October 3, 2024

Dear Pennsbury School Community,

I hope you are finding PSD Family Updates useful. This weekly update is designed to de-clutter your inbox and summarize non-emergency PSD information. In the event of an emergency, we will communicate with families in as timely a manner as possible. You can expect the PSD Family Update every Thursday as needed. Additionally, if you think you missed an email, please check the District Email archive page on our website. 

District Updates for October 3, 2024

NEW! The Long Orange Line to March in Pulaski Day Parade
The Pennsbury High School Marching Band will participate in the 91st annual Philadelphia Pulaski Day Parade this Sunday, October 6. Catch live parade coverage on 6ABC from 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.

REMINDER! Pennsbury Parent Academy Presents: How to Advocate for Your Child at School
Join us for this virtual presentation this Monday, October 7, from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m., as we discuss practical techniques to help you effectively represent your child’s needs & ensure they have strong support to succeed at school. Livestream presentation link.

REMINDER! PHS Project Community Meeting
We will hold a meeting on October 8, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., at the PHS East Auditorium to update the community on the Pennsbury High School Project. Click here for more information about the PHS Project Community Meeting.

REMINDER! Communications System Test
On October 9, 2024, we will hold a district-wide communications test to ensure families receive phone calls, emails, and text messages. We will send additional reminders next week.

REMINDER! PSD Text Messaging
Don’t forget to sign up to receive text messages from the District. Text Y or Yes to 67587 to stay connected. If you don’t sign up, you will not receive text messages. You must sign up from the mobile phone number listed in PowerSchool.

REMINDER! SchoolMessenger Safe Arrival
We are now using Safe Arrival to report student absences. Please click here for more information about attendance in Pennsbury and Safe Arrival.

REMINDER! Pennsbury Community School
Registration is now open for Pennsbury’s Fall Community School! Classes are designed for adults of all skill levels. Spots are limited, so register today!  Click here to view available courses and register.

Happy Rosh Hashanah to our Pennsbury families who celebrate! I hope everyone has an enjoyable extended weekend. 

Sincerely,

Thomas Smith, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

September 26, 2024

Dear Pennsbury Families,

I hope you are having a great week! PSD Family Updates are designed to de-clutter your inbox and summarize non-emergency PSD information. In the event of an emergency, we will communicate with families in as timely a manner as possible. You can expect the PSD Family Update every Thursday as needed. Additionally, if you think you missed an email, please check the District Email archive page on our website. 

District Updates for September 26, 2024

NEW! PHS Project Community Meeting
We will hold a meeting on October 8, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., at the PHS East Auditorium to update the community on the Pennsbury High School Project. Click here for more information about the PHS Project Community Meeting.

NEW! Introduction to MTSS
The Pennsbury School District is working hard to improve educational outcomes for all students. One of the ways we are working to do this is by implementing a framework called the Multi-Tiered System of Support. Click here to read more about MTSS gives schools a structure to meet the academic, behavioral, health, enrichment, and social-emotional needs of all students

NEW! PHS Homecoming
Experience the excitement of homecoming this Saturday as the PHS Falcons host Central Bucks South! Kick-off is at 12:00 p.m. Tickets are $5 each (cash only). Don’t miss the annual crowning of the Royal Court, the PHS Cheerleaders, the Long Orange Line Alumni Band performance, and a special pre-game recognition of the undefeated 1974 Falcons team!

NEW! The Long Orange Line in Bristol
Catch the Pennsbury High School Marching Band in Bristol’s Lafayette Parade this Sunday, September 29. 

NEW! Rosh Hashanah - Schools Closed
A reminder that all PSD schools will be closed October 3 & 4 in observance of Rosh Hashanah

NEW! Pennsbury Parent Academy Presents: How to Advocate for your Child at School
Join us for this virtual presentation Monday, October 7, from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m., as we discuss practical techniques to help you effectively represent your child’s needs & ensure they have strong support to succeed at school. Livestream presentation link.

REMINDER! Communications System Test
On October 9, 2024, we will hold a district-wide communications test to ensure families are receiving phone calls, emails, and text messages.

REMINDER! SchoolMessenger Safe Arrival
We are now using Safe Arrival to report student absences. Please click here for more information about attendance in Pennsbury and Safe Arrival.

REMINDER! PSD Text Messaging
Don’t forget to sign up to receive text messages from the District. Text Y or Yes to 67587 to stay connected!

REMINDER! School Start Times
The Pennsbury School District will adjust school start times for the 2025-2026 school year (next year). We will continue to send reminders and additional information throughout this school year.

REMINDER! Chromebook Fees
Students in grades 5–12 are eligible to participate in the District’s Chromebook program. In order to participate, students are required to pay a yearly fee to cover the protection plan for their Chromebook. Please click here for additional information on how to pay your Chromebook fees.  

REMINDER! Media/Social Media Opt-OUT Form
Please complete the PSD Media/Social Media Opt-OUT form if you do NOT want your child’s photo to appear in any PSD media or social media outreach.

REMINDER! Pennsbury Community School
Registration is now open for Pennsbury’s Fall Community School! Classes are designed for adults of all skill levels. Spots are limited, so register today! Click here to view available courses and register.

Sincerely,

Thomas Smith, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

September 26, 2024

Dear Pennsbury Families,

The Pennsbury School District is working hard to improve educational outcomes for all students. One of the ways we are working to do this is by implementing a framework called the Multi-Tiered System of Support, also called “MTSS”. This framework gives schools a structure to meet the academic, behavioral, health, enrichment, and social-emotional needs of all students.  This email will focus mainly on the academic support we provide. I will share additional information regarding our behavioral, health, enrichment, and social-emotional efforts in a future document.

What is the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)?

Each fall, we assess our students to identify their strengths and weaknesses, specifically in the areas of Math and Reading/English. Based on those results, classroom instruction may be adjusted to support student needs. Student progress is reviewed during the year to ensure students are receiving the support they need. Depending on the student’s needs, they may receive targeted/intensive support using a Tiered System of Support.  

What is the Tiered System of Support?

Tier 1: Classroom - Using differentiated instructional practices, students receive additional support in their classroom for a challenging math or reading concept. 

Tier 2: Small group - Supplemental support and interventions are delivered via small-group instruction in either the general classroom or during an intervention period. These interventions may be increased in intensity, frequency, and duration based on the student's needs and progress.

Tier 3: Individual, Small Group, or Dedicated class - Intensive support and interventions are delivered individually or in a small group/dedicated class and provided in or outside of the classroom. Interventions may include curricular adaptations and/or targeted supports. Student progress is reviewed throughout the school year (this is known as progress monitoring).

The Mission of Pennsbury is to ensure all students become creative, ethical, and critical thinkers for lifelong success in a global society. We believe implementing the MTSS program across all of our schools will provide the support necessary to ensure that all of our students succeed. 

As a parent/guardian, you are an important part of this process, and we will notify you if your child receives Tier 2 or 3 supports (Tier 1 supports are typically grade-level classroom interventions provided to many students). As always, do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or building administrator if you have questions or concerns. 

Sincerely,

September 26, 2024

Dear Pennsbury School Community,

Our design work for the new high school has continued over the past several months and I am writing to provide a progress update.

This summer, we provided opportunities for several groups to review draft plans, and meeting attendees provided substantive feedback that we have worked to incorporate into the building design. 

On October 8, we will provide a progress update for any interested member of our school community. The update portion will be recorded and placed on the district website. Here are the meeting details:

• Date:  October 8, 2024

• Time:  6:00 pm 

• Location:  Pennsbury High School East Auditorium (705 Hood Blvd., Fairless Hills)

Questions about the High School Project? 

High School Information is available by clicking on this link:  PHS Project Updates

As I have shared before, we are committed to providing regular updates regarding this exciting project. Please take the opportunity to follow along or join us at one of the design meetings as we embark on this exciting journey for our community.  

I hope you and your family have had a great start to the school year.

Sincerely,
Thomas A. Smith, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
tsmith@pennsburysd.org
215-428-4111

Dear Pennsbury Families,

I am writing to follow up on my communication from this morning about a suspicious individual seen near Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School, the middle school campus, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Falls Township Police notified us that they were able to make contact with the individual. After a thorough investigation, the police do not believe that this individual is a threat to our school community.

We would like to acknowledge the responsiveness of the Falls Township Police Department.  Their continued support of our schools and communities is much appreciated.

We would also like to acknowledge the families who reported this concern to our administration.  Actions like this ensure our schools and communities remain safe for all.

Sincerely,

Thomas Smith, Ed.D.
​​​​​​​Superintendent of Schools

Dear Pennsbury Families,

We are aware of social media posts reporting a suspicious individual riding a motorcycle in the area of Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School, the middle school complex, and surrounding neighborhoods during dismissal on Friday. We have been in contact with the police regarding this matter, and they will be actively patrolling the area.  

Please take a moment to remind your children to immediately seek out a trusted adult if they feel unsafe or are approached by someone they do not know. Encourage them to always be aware of their surroundings and never go anywhere with someone they do not know or trust. 

The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We would like to thank the families who have brought this to our attention. We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. 

We will share any additional details if they become available.

Sincerely,

Thomas Smith, Ed.D.
​​​​​​​Superintendent of Schools

September 19, 2024

Dear Pennsbury Families,

To help streamline district communications, the district administration team will send non-emergency communications to families on Thursdays as needed. These emails will contain links to important updates and information you need to know. We will continue to publish Pennsbury On Point weekly on Fridays, a newsletter that keeps you engaged and connected with the school community. 

We will do our best to keep to this email schedule, obviously, barring emergencies, so you can be assured that any necessary information from the district will be emailed to you on Thursdays as needed. Additionally, if you think you missed an email, please check the District Email archive page on our website, as all emails will be posted there.

District Updates for 9/19/24

NEW! PHS Project Community Meeting
We will hold a meeting on October 8, 2024, at 6:00 p.m., at the PHS East Auditorium to update the community on the Pennsbury High School Project. 

REMINDER! SchoolMessenger Safe Arrival
We are now using Safe Arrival to report student absences. Please click here for more information about attendance in Pennsbury and Safe Arrival.

​​​​​​​REMINDER! SchoolMessenger Home App
Visit the App Store or Google Play and download the “SM Home App” to receive all of your Pennsbury emails in one place. The app is also needed for Safe Arrival.

REMINDER! PSD Text Messaging
Don’t forget to sign up to receive text messages from the District. Text Y or Yes to 67587 to stay connected!

REMINDER! PSD Student Code of Conduct
The Pennsbury School District's Student Code of Conduct outlines expectations for student behavior, safety, and academic integrity. Parent and students should review this information.

REMINDER! School Start Times
The Pennsbury School District will adjust school start times for the 2025-2026 school year (next year). We will continue to send reminders and additional information throughout this school year.

REMINDER! Chromebook Fees
Students in grades 5–12 are eligible to participate in the District’s Chromebook program. In order to participate, students are required to pay a yearly fee to cover the protection plan for their Chromebook. The annual fee is $40.00 (reduced to $15 for financial hardship). This fee has been posted for all students in these grades and can be paid through the PowerSchool parent portal. Payment may also be made in person via cash, check, or money order made out to Pennsbury School District at each student’s individual school.

If you have more than two students in grades 5–12, you may request an exemption from the fee for your youngest student(s). To do so, please click on the Forms icon in the parent portal and fill out the “Chromebook Fee Waiver for Three or More Students in Household” form.

More information on Pennsbury’s 1:1 Chromebook initiative is available on the Family Tech Hub.

REMINDER! Media/Social Media Opt-OUT Form
Please complete the PSD Media/Social Media Opt-OUT form if you do NOT want your child’s photo to appear in any PSD media or social media outreach.

REMINDER! Communications System Test
On October 9, 2024, we will hold a district-wide communications test to ensure families are receiving phone calls, emails, and text messages.

REMINDER! Pennsbury Community School
Registration is now open for Pennsbury’s Fall Community School! Classes are designed for adults of all skill levels. Spots are limited, so register today! Click here to view available courses and register.

Sincerely,

Thomas Smith, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

September 12, 2024

Dear Pennsbury Families,

To help streamline district communications the district administration team will send non-emergency communications to families on Thursdays as needed. These emails will contain links to important updates and information you need to know. We will continue to publish Pennsbury On Point weekly on Fridays, a newsletter that keeps you engaged and connected with the school community. 

We will do our best to keep to this email schedule, obviously barring emergencies, so you can be assured that any necessary information from the district will be emailed to you on Thursdays as needed. Additionally, if you think you missed an email, please check the District Email archive page on our website, as all emails will be posted there.

District Updates for 9/12/24

REMINDER! - SchoolMessenger Safe Arrival
We are now using Safe Arrival to report student absences. Please click here for more information about attendance in Pennsbury and Safe Arrival.

REMINDER! - SchoolMessenger Home App
Visit the App Store or Google Play and download the “SM Home App” to receive all of your Pennsbury emails in one place. The app is also needed for Safe Arrival.

PSD Text Messaging
Don’t forget to sign up to receive text messages from the District. Text Y or Yes to 67587 to stay connected!

PSD Student Code of Conduct
The Pennsbury School District's Student Code of Conduct outlines expectations for student behavior, safety, and academic integrity. Parent and students should review this information.

School Start Times
The Pennsbury School District will adjust school start times for the 2025-2026 school year (next year). We will continue to send reminders and additional information throughout this school year.

Chromebook Fees
Students in grades 5–12 are eligible to participate in the District’s Chromebook program. In order to participate, students are required to pay a yearly fee to cover the protection plan for their Chromebook. The annual fee is $40.00 (reduced to $15 for financial hardship). This fee has been posted for all students in these grades and can be paid through the PowerSchool parent portal. Payment may also be made in person via cash, check, or money order made out to Pennsbury School District at each student’s individual school.

If you have more than two students in grades 5–12, you may request an exemption from the fee for your youngest student(s). To do so, please click on the Forms icon in the parent portal and fill out the “Chromebook Fee Waiver for Three or More Students in Household” form.

More information on Pennsbury’s 1:1 Chromebook initiative is available on the Family Tech Hub.

Media/Social Media Opt-OUT Form
Please complete the PSD Media/Social Media Opt-OUT form if you do NOT want your child’s photo to appear in any PSD media or social media outreach.

Communications System Test
On October 9, 2024, we will hold a district-wide communications test to ensure families are receiving phone calls, emails, and text messages.

Pennsbury Community School
Registration is now open for Pennsbury’s Fall Community School! Classes are designed for adults of all skill levels. Spots are limited, so register today! Click here to view available courses and register.

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Thomas Smith, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

September 6, 2024

Dear Pennsbury Families,

We hope your school year is off to a great start! As a district, we are committed to keeping you informed and constantly strive to improve the effectiveness of our communications with you. We are all too familiar with how inundated one's email inbox can become, and we don't want you to miss any important information from us!

To that end, beginning next week, the district administration team will send non-emergency communications to families on Thursdays as needed. These emails will contain links to important updates and information you need to know. We will continue to publish Pennsbury On Point weekly on Fridays, a newsletter that keeps you engaged and connected with the school community. Similarly, your child's principal will send any school-based information you need to know on a day to be determined by them.

We will do our best to keep to this email schedule, obviously barring emergencies, so you can be assured that any necessary information from the district will be emailed to you on Thursdays as needed. Additionally, if you think you missed an email, please check the District Email archive page on our website, as all emails will be posted there.

District Updates for 9/6/24

• MAP Growth Test

  • Students in grades K-8 will take the MAP® Growth™ test during the first weeks of September. Click here to read more information on the MAP® Growth™ test.

• NEW THIS YEAR! - SchoolMessenger Safe Arrival

  • We are pleased to offer this easy reporting system for student absences. We will begin using Safe Arrival on Monday, September 9. Please click here to learn how to use Safe Arrival.

• NEW THIS YEAR! - SchoolMessenger Home App - Visit the App Store or Google Play and download the SM Home App to receive all of your Pennsbury emails in one place. The app is also needed for Safe Arrival.

• PSD Text Messaging

  • Did you opt-in to receive text messages from the district? Text Y or Yes to 67587 to stay connected!

• Communications System Test

  • Mark your Calendars! On October 9, 2024, we will hold a district-wide communications test to ensure families are receiving phone calls, emails, and text messages.

• Pennsbury Community School

  • Registration is now open for Pennsbury’s Fall Community School! Classes are designed for adults of all skill levels. Spots are limited, so register today! Click here to view available courses and register.

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely.

Tom Smith
Superintendent of Schools

August 6, 2024

Dear Pennsbury Families,

I hope you are having a great summer.  Our staff, administrators, bus drivers, and buildings and grounds staff are busy preparing for the return of almost 10,000 students.

On September 3, we will welcome back students in grades K, 6, and 9 for a school-based orientation. Schools reopen for all students on September 4. Click here for the 2024-25 School calendar.

In anticipation of the start of the school year, I would like to share a few quick highlights (see the bottom of this email for even more Pennsbury updates):

• Back to School Info: On August 15 (the 3rd Thursday of August), the following will be available in PowerSchool:

• • PHS student schedules

  • Middle school homeroom/team info

  • Elementary teacher assignments

  • Transportation bus route information will be available on August 19 

If you need instructions about how to access PowerSchool, please see this document. If you still need assistance accessing your PowerSchool account, contact your school or familytechhelp@pennsburysd.org   Please note: Any information viewed prior to August 15 may change. 

• Orientation for New Pennsbury Families: September 5th at 6:00 pm, we have a welcome program for families who are new to Pennsbury where you will learn about all of the great things Pennsbury has to offer. There will also be additional resources available for families with limited English proficiency. Click here for details. 

• Communication Updates: Don’t forget to sign up for text messages. Details Here 

• Ask Penny: Have a question about Pennsbury? Don’t trust the rumors or social media, Ask Penny and we will get you the answer: askpenny@pennsburysd.org or 215 -428-4000 x “Penny” (73669).

We have set an ambitious agenda through our comprehensive plan to improve Pennsbury and I appreciate your support of our efforts. You can find all of the plans that guide the District by clicking here.  

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 a wonderful district, and I sincerely hope that you and your children have a great school year.  

Sincerely,

Thomas A. Smith, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
tsmith@pennsburysd.org
215-428-4111

Links to previous Back to School Communications:

• PSD Communications update - July 29 

• Start School Write Event- July 30 

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Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year!

Click here for the 2024-25 School calendar.

Activity Calendar

Ways to Connect with Pennsbury

Website

Facebook

Instagram

2024-2025 School Hours

High School 7:20 am to 2:15 pm

Middle Schools 8:10 am to 2:55 pm

Elementary Schools 9:00 am to 3:40 pm

Back to School Nights 2024 - All BTSN nights start at 6:30 pm
BTSN Schedules for All Schools 

These special evenings are designed for parents to get first-hand knowledge of their children’s daily schedules. Staff members and administrators discuss the academic program with parents and explain teacher expectations along with student responsibilities. Parent and teacher participation in these evenings facilitates communication and strengthens student support systems.  

Interested in Volunteering in our Schools? -  We are always looking for volunteers to help in our schools! Volunteers play a vital role in supporting the staff, students, sports programs, and other activities of our schools. Find more information here.  

Student Wellness Programming -  An important component of a Pennsbury education is our commitment to developing the “whole child.” You can view our newly developed Framework for Character, Culture & Wellness to see our plan to support our students, PreK-12.

Parent/Family Academy - We are continuing our 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 to help families stay engaged with their child’s academic and social success. 

July 29, 2024

Dear Pennsbury School Community,

I hope this message finds you well and that you are enjoying the summer break. As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we are excited to announce some important changes to our communication platforms and website.

New Communication Platform: SchoolMessenger Communicate

To enhance communication with families, the district is transitioning all its communication platforms to one place, SchoolMessenger. This new system will integrate phone, text, and email communication, ensuring you receive timely and important information in the most efficient manner.

Key Features:

• Integrated Communications:  Our new platform will streamline all district communications, allowing us to reach you quickly and effectively through phone, text, and email.

• Chat Feature:  The Chat Feature will replace the REMIND app and help foster better and more immediate connections between families and school staff. Details will be provided in September.

• Text Messaging: As part of this transition, families must opt-in to receive text messages. Texting is the best way to stay connected to the district and receive timely emergency and weather-related notifications. 

  • How to Sign Up: To opt-in for text messages, simply text the letter Y or Yes to 67587 from the mobile device you have on file with the school district.*  If you are unsure of the mobile number we have on file, please check with the front office staff at your child's school.

New Website: SchoolMessenger 

Along with the new communication system, we are also launching a newly designed website that will provide a user-friendly experience, with better access to important information and resources.

We believe these changes will improve our communication with you and provide a more connected and informed school community. 

Please enjoy the rest of your summer, and look out for our first back-to-school update during the first week of August.

Sincerely,

Thomas A. Smith, Ed.D
Superintendent of Schools
tsmith@pennsburysd.org
215-428-4111

July 22, 2024

Dear Pennsbury School Community,

I hope you are enjoying your summer. Our work on designing the new high school continues throughout the summer and I am writing to provide you with a progress update.

As I shared in a previous communication, we want to provide opportunities for our school community to review and provide feedback regarding the design of our new high school. 

This summer, we are providing opportunities for our coaches, directors, athletes, and students who participate in our athletics, music, and arts programs to review the initial design for those spaces. These dates coincide with the summer return of our athletic and marching band programs. Specific details regarding the daytime sessions will be provided to coaches and directors. The evening sessions are open to all interested individuals. 

Please note: There will be additional evening sessions during the fall to review the layout of these and other areas. 

Questions about the High School Project? 

High School Information is available by clicking on this link:  PHS Project Updates

As I have shared before, we are committed to providing regular updates regarding this exciting project. Please take the opportunity to follow along or join us at one of the design meetings as we embark on this exciting journey for our community.  

Sincerely,

Thomas A. Smith, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
tsmith@pennsburysd.org
215-428-4111