Bensalem News and Notes

We are delighted to share some highlights that took place in July and August. From summer learning to professional development, there was plenty happening across our school community. We hope you enjoy taking a look at some of the highlights from the past two months!

Also included is important information for our families and upcoming Dates to Remember.

Dear Bensalem Families and Community,

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year!

There is something special about the beginning of a new school year. The excitement of seeing friends again, meeting new teachers, walking into a new classroom, beginning a new grade, and imagining all that is possible in the year ahead. Across Bensalem Township School District, our classrooms and schools are ready, and most importantly, we are excited to welcome our students back!

Whether your child is taking their very first steps into kindergarten, beginning a new school, or entering their senior year and preparing for what comes next, we want every student to know one thing from the moment they arrive: You belong here, we believe in you, and we are excited to see what you will accomplish.

This year also marks the beginning of the next chapter of our District’s Comprehensive Plan, centered around three words that reflect both our aspirations and the strength of our Bensalem community: Engaged. Connected. Strong.

We want our students to be Engaged in meaningful learning and experiences that challenge them, inspire curiosity, and help them discover their talents and interests.

We want them to be Connected to their teachers, classmates, schools, families, and community, because students thrive when they know they belong and have people who believe in them.

And we want our students and our District to be Strong, academically, socially, organizationally, and as a community, prepared not only for the challenges of today, but for the opportunities of tomorrow.

None of this work happens without partnership. Our families are our children’s first and most important teachers, and we encourage you to remain engaged with us throughout the year. Attend school events. Ask your children what they are learning. Celebrate their successes. Reach out when you have questions. Get to know their teachers and schools. And help us continue building the connections between home, school, and community that make Bensalem such a special place.

I also want to thank our incredible BTSD employees who have worked throughout the summer and in preparation for opening day. From our teachers and administrators to our transportation, grounds, facilities, food service, technology, secretarial, paraprofessional, professional, and support staff, it takes an entire team to prepare for the arrival of our students. We are grateful for their commitment and everything they do each day for Bensalem’s children.

As we open our doors for another year, there will be thousands of moments this year that we cannot yet anticipate, a child discovering a love for reading, mastering something they once thought was impossible, performing on a stage, competing on a field, creating something new, finding a friend, discovering a future career, or simply having an adult tell them, “I believe in you.” Those moments are why we do this work.

To our families, thank you for entrusting your children to us and for being our partners. To our community, thank you for continuing to support our schools. And to our students, we have missed you, we are ready for you, and we cannot wait to see you!

Here’s to a wonderful 2026–2027 school year and to everything we will accomplish together as One Bensalem.

Dr. Victoria C. Velazquez

Interim Superintendent

Our schools are so fortunate to have caring family members who generously give their time and talents to volunteer in our schools and at school events. Whether helping in the classroom, supporting special events, assisting with activities, or lending a helping hand wherever needed, our volunteers make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and staff.

We are incredibly grateful to the 456 volunteers who shared their time, talents, and support with our school community during the 2025–2026 school year. Your partnership and dedication help make our schools stronger, and we truly appreciate all that you do!

Please click the photo to view the volunteers.

Again this summer, children enjoyed delicious NO COST breakfasts and lunches provided by our Food Service Department. The district sponsored the Summer Food Service Program, a federally funded nutrition program, open to all children ages 1-18 years. This program makes sure all children can eat healthy during the summer months. Additionally, our “Owls on the Go” Summer Lunch Buses delivered lunch to children at locations throughout Bensalem.

Again this summer, students and staff came together as a part of the school district’s Extended School Year Program. Students had a great summer reinforcing skills and participating in fun activities. On Chalk Walk Day, students filled the sidewalks with colorful creations. They celebrated America’s 250th Birthday and made edible fireworks. Thank you to the staff, custodians, and administrators at Belmont Hills, Faust, Snyder, and BHS for the support they provided throughout the program. Also, a special thank you to our transportation team for all they did to ensure students were able to safely participate in critical programs throughout the summer months.

Five days of New Teacher Orientation took place on August 17-20 and August 24. After opening remarks and welcome by Dr. Velazquez, the new teachers were introduced to all district level administrators and principals. They received information from human resources, payroll, and technology. Safety/Security Coordinator, Val Ridge provided Emergency Operations Procedure training. Assistant to the Superintendent for Teaching & Learning Dr. Minnigh and Innovation & Instructional Technology Supervisor Mr. Allen, along with the Special Education Team and ELD & Title III Coordinator Mrs. Gale reviewed our Curriculum and Programs to ensure that they are prepared to begin their career in Bensalem. Our new teachers are ready to bring energy, passion, and creativity to our classrooms this year!

Professional Development took place for all teachers and staff August 25–28. Staff participated in sessions focused on literacy, MTSS, Schoology, Eureka Math, CPI training and recertification, and other content-area topics. On Wednesday, our BHS Owl Ambassadors and school mascots welcomed staff as they arrived for our annual convocation. Dr. Velazquez welcomed everyone back with an uplifting message before introducing our guest speaker, Marc Hayford. What a wonderful way to kick off the 2026–2027 school year! We are excited for all that lies ahead. A special thank you to Equitable Advisors Tom Cuffari and Andrea Goldstein for supporting our breakfast and activities for our staff!

BTSD families must sign up for a Sapphire Parent Account.

With a Parent Account, you can:
✅ View your child's school, counselor, and transportation information
✅ Complete and submit required student forms online
✅ View class schedules and school calendars
✅ Monitor grades and academic progress
✅ Review assessment scores (when available)
✅ Track attendance
✅ View discipline records (if applicable)
✅ Access report cards, progress reports, transcripts, letters, and
other important school documents
Please note that available menu options may vary by grade level.

Please click the link below to access the parent portal creation page.

www.bensalemsd.org/registerforSCP/

These special evenings are designed for parents to get first-hand knowledge of their children’s daily schedules. Staff members and administrators discuss the academic program with parents and explain teacher expectations along with student responsibilities. Parent and teacher participation in these evenings facilitates communication and strengthens student support systems.

All Back to School Nights begin at 6:30 PM, except for Bensalem High School (see below).

Belmont Hills Elementary School: Wednesday, September 30

Cornwells Elementary School: Thursday, September 10

Samuel K. Faust Elementary School: Monday, September 14

Benjamin Rush Elementary School: Tuesday, September 29

Russell C. Struble Elementary School: Tuesday, September 22

Valley Elementary School: Thursday, September 17

Robert K. Shafer Middle School: Tuesday, September 1

Cecelia Snyder Middle School: Thursday, September 24

Bensalem High School: Wednesday, September 2 - 6:00 PM

August 31: First Day of School for All Students (K-12)

September 4: Labor Day Holiday - Schools and Offices Closed

September 7: Labor Day - Schools and Offices Closed

September 21: Yom Kippur - Schools and Offices Closed

Location: 3000 Donallen Drive, Bensalem, PA, USA
Phone: 215-750-2800

Website: www.bensalemsd.org

Facebook: facebook.com/BensalemTownshipSchoolDistrict
Instagram: bensalem.school.district