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SPOTLIGHT ON SECRETARY ORTEGA'S VISIT TO UBCTS:
UBCTS1
Dr. Bridget O'Connell, Superintendent of Record for the Upper Bucks County Technical School, celebrates Presidential Scholar, Raymond Slifer (center) from Quakertown with Noe Ortega, Acting Secretary of the PA Department of Education (next to Dr. O'Connell) with other legislators and administrators from Quakertown and UBCTS.
L to R: Director Sweda (UBCTS), Secretary Ortega, Dr. O'Connell, Raymond Slifer, Rep. Staats, Asst. Director Dr. Herrara (UBCTS), Superintendent Dr. Harner (Quakertown) and  Principal van't Hoenderdaal (Quakertown)
UBCTS2
Dr. O'Connell meets machining student, Kiera Barnhardt with Acting Secretary, Noe Ortega.
No Place for Hate Banner
NO PLACE FOR HATE DESIGNATIONS FOR 2020-21: Congratulations to PALMS for achieving the NO PLACE FOR HATE DESIGNATION FOR THIS YEAR...and to PHS for receiving this designation for the 7TH YEAR! We are Palisades! No Place for Hate! No Place for Hate Speech! No Place for Bullying! #palisadesstrong
SUMMER READING FOR PHS:

Once again, all students, entering grades 9-12, will be required to complete summer reading assignments. Research has shown students’ reading abilities will decrease with extended time away from reading.  This program has helped maintain and increase students’ literacy skills while providing for classroom discussions around the content of the texts. All students enrolled in an English class are required to read one novel. All students enrolled in a social studies class are required to complete a written assignment. Assessment of the required reading texts for all students in English courses will occur during the second week of the school year regardless of the semester in which the student is enrolled in the associated course. For the social studies courses, students will need to complete a written assignment. Students should share it with their assigned social studies teacher the first week of school regardless of the semester that they have the course. 12th-grade students will need to complete the summer reading social studies packet if they are enrolled in Cultural Diversity or the Government course (even if they are also in an AP course). Please be reminded these assignments must be completed before school starts on August 30, 2021.

We have created a site with more information on and access to each assignment along with answers to Frequently Asked Questions and special needs.  Link to the high school library homepage for access or link directly to: http://tinyurl.com/ydxxe2fk


School Board Logo

ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL UPDATES: As we continue to experience declining enrollment, as well as address challenging issues such as mental health concerns in schools and the impact of COVID in the school community, several important changes were approved at last week's School Board of Directors Meeting on June 2nd in the personnel area. Notably, the following:
1. Dr. Bridget O'Connell was awarded a new 5 year contract as the Superintendent of the Palisades School District, beginning July 1, 2021 - Press Release - BOC Contract Approved 6-2-21
2. The retirements of Ms. Janet Link (Tinicum Elementary Principal) and Mrs. Joanne Barnowsky (Springfield Kindergarten teacher) were approved - best wishes to both of you in your retirement! You are both legends in the Palisades community!
3. Dr. Michael Donnelly was appointed to the role of Assistant to the Superintendent for Educational Services and the Principal of Tinicum Elementary School, also effective July 1, 2021 - Assistant to the Superintendent for Educational Services Job Description
4. Mr. Richard Heffernan, Principal of Palisades High School will also continue as the Assistant to the Superintendent for Operations; a new job description was approved - Assistant to the Superintendent for Operations Job Description
5. Mrs. Amber Schlosser, Assistant Principal of Palisades High School has a slightly revised job description to include evaluating the District State Reporting Specialist and planning the Teacher Induction and Mentor Program - Asst. Principal High School 12 month
6. A job description was approved for a new position - Board Certified Behavior Analyst
HEALTH AND SAFETY PLAN CHANGES APPROVED: Three changes were recommended and approved by the Health and Safety Planning Team, the changes include:
Presentation - Health and Safety Plan Revision June 2 2021
1. As of Thursday, June 3rd, masks are not required for students/staff and others while outdoors; they are however they are required indoors and on district-provided transportation.
2.
Beginning Friday, June 11th, the indoor masking requirement will be lifted for all employees who are fully vaccinated (two weeks past last COVID shot) and have proof of vaccination on file with the building nurse. Last student day is Thursday, June 10th. Employees may choose to continue to wear masks regardless of vaccination status.
3.
Beginning on Friday, June 11th the daily symptom screener will be discontinued for all employees. If employees become symptomatic with COVID or other illness they should remain home and contact their medical provider.  
For more examples of our previous Health and Safety Plans and other COVID-related communications, please see the COVID-19 section of our website.

SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET FOR THE 2021-22 SCHOOL YEAR APPROVED: The process of developing a budget for the following school year begins in early fall and led to the final budget approval on Wednesday, June 2nd - please follow this link for detailed budget highlights and information: Budget Highlight Info.

What does this mean for our taxpayers? Please see chart below which shows the approved 0.87% tax increase. The millage rate will be 116.0 mills. This will equate to a $30.90 increase to the average assessed household of the District.

tax table

UPCOMING JUNE SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS (All Virtual):
06/09/21 - Education Programs and Services Meeting; 6:30PM
06/14/21 - Fiscal Oversight Committee Meeting; 9AM
06/16/21 - Regular School Board Meeting; 7PM
06/17/21 - Joint Operating Committee; UBCTS 8PM

The public is encouraged to attend our School Board Meetings; use *6 to unmute when appropriate.


PCF Logo 25 Years

JOIN OUR TEAM!
  Seeking new team members...interested, dedicated community members willing to help our Foundation and help our community, please email [email protected]  - Many hands make light work!  Become a valued member of a sub group (projects like the 5K, food distributions, clothing drives, etc.) or volunteer as a voting member of our Board (with approval by the nominating committee).  We need your help!  Join us and become a part of a growing team, celebrating 25 years of service to our community!

CLOTHING DRIVE NEXT WEEK!  We are ending the school year by collecting clothing for our annual August clothing distribution (before the start of school).  Please bring your gently used items (in trash bags or boxes) to our collection bus located on the high school property (Route 412 side).  The bus will be available on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week.  Please feel free to drop your donations on the bus and we will be able to sift through and organize the donations over the summer to make available for students and families before school starts in the fall!  Neighbors helping neighbors - that's how we roll in Palisades!  Thanks for your clothing and accessory donations!


Food for Springtown

FIRST RESPONDERS GET A WELL-DESERVED TREAT...CONTINUES!  As a matter of fact...PCF has made several distributions of goodies to our area first responders!  Special thanks to Mary's Rustic Kitchen for supporting Palisades Community Foundation in this endeavor...just this week, deliveries were made to Riegelsville and Ottsville FH's, Tinicum and Springfield PD's, Upper Bucks EMS and the State Police Barracks.  More to come!



Pirate Flag

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR STUDENTS AS THEY MOVE ONTO THEIR NEXT CHAPTER...

5TH Grade Promotions - June 9th
8TH Grade Recognition - June 10th
12TH Grade - Class of 2021 Graduation Celebration - June 11th (rain dates June 12th and June 13th)

GRADUATION CEREMONY UPDATE FOR THE CLASS OF 2021:

Tickets No Longer Required for Outdoor Graduation Ceremony

This year, the home and away stands/bleachers will be available for those attending graduation to be seated, which will allow those in attendance to socially distance on both sides of the stadium. Additionally, Governor Wolf lifted capacity limits on May 31. Therefore, tickets will no longer be required to gain admission to the graduation ceremony.

Masking Information for the Graduation Ceremony During Wednesday’s School Board meeting, a few revisions to the school district’s Health & Safety Plan were approved. Below is a significant change for masking during OUTDOOR school district events:

“Beginning on Thursday, June 3rd, masks are not required for school related outdoor activities (PE and recess) and events (graduation) due to low transmission risk and concern for heat related illness associated with wearing a mask in higher temperatures. If people are sedentary while outdoors (classrooms brought outside, graduation, etc.) they are asked to distance from the next individual or family group.”

 

Masks are not required, but individuals may choose to wear one.

STATE COMPETITION LAST WEEKEND! PHS TRACK AND FIELD MEDAL WINNERS...Congrats to our medal winners:

Trinity Williams- 4th place - high jump
Paige Casterline- 7th place- high jump
Boys 4 x 4 relay- 8th place- Thomas Smigo, Mason Smeland, Bryce Guthier, Marcus Yearwood


Baseball champs

BASEBALL TEAM CROWNED DISTRICT XI CHAMPS!  FIRST TIME IN SCHOOL HISTORY!

On Monday, the baseball team defeated Notre Dame HS and was crowned District XI 3A Champions! This is the first time in school history that our baseball team won the District XI championship! The team will compete in the first round of the PIAA State Playoffs on Monday, June 7 versus Scranton Prep at Saucon Valley HS. Game time is 3:00 PM. 

If you would like to attend the game, tickets must be purchased online. There will NOT be any ticket sales at the gate on the day of the event. Below is information for purchasing tickets: 

Ticket Information: 

https://www.piaa.org/sports/tickets.aspx

- Click on Baseball

- Click on 3A

Cost:   $7.00 or $8.00  (not 100% known at this time).

It would be great to fill the baseball field with Palisades Purple! Come and support the team as they compete in a local venue in the first round of states!


Amato      McDowell

COLONIAL LEAGUE ACADEMIC ALL-STARS: 

The Colonial League selects 2 student-athletes from each school for a total of 26 outstanding student-athletes that have excelled in their respective sports, academics, leadership and community service. Congratulations to Palisades’ Colonial League Academic All Stars, Jemma Amato and Liam McDowell! To view the virtual presentation, please click this link.

Ryan Musantry and Mike Zonay

SHOUT OUT TO OUR SENIORS! 

Congrats to Ryan Musantry (also a great summer intern who works on our award winning district calendar and the PSD website) who was awarded the 
Mike Zonay, "Proud to be a Pirate" Award for his hard work and dedication to his fellow teammates!
Congrats to all of our Senior Award Winners - Check Out the Entire List: 2021 Senior Award Recipient List

Summer image

KEEP THOSE REGISTRATIONS COMING...SUMMER RECREATION CAMP AT PSD - REGISTER NOW AND DON'T MISS THE FUN!

Palisades School District and the Upper Bucks YMCA are teaming up to provide a summer recreational camp for children (entering grades 1-6) in the district this summer!  Arts, crafts, outdoor games and swimming are just some of the activities that will be available at camp this summer!  The camp will be held at Palisades Middle School on Monday through Friday beginning on July 12th and running through August 13th.  Camp hours are 9AM until 4PM (updated).  Before and after care will be available each day of camp for your convenience.

Links for Information and Registration:

Registration Flyer:  Palisades_CampBrochure2021 rev.pdf
Pricing Information:  palisades-registration-grid.pdf
YMCA Website Link to Program:  YMCA Website-Direct Link to Camp Bucks at PSD

NOTE:  Families who wish to receive scholarship consideration, please contact [email protected] or complete the assistance request form on the YMCA registration website.


Athletics Camps

CHECK IT OUT...Summer Camps Offered!  Athletics Summer Camp Flyer 2021

Tennis Anyone

Register for Spring Community Tennis at PHS Courts: Click on this link for registration information - PSD BCTA 2021 Tennis Schedule.pdf

PCCY Program

PCCY Tools

Attached is a parent checklist from Public Citizens for Children & Youth that includes links and breaks down the resources that have been made available for families through the federal American Rescue Plan. Here is the link - PCCY's ARP Tools for Families and it is also available as an attachment HERE


St. Lukes Health Network

As part of the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), St. Luke’s University Health Network is conducting a survey to identify health needs within the community. As members of our community, we are asking for your feedback.  


Also from St. Luke's:  The St. Luke’s Healthy Kids Bright Futures Team is very excited to work with your students virtually. We know that these are extremely challenging times for students, parents, and school faculty and staff.  In an effort to help enhance distance learning during these trying times, the Community Health staff at St. Luke’s University Health Network have gathered resources together for you to share with your students and families!

HKBF June.pdf

GYTOT Minors Sign Up Instructions.pdf


Silver Creek Car Show 

Visit their website:  Silver Creek Athletic Association Website

PreK Registration


Monster Mayhem

pysa soccer

PALISADES YOUTH SOCCER:

Palisades Youth Soccer Association Spring Update:
While our Spring Travel and Intramural programs are well underway, we're now planning for what comes next:

Fall Travel:  Birth Years 2013 and older.  Travel Tryouts will be held in Mid/Late May.  If interested in playing Travel Soccer with us this Fall, please fill out this brief Interest Form: https://pysanet.sportngin.com/register/form/244664975

Summer Intramural:  PYSA is offering a Summer Intramural Program for players born 2009-2018.  Sessions will be held weekly on Tuesday and Wednesday  from 6-7pm from late June through early August.   2018-2017 players will play once a week on Wednesday from 6-7pm, parent participation required.  To register: https://pysanet.sportngin.com/register/form/860917883

Questions? Email Nikki Bowen [email protected]

Scouting Promotion

Bucks Camp Expo

Little Bellas logo

Little Bellas creates opportunities for girls to experience success using mountain biking as the platform and pathway to personal growth, building community and competency.  Join their camp at Lake Nockamixon from 8/9-8/13 from 8AM until noon for ages 8-11.  Financial assistance available!

https://littlebellas.com/camp/lehigh-valley-pa-half-day/

Day Camp Flyer

HC Flyer


AREA BUSINESSES - HELP WANTED ADS FOR STUDENTS:


BCIU ESY Posting

We have a great opportunity for high school graduates who are considering a career working with students. With our summer programming right around the corner, we are looking for paraeducators to work this summer at our Extended School Year (ESY) program. Our ESY program will begin on July 6th and continue through August 5th. Since the program runs Monday through Thursday, the program lasts 19 days. This year, lower county sites will include Morrisville Intermediate School and Grandview Elementary School within the Morrisville School District and Penn Valley Elementary School in Pennsbury. In upper county, we are looking for paraeducators for our Strayer Middle School site in the Quakertown Community School District.

We are being very flexible with vacations and days off when needed and we are willing to work creatively to get qualified paraeducators in our classrooms.  We are also offering a stipend of $200 to paraeducators who work the 5 weeks of ESY, with no more than 2 days off throughout ESY.  The rate is $15.50 per hour. To qualify for a paraeducator position, the high school graduate must be 18 years old and willing to complete their paraeducator certification within 90 days from the beginning of ESY.

Here is a link to our recruitment video that can be shared with soon-to-be graduates. We have also attached a copy of a flyer that can be posted in your building.

For graduates who are contemplating a career in education or a related field, this may be a great opportunity! For more information, please ask interested graduates to email us at: [email protected] or call 215-348-2940 ext 1307/1311 and we will walk each candidate through the process. If a candidate wants to apply directly they can apply to www.bucksiu.org/careers. Each candidate will be interviewed by our ESY team.

BC River Country

Employment for Students 14 years and up
Great Summer Job that’s FUN!
Ages 14 and up
Outdoor & Indoor Jobs available.
Weekdays/weekends
Apply on-line
www.rivercountry.net/employment-at-river-country.html

Or call - (215) 297-5000



AMC Logo

Anderson Mechanical Corp. is looking for energetic, responsible students looking for a good paying summer job.  We do all aspects of heating and air conditioning work, as well as plumbing construction and service.

No experience is required.  Asking that our summer employees show up on time, and are willing to work in construction environments.  We will provide safety training, and instruction.  This employment opportunity will also offer the student a look into our industry as a potential career.   

If interested,  Please contact Kerry Anderson at 215-766-9890 to schedule an interview.

Jerry Fritz
SUMMER EMPLOYMENT:

Looking for summer work?  Jerry Fritz Garden Design is seeking to expand our team with hard working individuals.  We are an award winning landscape design & build firm, providing high quality landscape design and fine garden maintenance to our very loyal clients.  We are looking to fill positions on our landscape team, servicing our clients (not at the retail nursery, since Linden Hill Gardens is closed).

Please email [email protected] with interest and include work history/ experience as well as 3 references.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR SENIORS:

I am Lynne Wheeler- Human Resources for Oldcastle APG Lawn & Garden.  We have a work site located in Quakertown, PA and I am working on recruiting efforts for entry level open positions that we currently have.  I have worked with the Guidance office at Quakertown High School in the past and had some success.  I thought I would reach out to you as well.  I am looking to recruit 18 year old Seniors that may not be going off to college after graduating this spring and would be looking for full time work.

 We have a Full Time positions open for:

*  Color Line Production Laborer-  This is a labor intensive job that works with our mulch production and colorants (black, red, brown mulches).  $18 hr

*  General Laborer Color Line Support- This position supports the Color Line Production Laborer with tasks. $15hr.  This position would just complete application for Production Laborer.

*  Production Laborer-This position works on our manual soil production line.  (This is where Tim is working with us). $15 hr

These positions are entry level positions and we will train the right candidate.

The online application link to these positions is https://jobs.crh.com/go/LGNorth_Quakertown/4880801/

 The individual can text the keyword QTN to 833-865-3227.  They will automatically receive a text message with a link to our landing page to these job postings and then complete the online application.

We also have a Facebook page called Oldcastle Lawn & Garden Careers that they can check out and see posts for Quakertown Site as well.

Career Link Logo

Weekly Hot Jobs 5.3.21.pdf
On the Job Training May 2021.pdf

The Golden Pheasant Inn and Restaurant

Bussers Needed

Starting wage 8.50/hr plus tips 

Dishwasher Needed
Starting wage $12/hour 

(both with advancement opportunities) 

Flexible hours for the summer 

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays 

 

Please contact Jacob Donnelly for more information about employment

267-772-1021


Krapf Bus Drivers Needed