Mathletes team is coached by the incomparable Jana Vanbuskirk, who is a role model for her students and a champion of math. This year is our biggest group of seniors yet, which is such a testament to the strong program and love for math our students have here at Pennsbury,” said Dr. McManus.

Name College or University Intended Major or Program of StudyGianna Vitucci Nova Southeastern University Pre-DentalNoah Erdogan University of Pennsylvania MathematicsDevisree Tallapaneni Cornell University PhysicsRainier Acierto University of Pittsburgh Computer ScienceLuke Nolan University of Florida MathematicsPeter Beidler University of North Carolina UndecidedAlex Sobkowiak Temple University FinanceRobbie Oleynick Worcester Polytechnic Institute Electrical Engineering and Computer ScienceAnders Pesti Lehigh University MathematicsAden Radovich Temple University Marketing

Pennsbury was ranked 128th in the state.

“The Best High Schools rankings provide the most comprehensive, data-based information on nearly every public high school in the country,” Anita Narayan, managing editor of education at U.S. News, said in a news release. “Families can

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4 MAY 2020 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org

District HigHligHts report

in the SCHOOLS

Each year, the Teacher Appreciation Week Committee organizes three in-school events to celebrate the Afton teachers and staff. PTO President, Elizabeth Beckleman, writes: “With the help and support of our Afton community, in the past we were able to have a kick-off breakfast, midweek snack bar, and end the week with a

AFTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOLCongratulations to Fallsington Elementary

Kindergarten teacher, Cherie Lynne Kooker, and Afton Elementary second grade teacher, Selena Kelly, who have joined the ranks of Pennsbury’s esteemed Google Certified Trainers! Their journeys began recently when they were invited to participate in a Google Certified Trainer workshop at Google headquarters in New York City. The invitation was extended because they had recently passed their Certified Educator levels 1 and 2 exams. They toured the Google building, visiting the Lego room and

Pennsbury Pre-K teachers, Tarisa Bosack, Catherine Ritchie, and Jamie Ropars, delivered distance learning materials and food to students in their classes to help assist the children in their “new normal” of learning. “These teachers are not just helping their students through distance learning, but they are also showing distance love!” shared one student’s mother. “We are lucky to be a part of Pennsbury during this unprecedented time.”

TEACHERS ADD “GOOGLE CERTIFIED TRAINER” TO THEIR CREDENTIALS

PRE-K TEACHERS DELIVER SOME“LOVE” TO THEIR STUDENTS

use this information to see how their local schools compare on graduation rates and state assessments, as well as academic performance by students who are traditionally underserved – those who are black, hispanic, or from low-income households.” The publication used a number of weighted criteria to establish the rankings, the most important being college readiness.

Congratulations to the students, administrators, faculty, and staff at PHS for being included on this prestigious list!

Pennsbury teachers Selena Kelly (l) and Cherie Lynne Kooker (r) were joined by Rich Kiker of Kiker Learning at Google headquarters

in New York City.

the Game room, and witnessed Googlers getting around by scooter. Inspired by the experience, they completed the extensive application process and were accepted into the Google Certified Trainers program, joining Technology Director, Brad McCormick, Educational Technology Specialist, Mandy Lutz, and teacher and Technology Department Intern, Megan Swope. Grateful for the experience, Ms. Kooker and Ms. Kelly look forward to sharing their love of all things Google with their Pennsbury family.

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5PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • MAY 2020www.pennsburysd.org

District HigHligHts report

Joe Spinelli’s fifth grade math class finished in first place in the elementary school division (3rd-6th grade) of the Pennsylvania Council on Financial Literacy’s (PennCFL) spring Stock Market Challenge competition! The stock market program teaches students and teachers how to invest in stocks, make stock market trades, analyze markets, and build stock market portfolios while competing with other schools and students from across the state. PennCFL uses a stock market simulation from StockTrak called the Personal Finance Lab. “The competition is both fun and educational, allowing students to gain hands-on experience while learning to save and invest in the stock market,” said Mr. Spinelli.

Learning about investing in stocks and having a

spirited yearlong competition within the classroom is an annual tradition in Mr. Spinelli’s class. While students thoroughly enjoy their own competition, this was the first time that they have taken their investing knowledge outside the classroom as a team to compete against other schools. Members of the winning team included: William Berkey, Madara Bungs, Sam Cohen, Simon Evans, William Ferrari, Nick Fox, Nate Gonzalez, Ajdin Hadzovic,

Fallsington teachers were also showered with love from a distance during Teacher Appreciation Week, according to faculty member, Cherie Lynne Kooker. “We received many wonderful videos filled with the students’ smiling faces and words of appreciation,” said Ms. Kooker. “A donation was made in our honor to Pennsbury Kids and A Living Tribute by Principal Vinny DePaolo, the PTO

MAKEFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOLFALLSINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The PTO at Fallsington Elementary came up with a cleverway to show appreciation for their school’s faculty during

Teacher Appreciation Week.

luncheon. This year we did not think it would be possible to celebrate the teachers and staff, until we heard of a local business and organization spreading kindness in our community. Last week, the Afton PTO teamed up with Tre Fratelli Italian Restaurant and The Decency Foundation to give the Afton teachers and staff a night off from cooking by providing 71 family meals to our teachers and their families. None of this would have ever been possible without the help and generosity of this restaurant and foundation. Every day they are providing delicious meals for front-line health care workers, nursing home workers, emergency response workers, local teachers, shut-ins, and local families in need. Not only are they trying to keep their business alive and feed their own families, but they are also continuously spreading kindness, hope, and a sense of community one meal at a time.”

decorated the fence at Fallsington Elementary, and many students delivered presents to their teachers’ homes. Fallsington teachers and staff feel so lucky to work with such amazing students, parents, PTO, Student Council, Principal, Director of Elementary Education, and Superintendent! From the bottom of all of our hearts, thank you and we cannot wait until we are all together again!”

Fallsington Elementary staff enjoyed having a virtual catch, tossing many unique items around such as a shoe, toilet paper, food, and even a water balloon! Click on the link provided below to view Fallsington’s video and get ready to have the “Best Day of Your Life”... or at least a good laugh, and stay tuned to see what they come up with next!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n979PuPO-WM

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6 MAY 2020 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org

District HigHligHts report

Ellie Kline, Tyler Kurash, Lucy Magee, Marisa Nawalinski, Jefferson Savage, Julian Schenck, Gianna Segarich, and William Treiber.

“Have you ever wanted to meet an Historically Influencing Person?” asks fifth grade teacher, Staci Northrup. Famous HIPsters took over Makefield virtually the last week of April, she writes. Each of the fifth grade students, taught by Karen Baran, Jennifer Bird, and Ms. Northrup, selected a famous HIPster back in February for a special research project that was intended to culminate with a “living wax museum” right before the school closure began. The assignment included a four-paragraph essay on the historic figure, a poster display with photos, timelines, and facts, along with props and costumes suitable for the students to be able to represent their famous individuals. Due to the school closure, the fifth graders shared their knowledge of their selected HIPsters with their classmates and families during Google Meet sessions over the course of a week.

Historical figures from all eras were researched in depth by fifth grade students at Makefield Elementary. Plans for a culminating“living wax museum” were cancelled due to the school closure, but through a series of online Google Meet sessions, these students

completed their work with individual presentations viewed by teachers, classmates, and Principal Donna McCormick-Miller.

Principal Donna McCormick-Miller also joined in on the sessions to enjoy some of the presentations by the various classes.

“I was quite impressed with how well prepared the students were, what a great job they did with their presentations, and how well they were able to incorporate technology,” said Ms. McCormick-Miller. “These opportunities allow for history to come alive, and they researched so much information that it felt as though you were actually listening to the real person speaking.”

Former Makefield PTO President, Danielle Frost, writes: “Colonial Day is a huge celebration and educational support program for the fourth and fifth grade students at Makefield. This would have been the 28th year of the bi-annual tradition. I have chaired this event for the past three celebrations, and this year was to be my final one as my fifth grader is moving on. Planning and contracts for re-enactments

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7PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • MAY 2020www.pennsburysd.org

District HigHligHts report

Kara Covello, Penn Valley’s SPARK teacher, assigned students with an imaginative project: they were to design their own dream playground for Penn Valley Elementary. The creative results were quite impressive. “I am so grateful for the commitment to learning and support from the families in our school community during this stressful time,” said Ms. Covello.

Third grade teacher, Heather McGurrin, writes: “Penn Valley’s third grade room B15 held our first Google Meet! The students learned how to ‘raise their hands’ virtually and took turns sharing what

According to teacher, Ashley Juno, May 5th was supposed to be the day the OV fifth-graders went to Ellis Island and Liberty Island for their field trip. “Due to the school closure and current pandemic, this trip had to be cancelled,” said Ms. Juno. “Knowing that the students were disappointed, the fifth-grade teachers decided to keep May 5 as their field trip day and take the students virtually to Ellis Island and Liberty Island. We even invited all of the parents who wanted to chaperone to join in on our virtual trip.”

Please click the link here to be whisked away to some historical sites in New York.

“This presentation was made with a lot of love,” said Ms. Juno. “It was posted in our Google Classrooms for the students to complete at their leisure throughout the day. We did have a few parents complete the project with the students. I even had a parent send me a picture of her family that is hanging at Ellis Island. She told me her family was the first Irish family to come through. Seeing that enhanced the virtual trip even for me!”

Oxford Valley Principal Donna Minnigh writes: “One of my ongoing efforts for our school is to reach outside of our walls to our families, and in times like this it is a little harder to do that in person (i.e. our First Responders’ Assembly is now cancelled as well as our other community events). Our staff

PENN VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLOXFORD VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

went out in September, and I was making homemade soap at home for weeks. Obviously, the virus has prevented us from bringing this to our students. I worked with PTO President, Joanie Layden, to acknowledge the day and give the kids a ‘pep talk.’ Actor and musician, Tamar Greene, who plays General George Washington in the Broadway show, ‘Hamilton,’ was booked through the Cameo website to send a video message, which is amazing and quite universal!” Click here to see Mr. Greene’s customized video for the Makefield students.

wanted to do something to continue to build our OV community during this time of uncertainty, so we came up with ‘Standing Together Even Though We’re Apart,’ based on something that ‘Good Morning America’ did a few years ago with ‘My Three Words’ of inspiration. We asked our community and staff to share three words that best expressed how they are coping with our present circumstances. You will see that the spirit is still alive with our OV community!” Click here to view the school video.

A STEM project assigned by Penn Valley ElementarySPARK teacher, Kara Covello, led to the creation of one

family’s “dream playground.”

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8 MAY 2020 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org

District HigHligHts report

“Village Park Academy (VPA) staff have pulled together to remind our students and our families that we are all in this together and will continue to support each other even when we aren’t in the building,” shared Village Park teacher, Katherine Jaber. “During the first few weeks after it was announced that school would transition to distance learning, Supervisor Peter Carfagno, Thomas Bick, Byron Conover, and Rick Scheinert began going to students’ houses to drop off devices, food, and supplies. This is one of the many ways our staff continues to show P.R.I.D.E. Staff at VPA pulled together to create a loving video message reminding the students to practice social distancing, stay home, stay safe, and to try their best and complete their school work during these challenging times.” During the video message, teacher Jack Seyferhelt joked around and showed his stockpile of toilet paper, Ms. Jaber took a pie in the face in memory of the missed Pi Day, and staff shared photos and videos of themselves at home with their pets and family.

Troy Czapor, middle school teacher, made ScreenCastify videos to show his students how to

VILLAGE PARK ACADEMY

they liked best so far about distance learning. We even had some guests (our principal, Barbara Hidalgo, learning support teacher, Amanda Petruccio, paraprofessional, Dale Mastrull, and a fellow third grade teacher, Janice Portland). It was an awesome way to connect with the class.”

Penn Valley third graders taught by Heather McGurrin enjoyed a chance to connect with their classmates, Principal Barbara Hidalgo, and some additional faculty members during a Google Meet session.

Faculty members at Village Park Academy are doing theirbest to support students in a variety of ways, including this

special message.

navigate the middle school curriculum and access their Google Classroom to ensure their success. In addition, he shared the videos with the parents to help them navigate the new world of distance learning.

Teacher, Matthew Martin, and special education secretary, Alyssa Cutler-Adelman, worked together to create a humorous comic strip to share with the students, featuring the entire VPA staff. This comic reminded the students that even though we are all practicing social distancing, the staff at Village Park remains one team.

Mr. Carfagno made a motivational home video for VPA high school students featuring him presenting diplomas to the senior class by tossing them through moon roofs, throwing them on door steps, and a “Hail Mary” pass to students (i.e., his own kids) as they ran by in a cap and gown. He reminded the VPA senior class that they have almost made it to the finish line.

“Village Park staff, students, and families are continuing to work hard and overcome any challenges thrown our way with a smile on our faces,” added Ms. Jaber.

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9PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA • MAY 2020www.pennsburysd.org

District HigHligHts report

Photography students taught by PHS art teacher, Abby Cramer, were asked to photograph “Signs of Spring.” Anything that represented the season was appropriate as subject matter. “I wanted to encourage students to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature,” said Ms. Cramer. “I had students watch an EdPuzzle video about how to photograph flowers, with tips about how to get a shallow depth of field (blurred-out background) and the best lighting conditions (overcast/shade). They took the photographs during distance learning.”

PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL

coMMenDAbleACCOMPLISHMENTS

In conjunction with the Pennsbury School District’s ongoing character education initiative, students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels are being spotlighted each month for possessing specific positive character assets. For

LYFT CHARACTER AWARDWINNERS ANNOUNCED

the month of May 2020, students were recognized for exemplifying the trait of “Leadership.” The students recognized this month are Zachary Remus, Anna Nysse, Zaki Ali, and Aashka Patel. In addition, a faculty member or administrator is spotlighted each May as the “Character Builder of the Year.” This year’s honoree is PHS West Acting Principal, Cherrissa Gibson.

Zachary Remus, a fifth grader at Edgewood Elementary School, is a winner this month at the elementary school level. Zack was nominated by Principal Stephanie Hultquist, who says that Zack shows the power of leadership on a weekly basis while serving as a team member of Edgewood’s Top Tiger Production Studio news crew. As an anchor, he contributes positively to school culture. Zack embodies leadership while acting as a student ambassador for Brain Train. He helps the staff daily, collaborating with teachers to set up, design, run, and assist students through various activities. He was also involved in leading the “United We Serve” MLK Day of Service, working with all ten elementary schools to gather donations for various community organizations.

A second honoree this month at the elementary level is Anna Nysse, who is in Kindergarten at Fallsington Elementary School. She was nominated by Cherie Lynne Kooker, Elizabeth Moratti, Anne Murray, Jennifer Baxter, Kristen Cahill, and Principal Vinny DePaola. They shared that Anna is a true leader in the classroom and a remarkable Kindergartener who inspires and leads others just by being herself. Anna acts as a leader by helping other students become accustomed to the school routine. On the playground, she sets the example for sportsmanship. She is encouraging to others and always patient. Anna is a true leader among her peers.

Zaki Ali is a seventh grader at Pennwood Middle School who was nominated by teacher, Michele Becknell. In her nomination, she shared

PHS art teacher, Abby Cramer, commented on this digital photo by student Dylan Stein: “She did a nice job using contrast and shallow

depth of field to make the flowers stand out” in this photo takenfor a “Signs of Spring” assignment.

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10 MAY 2020 • PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT • FALLSINGTON, PA www.pennsburysd.org

District HigHligHts report

Instrumental Music Curriculum Coordinator, Frank Mazzeo, writes: “The following students successfully auditioned into the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association All-State festival: Jason Steiner, Sonya Benegal (principal chair), Jonathan Bywater, Cooper Corrigan, and Jacob Rea. This achievement now makes them eligible for All Easterns and All Nationals.” Congratulations to all!

STUDENTS SELECTED FORALL-STATE MUSIC FESTIVAL

that Zaki has been an integral member of Student Council’s Eco-Committee. He developed a website for students to share resources as they investigate alternative materials to use for lunch trays in the cafeteria. Zaki leads his classmates confidently and shares announcements with his homeroom. He created a survey to collect ideas about improving school socials. He also leads gym class by selecting suitable and appropriate music each day to motivate students as they play.

At the high school level, the LYFT award this month goes to Aashka Patel, who is a senior at Pennsbury High School. Aashka was nominated by teacher, Elizabeth Titano. Ms. Titano says that Aashka has been an active member of Student Council for four years, as well as being a member of many other groups. Nonetheless, she is able to find a balance among all of her activities and other responsibilities. She is a student to whom teachers turn when they need help, and she is willing to “go the extra mile” while helping to organize things like a dodgeball tournament and dances at PHS.

The 2019-2020 Character Builder of the Year award goes to Cherrissa Gibson, who was nominated by teacher, Cathy Costello. Ms. Costello shared that Ms. Gibson has worked extremely hard this year to support the PEACE Challenge, developing a detailed set of materials for teachers to use to reinforce the challenge in the classroom. She made sure that we can all integrate character-building into teaching, regardless of our different content and teaching styles. She looks for ways to improve character education, soliciting feedback and making changes, from professional development on SEL to the monthly “Building The Nest” assignments. When the COVID-19 shutdown occurred, Ms. Gibson took special care to ensure that the school did not lose its sense of community, acting as the school’s emotional leader. She takes character education extremely seriously and goes out of her way to make it not just a poster on the wall, but something that is truly important and central at PHS.

BOArD FACILITIES COMMITTEE5:00 p.m., June 4, 2020

THIS MEETING WILL BE CONDUCTED VIRTUALLY

BOArD EDuCATION COMMITTEE7:30 p.m., June 4, 2020

THIS MEETING WILL BE CONDUCTED VIRTUALLY

BOArD FINANCE/PArTNErSHIP COMMITTEE6:00 p.m., June 11, 2020

THIS MEETING WILL BE CONDUCTED VIRTUALLY

ACTION BOArD MEETINg7:30 p.m., June 18, 2020

THIS MEETING WILL BE CONDUCTED VIRTUALLY

Upcoming MEETINgS