Palisades School District

PALISADES SCHOOL DISTRICT IS RECOGNIZED AS A GREAT PA SCHOOL BY PSBA!

At this past Wednesday’s School Board of Directors Meeting, Palisades School District was honored by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) as a Great Pennsylvania School.  This honor recognizes schools that demonstrate a commitment to academic rigor, community, resilience and financial health.  PSBA recognizes that our students are both successful and challenged by the district’s curriculum, which drives student engagement.  Innovative school programming, plus honors and awards celebrating student success, foster a sense of belonging and connection to the school community.  Also our robust extracurricular activities help our students develop as well rounded individuals.  

The Senior Director of Outreach for PSBA, Becky Dussinger, applauded our district for “demonstrating the importance of caring for students holistically through emergency preparedness and mental health support.  While offering these many benefits for students, you remain grounded in financial health through budget development, financial audits and compliance in bid requirements.”

This achievement is truly a great opportunity to share our success in education with our community!


SHOUT OUT TO OUR ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THE PHYS ED DEPARTMENT'S EFFORTS!
We have finalized our fundraising totals at all 3 elementary buildings.  Mr. Blocher and I are amazed at the outstanding fundraising efforts put forth by our students and families this year! 

Our original goal was to try and beat last year's record of $12,300.

This year our elementary schools raised a total of $18,178.28!  AMAZING!

All larger thank-you gifts have been ordered and will arrive in about 4 weeks. 

As we travel to each school this cycle, we will hand out any small thank-you gifts that weren't given out yet.  We will also announce our top fundraisers at each building.

Thank you for all of your support in raising money for the American Heart Association!

Mrs. Shauna Chilton
PE Elementary Teacher

UPPER BUCKS COUNTY TECHNICAL SCHOOL HOSTS PA LEGISLATORS TO CELEBRATE CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) MONTH:  (Message below from Dr. Herrera)

On Thursday, February 22^nd,  we hosted an exceptional group of Pennsylvania legislators at Upper Bucks County Technical School (UBCTS) for our Legislator Day, marking the celebration of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. We showcased the vital role CTE plays in preparing our students for the workforce and discussed the ongoing support needed to keep advancing.

We are immensely thankful to Jarrett Coleman (Pennsylvania Senate), Representatives Craig Staats and Shelby Labs (Pennsylvania House of Representatives), Tia Watson (Southeast Regional Director from Senator Bob Casey's Office), Brendan McCusker (from Congressman Fitzpatrick's office), and Gary Day and Robert Arena (from Senator Coleman's Office) for their participation. Together, with the support of the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce and community leaders like Corey Armideo, we are committed to enhancing CTE opportunities, thereby strengthening our workforce for the future. A special thank you to our Joint Operating Committee and sending school superintendents Bridget O'Connell, Ed.D. (Palisades), Matthew Friedman, Ed.D (Quakertown), and Angelo Berrios (Pennridge) for their continued support.

Also, from Upper Bucks Technical School:





Shout out to Mrs. Pam Young, custodian at Durham Nockamixon!  Pam was recently nominated in Tennant Company's Custodians Are Key Contest!  Pam is definitely a rockstar in her care for her facility and her work throughout the district on the Safety Committee.  Thanks Pam for all that you do for our students, staff and schools!

Click here for upcoming Pre K Story Times in April at Durham Nockamixon for all pre K children in the district - Pre-K NIghts 2024.docx.pdf




KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION FOR THE CLASS OF 2037 IS NOW OPEN!

Resident children of the Palisades School district who will attain a chronological age of five years BEFORE September 1, 2024 are eligible to attend kindergarten for the 2024-2025 school year. For a complete list of requirements and registration information, please review our Kindergarten Welcome Letter (PDF) on the page linked below:

Click Here for More Information

Don't forget to select a screening appointment for your child!  See instructions on the linked page.

PHS PRESENTS...THIS YEAR'S MUSICAL!!!

Tickets are now on sale for the PHS performance of the Addams Family taking place from February 29th through March 2nd.  Don't miss our talented cast and crew bring the Addams Family to life in Kintnersville!  Get your tickets today!  Go to Purchase Tickets Here

SCHOOL BOARD UPDATE:

School Board Approved Calendar for 2024-25 - Calendar 2024-25



The following upcoming meetings are open to the public.  To review the agenda/sign up for comment, please go to the School Board section of our website and click on Board Docs or use this link - Board Docs (information regarding how to make a public comment is found on the agenda document; they are listed by date.)

All meeting minutes and agendas are posted here:  Board Docs

03/06/2024 - Regular School Board Meeting - CANCELLED
03/13/2024 - Education Programs and Services Committee at 6:30PM in the PHS Library
03/18/2024 - Fiscal Oversight Committee at 9AM in the District Office Conf. Room
03/19/2024 - Bucks County Intermediate Unit Board Meeting at 7PM in the BCIU Board Room
03/20/2024 - Regular School Board Meeting at 7PM in the PHS Auditorium
03/21/2024 - Joint Operating Committee for UBCTS at 7PM in the UBCTS Main Office Conf. Room
03/27/2024 - Extra Curricular Committee at 6:30PM in the PHS Library
03/27/2024 - Buildings and Grounds Committee at 7PM in the PHS Library

Graduation Date for the Class of 2024

The graduation date for the Class of 2024 will be Friday, May 31st at 5:30 PM in Walter T. Rohrer stadium. The rain date will be Saturday, June 1st at 10:00 AM. More information will be forthcoming.

PHS Receives Recognition from College Board

Special thanks to Mr.Tim Einolf, PHS Computer Science A Teacher, for his involvement in encouraging young women in high school to take a leap into this rigorous coursework (Advance Placement Comp Sci A).  Palisades High School is one of only 225 schools in the nation to be recognized for engaging a significant number of young women in this curriculum.

Click here for the recent article from the Bucks County Herald - Girls in computer science, Feb. 22, 2024.pdf

Wrestling Updates

Individual District and Regional tournaments are taking place for both our Girls and Boys Wrestling teams. Listed below are some highlights for each team.

Boys Wrestling

This weekend, the Boys team will compete in the District XI individual wrestling championships at Freedom HS (on Friday and Saturday morning) and at Liberty HS (on Saturday evening) in Bethlehem. 

Girls Wrestling

Last weekend, the girls competed in the first ever District Championships! Our team did great and had numerous medal winners. Listed below are the results:

118- Savannah Witt, 1st place

124- Grace Bucich, 5th place

130- Olivia Lessing, 3rd place (won the District XI Pinner Award with 5 pins in the tournament)

190- Bryce Snyder, 2nd Place 

Jane Salva and Siobhan Devlin also competed and won 2 matches each!

Overall, we finished in 6th place out of 24 teams and only brought 6 girls out of 13 total weight classes!!

The Southeast Regional tournament for girls begins on Sunday, February 25th at Quakertown HS.

Quarterfinals: 12:00pm

Semifinals: 2:00pm 

Finals: 5:00pm

The top four place winners will advance to the first ever PIAA Girls State Championships.

STEM NIGHT…MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

The third annual STEM Night is on March 7th, 6-8 PM, located in the high school Science Wing and Purple Gym.

The Palisades STEM Outreach Club invites Palisades students, grades 3-8, and their parents to enjoy a night of FREE STEM activities, demonstrations, and giveaways! 

This year's event is bigger and better than ever! We have many new activities and demonstrations for participants, including 3D printing pens, virtual reality headsets, Raspberry Pi gaming rooms, and a new mascot - a robotic dog, that students will name at the event! We also have the Nurture Nature Center and Delaware Valley University's Biology Club running tables!

In addition to giveaways, we will have a raffle for take-home STEM kits, and the Freshman Class is selling snacks & drinks and running a basket raffle!

We hope to see you there!

- Palisades STEM Outreach Club

COMING SOON!  LISTING OF COMMUNITY SCHOOL PROGRAMS BEGINNING THIS SPRING!

Next week, we will start to put up classes that will be held at Palisades in the Spring.  If you have an interest in conducting a class for our community, please contact me at [email protected]  or call 610-847-5131, ext. 2401.

Instructional Assistant (IA)/Paraprofessional – part-time, 10 month, 5.75 hours/student day, instructional assistant/paraprofessional for Palisades School District, available as soon as possible (specific building IA will work at to be determined). IA will assist student(s) in individual and small group settings with students with special needs. The ability to work calmly with student(s) exhibiting behavioral and academic challenges and an ability to follow the direction of professional staff is needed. Although not required, those with a teaching certification are encouraged to apply. Hourly rate: $21.90/hour after a probationary period, as per contract. 

 

Applicants must have strong technology skills, be highly qualified as defined by federal standards, which require either two completed years of study at an institution of higher education, an associate’s (or higher) degree, or PDE Highly Qualified certification.

 

Applying Instructions:

 

Interested applicants need to submit through Recruit and Hire: letter of interest, completed application, resume, proof of being highly qualified, and 3 non-family member references (name, phone number and/or email address, job title). Applicants with incomplete or missing information will not be considered for an interview. If needed, please contact Sue Keogh, HR Associate, at 610-847-5131, extension 4028 for technical assistance completing the application.

 

Deadline to apply is February 27, 2024.

Clearances will be required prior to beginning employment. Clearances may take up to two weeks for processing, so we strongly encourage interested applicants to start this process immediately. Required clearances include: Acts 24, 34, 114 & 151 (dated within the past 12 months of the closing date of this posting. Complete clearances  for “employment” not “volunteer”) and disclosure form(s) Act 168.  

 

Letters of interest can be addressed to Mr. Lou deFonteny, Director of Student Services

 

Palisades requires a pre-employment drug test as a condition of employment

Link to clearances: https://www.palisd.org/our_district/employment_opportunities/employment_forms_clearances/

2023/2024 School Year: Spring Coaching Positions 

Clearances will be required prior to beginning employment. Clearances may take up to two weeks for processing, so we strongly encourage interested applicants to start this process immediately. Required clearances include: Acts 24, 34, 114 & 151 (dated within the past 12 months of the closing date of this posting. Complete clearances  for “employment” not “volunteer”) and disclosure form(s) Act 168. If needed, please contact Sue Keogh, HR Associate, at 610-847-5131, extension 4028 for technical assistance completing the application. 

 

Letters of interest can be addressed to Mr. Brian Gilbert and emailed to [email protected] 

Palisades requires a pre-employment drug test as a condition of employment

Link to clearances: https://www.palisd.org/our_district/employment_opportunities/employment_forms_clearances/

EOE

Interested candidates must submit a letter of interest, an athletic resume listing coaching experience, and 3 non-family member references (name, phone number and/or email address, job title). Applicants with incomplete or missing information will not be considered for an interview. Position posted until filled.

Clearances will be required prior to beginning employment. Clearances may take up to two weeks for processing, so we strongly encourage interested applicants to start this process immediately. Required clearances include: Acts 24, 34, 114 & 151 (dated within the past 12 months of the closing date of this posting. Complete clearances  for “employment” not “volunteer”) and disclosure form(s) Act 168. If needed, please contact Sue Keogh, HR Associate, at 610-847-5131, extension 4028 for technical assistance completing the application. 

 

Letters of interest can be addressed to Mr. Brian Gilbert and emailed to [email protected] 

Palisades requires a pre-employment drug test as a condition of employment

Link to clearances: https://www.palisd.org/our_district/employment_opportunities/employment_forms_clearances/

EOE

Interested candidates must submit a letter of interest, an athletic resume listing coaching experience, and 3 non-family member references (name, phone number and/or email address, job title). Applicants with incomplete or missing information will not be considered for an interview. Position posted until filled.

Clearances will be required prior to beginning employment. Clearances may take up to two weeks for processing, so we strongly encourage interested applicants to start this process immediately. Required clearances include: Acts 24, 34, 114 & 151 (dated within the past 12 months of the closing date of this posting. Complete clearances  for “employment” not “volunteer”) and disclosure form(s) Act 168. If needed, please contact Sue Keogh, HR Associate, at 610-847-5131, extension 4028 for technical assistance completing the application. 

 

Letters of interest can be addressed to Mr. Brian Gilbert and emailed to [email protected] 

Palisades requires a pre-employment drug test as a condition of employment

Link to clearances: https://www.palisd.org/our_district/employment_opportunities/employment_forms_clearances/

EOE

 

Each year, PenSPRA presents two, one-year scholarships worth $1,000 each. Scholarships will be awarded to one public school student from each of PenSPRA’s two regions. The candidates should have maintained at least a 3.0 GPA and have already been accepted at or applied to a two- or four-year college, vocational-technical school or other institution of higher learning. 

Completed applications for the scholarship must be submitted by Sunday, March 31, 2024. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The recipients will be announced in the beginning of May 2024.

Visit this link for more information:  PENSPRA Student Scholarship Info

 

FROM STATE SENATOR JARRETT COLEMAN'S OFFICE:

Senator Coleman’s staff will be helping with state government-related issues, programs and services in your neighborhood. We can help residents apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, which offers rebates of up to $1,000 to state residents age 65 or older, widows and widowers age 50 or older, or anyone age 18 and older who is 100% disabled.

Sign up link: https://senatorcoleman.com/pop-up-office-hours-available/

Staff also can help visitors with Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) cards, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) issues, Pennsylvania Office of the State Treasurer Unclaimed Property program searches and claim requests, state agency issues not related to PennDOT, and other state government concerns.

Mobile office services will be offered on the following dates:

Tuesday, March 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hilltown Township Administration Building, 13 W. Creamery Road, Hilltown.

Please spread the word if you know anyone who can use these services while we are in the neighborhood! 





SPRING TRAVEL SOCCER UPDATE:

If you are interested in playing Spring Travel Soccer with Palisades YSA and did not play Fall Travel Soccer with us, please fill out this interest form: https://pysanet.sportngin.com/register/form/344644746

If you DID play Fall Travel Soccer, please let your coach know/RSVP in SportsEngine if you are/are not continuing this Spring.

Spring games are played mostly on Sundays from early April through early June with practices during the week.

Spring Intramural info will be out soon for our younger players!

Any questions: Nikki Bowen [email protected]

Registration is now open for the 2024 Spring Season! Any questions please feel free to reach out to [email protected] 

Link to registration in this attachment:  2024 PAGSL REGISTRATION (2).pdf

Become a PAGSL 2024 Sponsor:  2024 PAGSL Sponsorship.pdf

https://www.silvercreekathleticassociation.com/registration-2024.html

Co-Ed Tee Ball and Baseball!  Registration will be by arrangement after Friday, January 27th. Think Spring!





Click here for more info and registration for this year's camp - Flint Hill Farm Camp




Click here for details regarding a summer position opening at State Theatre Calling all Dancers! State Theatre Summer Position Open.pdf









Girls Empowered 2024 - Registration is Now Open for Summer Camps!.pdf

Sponsorship and registration information is included in the link above.




LINK for YMCA Summer Camp Brochure-Sign Up Now!




Fab Lab Summer Camp 2024 - Registration Now Open 011824.pdf