Neshaminy Update
Neshaminy School District / September, 2023
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There's more brewing at Peace Valley Café in Levittown than just coffee. This brand-new nonprofit coffee shop is helping young adults with disabilities develop job skills, build confidence, and prepare for meaningful employment — and students from the Neshaminy School District's Employability Transition Skills (NETS) program have been part of the effort from the very beginning. From helping renovate the building to serving customers behind the counter, Neshaminy students have played an important role in bringing the café to life. The café officially celebrated its grand opening on October 2.
Located on Trenton Road across the parking lot from the district court, Peace Valley Café was co-founded by Donnamarie Davis, founder of the Peace Valley Holistic Center, to help young adults with disabilities make the transition from school to the workplace. The café offers a welcoming, inclusive environment where participants can develop job skills, build confidence, and gain greater independence while serving the community.
Neshaminy's involvement began in the fall of 2023, long before the first cup of coffee was served. Working in partnership with Bucks County, organizers set out to transform a former crime lab into a fully functioning coffee shop. Financing for the project was obtained through grants, sponsorships and donations. The renovations were completed entirely by volunteers, including students from the NETS program who helped with various stages of the project. Their work provided valuable hands-on experience and gave students a sense of pride and ownership in helping create a space that will benefit others for years to come.
Now that the café is open, Neshaminy students are putting their skills to work through its apprenticeship program, alongside students from Bristol Borough High School and the Bucks County Intermediate Unit. With support from teachers, job coaches, and café staff, students gain experience greeting customers, taking orders, operating the cash register, preparing beverages, and serving food. These everyday responsibilities help strengthen important workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and responsibility while encouraging greater independence.
Peace Valley Café is an example of what can be accomplished when schools, nonprofit organizations, local government, and community volunteers work together toward a common goal. For Neshaminy students, the experience is especially meaningful. They have had the opportunity not only to help build the café, but also to become part of its daily operations, putting the skills they learn in the classroom to use in a real-world setting.
Neshaminy's participation in this project also highlights the dedication of the district's NETS staff, who work to prepare students with disabilities for life beyond high school. Through partnerships like Peace Valley Café, students gain practical experience, develop confidence, and take important steps toward meaningful employment and greater independence.
The school day might end in the afternoon, but the learning, creativity and fun continue at Neshaminy High School through Beyond the Bell, an afterschool program that offers students a place to get academic help, explore new interests and connect with teachers and classmates. From tutoring and test preparation to activities such as scrapbooking, games and other student clubs, the program offers something for just about everyone.
Melissa Bauerle, an English teacher at NHS, helps coordinate the academic side of Beyond the Bell, which is part of the school's 21st Century Community Learning Centers program and operates in partnership with the Ivins Outreach Center. Now in its third year, the grant-funded program typically serves between 40 and 70 students each day. Students can receive tutoring in every subject, prepare for the SAT, PSAT and Keystone Exams, get help with college applications and essays, or work on credit recovery.
"We have students that are struggling and need help with tutoring," Bauerle explained. "And we have teachers in every subject every day here to help them."
But Beyond the Bell isn't just about academics. Students can also participate in a variety of recreational and enrichment activities, including scrapbooking, game clubs, Reading Olympics, arts and crafts, and other creative opportunities. Students are even encouraged to suggest and organize clubs based on their own interests. Bauerle said the flexibility helps students find activities that appeal to them, including those who might not otherwise participate in traditional school clubs.
"It's pretty amazing what we have available for our students," she said.
Beyond the Bell operates Monday through Thursday from 2-4 p.m., with accommodations available for students who need to stay later. Transportation home is provided, making it easier for students to participate. Teachers are available throughout the week, with some providing daily support in subjects such as math and social studies, while others rotate based on student needs. The program's flexible structure allows students to take advantage of the resources and activities that interest them most.
For Bauerle, one of the greatest benefits of Beyond the Bell is the opportunity to build stronger relationships between students and teachers outside the regular classroom. Whether students are working through a difficult assignment, preparing for college or simply enjoying an activity with friends, the program provides a welcoming environment for learning and personal growth.
"It's an amazing program that can help so many students," she said, adding that it helps foster relationships between teachers and students that aren't always possible during the regular school day.
NHS students are encouraged to sign up and take advantage of everything the program has to offer. Students can register using the program's QR code or simply stop by Beyond the Bell after school (in the student lounge area on the second floor), where staff members can help them enroll.
The LION Training System uses a programmable, interactive display and electronic fire extinguisher to simulate real-life fire emergencies, allowing participants to practice proper fire extinguisher techniques in a safe, controlled environment. The system can simulate different types of fires, helping students and staff learn how to respond appropriately in an emergency.
The system was made possible through the generosity of two community partners: the Neshaminy Education Foundation, which provided a $10,000 grant, and the Middletown Community Foundation, which contributed an additional $4,500. Their combined support has brought a valuable new safety education resource to the district.
While Carl Sandburg students were among the first to experience the new equipment, they won't be the last. The portable training system will be used throughout Neshaminy School District in partnership with local fire departments, giving students and staff hands-on opportunities to develop important fire safety skills.
Pictured at the debut of the new LION Training System are (left to right): Missy Robison, Middletown Community Foundation Vice-President and Middletown Township Police Department School Resource Officer; Stephen Link, President of the Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company; Riley Collins, Lieutenant with Middletown Township Fire and Emergency Services; Derek Albarran, Principal of Carl Sandburg Middle School; Jan King, President of the Neshaminy Education Foundation; and Chris Stanley, Vice-President of the Neshaminy Education Foundation.
Neshaminy High School students are taking their voices beyond the classroom once again as hosts of a podcast produced by the Neshaminy Coalition for Youth (NC4Y). The podcast, Giving Youth a Voice, features student-led interviews with a variety of guests, exploring topics that matter to young people and their families, from career opportunities and personal wellness to community activities and experiences.
The podcast's Journeys series focuses on career paths and opportunities available to students after graduation. An upcoming episode features an interview with Chief Warrant Officer 2 Marvin Olivares of the National Guard and Joint Counterdrug Task Force. Another planned episode will feature a representative from Bucks County Technical High School.
Looking ahead, NC4Y is developing episodes on mindfulness for teens, with other possible topics including the Neshaminy High School swim team and Scouting. The student podcasters are also helping gather ideas from their peers to keep the conversations relevant and engaging. NC4Y welcomes suggestions for future podcast topics from students, families and community members. To listen to past episodes and learn more, visit nc4youth.org/podcast.
Maple Point Middle School will once again honor our local veterans with a ceremony on Tuesday, November 10 starting at 9:00 a.m. Military veterans from any era are invited to join this Maple Point tradition to be honored and help our students understand the importance of military service and the role veterans play in American and world history. Pre-registration is required by November 2 and can be completed online at the link below.
Neshaminy School District is forming a K-2 Technology Committee to review technology use, screen time, and Chromebook access for our youngest learners. We invite all parents and guardians of students in grades kindergarten through second grade to complete a brief survey. Your feedback will help guide committee recommendations for classroom technology use and whether Chromebooks should continue traveling home or remain at school.
The survey takes about five minutes. Families with more than one child in grades K-2 need to only complete one survey. Please complete the K-2 Technology Family Survey by Friday, November 20.
TAX COMMISSION VOLUNTEERS WANTED
The School Board is looking for FOUR Neshaminy District community members to serve on a temporary Local Tax Study Commission. These volunteers may not be District employees or related to a district employee or an official of the District. Commission members will be expected to attend four public meetings and one public hearing at Maple Point to be scheduled in the winter of 2026/2027.
A Local Tax Study Commission is an independent, temporary advisory body to examine the District’s existing tax structure and determine whether the tax policy could be improved from an Earned Income Tax (EIT) or Personal Income Tax (PIT) authorized by Pennsylvania Law. The Commission's recommendation is non-binding, but the Neshaminy School Board of Directors generally may not impose a Local Income Tax under Pennsylvania Law until it receives the Commission’s recommendation, or the Commission fails to report within the statutory period, which is ninety (90) days after appointment. Voter approval through a public referendum is also required before the Tax may be levied.
For more information, please visit this informational web page. To be considered for this opportunity, volunteers are asked to attend the School Board Business Operations Committee meeting on Wednesday, November 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the District Board Room at Maple Point with a copy of their resume and a letter of interest. If you are unable to attend this meeting, please contact the Superintendent's Office at 215-809-6500 for alternative arrangements.
Upcoming Meetings
The next full Board Public Work Session will be held on Tuesday, November 10 at 7:00 p.m. and the next Board Public Meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 24 at 7:00 p.m. The annual Board reorganization meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 1 at 7:00 p.m. All meetings are held in the District Board Room at Maple Point. The meeting video livestream, agenda and archive video of past meetings can be found at www.neshaminy.org/meetings.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Attending a committee meeting is a great way to interact with School Board members and district administrators in a less formal, more conversational setting. Committee meetings are held throughout the school year. Scheduled upcoming meetings:
- Tuesday, November 17: Educational Development Committee
- Wednesday, November 18: Business Operations Committee
All committee meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. in the District Board Room at Maple Point unless otherwise noted. Times and dates may change — please check the Neshaminy district website for updates.
Neshaminy School District is looking for both certified and support staff for the 2026-2027 school year. Visit our employment website to see the available positions and complete an application or join us at one of our ESS Hiring Events to be held during the upcoming school year.
STUDENT SERVICES
Families are encouraged to visit the district website for information about the following important services and policies:
- Special Education Services
- Gifted Students
- Services for Protected Handicapped Students
- Destruction of Records
- Medical Assistance
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
MEAL ASSISTANCE
Families in need of food assistance can take advantage of the following resources:
The Bucks County Opportunity Council Food Program
721 Veterans Highway
Bristol, PA 19007
Phone: 215-781-2661
🔗 Food Program: https://bcoc.org/food-program/
🔗 Food Pantries: https://bcoc.org/food-pantries/
The Bucks County HUB (“Live” Human Services Directory)
Phone: 215-348-6201
Monday-Friday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
The United Way 211 Helpline
Phone: Call 211
Shop with a Cop
The Shop with a Cop program is designed to afford local families a joyful holiday, who would have otherwise gone without. The 11th annual Shop with a Cop will take place on Saturday, December 5, 2026 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Oxford Valley Target store. Eligible families must submit their fully completed application form (link below) to be considered. All application records are kept strictly confidential.
Shop with a Cop is made possible by generous donations from the community and local businesses. To donate, please use the QR code on the flyer or contact School Resource Officer Missy Robison, mrobison@mtpd.org.
The TMA Bucks Community Traffic Safety Program along with Lower Southampton Township Police Officer Gray Newman held bicycle safety lessons during physical education classes at Tawanka ES. The lessons covered the basics of proper helmet and bike fit, rules of the road, and correct hand signals for drivers and pedestrians. Students also had the opportunity to ask Officer Newman any questions regarding traffic safety. The TMA Bucks Community Traffic Safety Program offers free programming to all Bucks County high schools on any highway safety topic such as distracted driving, impaired driving, seatbelt safety, pedestrian safety, and bicycle safety.
Tawanka ES
Schweitzer ES
Hoover ES
On Wednesday, October 21, schools across the nation celebrated Unity Day. This annual recognition is the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month. Students in each Neshaminy school were encouraged to wear orange as a visible message of kindness, acceptance and inclusion. At Albert Schweitzer ES, Mrs. Moyer, the School Counselor, shared what Unity Day is all about—encouraging students to help make our schools a kind and caring place to learn. She also talked about the different types of bullying and how to be an upstander who supports others during individual classroom lessons.
Thanks to a group of students and staff who are not afraid to get their hands dirty, the gardens outside Herbert Hoover Elementary School are looking especially beautiful this fall. Hoover’s Garden Club meets every Wednesday to rake, weed, plant and explore the tiny creatures that call the flower beds around the school entrance home. The group’s work has transformed the area into a welcoming first impression for students, families and visitors.
Beyond keeping the gardens healthy and colorful, the club is helping students develop a sense of accomplishment and pride in their school. By seeing the results of their efforts each week, students take ownership of a space they have helped create and maintain. The Hoover PTO donated plants and tools for the project, with additional support from parents and local businesses. Christie Cardone, a Main Office secretary at Hoover, leads the club as its advisor. She has cared for the school’s front gardens for several years and also helps maintain an indoor pond in the building’s lobby. The club will take a break during the winter but will be back in the spring to continue their work.
Parents and their children learned side-by-side during the Walter Miller ES Setting Students up for Success Night, an evening full of learning, connection, and hands-on fun. Families spent time exploring practical, age-appropriate study skills and routines designed to make homework time smoother and more productive at home. Highlights of the event included:
- Building a Homework Buddy: Students and their families created their very own custom "Homework Buddy"—a study companion that kids took home to sit beside them and keep them focused and organized.
- Parent Q&A Session: Parents had the chance to ask our educators questions about managing homework routines, supporting independent learning, and helping their children stay organized.
On Monday, October 5, Neshaminy had a big showing at the annual Bucks County Tour of Honor trip to Washington D.C. A group of 44 Maple Point eighth-grade students and their teachers accompanied several busloads of military veterans on this annual trip to visit the war memorials. This is the tenth year that Maple Point has participated in this tour.
The students lined up to greet the veterans at 5:30 in the morning as they boarded the buses at the Parx Casino Event Center, then again at the World War II memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial once they were in D.C. The students also had the opportunity to visit some of the iconic sites including the Jefferson Memorial, Roosevelt Memorial, Martin Luther King Junior Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial along with the war memorials.
The Neshaminy High School Marching Band was on hand in full uniform to greet the tour when they returned to Parx Monday evening, and the Neshaminy High School Select Choir performed two songs during the dinner that included a poem written just for the occasion.
On Saturday, October 17, the Neshaminy High School Marching Band hosted the 33rd Annual Kaleidoscope of Bands at Harry E. Franks Stadium. Five bands competed -- Truman HS, Easton Area HS, Bensalem HS, Montgomery HS (New Jersey) and our own Neshaminy musicians.
The NHS 2026 show is titled "3-Body Problem." Loosely inspired by the Netflix science-fiction series of the same name, the production explores outer space through gravity, planets, stars, and orbits. The show tells the story of a solar system disrupted by the gravitational pull of an additional star, creating chaos in planetary orbits. The band takes audiences through this cosmic journey, including an encounter with a black hole, before arriving at a resolution.
The band will be competing at a state championship on Saturday, October 31 in Downingtown.
Congratulations to the 174 Neshaminy HS students inducted into the National Honor Society during a ceremony on Thursday, October 8. Membership in the NHS requires students to maintain a 3.75 grade point average and complete at least 20 hours of community service. A list of this year's inductees can be found here: https://nhs.neshaminy.org/cms/One.aspx?
Over 80 high school students from eight different high schools came to Neshaminy High School for the fourth annual ‘Senator for a Day’ program. The students had the opportunity to step into the roles of state senators and experience state government and the legislative process firsthand. The event was hosted by State Senator Frank Farry, and included students from Neshaminy, Council Rock, Bensalem, Centennial, Archbishop Wood Catholic HS, Holy Ghost Prep, and Bucks County Technical High School. The students had the opportunity to become immersed in current issues, develop their own positions, and actively engage in debates with their peers to come up with solutions.
Neshaminy couldn't have asked for a better night for Homecoming at The Ridge this year. The weather was perfect, the stands were full, and the Homecoming Carnival was enjoyed by students and their families. Retired Neshaminy music teacher and choir director Roy Nelson returned to lead the choir in the National Anthem and the Neshaminy alma mater. The Skins football team gave the home crowd plenty to cheer about with a 42--6 conference win over Abington. Congratulations to the 2026 NHS Homecoming Court:
- Ava Gorman and Sean Mooney
- Emma Sansotta and Promise Adebayo
- Chelsea Barnes and Nicholas Zakreski
- Kendra Duda and Ryan Lackey
- Audrey Esposito and Colin Murphy
And the 2026 Neshaminy HS Homecoming Queen and King are Emma Sansotta and Promise Adebayo.
On October 6, the Bucks County League of Women Voters was on hand outside the NHS cafeteria offering students the opportunity to register to vote (if they will be 18 by election day) or sign up as an election day poll worker (ages 17 and over). This nonpartisan registration drive is held before each election in the spring and fall. The 2026 General Election will be held on Tuesday, November 3 and all Neshaminy schools will be closed for students that day.
