Bensalem News and Notes
March 31, 2026
District Highlights ~ March 2026
We are delighted to showcase the many wonderful activities and events taking place in our schools. At the beginning of each month, we will feature one highlight from every school, reflecting the memorable moments of the previous month.
Also included are upcoming Dates to Remember.
National School Breakfast Week
Our schools celebrated National School Breakfast Week, March 2-6. This year’s theme was “The Quest for School Breakfast.” Our fabulous cafeteria staff decorated their areas to celebrate the importance of a nutritious school breakfast in fueling our students for success. Food Services hosted fun giveaways and featured exciting new breakfast recipes! On Wednesday morning, delicious parfaits were served at each school. Students and families are reminded that school breakfast and lunch are served at NO COST to all children again this school year.
Down Syndrome Awareness Day
March 21st was Rock your Socks Day, part of World Down Syndrome Awareness Day, a global awareness and inclusion campaign. 3/21 was chosen to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down Syndrome. Since March 21 was a Saturday, students and staff throughout the district wore brightly-colored, mismatched socks to celebrate on Thursday. They also donned their bracelets and wore blue and yellow.
Bensalem Students Perform at BCMEA Festival
On March 12-14, 38 Bensalem musicians participated in the 75th annual Bucks County Music Educators Association (BCMEA) festival held at William Tennent High School. Approximately 600 talented student musicians from across Bucks County earned their spot in this prestigious, auditioned festival. Audiences were treated to a spectacular global musical journey by the selected choir, orchestra, and band. With a diverse repertoire ranging from the serene notes of Water Reflections to the uplifting energy of On Top of the World, it was truly a weekend to remember. We are incredibly proud of our student musicians hard work, talent, and dedication, and commend them for representing our school community with excellence.
Shafer Middle School: Abigail Dangelmaier, alto; Cecilia Jefferson, soprano; Adriana Kowalska, soprano; Logan Lopez, baritone; Claire Agundu, violin; Richard LaSalle, cello; Natalie Yurchenko, violin; Peter Yurchenko, cello
Snyder Middle School: Caitrionna O’Donnell, soprano, Leona Xiao, violin, Jordan Miller, trumpet
Bensalem High School: JaNylah Gilbert, soprano; Blakely Newton, soprano; Desiré Roman McConnell, soprano; Brielle Stroter, soprano; Sierra Thomas, soprano; Lucy Allen, alto; Fae Bondie, alto; Emma Harper, alto; Skyla Hilliard, alto; Jacob Ashford, tenor; Tobi Holliday, tenor; Will Margerum, tenor; Jovan Urban, tenor; Noah Eckert, bass; Thomas Gunnip, bass; Steven Klemovitch, bass; Yasmin Chakrane, clarinet; Kaylee Martinez, violin; Sabiha Nexhbi, viola; Sam Rudolph, baritone saxophone; Jude Sakkal, cello; Jared Santos, violin; Anya Sloane, mallets; Julian Sliwinski, alto saxophone; Kaidin Tran, violin; William L’Heureux, trumpet; Vincent Duffy, tuba
Bensalem High School
Congratulations to the BHS Mock Trial team for advancing to the State Championship and reaching the semifinals. Finishing among the top 4 teams in Pennsylvania and just narrowly missing the finals, reflects the team’s dedication, preparation, and talent. Starting from a field of 271 teams, making it to the Final Four is an incredible achievement. We are Bensalem Proud!
Plaintiff Attorneys: Greeshma Annagowni, Ghizal Halim, Dev Pandya
Defense Attorneys: Khalil Hanan, Jay Kamdar, Zukhro Rafikova
Plaintiff Witnesses: Lucas Ferrandez, Ephraim Mathew, Kacey Wolanski
Defense Witnesses: Lucas Ferrandez, Riddhi Patel, Fotima Rafikova
Coach: Lisa Tokmajian
Attorney Advisor: Sean Lawall
2026 BENALEM MOCK TRIAL
State Finalist Champions (Top 4)
Region Champions for Bucks, Chester, and Delaware Counties
Champions for Bucks County
Shafer Middle School
In Mrs. Boyle’s seventh grade science class at Shafer, students put their knowledge of organelle structure into action by designing and assembling their own colorful cell models using construction paper. This hands-on project helped reinforce how each organelle works together to keep a cell functioning. Take a look at their cell-fies!
Snyder Middle School
At Snyder, students in Mr. Giunta and Ms. Liese’s Pre-Engineering class have been hard at work designing and building their very own egg crash cars. The seventh graders started by planning and drawing their designs on paper. Then, they brought their ideas to life by sketching them onto cardboard and carefully cutting them out using a band saw. Students used hot glue and additional materials to assemble their cars and add creative touches. The eggs represent passengers in a car accident, so students had to think like real engineers, focusing on safety, structure, and design.
Belmont Hills Elementary School
Belmont Hills second grade students recently brought their learning to life by applying their knowledge of procedural texts from the My View program in a fun and festive way. After studying and practicing reading step-by-step directions, students followed a procedural text to create their own glitter slime from listening comprehension in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. They carefully read each step, gathered materials, and worked collaboratively to complete the process. This hands-on activity not only reinforced their understanding of sequencing and following directions, but also allowed them to experience the joy of learning through creativity and teamwork.
Cornwells Elementary School
The Cornwellians had a special treat this month while focusing on literacy. Fifth grade student and published author, Laniya Warrington, proudly shared her book Jamilla and the Autistic Dragon. She was joined by guest author, Annette Whipple, delighting students with their talents and insight on writing. Each class enjoyed excerpts and interactive moments with the authors as they explained their craft and shared valuable writing tips. Students asked thoughtful questions, clear signs that there are many future authors walking the hallways of Cornwells Elementary!
Faust Elementary School
Faust third graders are diving into hands on exploration in the school’s computer/STEM lab. Students rotated through a variety of creative stations, designing with 3D pens, engineering cardboard constructions, experimenting with digital tools, and tackling computer-based challenges. Each project encourages curiosity, problem solving, and imaginative thinking, giving students the freedom to build, test, and discover in their own unique ways. This dynamic experience reflects Bensalem Township School District’s commitment to fostering innovation, confidence, and a love of STEM in every learner.
Rush Elementary School
Fifth graders at Rush are studying Unit 4 of My View which is themed around liberty and what it means to be free. To bring this concept to life, students are creating mini museums that correlate to the unit. Each museum has a topic related to a different historical time period or event. From the Revolutionary War to the Bill of Rights and Civil Rights Movement, each museum offers a deep look into our nation’s past. Within students’ museums, there are hand-crafted features that include a timeline, important people, artifacts, a journal entry, interesting facts, and maps.
Struble Elementary School
On March 26, Struble fifth grade hosted their annual Science Fair. Students have been working hard over the last several months developing a scientific question, forming a hypothesis, conducting experiments, and recording their data and results. They designed a board to display their information and presented them to their peers and families. We are so proud of their hard work and confidence as they explore what it means to be a scientist!
Valley Elementary School
First grade students at Valley worked together to complete a hands-on lesson in the Eureka Math2 program, exploring measurement concepts using 10-centimeter sticks and centimeter cubes. Through teamwork and active engagement, students build their understanding of length, comparison, and problem-solving while strengthening both their math skills and communication with peers.
April, May, and June Dates to Remember
April 2, 3: Spring Break - Schools and Offices Closed
April 6: Spring Break - Schools and Offices Closed
April 8: End of Marking Period # 3
April 15: Report Card # 3 Available on SCP
May 11: Interim Progress Reports Available on SCP
May 19: Election Day - Professional Development - Schools Closed, Offices Open
May 25: Memorial Day - Schools and Offices Closed
Jun 11: BHS Class of 2026 Commencement
Jun 12: Last Day of School (Grades K-11)
Monthly calendars can be found here.
Bensalem Township School District
Location: 3000 Donallen Drive, Bensalem, PA, USA
Phone: 215-750-2800
Website: www.bensalemsd.org
Facebook: facebook.com/BensalemTownshipSchoolDistrict
Instagram: bensalem.school.district