Pennsbury School District 2017 Back-To-School Guide

Provided by the Pennsbury School District: 

The Pennsbury School District will open its doors for approximately 10,500 students on a staggered schedule as in past years. Beginning on Wednesday, August 30th, grades 1-5 in the elementary schools, grade 6 in the middle schools, and grade 9 at the high school will have their first full day of school. Then on Thursday, August 31st, grades 1-12 will report to school. This staggered opening will allow for full-day orientations for the incoming 6th and 9th grade students as they begin the school year in new buildings.

Kindergarten Orientation

All Kindergarten students will be accompanied by their parents or guardians on August 30th to attend a one-hour orientation session. These students will be divided into Groups A and B and attend school for the next two days in a staggered fashion. Group A will attend Kindergarten for a full day on Thursday, August 31st, while Group B remains home. On Friday, September 1st, Group B Kindergarteners will attend school for the full day while Group A students will remain home. On Tuesday, September 5th (following Labor Day on the 4th), ALL Kindergarten students will report to school together for the entire day.

Following is a brief summary of what’s new in Pennsbury this year:

New Administrators in Place

The Pennsbury Board of School Directors appointed Elizabeth Aldridge, M.Ed. to be the new Director of Pupil Services for the School District, effective July 6th. Ms. Aldridge, who served as Principal at Pennwood Middle School since 2015, replaced outgoing Director of Administrative Services, Sherwood Taylor, who retired from Pennsbury after 40 years.

“The search process that led to the selection of Ms. Aldridge included many stakeholders representing various roles in our system,” said Pennsbury Superintendent, William J. Gretzula, Ed.D. “These included School Directors, administrators, professional and support staff members, as well as parents from the school community. She won everyone over in each round of interviews.”

As the Director of Pupil Services, Ms. Aldridge reports to Dr. Gretzula and serves as a member of his cabinet. She is responsible for pupil registration and accounting, attendance and truancy, nursing services, and also serves as the liaison for local police and prevention services. The Pupil Services department also handles census data, registration for free and reduced meal eligibility, safe schools grants, and student transcripts, among other duties.

Ms. Aldridge took the helm at Pennwood Middle School after 12 years as an administrator in the Pennsbury School District. “In addition to serving as Principal, she has been a strong team leader during the two-year, $44 million renovation now underway at Pennwood,” said Dr. Gretzula.

Ms. Aldridge began her career as a high school English teacher and then as an Assistant Principal at Pennsbury High School. Among other duties as an Assistant Principal, she served as the administrative liaison for the renovation of the PHS West campus. Ms. Aldridge also helped to coordinate the unification of the high school campus. She later assumed supervision for the District’s school counselors K-12 while continuing as an Assistant Principal at PHS.

In 2010, Ms. Aldridge was selected to become the Principal of Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School, where she served for five years. During her time there, the school underwent a $12.9 million renovation and celebrated its 50th anniversary. Ms. Aldridge provided leadership through the redistricting of Pennsbury students in 2013, which increased the elementary school’s size to become the largest elementary school in Pennsbury. The school also welcomed the Pre-K Counts program, as well as classes for students with complex special needs.

Ms. Aldridge is a determined advocate for all students and a strong proponent of parent and community involvement. She believes that Pennsbury is fortunate to have “an amazingly dedicated teaching staff and wonderful families who support teachers’ efforts.”

Ms. Aldridge holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education from the University of Scranton, a Master of Science in Instructional Technology from Philadelphia University, and Principal’s Certification from the University of Pennsylvania’s Leadership Program for Aspiring Principals. She has completed doctoral-level work in the Teaching, Learning and Curriculum program at the University of Pennsylvania and is currently enrolled in a doctoral program in Educational Leadership at Gwynedd-Mercy University.

Derek J. Majikas, M.Ed., who has served in his current role of Assistant Principal at Pennwood Middle School since 2008, stepped into an Acting Principal position at Pennwood when Ms. Aldridge moved to Central Administration. “With his years of administrative experience and familiarity with the ongoing renovation of Pennwood, this move allows us to maintain stability and continuity at the school during such a critical time,” said Dr. Gretzula. “We value the many contributions Mr. Majikas has made to date at Pennwood, and look forward to working with him on this next step of his leadership journey.”

Mr. Majikas earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master’s degree in Mathematics Education from the same university. His K-12 Administrative Certificate was obtained from Gwynedd-Mercy University. Prior to launching his administrative career in Pennsbury, Mr. Majikas taught mathematics at Pennsbury High School, where he also served as Math Department Chairperson.

Joining Mr. Majikas at Pennwood this school year is Acting Assistant Principal, Richard Rebh. Mr. Rebh has worked in Pennsbury for a total of 24 years in both teaching and administrative capacities. Since 2010, he has taught seventh and eighth grade language arts classes at Pennwood and also served as a basketball coach for both boys and girls. He also has extensive experience teaching at the elementary level, having worked at both Quarry Hill and Edgewood elementary schools since 1993, where he gained two years of administrative experience as Assistant to the Principal at both schools. Mr. Rebh has worked on numerous District-level projects and initiatives over the years, including the RELA Advisory Council, the Safe Schools Committee, the Domain Writing Committee, and the Pennsbury Partners Program.

Prior to joining Pennsbury, Mr. Rebh worked in the communications field. He served as Communications Director for the United Way of Princeton from 1990 to 1993, and as Communications Specialist for the NJ Credit Union League from 1988 to 1990. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Lehigh University, a Master’s degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Supervision from Rider University, and his Principal’s Certification, also from Rider.

David G. Schwind, M.Ed. was appointed to be the next Assistant Principal at Charles Boehm Middle School. Mr. Schwind will replace outgoing Assistant Principal, David Oppenheimer, who is retiring from the Pennsbury School District. Mr. Schwind has been serving as a seventh grade science teacher at Charles Boehm Middle School since 2015. Prior to that, he taught science at Pennsbury High School West from 2009-2015, and high school biology at University City High School in the School District of Philadelphia.

As an Assistant Principal at Charles Boehm Middle School, Mr. Schwind will report to Principal Ricci. Mr. Schwind holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rider University, a Master’s degree in Education from Cabrini College, and obtained his Principal’s Certification K-12 from the California University of Pennsylvania.

Five Task Forces

Several District initiatives are continuing from the 2016-2017 school year, and more are on the docket for 2017-2018.

Future Ready Technology Initiative

Last year, the District developed plans to provide universal access to tools for technology- enhanced learning. The emphasis this school year will be on the rollout of devices to secondary students and professional learning opportunities for staff.

Excellence and Equity

Developing cultural proficiencies will be the continuing focus of central-level and building-level leadership teams in terms of hiring, student placement, curriculum, instruction, and assessments. All areas will be viewed through an equity lens.

Middle School Scheduling

District leaders and stakeholders will continue the work that began last year to envision a schedule that best provides interdisciplinary learning opportunities while offering personalization for middle school students. An additional focus will be placed on the concept of advisory periods and the special area schedules.

Opioid Task Force/Mental Health Support

The following goals were developed by an internal task force and will serve as the foundation for
collective efforts this year:

• Deliver an evidence-based mental health curriculum
• Identify current K-12 resources
• Develop the most appropriate K-12 continuum
• Host a community forum for educational opportunities
• Provide staff training on recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental health issues
• Develop an elementary SAP process and review the secondary SAP process
• Enhance delivery of student support groups

PHS Educational Specifications

The focus of this work will center on engaging the administrative team, teacher-leaders, and the broader community in a dialogue about what is most desired for educational offerings in grades 9-12 in the future. Best practices will be explored and the formal process for developing “ed specs” will begin.

LYFT Pennsbury Character Award

In conjunction with Pennsbury’s ongoing character education initiative, special presentations will once again be made at the second School Board meeting every month to spotlight students who embody specific character assets at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. This recognition program, called the LYFT Pennsbury Character Award, is a partnership effort that joins the School District with the LYFT Community Coalition. LYFT is an acronym that represents all four Pennsbury municipalities joined together – Lower Makefield, Yardley, Falls, and Tullytown. Nominations for the first awards of the year, to be presented to students in October, will be accepted throughout the month of September. To learn more about this recognition program, call LYFT at (215) 949 1660 x 104, or email timp@uwbucks.org.

Pre-K Counts Program Continues

A grant-funded, pre-school program for three- and four-year-old children is continuing this year in the Pennsbury School District thanks to a joint effort between Pennsbury and the Morrisville YMCA. Known as the Pre-K Counts Program, these classroom sessions are being offered on a half-day basis, five days each week, for the full school year. Funded entirely by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), Pre-K Counts is open to children of families in Bucks County who meet eligibility guidelines. Children must be three or four years old by September 1st to participate. Spearheading this effort in Pennsbury is Walt Disney Elementary School Principal, Laurie Ruffing. “The Pre-K Counts Program benefits our community’s youngest learners to prepare them for a successful kindergarten experience,” said Ms. Ruffing. “We utilize Scholastic’s Big Day for PreK curriculum and certified teachers to help these children build skills needed for kindergarten. Ms. Ruffing welcomes calls from community residents who may be interested in learning more about the Pre-K Counts program. She may be reached at 215-949-6868, ext. 20815.

Pennwood Renovation in Second Year

With the first year already completed, here is a progress update for the two-year, $44 million renovation of Pennwood Middle School. Built as the first high school in Pennsbury and dedicated in 1951, Pennwood is known as a local landmark with great history dating back to the District’s earliest years. This is the building’s first major physical improvement.

Bids for the project were received from local construction firms in June, 2016, and the following month the Board authorized contracts in the amount of $34,520,555 issuing a Notice to Proceed on July 11, 2016. Following is an overview of the work completed thus far as well as projected phases that will conclude the renovation in the summer of 2018.

• Work to demolish the natatorium and install new electrical, storm water and sewer utilities under what will be the new bus loop was completed in November 2016.
• Work to replace the existing electrical and HVAC system in the building has been performed after school hours beginning in December 2016.
• Gym B and classroom renovations were completed and occupied on March 23, 2017.
• The new classroom addition was completed and occupied on May 4, 2017
• Renovation work in Gym A (new ceiling, bleachers, windows, lights, and HVAC) and auditorium (new seats, ceiling, flooring, HVAC, lights and wall upgrades) commenced May 8, 2017 and is expected to be completed in September.
• Existing classroom renovations (new windows, floors, ceilings, LED lights and HVAC )in groups of six classrooms at a time commenced in May 2017 and will continue through the summer of 2018.
• When school ended in June, an intensive renovation started to construct the new administration offices, guidance suite, Family & Consumer Science classrooms, Band and Choral classrooms, and Applied Engineering/Technology Education classrooms. This work is expected to be ready for the start of school in the fall.
• A new parent driveway, parking lot, and new visitor lot are being constructed during the summer of 2017. The parking lot on Makefield Road will be removed.
• Exterior improvements underway include new windows for the entire building, a new roof, masonry restoration, modest improvements to the original clock tower, and the cleaning of the William Penn monument.
• The Student Dining Room and Library will receive renovations in the summer of 2018.
• The project is seeking to achieve a LEED Gold Level Certification from the United States Green Building Council.

The School Directors appointed D’Huy Engineering to oversee the construction process throughout the two-year renovation.

Food Service in Pennsbury

Nationwide, all schools participating in the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program are required to offer meals that meet nutrition standards set by the USDA. The number one priority of Pennsbury School District’s food service program is to provide high quality, delicious, and nutritious food.

Pennsbury’s provider of dining services – The Nutrition Group – offers a wide selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, light and fat-free dressings, whole grains, and a variety of entrée choices daily. More information about The Nutrition Group is available online at www.pennsburysd.org > Food Services.

Pennsbury parents and guardians continue to have the capability to provide online payment for their students’ cafeteria transactions as well as to view their child(ren)’s meal/snack selections and add comments or restrictions online. Please visit www.schoolcafe.com to access this system. In addition, the School District encourages all parents and guardians whose students qualify for free and reduced meals to apply online at www.paschoolmeals.com.

NEW THIS YEAR: Parents and guardians will have access to cafeteria menus through an app called Nutrislice. This may be downloaded right to a mobile device and allows patrons to view daily breakfast and lunch options, plus nutritional information that includes carb counts, allergens, and special events. Visit www.pennsbury.nutrislice.com on a mobile device to view the app or on a computer to view the website.

School Day Schedule

Elementary school students in grades K-5 will start at 9:00 a.m. and be dismissed at 3:40 p.m.

At the secondary level, orientation sessions are scheduled for students on the first day of school, as follows:

All three middle schools: The school day at this level ordinarily begins at 8:10 a.m. with daily dismissal at 2:55 p.m. August 30th, however, ONLY 6th grade students will report to school at the usual start time. On the following day, students in grades 6-8 will all attend during normal school hours.

Pennsbury High School: Normally, the high school day begins at 7:20 a.m. and ends at 2:15 p.m. On August 30th, ONLY 9th grade students will report to school at the usual start time. On the following day, all students in grades 9-12 will report at the normal starting time and be dismissed at 2:15 p.m.