Jan-Feb Falcon Flyer 2012 - 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
JANUARY – FEBRUARY 2012
The Pennsbury High School Administration would like to extend warm wishes to our school community
during this winter season! The first semester has been filled with tremendous success, and we would like
to thank all of our students, staff and the Pennsbury High School community for this collaborative effort.
We look forward to continued achievement throughout the entire second semester.
This newsletter contains important information, which includes first semester final exams.
Please continue to visit our High School and District websites that are both continuously updated with
valuable information.
NEW SCHEDULE for FIRST SEMESTER EXAMS!
Please note that the exam schedule listed on the school district calendar is incorrect and that the revised
schedule below will be followed for first semester exams in January of 2012.
In addition, please note that this schedule is dependent on weather conditions. If wintry weather
necessitates a school closing, please see our website for updates on first semester exams.
Monday, January 23th
A Period Final Exam: 7:20 am to 9:10 am
Area bus runs for students going home 9:10 am
B Period Final Exam: 9:25 am to 11:15 am
Regular buses will run at 11:15 am
Tuesday, January 24th
C Period Final Exam: 7:20 am to 9:10 am
Area bus runs for students going home 9:10 am
D Period Final Exam: 9:25 am to 11:15 am
Regular bus runs 11:15 am
Administratively Approved Makeup Finals
Date: January 28, 2012 with a snow date of February 4, 2012
Important Exam Information
• Every student is expected to take the final exam during his or her regularly scheduled class
period.
• Students who do not have an exam for one of the exam periods or one of the exam days do not
have to report to school.

• If a student has an exam B or D-period, he or she may report at the start of the school day or
report via personal transportation in time for the B or D-period exam.
• Students who report to school early and do not have an exam, are to report to the East Building
Cafeteria or the West Building Orange Cafeteria for a study hall.
• Students will not be permitted in the hallways during the exams. Every student is expected to
take the final exam during his or her regularly scheduled class period.
• If a student is ill and unable to take a final exam, a parent/guardian must notify a PHS attendance
office by 8:00 am the day the final exam is scheduled. A doctor’s note will be required. Doctor’s
notes will need to be provided by the close of the school day on Friday, January 27, 2012.
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)
School Counseling 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)
School Counseling 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

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM OUR SCHOOL
COUNSELING OFFICE
SATs and ACTs
SAT Test Dates 2011 – 2012 ACT Test Dates 2011 – 2012
January 28, 2012 SAT & Subject Tests February 11, 2012
March 10, 2012 SAT only April 14, 2012
May 5, 2012 SAT & Subject Tests June 9, 2012
June 2, 2012 SAT & Subject Tests
• The School Code for both the SAT and ACT is 395-415.
• Test Center Codes for Pennsbury High School:
SAT: 39264 ACT: 237230
• You may register online for the SAT at www.collegeboard.org. Click on the “Register for the
SAT” link on the home page.
• You may register online for the ACT at www.actstudent.org. Click on the “Sign-up Login” link
on the home page.
• On the SAT and ACT application form, be sure to include the colleges to which you want your
scores sent. Students required to take the SAT II should consult appropriate college catalogs and
schedule the tests accordingly.
• Remember to send your scores officially to your college selections. Pennsbury does not put
students’ scores on their transcripts.
REMEMBER: PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL NOW OFFERS THE ACT TEST. CHECK THEIR
WEBSITE FOR DETAILS OF THE TEST.

Scholarships
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Seniors, please remember to access the Pennsbury High School online scholarship database on Naviance.
http://connection.naviance.com/pennsbury The Scholarship List provides information for nominating
yourself or applying for various scholarships, which come through the Counseling Office. This list is updated
regularly as we post scholarships so check back frequently.
The Pennsbury Scholarship Foundation application is available to students online in January through the
Pennsbury School District website.
Other Opportunities:
Throughout the year, Pennsbury High School receives information regarding programs, contests, awards and
scholarships available outside of the Pennsbury community for the different grade levels.
If you are interested in learning more, log on to http://connection.naviance.com/pennsbury and refer to the
directions listed below. Participation in these programs is voluntary.
Contests and Awards: Home Page, Updates
Summer Enrichment: Colleges Tab, Enrichment Programs
Scholarships: Colleges Tab, Scholarship List

PENNSBURY HIGH SCHOOL
Pennsbury School District
Lisa M. Becker, Principal Shawn W. Neely, Principal
WEST ö 608 South Olds Boulevard EAST ö 705 Hood Boulevard
Fairless Hills, PA 19030 Fairless Hills, PA 19030
215-949-6780 215-949-6700
ATTENTION 11 TH GRADE STUDENTS/PARENTS
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR APRIL 11 College Fair
Junior students: Please read the flyer attached on the 39 th Lower Bucks College Fair. Students may attend from PHS with
parent permission by completing the attached permission slip. Return the completed slip to either East or West Guidance
Office.
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
TRIP PERMISSION FORM- COLLEGE/CAREER FAIR
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11, 2012
My son/daughter has permission to visit the Lower Bucks Counselors’ College/Career Fair Information Program at King’s
Caterers on Wednesday April 11, 2012. Approximately 150 colleges and career schools will be represented. The trip is
under the auspices of Pennsbury
High School and sponsored by the Guidance Department. Please return this form to the Guidance Office by no later than
Wednesday, April 4, 2012. This is a firm deadline.
___________________________________ ________________________________
STUDENT”S NAME PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE
_________________________________ ___________________________
STUDENT”S ID # STUDENT’S “B” PERIOD Teacher

SAT PREP COURSES 2011-2012
AFTER SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES
Course Verbal Math
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
3 4 5 6 7 8
NAME______________________________________________
PHONE NUMBER ___________________________________

SELECTIVE SERVICE INFORMATION
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
SAP (Student Assistance Program)
Do you know someone in trouble or needing help? Perhaps you have a friend that’s being bullied.
Maybe someone you know is involved with drugs and/or alcohol. Maybe you have a friend who’s in
an abusive situation.
The SAP team at PHS may be able to help. The PHS SAP team meets every two weeks during EOP.
If you know (first hand - not just hearsay), of anyone needing assistance, please contact your school
counselor. He or she may refer your concerns to the SAP team. Your concerns will be handled with
confidentiality.
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NO PLACE FOR HATE
LOGO COMPETITION
____________________________________________
Purpose:
To raise awareness that we at PHS are a “No Place For
Hate” school.
Guidelines:
- Logo is to be developed by a current PHS student.
- It will be used for at least the duration of the 2011-2012
school year.
Logo:
Should represent Pennsbury in regards to “No Place For Hate”.
. Show Diversity and Acceptance
. Examples of our Proud Traditions
. Incorporate “Anti-Defamation League” in some way
Due Date: January 23, 2012
Contact: Mrs. Arbakov, School Counseling Office
Prize: $25.00 Gift Card
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IMPORTANT NEWS FROM THE NURSE
The Free and Reduced Breakfast/Lunch Program is available for all eligible students. Parents/
Guardians may apply at any time throughout the school year. In order to apply for free or reduced
price meals, it is necessary to complete the Free and Reduced Price School Meals application.
Applications may be obtained by calling the School Nurse at 215-949-6792or 215-949-6722 or by
having your child stop by either nurse’s office for an application. You may apply at any time during
the school year if your household size goes up, income goes down, or if you start receiving Food
Stamps or TANF. If you have any questions regarding the Free and Reduced Lunch Program, please
feel free to call the nurse’s office at 215-949-6792 or 215-949-6722.
.
Employment Opportunities
Interested in working while your child is in school? Pennsbury is seeking substitute health room
aides and substitute RNs. Hours and days flexible. CPR and First Aid certifications are required.
Call Human Resources at 215-428-4100 ext.10007 for details.
Insurance Information
Independence Blue Cross & Pennsylvania Blue Shield Caring Foundation provides health insurance
for uninsured children and adults in southeastern Pennsylvania. Applications are available in the
nurse’s office. You may also contact them by phone at 215-241-2327 or via the website at
www.caringfoundation.com/outreach.
HELP STOP GERMS AT HOME, WORK AND SCHOOL
The main way that illnesses like colds and flu are spread is from person to person in respiratory
droplets of coughs and sneezes. In order to stop the spread of germs, take care to
• Cover your mouth and nose
• Clean your hands often
• Remind your children to practice healthy habits, too
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The “Word” from your High School Library
Pennsbury provides access to multiple databases to help student research. These databases
provide credible information and should be the first place to go when researching. Not only
can students access these databases at school, they are also available from home! Here are
some databases we offer. For home access, please stop in and see one of the librarians for
passwords:
Library Resources from Home
1. Go to http://www.pennsbury.k12.pa.us/pennsbury/PHS/
2. Under “Quick Links” on the left-hand side choose “Library”
Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center— A one-stop source for information on today's hottest social issues.
Great source for persuasive papers, debates and speeches.
Biography Resource Center— Includes full-text articles from hundreds of periodicals and reference sources.
Great biographical information on more than 185,000 people from Nostradamus to Julia Roberts.
Gale Virtual Reference Library (e-books) - A database of reference sources for multidisciplinary research.
These materials once were accessible only in the library, but now you can access them online from the library or
remotely 24/7.
Salem Databases (History, Health and Literature) (e-books) - A database of resources related to certain topics
of history, health and literature. Now, the more popular books from this publisher are accessible online.
Issues and Controversies – Helps researchers understand the crucial issues we face today. This database is great
for research papers and debate preparation.
InfobasePublishing –– Assorted e-books from Chelsea House’s literary criticism collections edited by Harold
Bloom. The place to go for the critical essays you need for your English assignments.
Power Library-- The POWER library allows you to access thousands of full text periodical articles, newspapers, a
major encyclopedia, plus photographs, pictures, charts, maps, reference materials for young people and more. You
will find materials of interest in most subject areas for all age groups from young children to adults.
Contemporary Literary Criticism Select --An extensive collection of critical essays on contemporary authors.
Each entry contains a biographical/critical introduction, listing of principal works and sources for further study.
World Book Encyclopedia --Access to the World Book Encyclopedia Reference Center, an atlas, and a
dictionary. Great site for quick references.
Book of the Month: Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok
Emigrating with her mother from Hong Kong to Brooklyn, Kimberly Chang begins a secret double life as an
exceptional schoolgirl during the day and sweatshop worker at night, an existence also marked by her first crush
and the pressure to save her family from poverty.
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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UPCOMING NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS
SENIOR PROM WORKERS
Remember: You do not need to have kids who are seniors, you do not need experience, you do not need
to have every night free, and you do not even need to be in the Pennsbury district. We welcome all sincere
help. All of you helped last year and did a fabulous job. You are welcome to come back this year even
though your seniors are gone. It is fun, it is challenging and you will love it.
9 TH GRADE SEMI FORMAL
The 9th grade semi-formal dance is going to be held on Friday February 10th from 7-10pm in the Orange
Gym/Cafeteria at West. Tickets are $15 a piece and will be sold before and after school February 6th-9th
and only in the morning on February 10th. No tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets will only be sold to
9th graders who have no obligations. Checks can be made out to PHS SAA, starter checks will not be
accepted.
FBLA REGIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE COMPETITION
The following students have placed in their respective events out of all the Bucks County School Districts.
They will be attending the State Leadership Conference in April to compete against all the finalists in
Pennsylvania.
Margot Kelly - Second Place in Accounting 1; Michael Cramer, Aman Niscal and Amin Vora – First Place
in Banking and Financial Systems; Tejas Shah – Fourth Place in Business Calculations; Suzanne Swanicke
and Alexa Lukas – Second and Third Place in business Communications; Victoria Linn and Bradley
Scarpiello – Second and Third Place in business Law; Gina Liu – Fourth Place in Business Math grades 9 –
10 only; Jonathan Kriss – Third Place in Hospitality Management; and Audrey Deng – Fourth Place in
Introduction to Business grades 9 – 10 only.
Congratulations to all of our students who competed and best wishes for the competition in April
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“Building a Community that Cares for our Youth”
The Pennsbury LYFT prevention coalition has coordinated a comprehensive community network in prevention education to
reduce anti-social behaviors such as Substance Abuse (ATOD: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs); Violence & Bullying
(including Cyber Bullying which can lead to Suicide); Delinquency; School Drop-Out; and Teen Pregnancy, through
some of the following outreach programs, events and activities:
▪Anti-Bullying/Cyber Bullying presentations for Parents, Teachers, Youth & Community members
▪Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bucks County’s School-Based Mentor programs
▪Challenge Day (Anti-bullying program- Pennsbury High School & Charles Boehm Middle School)
▪Community festivals/events (Community Pride Day/Falls Twp Family Festival/Harvest Day)
▪Creating Lasting Family Connections Program (Family enhancement & communication with teens)
▪DARE programs/activities (Elementary & Middle School levels)
▪Guiding Good Choices (Family enhancement & communication with teens)
▪Heads Up (law enforcement presentation attacking drug problems in our communities)
▪Images of Alcohol (Driver’s Ed. Underage Drinking and Driving program)
▪LYFT Awareness Teen Advisory Group (for youth grades 6 th – 12 th )
▪Pennsylvania Youth Survey {PAYS} (youth self assessment tool -every two years)
▪Parent Survey (parental assessment questionnaire - Fall 2011)
▪PTO & Parent programs/presentations (various subjects of concern, incl.: Alcohol, Rx Drugs, Bullying, etc)
▪Trained specialists/Special guests for students/parents/community Prevention Education presentations
▪Town Hall Meetings (Substance use TRENDS & Pennsbury Community DATA; Guest Speakers)
▪Underage Drinking Task Force (Law enforcement, juvenile justice committee & schools)
▪What’s my SPF? (Parent involvement & media campaign for prevention education)
▪Z Period (after-school recreational activities club for middle school students)
As a community partner, it is our duty to provide these educational presentations/workshops brought to parents, teachers,
students, to enhance community awareness of the dangers and teach decision making skills to our youth. Comprehensive
strategies have been developed that reduce risk factors that increase the potential for substance abuse and promote the
positive resiliency factors that minimize the possibility abuse. Our goal is to help families make healthy
decisions…together. As a family we need your commitment to keep our youth and community safe. Your input,
support, thoughts and resources are important to us and are always welcome.
Join our LYFT Awareness Teen Advisory Group made up of youth in grades 6 th – 12 th who reside or attend schools located
in the Pennsbury district. Learn life skills through trainings, attend Leadership Conferences, peer to peer networking
opportunities, Community Service projects, and most importantly – making more friends in a safe and healthy environment.
Meetings: Second Monday of every month, 7:00pm at McCaffrey’s market.
To learn more about our projects, presentations, event schedules, and meeting times, please
call or email Lizette Morales-Chomicki, Project Coordinator at (215) 949-1660, ext. 104
lyft@uwbucks.org Please visit our website www.pennsburylyft.org
The Pennsbury LYFT (Lower Makefield Township, Yardley, Falls Township, Tullytown) coalition is funded as part of a U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health & Services Administration –Drug Free Communities grant and
beneficiary of the SPF-SIG grant through the Bucks County Drug & Alcohol Commission & The Council. The United Way of Bucks
County and the Pennsbury School District provide support and act as fiscal agents for the LYFT project.
"It’s easier to build healthy children than to repair broken adults" ~ Frederick Douglas
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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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Target ®
Did you know there’s an easy way to help us raise money for our school – for books, band uniforms,
reading programs and anything else that can use extra funding? It’s called “Take Charge of Education
Program”. Last year, Pennsbury High School, received a check from Target for being participants in
their “Take Charge of Education Program”. The program is simple. Fisit visit
www.Target.com/TCOE or call 1-800-316-6142 to designate our school. Our School ID number is 90589.
Then all you have to do is use your REDcard (Target Credit Card, Target Debit Card or Target Visa Credit
Card) whenever you shop and Target will donate up to 1% of your purchases to the school of your choice.
Learn more at www.Target.com/redcard or stop in any Target store to apply.
TAKE CHARGE OF EDUCATION ® PROGRAM RULES
Enroll for free and Target ® will donate up to 1% of your REDcard ® purchases to the eligible K-12 school of your choice.
Qualifying Schools
The Take Charge of Education program is intended to benefit K-12 schools located in the U.S. having a 501(c) (3) or 509 (a) (1) taxexempt
status.
How the Program Works
Target Credit Card ® and Target ® Visa ® Credit Card account holders can sign up for the Take Charge of Education program by calling
1-800-316-6142 or by visiting Target.com/tcoe or an in-store kiosk. The primary cardholder of a Target Debit Card can sign up for the
Take Charge of Education program by calling 1-800-316-6142.
Designate an eligible K-12 school, and Target donates an amount equal to one percent (1%) of your Target Credit Card, Target Visa
Credit Card or Target Debit Card purchases (minus returns and sales tax) at any Target store and Target.com, and one-half percent
(1/2%) of your Target Visa Credit Card purchases made (not including cash advances, balance transfers and purchases of other cash
equivalents, and minus returns and sales tax) everywhere else Visa credit cards are accepted. Target will track purchases made on
participating Target Credit Cards, Target Visa Credit Cards, and Target Debit Cards, and will distribute the accumulated donations to
schools in September.
General Conditions
Only one school may be designated for each Target Credit Card account, Target Visa Credit Card account, and Target Debit Card. For
the Target Debit Card, only the primary cardholder can designate the K-12 school, and that designation will apply to any authorized
users.
Schools must meet the eligibility requirements described above.
Donation amounts begin to accrue when the school designation is processed. The school donation will only be made for Target Credit
Card accounts and Target Visa Credit Card accounts that are open and in good standing at the time donations are distributed to eligible
schools. The school donation will only be made for Target Debit Cards that are open and have no unpaid electronic transfers at the time
the donation is distributed to eligible schools.
School donations through Take Charge of Education are not tax deductible.
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January, 2012
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
1/12/12 PHS Prom Fashion Show @ East 6:00 pm
1/16/12 Martin Luther King Jrs. Birthday – School Closed
1/17/12 PTO Meeting @ West
1/18/12 PHS Choral Concert @ West 7:30 pm
1/19/12 PHS Winter Band Concert @East 7:30 pm
1/23/12 – 1/24/12 Final Exams – Early Dismissal
1/25/12 End of Second Marking Period
1/25/12 Teacher Workshop No School (Tentative)
1/27/12 FCCLA “Bingo Night” @ West 7:00 pm
1/28/12 SATs @ PHS East 7:30 am
February, 2012
2/07/12 American Math Competition @ East Café A & B Period
2/10/12 PHS 9 th Grade Formal
2/11/12 ACT’s @ PHS East
2/17/12 – 2/26/12 PHS Choral Concert Tour
2/20/12 Presidents’ Day – Schools and Offices Closed
2/21/12 Teacher Workshop School Closed
2/22/12 PHS PTO Meeting @ West
2/27/12 PHS Career Fair @ East
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