2022 - 2023
FAMILY - SCHOOL
HANDBOOK
A National
School District
of Character
NOTE: Scheduled events reflected on this calendar may change due to weather or other circumstances.
Please refer to the calendar tab at www.pennsburysd.org for possible updates.
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MISSION STATEMENT
Recognizing our proud traditions and diverse community, the Pennsbury School District prepares all students to become
creative, ethical, and critical thinkers for lifelong success in a global society.
FAMILY - SCHOOL HANDBOOK
2022 - 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Letter from the Superintendent ............................................................................................................. 4
Pennsbury Board of School Directors ................................................................................................... 6
Associate Student Representatives ....................................................................................................... 7
PTO Presidents 2022-2023 .................................................................................................................. 7
Central Administration.......................................................................................................................... 7
School Hours ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Emergency School Closing .................................................................................................................. 8
School Board Policies .......................................................................................................................... 8
Student Services ................................................................................................................................. 9
Volunteering in Pennsbury Schools .....................................................................................................12
Progress Reports ...............................................................................................................................13
Report Periods ...................................................................................................................................13
Home Access Center ..........................................................................................................................13
Web Services .....................................................................................................................................13
1:1 Chromebook Initiative ...................................................................................................................13
Tutoring Services ...............................................................................................................................14
Pennsylvania State Assessments ........................................................................................................14
Release of Information ........................................................................................................................16
Educational Equity ..............................................................................................................................16
Special Education ...............................................................................................................................16
Transportation ....................................................................................................................................17
Food Services ....................................................................................................................................19
Title VI, IX, Sections 503 & 504 ...........................................................................................................21
ESEA Title I ........................................................................................................................................21
Technical High School ........................................................................................................................21
Cable Television .................................................................................................................................21
Photography, ID and Interview Clearances ...........................................................................................22
Student Accident Insurance .................................................................................................................22
Community School .............................................................................................................................22
Community Swim & Aquatics ..............................................................................................................22
Gold Cards for Senior Citizens .............................................................................................................23
Counseling Resources & Hotlines for Urgent Circumstances ................................................................24
Annual Notifications ............................................................................................................................24
CHIP Health Care Coverage Information ...............................................................................................25
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Dear Pennsbury Families,
Thank you for taking the time to review the material presented on these pages.
The intent of this handbook is to provide information that can serve as a strong
foundation for important home-school partnerships. Thank you for the trust you
have placed in the school district to develop your children’s academic, social, and
emotional skills.
We have been busy over the summer preparing our curriculum, buildings, and
grounds for the return of over 9,750 students. On August 29, we will welcome
back students in grades K, 6 & 9 for a full-day orientation. Schools reopen for all
students on August 30. As we get ready to kick off a new school year, I would like
to share a few quick highlights:
• Student Schedules, Team, and Teacher Assignments- On Thursday, August 18,
PHS student schedules and elementary teacher assignments will be available in
PowerSchool. On the evening of Aug. 22, middle school homeroom and team
assignments will be available in PowerSchool. Transportation information will be sent prior to the start of school.
This is a change in procedure from previous years.
• PowerSchool Login Information - You should have received an email from our IT department on August 8 with
specific instructions explaining how to access PowerSchool. A follow-up email will be sent on the evening
of August 16. If you still need assistance accessing your PowerSchool account, contact: parenttechhelp@
pennsburysd.org or call 215-428-4117.
• COVID Updates - We will return to normal operations when students and staff return to school. We will provide any
COVID-related updates as necessary.
• New building entrance procedures - All schools will be utilizing a new system to track visitors. You must have a
photo ID with you if you plan to visit any school.
• New Website - Our website has been updated and contains a lot of useful information.
• School Calendars - The Board has approved calendars for the next 5 school years. You can find the 2022-23
calendar and all other Pennsbury calendars here.
• Ask Penny - Have a question about Pennsbury? Don’t trust the rumors, Ask Penny, and we will get you the answer:
[email protected] or 215-428-4100 x “Penny” (73669).
Thank you for your support of Pennsbury over the years. It is a privilege to serve as your superintendent of schools,
and I am grateful to the Pennsbury Board of Directors for their efforts to support our mission. Pennsbury is truly a
unique district that is justifiably proud of our successes. I wish you and your children a great school year.
Sincerely,
Thomas A. Smith, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Pennsbury School District
LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Thomas A. Smith, Ed.D.
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MORE BACK TO SCHOOL INFORMATION
In addition to our work to improve the district’s academic programs, there are a number of equally important updates
to our district programs that I would like to share with you as we prepare to return to school. More detailed information
regarding each item will be shared throughout the year. In the interim, please take note of the following:
Mindfulness - Beginning in September, all district classrooms will start the day with a “Mindfulness Minute.”
During this minute, there will be no announcements made, no technology used, or talking among staff or students.
Research has shown that even a short time to “reset” at the beginning of the day can improve cognitive outcomes,
socio-emotional skills, and general well-being. In addition, schools practicing daily quiet times have reported a
decrease in negative student behaviors. As part of our own research, we will be reviewing our student discipline data at
the end of the school year.
School Start Times - The Pennsbury School District has identified changing the high school start time as a goal to
improve the physical and mental health of our students. There is a great deal of evidence that supports the academic
and mental health benefits of later start times. Details will be shared over the course of the fall.
Student Wellness Programming - An important component of a Pennsbury education is our commitment to
developing the “whole child.” We have partnered with the Council of South Eastern Pennsylvania to help deliver
programs and services to our students in grades K-12. You can view our newly developed Framework for Character,
Culture & Wellness to see our plan to support our students, PreK-12.
Parent/Family Academy - This year, we are starting a new program, the Pennsbury Parent Academy. The Parent
Academy is offered FREE to parents to promote continued collaboration between families, schools, and the community.
The Parent Academy offers a series of workshops and events aimed at helping families stay engaged with their child’s
academic and social success. Families who attend Parent Academy activities will gain invaluable knowledge - from
preparing their kindergarteners for the first day of school to choosing the right classes to equip them to graduate from
high school.
Sustainability/Green School Efforts - We are establishing a district Green Team to research and share best practices,
highlight our accomplishments and challenge ourselves to incorporate sustainability in all aspects of our school
district operations. We are working to reduce our carbon footprint by reducing our use of paper and printer toner
and increasing the use of green cleaning products. We are also committing to turning off lights and powering down
projectors and computers when they are not in use.
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PENNSBURY BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
August 2022
Action Board Meetings:
August 18
september 2022
Action Board Meeting:
September 15
OctOber 2022
Action Board Meeting:
October 20
NOvember 2022
Action Board Meeting:
November 17
December 2022
Action Board Meetings:
December 1 & 15
JANuAry 2023
Action Board Meeting:
January 19
FebruAry 2023
Action Board Meeting:
February 16
mArch 2023
Action Board Meeting:
March 16
April 2023
Action Board Meeting:
April 20
mAy 2023
Action Board Meeting:
May 18
JuNe 2023
Action Board Meeting:
June 15
MEETING DATES:
Normally, the Pennsbury School Board
holds its monthly public meeting at
7:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of
the month in the multi-purpose room
at Fallsington Elementary School.
Please see the meeting schedule for
2022-2023 on this page. Additional
special meetings may be scheduled
as necessary. Dates of Board Action
and Committee meetings are posted
on the Pennsbury website, www.
pennsburysd.org, advertised in
the Bucks County Courier Times,
posted on all Pennsbury social
media channels (Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram), and on the bulletin board in the Fallsington Administration Building. All board meeting
agendas and minutes can be found on BoardDocs.
Board Action and Special Meetings: Members of the public may address the Board for up to five
minutes during public comment sections of meetings on agenda and non-agenda items. Up to 90
minutes have been set aside for public participation. This comment period may be extended with
concurrence of the School Board. The opportunity to comment during the public comment session
will be open to all. Priority will be given to the following stakeholders: (a) residents of the School
District; (b) School District taxpayers; (c) Representative of a company that is a School District
taxpayer; (d) Employees of the District; and (e) Parents/students of the District. All individuals wishing
to comment shall, prior to the start of the meeting, register on a form and will include their name,
municipality, and business affiliation, if applicable. One form will be for stakeholders and a second
form for anyone else who wishes to address the Board. Any person speaking during the public
comments session shall state their name. If commenting on behalf of a company as a taxpayer, then
the speaker shall also state the name of the company and the fact that they are speaking on behalf
of the company. Members of the public may not cede their five minutes of participation time to other
persons. The Board president will call speakers to the microphone in sign-in sheet order. Comments
that become obscene will be ended immediately. At the conclusion of this public comment period, the
School Board may respond to public comments or direct the Superintendent to do so. The Board may
also opt to take the matter up at a future meeting so that the district administration can research the
matter. Written correspondence may be sent to the School Board via the Superintendent or sent to the
Board Secretary at this address: 134 Yardley Avenue, P.O. Box 338, Fallsington, PA 19058-0338.
(Top row, l-r) TR Kannan (President), Gary Sanderson
(Vice President), Linda Palsky (Assistant Secretary), Dr. Jeannine Delwiche, and
Lois Lambing
(Bottom row, l-r) Jim Prokopiak, Dr. Joanna Steere, Chip Taylor, and Joshua
Waldorf.
Not pictured: Student Reps Gavin Kuebler and Samuel Hayden Massengill
TR Kannan ............................President ..................... (Region 1) ......... [email protected]
Linda Palsky .........................Assistant Secretary .....(Region 3) ............. [email protected]
Lois Lambing ........................Board Member.............(Region 1) ...........[email protected]
Dr. Joanna Steere ................Board Member.............(Region 3) ............. [email protected]
Chip Taylor ...........................Board Member.............(Region 2) ............. [email protected]
Joshua Waldorf ....................Board Member.............(Region 1) ........... [email protected]
See page 8 for further information on the School Board and School Board Policies.
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ASSOCIATE STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES
The Board of School Directors recognizes that the students attending the Pennsbury School District are their most important concern. The
Board established the position of Associate Student Representative to provide a communication link between itself and the student body.
The Board will appoint two representatives each year to serve as non-voting members. The representative shall:
1. Possess a genuine interest in and devotion to education at Pennsbury, a willingness to give time and effort to the work, a capacity for
understanding people, and the ability to work cooperatively with others.
2. Be willing to attend all regular meetings, discuss items presented on the agenda, and suggest other items for consideration.
3. Be nonpartisan in dealing with school matters and not subordinate the education of children and youth to any partisan principle,
group interest or personal ambition.
4. Exhibit personal integrity, intelligence, and appreciation of good education.
PTO PRESIDENTS 2022-2023
Becky Bryson ................................................... Afton Elementary School
Lauren Haque, Jennifer Murr-Palsgrove ............. Edgewood Elementary School
Megan Esmonde-Bogan, Kate Werth ................. Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School
Jodi Kwasniewski ............................................. Fallsington Elementary School
Gabriella Obermeier-Price ................................. Makefield Elementary School
Michelle Johnson ............................................. Manor Elementary School
Kelly Dugan ...................................................... Oxford Valley Elementary School
Karen Sabo ...................................................... Penn Valley Elementary School
Michelle Fish, Kristin Wiegand ........................... Quarry Hill Elementary School
Dana Brown-Whitworth ..................................... Walt Disney Elementary School
Lauren Stout..................................................... Charles Boehm Middle School
Hilary Walp....................................................... Pennwood Middle School
Lisa Ulman ....................................................... William Penn Middle School
Carolyn Fogel ................................................... Pennsbury High School
Superintendent, Thomas A. Smith, Ed.D ................................................................................................................ 215-428-4110
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum & Instruction, Theresa Ricci, Ed.D. .......................................................... 215-428-4197
Chief Financial Officer, Christopher M. Berdnik ...................................................................................................... 215-428-4114
Director of Elementary Education, Michele A. Spack ............................................................................................. 215-428-4199
Director of Human Resources, Professional Development, & Equity, Cherrissa M. Gibson, Ed.D. ....... 215-428-4100, ext. 10007
Director of Facilities, George Steill ........................................................................................................................ 215-428-4162
Director of Financial Services, Kimberly Steffy ...................................................................................................... 215-428-4127
Director of Special Education, Regina Rausch ....................................................................................................... 215-428-4186
Acting Director of Student Services, Laurie Ruffing ............................................................................................... 215-428-4181
Director of Technology, Timothy McCleary ............................................................................................................ 215-428-4116
Director of Transportation, Milagro Aleman ........................................................................................................... 215-428-4165
Supervisor of Public Relations, Jennifer Neill ........................................................................................................ 215-428-4178
CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION
Athletics Coordinator & Assistant Principal-PHS, Lou Sudholz .............................................................................. 215-949-6862
Food Service Director (The Nutrition Group), Ashley Belcher Dowd.....................................................215-949-6740, ext. 18202
KidsCare, Debbie & Charlie Stough ......................................................................................................................... 215-230-3445
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SCHOOL HOURS
NORMAL SCHOOL HOURS OPEN CLOSED
Pennsbury High School 7:20 a.m. 2:15 p.m.
All Middle Schools 8:10 a.m. 2:55 p.m.
All Elementary Schools 9:00 a.m. 3:40 p.m.
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING - NORMAL SCHOOL HOURS
It is the policy of the Pennsbury School District to operate every day that children can be transported safely. If it is necessary to close
school, notice will be posted as follows:
Weather conditions may be such that a delayed opening of two or three hours will be necessary. Notification of a delayed opening will
be communicated in the same manner as a school closing. Buses will arrive at stops two or three hours later than usual and school will
begin two or three hours later.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE REFER TO THE EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING TAB ON THE PENNSBURY SCHOOL DISTRICT
WEB SITE.
SCHOOL BOARD POLICIES
To view the full set of School Board Policies on the District website, click here.
Among those indexed online are many policies of interest to families, such as those that concern school volunteerism, student wellness,
cafeteria accounts, and use of electronic resources, to name a few.
A school district is the local organization of the Pennsylvania State Department of Education and functions within the legislation and
constitutional mandates of the state. The nine members of the School Board, also known as School Directors, are elected by a majority
of the district’s citizens to operate the school system. Although elected locally, they are unpaid state officials and representatives of the
legislature, charged with the responsibility of creating school policies and conducting the business of the school district. The authority
vested in them by the state is effective only when they act in a body as the Board, and an individual member has no authority to make
decisions or promises that are binding on the Board. It is the responsibility of the Board to establish School Board Policies which are
implemented by the administration.
DELAYED
OPENING
SCHEDULE
2 hr. Delay 3 hr. Delay
Pennsbury High School ............................ 9:20 a.m. ..................................10:20 a.m.
Middle Schools ....................................... 10:10 a.m. .................................11:10 a.m.
Elementary Schools ................................ 11:00 a.m. .................................12:00 p.m.
The following radio and television stations will also
announce Pennsbury by name if school is closed:
RADIO: WBCB-1490AM, WPST-94.5FM
TELEVISION: CBS-3, NBC-10, 6-ABC, and FOX-29
SECONDARY NOTIFICATIONOFFICIAL NOTIFICATION
• Automated calling system
• Online: www.pennsburysd.org
• Text @psdalerts to 81010 for District Remind messaging
• Official Pennsbury Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
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STUDENT SERVICES
RegistRation foR enRollment
Registration of all new students entering Pennsbury will be accomplished centrally. Parents/guardians may begin to register online.
Parents/guardians should consult the Student Registration page on the School District website, or call the office of the Director of Student
Services at 215-428-4100 to confirm all necessary paperwork for registration, including, but not limited to, birth certificate, immunization
records, proof of residency, and any available previous school records.
KindeRgaRten
The kindergarten experience is a most valuable one and contributes greatly to each child’s personal and social development. Pupils
may enroll in kindergarten if they will be five years of age on or before September 1st of the current school year. Parents/guardians
must present the child’s birth certificate or other acceptable documentation along with proof of immunization requirements and proof of
residence. Information concerning immunizations can be obtained from any school nurse or on the Nursing Services page of the School
District website.
Children who have not attended kindergarten may enroll in first grade, if they will be six years of age on or before September 1st of the
current year. Parents/guardians must present the child’s birth certificate, proof of immunization, and proof of residence for admittance to
school.
continued...
2022-2023 school YeaR and BeYond:
K - 5 years old by September 1 • 1st - 6 years old by September 1
Please call Student Services at 215-428-4100 for more information.
KINDERGARTEN AND 1
ST
GRADE ENROLLMENT
attendance
According to the School Laws of Pennsylvania, all absences are unexcused or illegal except for the following reasons: illness of the
student; death in the immediate family; quarantine; religious holidays; and other urgent reasons which directly affect the child. The parent
or guardian must, by law, present an excuse for each absence within 3 school days. The school administration may request that absences
be verified by a medical professional if the absences are considered excessive.
Students must submit evidence of required immunization according to Pennsylvania Department of Health regulations prior to
attendance in any school within the Commonwealth. At this time, the COVID-19 immunization is not a requirement for school-age
children.
RaptoR VisitoR management sYstem
The Pennsbury School District is now using the RAPTOR Visitor Management System. Raptor enhances school safety by reading a
visitor’s identification, comparing the information against a sex offender database, alerting campus administrators if a match is found or (if
no match was made) printing a visitor badge that includes a photo, name of visitor, and time and date of the visit. All visitors and guests to
the school should be scanned into the system. PSD employees with a district-issued ID badge do not need to be scanned.
school and classRoom Visitation BY paRents and guaRdians
The Administration and faculty welcome and encourage visits to school by parents or guardians of students. All requests for classroom
visitations must be scheduled in advance with the school principal. The principal will seek to arrange a mutually-convenient time. It is
essential to minimize disruption to the educational program. An individual principal shall have the authority to prohibit entry of any person
to the school. If, in the judgment of the school principal, the possibility exists for a classroom visitation to be disruptive or to interfere with
the educational setting, they may deny permission. The school principal or their designee shall accompany any visitor during classroom
visitations. Classroom visitors may not interfere in any way with classroom activities during visitations. No visitor shall be allowed to
photograph or videotape any person or any part of any building or to tape record any conversation of any kind without prior approval by the
school principal and the Superintendent.
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continued...
STUDENT SERVICES (continued)
homeBound instRuction
Students who are ill and cannot attend school and will be absent three weeks or more may secure forms for homebound instruction by
sending a written request to the Student Services department. The required documentation, including a parent/guardian request form and
two doctors’ statements that the child should receive homebound instruction, will be mailed to the parent/guardian after the written request
is received. This service is provided by the School District.
tRansfeR fRom distRict
If a child is moving from the District, the parent/guardian should notify the school of the date the child is moving and the name and address
of the new school he/she will be attending, if it is known, so that a transfer card may be prepared for the student. Parents/guardians of
secondary students should call the guidance office at the school of attendance with this information.
leaVing school
Pennsylvania law requires attendance in school until the student becomes 18 years of age. If a student is considering the possibility of
leaving school, they should see the counselor in the Guidance Office as soon as possible.
WoRKing papeRs (onlY foR the state of pennsYlVania)
Pennsylvania State Law requires every person under 18 years of age to obtain an employment certificate before working in an
establishment or occupation. (Newspaper carriers, domestic helpers and farm workers are exempt.) The required papers may be secured
through the Pennsbury School District by taking the following steps:
1. Contact the Student Services Office in the Administration Building in Fallsington for a “Promise of Employment Certificate.” Be sure
to bring your birth certificate with you.
2. Complete the necessary requirements on the Promise: signed by parent/guardian in the presence of a district representative;
the student must be present when the permit is issued to sign the completed document.
3. 14 through 17-year-old students may obtain a Transferable Work Permit which may be used for every change of jobs until
graduation from high school.
Visit the Student Services page of the School District Website for more information.
health seRVices
All parents/guardians of children attending the Pennsbury schools are urged to follow health regulations carefully to help control infectious
and contagious diseases during the school term. In the event of illness, it is requested the teacher be notified.
If a student suffers a chronic physical ailment about which members of the Health Department should know in order to increase the
efficiency of their work with the students, notice should be given to the school nurse in the building which the child attends.
Any student requiring an adjustment in program because of a physical condition must always present a written request from their parent/
guardian for such an adjustment. The request should state the nature of the condition and the length of time an adjustment in program is
necessary. In cases requiring continuous adjustment in the student’s program for periods of a week or more, a written statement from a
physician should be presented to the school nurse in the building which the child attends.
Tests for visual efficiency are done each year at any time on any child who presents signs of symptoms of eyestrain or faulty vision.
Parents/guardians are notified in the event that a deficiency is suspected.
Hearing tests are performed on the children in kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, middle and high school grades. Children who are suspected of
having faulty hearing are referred to their family physician for further study.
First aid supplies are placed in every building and are readily accessible in the event of an emergency. The services of a school nurse are
obtainable at all times.
Students with health problems may require medications in order to permit them to remain in school and function optimally in the school
setting. Prescription medications will be administered upon written order of a physician. The medication must be accompanied by a note
from the parent or legal guardian giving permission for the prescribed medication to be administered. A prescription label must accompany
each drug and must include the following: prescription number, date of prescription, student’s name, name of drug, directions for
administration, name of physician prescribing the medication and name of the drug store that filled the prescription.
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STUDENT SERVICES (continued)
(This information is included on the prescription label from the drug store.) All medications sent from home must be kept in the nurse’s
office, in a locked cabinet or drawer, and be administered in that office.
It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to make arrangements for a student who needs to be transported home during school
hours because of injury or illness. In cases of extreme medical emergencies, the District will contact the nearest ambulance service
as well as the parents/guardians in order to facilitate immediate care.
homeless families: mcKinneY-Vento act infoRmation
The McKinney-Vento Act defines homeless children and youth as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime
residence. This definition also includes:
• Children and youth who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason
• Children and youth who may be living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, shelters
• Children and youth who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a
regular sleeping accommodation for human beings
• Children and youth who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations,
or similar settings, or
• Migratory children who qualify as homeless because they are children who are living in similar circumstances listed above
SCHOOL ENROLLMENT
In accordance with the McKinney-Vento Action, the Pennsbury School District will immediately enroll the homeless child or
unaccompanied youth in school, even if the child or youth lacks records normally required for enrollment, such as previous academic
records, medical records, proof of residency or other documentation. Please contact our homeless liaison, Laurie Ruffing, at the number
below for more information.
BASIC EDUCATION CIRCULAR ON HOMELESSNESS
https://www.education.pa.gov/Policy-Funding/BECS/uscode/Pages/EducationforHomelessYouth.aspx
HOMELESS LIAISON
Laurie Ruffing, Acting Director of Student Services
215-428-4181
RESOURCES
National Center for Homeless Education
Family Service Association Resources for the Homeless
The School District does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, or handicap in
employment practices or in administration of any of its education programs and activities in accordance with applicable
federal statutes and regulations. EOE
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VOLUNTEERING IN PENNSBURY SCHOOLS
The well-being and safety of all students are a top priority in Pennsbury School District. Please be aware that parents/guardians
who volunteer in the school, and parents/guardians who volunteer to be a field trip chaperone must obtain prior background checks/
clearances in advance. This will be strictly enforced to comply with District Policy and ensure the safety of the children. We sincerely
appreciate your understanding and compliance with this policy. Volunteers are welcome in Pennsbury schools contingent upon the
current Health and Safety Plan in place.
hoW to oBtain BacKgRound cleaRances:
1. Act 34 Criminal Background Check: You may obtain this online at https://epatch.state.pa.us.
The fee for volunteers who work with children is waived effective July, 25, 2015. https://uenroll.identogo.com/
2. Act 151 Child Abuse History Clearance: You may obtain this online at https://www.compass.state.pa.us/CWIS.
The fee for volunteers who work with children is waived effective July, 25, 2015.
3. Prospective volunteers WHO HAVE NOT resided in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for 10 consecutive years, must also obtain
the FBI Clearance/Fingerprinting. Applications forms and instructions are available at https://uenroll.identogo.com/. Service Code-
1KG6Y3. The cost of the fingerprint service is $27.00. You must register prior to going to the fingerprinting location.
*A prospective volunteer is required to obtain only the Pennsylvania State criminal background and child abuse clearances, and is
not required to secure the above FBI/fingerprint clearance if, and only if, the following three conditions are met:
• The prospective volunteer is applying for an unpaid position;
• The prospective volunteer has been a resident of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania continuously for the prior ten (10) year period;
and
• The prospective volunteer swears or affirms in writing that the prospective volunteer has never been convicted of a disqualifying
crime in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or another state, district or foreign nation, or under a former law of the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania.
Please be aware that background/safety clearances may take four weeks or longer to obtain. If you are interested in being a
chaperone, please plan accordingly and obtain your paperwork early.
NOTE: Clearances will need to be renewed every 60 months (5 years).
Please see your individual school’s website to confirm the procedure for submitting volunteer clearances to the Building Principal.
Board Policy #916 on volunteering in the Pennsbury schools may be viewed here.
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PROGRESS REPORTS
The Pennsbury School District provides electronic reports of student progress to parents/guardians throughout the school year. Secondary
parents/guardians may access Canvas to monitor student performance and grades.
paRent/guaRdian-teacheR confeRences
It is hoped that these personal conferences will develop a close and friendly relationship between the school and the home which will
enable parents/guardians and teachers to work and plan together. This relationship will assure the best progress in development of
sequential skills necessary for success in school work. Conferences are scheduled as follows:
• Grades K-8 (Fall Conferences): Half day (PM) on November 21 and half day (PM) on November 22
• Grades K-8 (Spring Conferences): Half day (PM) on April 20
and full day on April 21
Your building principal will notify you of scheduled conference dates and times of early dismissal.
RepoRt caRds
Report cards are issued as follows:
• Kindergarten Report Cards: Marking periods 2, 3, & 4
• Grades 1-12: All four marking periods
REPORT PERIODS
Report periods end as follows*:
• FIRST – November 4, 2022
• SECOND – January 26, 2023
• THIRD – March 31, 2023
• FOURTH – June 14, 2023
* Dates may be adjusted if schools are closed.
POWERSCHOOL SIS
The Pennsbury School District is excited to announce the official launch of PowerSchool SIS. PowerSchool SIS is the new student
information that replaces HAC (Home Access Center.) Through PowerSchool, parents and students can access grades, attendance,
transportation, demographic data, and more. Parents will receive an invitation from the Pennsbury Technology Department on how to set
up their accounts. Students will access their accounts using their Google credentials. Please contact [email protected] for
assistance.
WEB SERVICES
Students are expected to use only web services approved by the Pennsbury School District, as described in the Student Code of Conduct.
The list of approved web services can be found on the Technology Department website.
1:1 CHROMEBOOK INITIATIVE
Students in grades 6-12 are eligible to participate in the District’s Chromebook program. In order to participate, students are required to
purchase a protection plan for their Chromebook. The annual cost of the protection plan is $40.00 (reduced to $15 for financial hardship).
This cost includes a case that is to be kept on the Chromebook at all times. This case serves as a means to personalize the device, as well
as protect it from damage.
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1:1 CHROMEBOOK INITIATIVE (continued)
The protection plan does NOT provide coverage for the loss of the Chromebook and/or its accessories, cosmetic damage, or damages
caused by intentional misuse and/or abuse. Parents/Guardians will be responsible for the full cost of replacement ($220.00) if it is
determined that damage has been caused by intentional abuse and/or misuse of the device is lost or stolen and $20.00 for a lost or
intentionally abused and/or misused charger.
This device will need to be returned upon graduation or withdrawing from the district.
The district has installed Internet filtering software that cannot be removed from the Chromebook. The district will solely determine what is
filtered. Please understand that it is impossible for the Pennsbury School District to restrict all potentially inappropriate materials, and by
signing the agreement you will not hold the District responsible for materials accessed with a District Chromebook.
More information on Pennsbury’s 1:1 Chromebook initiative is available here.
IMPORTANT: Please note that personal laptops and tablets will not be permitted for use by students during the school day.
TUTORING SERVICES
Tutoring services are available at no cost throughout the school year. Parents/guardians may contact their school counselor or Principal
for more information.
PENNSYLVANIA STATE ASSESSMENTS
Please try to avoid student absences during these times:
KEYSTONE EXAMS
January 4-18, 2023
PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL
Algebra I, Biology, Literature
ALL MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Students enrolled in Geometry
in Fall 2022 will take Algebra I
Keystone in January 2023
May 15-26, 2023
PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL
Algebra I, Biology, Literature
ALL MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Algebra I
PSSA TESTING WEEKS
April 24-28, 2023
English & Language Arts (Gr. 3-8)
May 1-12, 2023
Math (Gr. 3-8)
Science (Gr. 3-8)
Make-ups (all grades)
FAQ: PENNSYLVANIA STANDARDIZED TESTING IN PENNSBURY
pennsYlVania KeYstone exams
Q. What are the Keystone Exams?
The Keystone Exams are required end-of-course assessments designed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to evaluate
proficiency in Algebra 1, Biology, and Literature (English 10). All students must take each exam at least once. A student who does not
demonstrate proficiency on an exam will be retested. Pennsbury students must demonstrate proficiency on all three exams to graduate
or provide evidence to satisfy the requirements of at least one additional Pennsylvania graduation pathway.
Q. Who will participate in the Keystone assessments?
Students in grades 7-11 who are completing Algebra I, Algebra IB, English 10, and Biology will be assessed at the conclusion of the
course.
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PENNSYLVANIA STATE ASSESSMENTS (continued)
Q. When will the Keystones be administered?
Students enrolled in the aligned Keystone courses in the fall semester will take the assessment in January. Spring semester students
and middle school students will be given the test in May.
Q. How are the Keystone results reported?
Two copies of the individual student report for all Keystone Exams will be sent to the School District. One copy will be sent home to
parents/guardians; the other will be kept by the School District.
Q. May parents see the Keystone Exams?
Parents and guardians may review the Keystone Exams if they believe they may be in conflict with their religious beliefs by making
arrangements with the school Principal once the exams arrive at the school. Confidentiality agreements must be signed, and no copies
of the Keystone Exams or notes about exam questions will be permitted to leave the school. If, after reviewing the Keystone Exams,
parents or guardians do not want their child to participate in one or all of the exams due to a conflict with their religious beliefs, they
may write to the School District Superintendent prior to the beginning of the exam(s) to request to excuse their child from the exam(s).
Q. Which students take the assessments?
English & Language Arts and Mathematics – Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8
Science – Grades 4 and 8
For information on how PSSA results are reported and whether parents may see the exams, please refer to the section above on
Keystone Exams. The same information applies to the PSSAs.
ENGLISH & LANGUAGE ARTS (ELA) AND MATHEMATICS (Grades 3-8)
Q. What types of questions are on the assessments?
Students respond to three types of questions: multiple-choice, selected-response (reading only), and constructed-response. In a
multiple-choice question, the correct answer is chosen from four options. Selected-response questions in ELA have two parts, and
students select one or more answers for each part. Constructed-response questions require students to compose their responses.
These include open-ended questions in mathematics and short-answer questions in ELA, as well as text-dependent analysis questions
in ELA. Short-answer questions require students to compose a brief response to support their answer, while open-ended questions
generally require students to provide a greater level of detail in support of their answer (such as showing or describing the steps
performed to complete a calculation). For the text-dependent analysis question, students analyze a text and use evidence from the
passage to compose an essay.
Q. What is assessed in ELA?
The ELA assessment addresses two major reporting categories that encompass the reading process. Students read a number of
passages from both fictional and nonfictional genres and respond to questions about these passages. By answering these questions,
students indicate both their comprehension and reading skills and their analysis and interpretation of fictional and nonfictional text.
Students are assessed in writing skills on the ELA assessment, as well.
Q. What is assessed in mathematics?
The mathematics assessment addresses five major reporting categories. The proportion of items in each reporting category varies by
grade level. As a part of the assessment of Reporting Category A, Numbers and Operations, students respond to a section of items in
which a calculator is not permitted. Open-ended items require the students to show all of their work (calculations, graphs, drawings,
etc.) and to explain in writing how they solved the problems.
SCIENCE (Grades 4 and 8)
Q. What is assessed in science?
The science assessment addresses the four major reporting categories: The Nature of Science, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences,
and Earth and Space Sciences. The proportion of items devoted to each reporting category varies by grade level.
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RELEASE OF INFORMATION
School districts are required by law to release secondary school students’ names, addresses, and telephone listings to military recruiters
and institutions of higher education. If you do not want the above information provided to military recruiters and institutions of higher
education, you must submit a written request to the high school principal’s office prior to the start of the 2022-2023 school year.
Otherwise, the School District is required to release this information to the appropriate agencies. If you have any questions, please contact
the high school principal at 215-949-6700 (East) or 215-949-6780 (West).
EDUCATIONAL EQUITY
The Pennsbury School District is committed to fostering an inclusive educational environment that understands, respects, and embraces
individual differences as assets that serve to enhance our school community. For more information, visit the department website here.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
attention paRents/guaRdians – impoRtant infoRmation
PROGRAMS FOR ELIGIBLE OR PROTECTED HANDICAPPED STUDENTS
In compliance with state and federal law, notice is hereby given by the Pennsbury School District that it conducts ongoing identification
activities as a part of its school program for the purpose of identifying students who may be in need of special education and related
services (eligible students). If your child is identified by the District as possibly in need of such services, you will be notified of applicable
procedures. Individualized services and programs are available for children who are determined to need specially designed instruction due
to the following conditions:
1. Autism/pervasive development disorder
2. Blindness or visual impairment
3. Deafness or hearing impairment
4. Mentally gifted
5. Intellectual disability
6. Multiple disabilities
7. Traumatic brain injury
8. Other health impairments
9. Orthopedic impairment
10. Emotional disturbance
11. Specific learning disability
12. Speech and language impairment
13. Deaf-blindness
If you believe that your school-age child may be in need of special education services and related programs, you may request an
evaluation at any time, whether or not your child is enrolled in the District’s public school program. Requests for evaluation are to be made
in writing to the Director of Special Education or to one of the Special Education Supervisors.
If you believe that your young child (age 3 years to school-age) may be in need of early intervention services, you may request evaluation
processes designed to assess the needs of your child and to determine their eligibility. These services would be available to you at no cost
and are accessed through the local Intermediate Unit. For further information, contact the District Director of Special Education.
Confidentiality: All information gathered about your child is subject to the confidentiality provisions contained in federal and state law.
The District has policies and procedures in effect governing the collection, maintenance, destruction and disclosure to third parties of this
information. For information about these policies and procedures, as well as rights of confidentiality and access to educational records,
you may contact in writing the person named above or any building principal.
Rights of handicapped students annual notice to paRents/guaRdians
In compliance with state and federal law, the Pennsbury School District will provide to each protected handicapped student without
discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aids, services or accommodations which are needed to provide equal
opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate
to the student’s abilities. In order to qualify as a protected handicapped student the child must be of school age with a physical or mental
disability which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program.
These services and protections for “protected handicapped students” are distinct from those applicable to all eligible or exceptional
students enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education programs.
continued...
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SPECIAL EDUCATION (continued)
For further information on the evaluation procedures and provision of services to protected handicapped students, contact the following:
special education supervisor, school principal, or guidance counselor.
Rights of mentallY gifted students
Special Education for Gifted students is a Pennsylvania mandate program under Chapter 16 of the PA School Code. Procedural safeguards
are followed as defined in Chapter 16. The Pennsbury School District conducts a multi-criteria evaluation to determine eligibility for
specialized instruction. Parents/guardians may request an evaluation if they believe their child to be mentally gifted.
Further information is available upon request from the Director of Elementary Education by calling 215-428-4199.
TRANSPORTATION
The Pennsbury Board of School Directors provides transportation to and from school for all public, private, and parochial students.
elementaRY students
Students in Grades K-5 shall be transported to and from school if they:
1. Live more than 1.0 mile from school.
2. Live 1.0 mile or less from school but have hazardous walking conditions.
middle school students
Students in Grades 6-8 shall be transported to and from school if they:
1. Live more than 1.5 miles from school.
2. Live 1.5 miles or less from school but have hazardous walking conditions.
high school students
Students in Grades 9-12 shall be transported to and from school if they:
1. Live more than 1.8 miles from school.
2. Live 1.8 miles or less from school but have hazardous walking conditions.
The above eligibility guidelines may not apply to children with special needs. Transportation for these students will be provided in
accordance with their individual education plans.
School bus stops are located at street corners or locations that are safe, accessible, and centralized for resident students attending
all schools serviced by the Pennsbury Transportation Department. The existence of hazardous walking conditions will be taken into
consideration when determining bus stop locations. The absence of sidewalks in an area does not automatically create a hazardous
walking condition. Although only PennDOT can officially designate a street as “hazardous,” the administration will evaluate walking routes
from time to time to determine if they present hazardous conditions.
If, after two consecutive weeks there are no students at a designated bus stop, the bus will no longer go to that stop.
BuspatRol
Pennsbury School District has partnered with Bus Patrol to equip its entire fleet of 121 buses with automated enforcement technology
to reduce the rate that motorists illegally pass stopped school buses. BusPatrol will equip every bus in Pennsbury School District’s fleet
with AI-powered stop-arm cameras to detect and capture the license plate of vehicles that ignore school bus stopping laws. Video data
is shared with law enforcement to review and issue citations to educate motorists on the school bus stopping law and the presence
of automated enforcement technology. PA state law requires motorists to stop at least 10 feet away from school buses with red lights
flashing and stop-arm extended. Drivers must stop for a school bus approaching in any direction to allow children to enter and exit the bus
safely. A violation for a driver captured by the stop-arm camera will result in a $300 fine. The technology, installation, and maintenance are
provided at zero cost to the school district through the violator-funded program.
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TRANSPORTATION (continued)
Children should be informed of the following:
A. Students are asked to be at designated bus stops at least five minutes prior
to scheduled bus arrival times and to respect private property surrounding
the stops.
B. Students must obey the bus driver and abide by the rules that are posted on
each bus (see itemized list of rules contained in this section).
C. Parents/guardians are requested not to ask that their children ride other than
their regularly-assigned bus. If you desire your child to leave the bus at other
than his/her assigned stop, a written note must be furnished to the driver and
the principal.
D. Children should be advised not to get off their bus at a stop other than their
own (unless a written note is furnished, as stated in item C. If a bus stop is unfamiliar to them or if they are accustomed to being
met at the stop and no one is there for them, they should advise the driver and they will take appropriate actions.
E. School bus transportation is a privilege, not a right. Student misbehavior may result in a suspension from the bus.
Late Bus transportation is provided at the secondary level for after-school activities such as academic enrichment, band practice, play
practice, and athletics. Late Buses are designated to go to various areas in the District, and the drop-off points are more general in scope
(the stops do not always coincide with the students’ regularly-assigned bus stops). Students entering the Late Bus should ask the driver
where the drop-off points are located in their development. Students returning to school from academic or athletic events after the Late
Buses have departed will be responsible for providing their own transportation home.
During a normal school schedule,
students are asked to be
at designated bus stops at least
five minutes prior to scheduled
bus arrival times and to respect
private property surrounding
the stops.
TYPE OF RUN SCHOOL DEPARTURE DAYS
Academic ..........................PHS East Campus ...........................4:05 p.m. ...........................Tuesday/Thursday
Academic ......................... PHS West Campus...........................4:10 p.m. ...........................Tuesday/Thursday
Academic ................................Pennwood .................................4:05 p.m. ...........................Tuesday/Thursday
Academic ..............................William Penn ...............................4:10 p.m. ...........................Tuesday/Thursday
Academic ............................Charles Boehm .............................4:15 p.m. ...........................Tuesday/Thursday
Athletic ............................PHS East Campus ...........................5:05 p.m. ........................... Monday to Friday
Athletic ........................... PHS West Campus...........................5:10 p.m. ........................... Monday to Friday
Athletic ..................................Pennwood .................................5:05 p.m. ........................... Monday to Friday
Athletic ................................William Penn ...............................5:10 p.m. ........................... Monday to Friday
Athletic ..............................Charles Boehm .............................5:15 p.m. ........................... Monday to Friday
ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC LATE BUS SCHEDULE
1. Follow the driver’s directions the first time they are given.
2. Be courteous.
3. Stay in your seat.
4. Keep all parts of your body and all objects in the bus.
5. No pushing, shoving, or fighting at any time.
6. No eating, drinking, smoking, or spitting.
7. No profanity or name calling of any kind.
Rules posted on school Buses
If a question about school transportation should arise at any time, parents/guardians should contact the office of the child’s school of
attendance. If necessary, the Transportation Department may be reached at 215-428-4165 between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
or at 215-428-4166 between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
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continued...
ALL STUDENTS ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE FREE BREAKFAST THROUGH JUNE 2023!
The governor of Pennsylvania has instituted a Universal Free Breakfast Program for the 2022-2023 school year.
Breakfast will be available at no cost to all students in the district. Complete meals as defined by the USDA will
be served and accounted for as a free meal. A la carte food sales will be available at this time. Meals will only be
provided for instructional days.
FOOD SERVICES
Through The Nutrition Group, the Pennsbury School District provides food service in cafeterias at all schools. Students will receive
well-balanced, hot or cold breakfast or lunch, including milk and a selection of fruits, vegetables, and fruit juice. A variety of a la carte
items are available on an everyday basis for an additional cost.
Breakfast and lunch at all levels are planned to meet the standards established by the National School Lunch Act of 1946 as administered
by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Under these guidelines, in order to receive
a free school breakfast or lunch, a student must choose at least three out of the four components for breakfast and three out of the five
components for lunch (including a fruit and/or vegetable). The selections include meat/meat alternative, fruits, vegetables, grains, and a
choice of fat free or 1% milk. Good nutrition is basic to good health and mental development.
The Nutrition Group utilizes Nutrislice: an interactive, online way to view your
child’s school menus. With Nutrislice, you can:
• View images and descriptions
• View nutrition information for each food
• Filter the menu for specific food allergies
• Rate foods and see carb counts
• Access the menus with the Nutrislice mobile app!
Visit: pennsbury.nutrislice.com to see menus!
student meal cafeteRia account
Each student in the Pennsbury School District may have a point-of-sale cafeteria account. Parents/guardians may deposit money in
advance on a student’s account using the website, www.schoolcafe.com/PennsburySD for a la carte food items. Even if a parent/
guardian does not want to place money on their child’s account online, they may still use the online account to track balances and
receive low balance notifications. In lieu of online payments, cash or check payments can be provided to the school cafeteria cashier.
A la carte items are not part of the National School Lunch Program and cannot be charged if a student has a zero or negative balance
on their school cafe account.
STUDENTS AT SELECT SCHOOLS ARE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE FREE LUNCH THROUGH
JUNE 2023!
All students attending Fallsington Elementary, Manor Elementary, Penn Valley Elementary, and Walt Disney
Elementary schools are elibigle to receive free lunch for the 2022-2023 school year through the Community Eligibility
Provision. Complete meals as defined by the USDA will be served and accounted for as a free meal. A la carte food
sales will be available at this time. Meals will only be provided for instructional days.
Menus can be found at www.pennsbury.nutrislice.com to see what items may be included. Menu subject to change.
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FOOD SERVICES (continued)
collection of unpaid meal chaRges
When a student’s account goes into a negative status, their parent/guardian will receive notification. The District is required to provide a
meal to any child regardless of the balance on their account if a child requests one. Charges for meals will continue to be applied against
the child’s account and the parent/guardian will be responsible for payment. If a parent/guardian does not want the District to provide
their child with a meal when funds are not available, the parent/guardian must provide the District with a written directive to withhold
meals from the child.
Monies deposited to a negative balance account will first be used to purchase a current day meal. Any remaining funds will be used to
satisfy the negative balance.
A la carte foods are not part of the National School Lunch Program and cannot be charged if a student has a zero or native balance on their
school café account.
Reasonable efforts shall be made by the District to collect unpaid meal charges from parents/guardians. Collection efforts shall not have a
negative impact on the student involved, but will focus on the parents/guardians responsible for providing funds for meal purchases.
Each month the cafeteria manager will send out a letter or email to the parents/guardians of all students whose accounts have negative
balances. The Financial Services department may send additional correspondence on behalf of the Business Administrator. The letters
will also remind parents/guardians that the children from families whose income falls below a specified level may be eligible for a free or
reduced-rate breakfast and lunch and can apply at www.schoolcafe.com/PennsburySD.
Negative balances will be carried over at the end of the school year. Collection efforts will also continue into the new school year. If above
collection attempts have been unsuccessful, Parents/guardians of students with a negative balance greater than one-hundred dollars
($100.00) may be turned over to a collection agency. All fees associated with collection activity, including but not limited to legal fees,
collection agency fees, expenses, and any associated court costs in addition to the negative account balance will be the responsibility of
the parent/guardian.
donations foR student accounts
The District may accept donations to help pay outstanding meal charges. When a donation is received, the District will apply the amount as
requested by the donor. If the donation is not for a specific student, the Central Office Administration will apply the donation to outstanding
lunch debts according to the age of debt, beginning with the oldest incurred.
inactiVe student and emploYee cafeteRia accounts
According to School Board Policy 808.2R1, the School District’s food service provider and the Financial Services Department shall review
the cafeteria student and employee account balances on a regular basis, but no less than once per year to determine which accounts are
inactive. For the purposes of this policy, an account becomes inactive when a student is no longer enrolled in the School District or an
employee is no longer employed by Pennsbury.
When it has been determined that a student or employee account is inactive, the School District will apply the following procedures based
on the value of the balance on the account.
For balances greater than or equal to $3.00 the District will send a letter to the student or employee at the individual’s last known address.
The letter will indicate that they have a balance available and they can request a refund by completing the request form accompanying the
letter. The letter will also indicate that dormant account fees of $1.00 per month will begin to accrue 30 days after the date of the letter.
The balance less applied fees will be available to the individual until the fees have exhausted the balance due.
Balances of less than $3.00 will be assessed a $1.00 per month dormant account fee and will remain on the School District’s records
until the fees have exhausted the balance or the account owner requests a refund. Fees will begin to accrue 30 days after it has been
determined that the account is inactive. Fees will not exceed the balance.
Account holders shall be notified annually of this policy for inactive accounts.
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TITLE VI, IX, SECTIONS 503 & 504
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Pennsbury School District shall not discriminate in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices based on race, color,
national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, ancestry, or any other legally-protected classification. This policy is in accordance with State
and Federal laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504
of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Pennsylvania
Human Relations Act. Information relative to special accommodations, grievance procedure, and the designated responsible official for
compliance with Title VI, Title IX, and Sections 503 and 504 may be obtained by contacting the School District.
ESEA TITLE I
Title I is a federally-funded program under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Title I provides school districts
with extra resources to help improve instruction in high-poverty schools and ensures that poor and minority children have the same
opportunity as other children to meet challenging academic standards. In Pennsbury, the funding for this program is used in the
elementary grades to support reading and math achievement. In designated schools, part-time, highly qualified teachers provide extra
reading/math support and serve as part of the building team under the leadership of the principal. Parent/guardian involvement is an
integral part of the program with scheduled meetings and presentations at the building and district level.
Right to Request teacheR qualification
If you are the parent/guardian of a student attending a school receiving Title I funds, you have the right to request the professional
qualifications of the classroom teachers who instruct your child.
Specifically, you have the right to ask for the following information about each of your child’s classroom teachers:
1. Whether the Pennsylvania Department of Education has licensed or qualified the teacher for the grades and subjects they teach;
2. Whether the Pennsylvania Department of Education has decided that the teacher can teach in a classroom without being licensed or
qualified under state regulations because of special circumstances;
3. The teacher’s college major, as well as any advanced degrees they may have attained;
4. Whether any paraprofessionals provide services to your child, and, if they do, their qualifications.
If you would like to receive any of this information, please send a request in writing to your child’s principal. In addition to specifying the
information which you would like to receive, please be certain to include your name, address, and a telephone number at which you can be
contacted during the day.
You will be notified if your child is being taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not considered to be highly
qualified for the subject area in which they are teaching.
TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL
Pennsbury students (grades 9-12) may attend the Bucks County Technical High School. The Technical High School has a comprehensive
program that includes occupational and career training as well as a full roster of academic courses. Information concerning enrollment at
the Technical High School may be obtained from the student’s assigned School Counselor.
CABLE TELEVISION
The Pennsbury Channel is available on Comcast Cable Channel 28 and Verizon FiOS 42. School news and sports are covered along with
other information. As a service to viewers, radio station WBCB 1490AM provides the audio backdrop for portions of Pennsbury Channel
programming. However, the views expressed on WBCB radio do not necessarily reflect those of the Pennsbury School District.
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PHOTOGRAPHY, ID, AND INTERVIEW CLEARANCES
Student photographs, identification, and interviews for all forms of print and electronic media occurring inside any Pennsbury school
building or on any school premises shall be permissible with advance approval of the School District.
Parents/guardians wishing to have their child(ren) excluded from such activities must notify the school principal in writing at the start
of the school year or when the child is first enrolled in the School District if this occurs mid-year. Questions concerning this District
Photography, ID, and Interview Clearances statement may be directed to the Public Relations Department at 215-428-4178.
STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE
The Pennsbury School District does not provide insurance coverage for students who are injured while at school. Student Accident
Insurance programs are offered to the students of the Pennsbury School District at a stipulated rate for each coverage desired during
the school year. There are two programs available. The plans are designed to help supplement any insurance a family may already have
by satisfying deductibles or co-insurance requirements, or limiting the possible financial impacts of an injury if no other insurance is
purchased. Remember that the more active a child is, the more valuable this coverage can be. The parent/guardian may select either one
of these plans:
24-HOUR COVERAGE (ACCIDENT ONLY) – This plan provides around the clock coverage to your child 24 hours a day, while they are in
school, at home, or away. Coverage is provided from the effective date of the insured student’s coverage for which premium has been
received by the insurance carrier to the opening of the next school term. Excludes all interscholastic sports.*
SCHOOL TIME COVERAGE (ACCIDENT ONLY) – This plan provides coverage to your child while they are on school premises, during
school hours/days, attending school-sponsored and supervised activities including travel directly without interruption between the
student’s residence and school/activity with transportation furnished by the school. Coverage is provided from the effective date of the
insured student’s coverage for which premium has been received by the insurance carrier to the end of the regular school term. Excludes
all interscholastic sports.*
The School District recommends that parents/guardians take advantage of these plans for their children. Information is sent to each
family at the beginning of each school year; new students enrolling during a school year are given the opportunity to take this insurance.
For more information on student accident insurance and to download the application form, click here.
*NOTE: The District’s student athletic policy provides coverage for students involved in interscholastic sports, band, cheerleading, grades
1-12 extra-curricular activities, Physical Education classes, and Intramurals.
COMMUNITY SCHOOL
The Pennsbury Community School sponsors an adult education program with a wide selection of educational, enrichment, and fitness
opportunities. These courses are offered to adults who are out of high school and 18 years or older. Residency in the Pennsbury School
District is not required in order to enroll in the classes, which are offered during two general program sessions: Fall and Spring. Classes
meet once a week for one to eight weeks depending on the course. The Fall 2022 session is scheduled to begin in September. The Spring
2023 session will start during mid-February. Community School program information may be obtained online by visiting the Community
tab of the District Website. Those who may be interested in teaching a course in the Pennsbury Community School are welcome to call
215-428-4199.
GOLD CARDS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
Pennsbury School District Gold Cards are distributed to School District residents only. To qualify, you must be at least 62 years of age or
older OR receiving disability benefits. Gold Card holders are entitled to free admission to all School District concerts, plays, and athletic
events played at home (except for Sports Nite). To fill out an application for a Pennsbury Gold Card, please visit the receptionist at the
Pennsbury Administration Building, which is located at 134 Yardley Avenue in Fallsington. Proper ID is required.
For Pennsbury Community (Adult) School, Gold Card membership entitles the holder to one course at half price. This does not apply to Art
classes. If registering for more than one course, half-price will apply to the less expensive course fee.
We welcome our senior citizens to participate in School District events as valued members of the Pennsbury community!
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HELP KEEP OUR SCHOOLS SAFE. IF YOU SEE OR HEAR SOMETHING,
SAY SOMETHING!
BUCKS COUNTY SCHOOL WATCH HOTLINE:
Students, parents/guardians, teachers and staff members should anonymously
report situations that may put students in jeopardy at school by calling the Bucks
County School Watch Hotline 24-hours, toll-free at 1-877-888-7140. The hotline is
intended to help keep schools safe by notifying local school and law enforcement
officials of potential acts of violence, theft, weapons on campus, drug and/or
alcohol abuse before they occur. Trained telecommunicators answer the call,
gather information and relay that information to the local police department and
respective school district officials. If you know of or have heard of a threat to
school safety, call the hotline!
Students and their families can also anonymously report concerns to Safe2Say
Something. Call 1-844-SAF2SAY or go to www.safe2saypa.org
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COUNSELING RESOURCES & HOTLINES FOR URGENT CIRCUMSTANCES
Pennsbury counseling staff members and psychologists are available for support of students in
crisis situations and for those students who may be distressed about recent losses. For further
information, please contact your school principal.
Immediate help is always available from these 24-hour hotlines:
Lenape Valley Mobile Crisis Hotline
877-HELP-709
OR
Lenape Valley Foundation Crisis Intervention Services
800-499-7455
ANNUAL NOTIFICATIONS
Parents/Guardians,
Please visit the District Facilities Web page to view annual notices concerning Pest Management and the
Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) in the Pennsbury School District.
Pesticide Notification
Asbestos Notification
Should you have any questions, please contact:
Mr. George Steill
Director of Facilities
215-428-4162
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www.pennsburysd.org
High-quality health care coverage
from CHIP helps keep kids strong
CHIP COVERS
• Routine check-ups
• Prescriptions
• Hospitalization
• Dental
• Eye Care
• Eyeglasses
• Behavioral care
• Specialty care
• More
CHIP covers uninsured kids up
to age 19 in Pennsylvania. It
doesn’t matter why your kids
don’t have health coverage
right now; CHIP may be able
to help. Most kids receive CHIP
for free. Others can get the
same benefits at a low cost.
CHIP is brought to you by
leading health insurance
companies who offer quality,
comprehensive coverage.
There is no limit on income. If your income is below CHIP
guidelines, your child may be enrolled in Medical Assistance.
APPLY/RENEW
CHIPcoversPAkids.com • 800-986-KIDS
AFTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
1673 Quarry Road
Yardley, PA 19067
Main Office: 215-321-8540
FAX: 215-321-3620
PRINCIPAL: Dr. Joseph Masgai
EDGEWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
899 Oxford Valley Road
Yardley, PA 19067
Main Office: 215-321-2410
FAX: 215-321-2412
PRINCIPAL: Stephanie Hultquist
ELEANOR ROOSEVELT
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
185 Walton Drive
Morrisville, PA 19067
Main Office: 215-428-4256
FAX: 215-428-4263
PRINCIPAL: Lisa Follman
FALLSINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
134 Yardley Avenue
Fallsington, PA 19058
Main Office: 215-428-4170
FAX: 215-428-5210
PRINCIPAL: Vincent DePaola, Jr.
MAKEFIELD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
1939 Makefield Road
Yardley, PA 19067
Main Office: 215-321-2420
FAX: 215-321-2422
PRINCIPAL: Donna McCormick-Miller
MANOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
401 Penn Valley Road
Levittown, PA 19054
Main Office: 215-949-6770
FAX: 215-949-6772
PRINCIPAL: Terri Salvucci
OXFORD VALLEY
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
430 Trenton Road
Fairless Hills, PA 19030
Main Office: 215-949-6808
FAX: 215-949-6810
PRINCIPAL: Donna Minnigh
PENN VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
180 North Turn Lane
Levittown, PA 19054
Main Office: 215-949-6800
FAX: 215-269-4827
PRINCIPAL: Barbara Hidalgo
QUARRY HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
1625 Quarry Road
Yardley, PA 19067
Main Office: 215-321-2400
FAX: 215-369-0804
PRINCIPAL: Richard Rebh
WALT DISNEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
200 Lakeside Drive North
Levittown, PA 19054
Main Office: 215-949-6868
FAX: 215-949-6815
ACTING PRINCIPAL: Maria Gregory
CHARLES H. BOEHM MIDDLE SCHOOL
866 Big Oak Road
Yardley, PA 19067
Main Office: 215-428-4220
FAX: 215-428-9605
PRINCIPAL: Travis Bloom
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: David Schwind
PENNWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL
1523 Makefield Road
Yardley, PA 19067
Main Office: 215-428-4237
FAX: 215-428-4265
PRINCIPAL: Derek Majikas
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: Ryan Kennedy
WILLIAM PENN MIDDLE SCHOOL
1524 Derbyshire Road
Yardley, PA 19067
Main Office: 215-428-4280
FAX: 215-428-1549
PRINCIPAL: Christopher J. Becker
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL:
Michael Hogan, Ed.D.
PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL
West Campus
608 South Olds Boulevard
Fairless Hills, PA 19030
Main Office: 215-949-6780
FAX: 215-949-6857
CAMPUS PRINCIPAL: Reginald Meadows
ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS:
Richard Fry
Corinne Lyczkowski
Patricia Steckroat
Lou Sudholz
East Campus
705 Hood Boulevard
Fairless Hills, PA 19030
Main Office: 215-949-6700
FAX: 215-949-3896
LEAD ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL: Ryan Staub
ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS:
Justine McEachern
Ryan Regensburg
Laura Tittle
SPECIAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
134 Yardley Avenue
Fallsington, PA 19058
215-428-4100, ext. 10011
DIRECTOR: Regina Rausch
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
134 Yardley Avenue • P.O. Box 338
Fallsington, Pennsylvania 19058-0338
Telephone: 215-428-4100
FAX: 215-295-8912
www.pennsburysd.org
