Sept-Oct 2011 Falcon Flyer (pdf) - Pennsbury School District

FALCON FLYER
Pennsbury High School East Pennsbury High School West
705 Hood Boulevard 608 South Olds Boulevard
Fairless Hills, PA 19030 Fairless Hills, PA 19030
Shawn Neely, Principal Lisa M. Becker, Principal
PRINCIPALS’ MESSAGE
September/October 2011
We would like to welcome all students, parents and guardians to the 2011-2012 school year. It is
with tremendous enthusiasm that we started this academic school year, and it is this enthusiasm that
drives all of us at the high school to make the most of each day.
We are proud to be Pennsbury High School! It is the students, teachers, staff, parents and guardians,
and community that make our high school exceptional.
As the PHS learning community, we wholeheartedly embrace and foster the Pennsbury High School
Philosophy and the Pennsbury School District Mission Statement.
At this time, we ask that parents and guardians review this newsletter with your student(s). This first
newsletter functions to inform you and your student(s) not only about school rules and expectations,
but also about important dates and events that occur in the months of September and October. One
of most important dates is Back-to-School Night. This year it will be held on Tuesday, September
27 th and will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there.
In addition to reviewing our bi-monthly newsletters, we encourage you to frequently visit the
Pennsbury High School and the Pennsbury School District websites. Each site contains valuable
information that is constantly updated. We also ask you to take advantage of the Parent Portal as it
is our newest means of communicating with our school families.
We look forward to another exciting year at Pennsbury High School. We are proud to be working
with our students!
Pennsbury High School Philosophy Statement
Pennsbury High School is dedicated to providing a developmentally appropriate learning experience
for all students in a standards-based school environment. To that end, curricula and programs will
guide and empower students to become independent, life-long learners who are socially conscious,
enriched by diversity, and contributing members of our community. Cooperation and
communication among school, home and community are, therefore, essential to ensure a successful
educational experience. A challenging academic environment will enable students to think critically,
examine thoughtfully, and recognize their self-worth as well as the worth of others.
Pennsbury School District Mission Statement
The Pennsbury School District, a student-centered learning community, will prepare all students to
achieve their highest potential and to demonstrate mastery of skills and talents necessary for life in a
global society by providing a diverse educational program with the involvement and support of
families and community.
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IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
PHS WEST BUILDING
Main Office West Campus 215-949-6780
Use the above number plus the extension numbers below to reach the following departments:
West Campus
Attendance Office press 1 or Ext. 70913 (grades 9 & 11)
Guidance Office press 2 or Ext. 70950 or 70951
Nurse press 3 or Ext. 70920 or 70921
Athletic Office press 4
All other calls please
Press 0 for an operator
Fax: 215-949-6857
PHS EAST BUILDING
Main Office East Campus 215-949-6700
Use the above number plus the extension numbers below to reach the following departments:
East Campus
Attendance Office press 1 or Ext. 70813 (grades 10 & 12)
Guidance Office press 2 or Ext. 70856 or 70858
Nurse press 3 or Ext. 70820 or 70821
All other calls please
Press 0 for an operator
Fax: 215-949-3896
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NAVIANCE FAMILY CONNECTION
Naviance and Parent Accounts
Parent email addresses, submitted through our ConnectEd information request, will be imported into
our Naviance system, to help improve communication with Pennsbury High School parents. If you
do not wish to have your email address used in the Naviance system, please notify the guidance
office in writing at Pennsbury High School East. Parents who provided an email address through
Connect Ed will be receiving a Naviance Account Confirmation email in a few weeks.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Guidance Office at 215-949-6700.
What is Naviance?
Naviance is a powerful, comprehensive online program that is used by the PHS parents, students and
School Counselors to help students plan for college and careers. The Guidance Department strongly
advises you to become familiar with the many resources available through Naviance. There are a
lot of great features that can help guide students through their career and/or college research. It is a
great tool for everything from personality and career exploration to college searches. Additionally,
you can begin to organize for your college applications. A good amount of what we do in the
Guidance Office in noted on the site as well, so you will be able to track transcripts and manage your
list of potential colleges.
• Go to the Naviance Family Connection website:
http://connection.naviance.com/pennsbury
• If you have an account - Login with your email address and password.
If you have forgotten your account password, there is a link on the Family Connection login page
“forget password”. If you have forgotten the e-mail address you used to register, or need further
assistance, please contact your counselor.
• If you are registering for the first time click on “I need to register”.
Student Registration Code: Parent Registration Code:
If you have questions or concerns, or need your registration codes, please contact your
assigned counselor at the high school.
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SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION (SENIORS)
Seniors, please remember to access the
Pennsbury High School online
scholarship database on Naviance.
The Scholarship List provides
information for nominating yourself or
applying for various scholarships,
which come through the guidance
office. This list is updated regularly as
we post scholarships so check back
frequently.
Federal law requires all men living in the United States to register within a month of their
18th birthday with Selective Service. Registering keeps you eligible for college loans, job
training, government jobs and driver’s license renewal in most states.
You can get a selective service registration card at your local post office or register online at
www.sss.gov
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Guidance
Counselor
Mrs. Lyons
Mrs. Mountford
Mrs. Arbakov
Mrs. Cesari
Ms. Bergmann
Mrs. Salmon
Mrs. Burger
Ms. Barnum
Mrs. Krajci
Mrs. Rugarber
Mr. Wright
GUIDANCE COUNSELOR CASELOAD 2011 – 2012
Bldg & Ext 9th
Grade
East
70851
West
70956
East
70855
East
70854
West
70954
West
70955
West
70957
West
70953
East
70852
East
70853
West
70984
A-Bru
Bry-Da
Db-Fu
Fv-Hem
Hen-Ke
Kf-Le
Lf-Mon
Moo-Pi
Pj-Sd
Se-Tq
Tr-Z
10 th
Grade
A-Brou
Brov-Dei
Dej-Fri
Frj-Ha
He-Ke
Kf-Lh
Li-Me
Mi-Pa
Pe-Rt
Ru-Ta
Te-Z
11 th
Grade
A-Brou
Brov-Dei
Dej-Fri
Frj-Hi
Kj-Kn
Ko-L
M-Mor
Mos-Pt
Pu-Schn
Scho-Ta
Te-Z
12 th
Grade
A-Boy
Boz-Dat
Dau-Fal
Fam-G
H-Kej
Kel-L
Ma-Mor
Mos-Raf
Rag-Sb
Sc-Tad
Taf-Z
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM
OUR GUIDANCE OFFICE
SENIORS APPLYING TO COLLEGE ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS
EARLY. Some colleges have established deadlines for applying as early as November 1 st ; other
colleges have deadlines of January 1 st . If you are applying to any Pennsylvania state college, we
encourage you to apply before the end of October. Pennsbury High School special deadlines exist
for Early Decision Applications and for applications that need to go out before the holiday rush:
• November 1 st Deadline - submit by October 14, 2011 (this includes all Early
Decision and Early Action applications)
• November 15 th Deadline – submit by October 15, 2011
• Thanksgiving Deadline - submit by November 4, 2011 (this includes all
December 1 st deadlines)
• Winter Break Deadline - submit by December 2, 2011 (this includes all January
1 st deadlines)
SAT Test Dates 2011 – 2012 ACT Test Dates 2011 – 2012
October 01, 2011 SAT & Subject Tests September 10, 2011
November 5, 2011 SAT & Subject Tests October 22, 2011
December 3, 2011 SAT & Subject Tests December 10, 2011
January 28, 2012 SAT & Subject Tests February 11, 2012
March 10, 2012 SAT I only April 14, 2012
May 5, 2012 SAT & Subject Tests June 19, 2012
June 2, 2012 SAT & Subject Tests
School Code: 395-415 Test Center: 39-264
SAT registration information is available at:
www.collegeboard.com
ACT registration information is available at:
www.act.org
REMEMBER THE ACT TEST IS NOW AVAILABLE AT PHS!
REMEMBER TO BRING A PHOTO ID
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FUNDRAISING FOR OUR SCHOOL
SCHOOL
REWARDS
GIANT is pleased to introduce to you the easiest and most rewarding fundraising program, now
available to our school!
This year, the A+ SCHOOL REWARDS Program has expanded to our area, and our school has
been invited to participate. Through their simple program, parents and other supporters can assist
our school in earning much-needed CASH. Each time supporters shop at GIANT using their
BONUSCARD from October 9, 2011 through March 31, 2012, our school will earn A+ SCHOOL
REWARDS*. This money can be used to purchase smart boards, field trips, playground equipment
and more – it’s up to you!
Participation is as easy as 1, 2, 3!
All you need to do is register your BONUSCARD online and select OUR school to begin
earning A+ School Rewards!
Don’t delay! This year, Giant will be giving out a total of $3 million, and all you have to do is
register to earn our share. Visit www.GiantFoodStores.com/aplus and click on our school to start
registering your reward points.
*See www.GiantFoodStores.com/aplus
for exclusions
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PENNSBURY CHORAL FUNDRAISER
This is a fundraiser to support the Pennsbury Choral student’s trip abroad.
Spend a magical afternoon listening to the Big Band Sounds of the Artie Shaw Orchestra under the
direction of clarinetist Matt Koza. Featuring many of the original arrangements that made this
orchestra so popular in the 1940s and 50s : Begin the Beguine, Stardust, Moonglow, Dancing in the
Dark, and much more. Relive the memories of the golden age of swing. The band was featured at
the Newport Jazz Festival, and they have toured worldwide.
Now they are here at Pennsbury for one afternoon only!
Reserved ticket prices – $40 (first four center rows)
$35 Adult & Student; $30 Senior Citizens (& Pennsbury Gold Card members price)
To reserve your tickets please call:
Arlene Johnson at 215-493-1574.
TARGET REWARDS
Last year, Pennsbury High School, received a check from Target for being participants in their
“Take Charge of Education Program”. The program is simple. Sign up for a “Target Red Card”
then designate Pennsbury High School as your school of choice. Every time you shop and use your
Red Card 1% of your purchase will be donated to our school. For more information go to
Target.com/TCOE
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PHS Teacher Completes In New York Stock Exchange Workshop
Pennsbury High School BCIT teacher Mike Zisa funded and participated in a week-long workshop
in July at the New York Stock Exchange. The workshop consisted of numerous classes on financial
markets, financial literacy, and a variety of speakers from different areas of the exchange. Mr. Zisa
was also able to take a comprehensive tour of the trading floor, witness Marvel Comics ringing the
opening bell, and speak with traders, analysts, and business news anchors. Because Mr. Zisa
completed the workshop, he now has the ability to take his students on a classroom extension to the
NYSE and even take them on a tour of the trading floor. Pennsbury students are the only students in
our area that will be able to take this trip to the stock exchange. The trip will be reserved for juniors
and seniors taking the Wealth Management & Financial Literacy course. Please contact Mike Zisa at
215-949-6780 Ext. 71640 for further information.
Pennsbury’s Music Theory teacher, Mrs. Suzanne Schmidt, presented a workshop in San Francisco,
CA at the Advanced Placement Annual Conference 2011 in July. At her session, Retire the Staff:
Transforming the Teaching of Music Theory, Mrs. Schmidt shared her innovative methods of
teaching the fundamentals of music theory to high school teachers from the United States and
Canada. Mrs. Schmidt also served as the Assistant to the Chief Reader for the grading of the AP
Music Theory Exam in June. Her responsibilities included coordinating the grading materials for the
Exam as well as preparing the documentation needed for College Board’s website and summer
institutes.
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IMPORTANT PTO INFORMATION
The email address for the Pennsbury High School PTO has been changed if you need to contact us
through email please use the following address:
pennsburypto@gmail.com
The first PTO meeting will be held on September 20 th , 2011 at 9:00 a.m. in the PHS West Staff
Development Room. Our October meeting will be on the 18 th also in the Staff Development Room
at PHS West.
Junior Prom Ticket Sales
UPCOMING NEWS AND EVENTS
This year's Junior Prom will be held at King's Caterers on Thursday November 10th. Tickets are
$50 a piece and will be on sale at PHS West from 6-8 p.m. on October 25th, 26th and 27th. Only
Juniors, with NO obligations, are permitted to buy tickets, and starter checks will not be accepted.
Girls Cross Country
The Pennsbury Girls Cross Country team is ranked 18 th in the nation and an outstanding
1 st in Pennsylvania. Please come out and support them on Wednesday October 12 th . Race time is 4
p.m. and starts on the track. Hope to see you there. Coach Little
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REMINDER FROM OUR NURSE’S OFFICE
PHS is a latex-free campus. We have a
number of students with severe latex allergies.
Latex, a product manufactured from natural
rubber, is found in a variety of medical
supplies (e.g. Band-Aids, latex gloves, IV
tubing, catheters and tourniquets) and such
commonplace items such as balloons, Koosh
balls, rubber bands, and other rubbercontaining
products. Our goal is to provide
the healthiest and safest environment for all
students.
REMINDER
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In order to achieve that goal, no latex
balloons, latex gloves or Koosh balls are to
be brought into the PHS buildings. Mylar
balloons are a safe alternative to latex
balloons. If you have any questions regarding
latex allergies or any health questions
regarding your child, please feel free to
contact Mrs. Colduvell at 215-949-6792 at the
West campus or Mrs. Duffy at 215-949-6722
at the East campus.
If you haven’t already done so, please remember to fill out the emergency contact card your student
was given on the first day of school.
Without the emergency card on file, we have no way of contacting a parent or guardian if there is an
injury or emergency that needs parent or guardian attention.
Remember, the nurse cannot administer any medication to a student unless we have signed
permission on the emergency card. Thank you.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS
Physical Examinations for 9 th grade students are mandated by the State of Pennsylvania. If you have
a private physical completed by your private practitioner, please send it to the nurse’s office by
October 1, 2011. If you have a sport’s physical completed either by your private practitioner or by a
school physical, please send a copy of that examination to the nurse’s office at your earliest
convenience.

SAT PREP COURSES 2011-2012
AFTER SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES
Course Verbal Math
1 10/10, 10/11, 10/13
10/18, 10/19
2 10/25, 10/26, 10/27, 11/01, 11/03
3 01/05, 01/10, 01/11, 01/12, 01/16
4 01/17, 01/23, 01/24, 01/25, 01/26
5
6
7
Feb/Mar dates to be
determined
April dates to be
determined
Feb/Mar dates to be
determined
8 April dates to be
determined
Note: Please keep the top part of your form for date information. You will only be contacted
if the course is closed. It may be necessary to make date changes.
Class Time: 2:20-3:30 Place: Verbal – Room E233 Cost: $35.00 per course
Math – Room E115 payable to PSAA at the
time of registration
Note: Priority will be given to 11 th and 12 th grade students. Students should register as soon as
possible since courses are limited. If enrollment for a course is less than 10 students, that course
will be cancelled. Students that were enrolled in that course will have the option to reschedule.
Attendance is expected for all classes. Refunds will not be issued once the course has started.
Strategies and concepts will be reviewed.
Questions: Contact Miss Downing (Verbal) in Room E221 (ext. 70263) or Mrs. Davis (Math) in
Room E115 (ext. 70115)
Submit your registration form (please circle the course or courses) with payment to the
Guidance Office.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SAT AFTER SCHOOL REGISTRATION FORM
DETACH AND RETURN WITH PAYMENT TO THE GUIDANCE OFFICE
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
NAME______________________________________________
PHONE NUMBER ___________________________________
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The “Word” from your High School Library!
Hello everyone! This is the first of our monthly updates about news and happenings in
the high school library. Here is a review of some of the services we provide to our
students.
• We are open after school on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until 3:00, and Tuesday and
Thursday until 3:45. Someone is always in the library during school and after school to help with
research questions or problems students might have.
• If staying after school, students MUST have a pass. They can acquire this from any of their
current teachers, or obtain one from the hall aide that monitors the front of each building during
the day.
• Both libraries are constantly updating their collections with new and exciting books and movies.
Encourage students to stop in and check out our collections!
• We have many subscription databases available to our students with access from the library or at
home. Students can visit either library for passwords.
• We would like your help in encouraging students to join Reading Olympics this year. Students
are asked to read books and then participate in a county-wide competition in March. It is a nopressure,
fun and exciting group and we would love to have more interest! See Mrs. Wambach
at East or Mrs. Thompson at West for more information!
We will also highlight a “Recommended Book of the Month” in each newsletter. This book is available at
both the West and East libraries to check out!
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
“Nine-year-old Oskar Schell has embarked on an urgent, secret mission that will take him through the
five boroughs of New York. His goal is to find the lock that matches a mysterious key that belonged to
his father, who died in the World Trade Center on the morning of September 11. This seemingly
impossible task will bring Oskar into contact with survivors of all sorts on an exhilarating, affecting, often
hilarious, and ultimately healing journey.” – from www.barnesandnoble.com
Don’t forget, the best way to get your student to read is for you to read too!
Your High School Librarians: Mrs. Wambach and Mrs. Thompson
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
September 2011
09/20/11 PTO Meeting @ PHS West
09/22/11 – 09/26/11 Student Pictures
09/27/11 Back to School Night
09/29/11 – 09/30/11 Rosh Hashanah Schools Closed
October 2011
10/01/11 SAT’s @ PHS East 7:30 a.m.
10/02/11 PHs Marching Band @Pulaski Day Parade
10/06/11 Senior Parent Night 7:00 p.m. @ East
10/07/11 FCCLA ‘Bingo Night” @ West 7:00 p.m.
10/09/11 PHS Marching Band Festival @ Falcon Field
10/09/11 – 10/15/11 Fire Prevention Week
10/13/11 PHS Curriculum Night @ East 7:00 p.m.
10/15/11 PSAT’s @ PHS West
10/17/11 - 10/28/11 PHS FCCLA “Penny War” thru October 28th
10/18/11 PHS PTO Meg. @ West
10/22/11 PHS Homecoming Carnival 3:00 p.m. @ East
10/22/11 PHS Homecoming Football Game @ 7:00 p.m.
10/25/11 – 10/27/11 Junior Prom Ticket Sales @ PHS West 6-8 p.m.
10/26/11 Fall Choral Pyramid Concert @ East 7:30 p.m.
10/28/11 NHS Fall Induction @ PHS West 1:00 p.m.
10/29/11 Save A Life Tour @ PHS East
10/31/11 Haunted House @ PHS East 6 – 8:30 p.m.
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