Neshaminy Update

Earlier this school year, cryptic signs appeared inside and outside of Carl Sandburg Middle School with a simple message -- 94.6% -- and a QR code. Teachers and administrators wore buttons with the percentage figure. As the year progressed, posters and banners also appeared throughout the school explaining what that number meant, along with several other data points. These were the results of an anonymous survey Sandburg students took last year asking them about a number of health-related, lifestyle and risk-factor issues, including how many had ever tried vaping. 94.6% replied that they had not, a number that surprised the students and many adults as well. Another statistic that was used is that 95.4% of the Sandburg students surveyed disapprove of their friends and classmates using vaping products.

This data reflects what is referred to as a "social norm," something that is accepted behavior by a majority of society, or a specific peer group. Current research shows that presenting positive social norms -- data showing that the overwhelming majority of students do not participate in negative behavior -- gives those students the strength and desire to avoid those behaviors themselves.

The social norms campaign was developed by the Neshaminy Coalition for Youth, a local non-profit group dedicated to substance abuse prevention and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices using evidence-based methods. Last school year they partnered with Carl Sandburg Middle School to pilot a new social norms program primarily aimed at reducing the incidence of vaping. The Coalition funded the program, which included conducting the survey, creating posters, banners, buttons, bracelets and other items that were distributed and posted throughout the school year.

The campaign was rolled out gradually this school year, building a fun sense of mystery and appealing to students' curiosity. Health and Physical Education Teacher Donna Ferro led the effort for Sandburg. She worked with Melanie Swanson, the Project Coordinator for the Coalition, to develop the campaign materials, involve and prepare the Sandburg staff to answer student questions about the data and the campaign, and to get student feedback through a series of focus groups. Ms. Ferro is enthusiastic about the campaign, which she believes has fostered a lot of healthy discussion throughout the school year among the students and among Sandburg families.

With the pilot program completed, plans are under way to expand the program to Maple Point and Poquessing middle schools next school year.

Four Neshaminy educators were honored at the School Board meeting on Tuesday, May 26 in front of a room full of their family members, school and district administrators and community members. The Neshaminy Teacher Recognition Awards were created in 2014 to honor excellence in four areas - Leadership, Community Partnership, Innovation and the Spirit of Neshaminy. Three of the recipients were introduced by building principals Stephen Garstka, Don Palmer and Andy Sokol. The fourth was introduced by Director of Secondary Education Dr. Kate Hinshaw. Director of Elementary Education Dr. Michelle Burkholder opened the ceremony.

Below are the four recipients along with a summary of their nominating information:

Madisen Ody is a truly deserving recipient of this year’s Spirit of Neshaminy Award. As an eighth-grade English teacher at Maple Point Middle School, she consistently challenges and inspires her students through engaging lessons that encourage critical thinking, creativity, and personal growth. Just as importantly, she creates a supportive classroom environment where students feel respected, valued, and motivated to succeed. Her ability to build strong relationships with students reflects the care and dedication that define the spirit of this award.

Beyond the classroom, Madisen’s impact on the Maple Point community is extraordinary. She dedicates countless hours to students through coaching girls’ basketball, cheerleading, and volleyball, while also serving as co-chair of Student Council to help students develop leadership skills and confidence. Her involvement in the school musical and debate club further demonstrates her commitment to creating opportunities for students to grow both academically and personally. In addition, Madisen continues to pursue her own professional growth by working toward an educational leadership degree, reflecting her ongoing dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of students and the entire school community.

Perry Finkel is an outstanding fourth grade teacher whose dedication to instructional excellence is reflected in his exceptional student achievement, particularly in mathematics. He thoughtfully designs rigorous and engaging lessons that challenge all learners while providing the support students need to succeed. Perry is especially skilled at differentiating instruction, ensuring that students at every level—including high-achieving learners—continue to grow and reach their full potential. His commitment to high expectations and continuous improvement creates a classroom culture where students are motivated to learn and excel.

What truly distinguishes Perry is his creativity and innovation in teaching. By incorporating game-based learning and interactive activities, including basketball-themed lessons, he makes math exciting, meaningful, and memorable for students. He consistently uses data to guide instruction and monitor progress, while also providing timely and actionable feedback that helps students take ownership of their learning. Through his enthusiasm, innovative practices, and focus on student growth, Perry creates an engaging learning environment that fosters both academic success and a genuine love of learning.

Mrs. Melissa Bauerle is a highly deserving recipient of the Teacher Recognition Award for Community Partnerships due to her outstanding dedication to students both inside and outside the classroom. As an Advanced Placement English teacher at Neshaminy High School, she is known for building strong relationships with students and families while consistently advocating for student success. Her compassion, commitment, and ability to truly understand her students make her an exceptional educator and mentor.

Beyond her teaching responsibilities, Melissa has made a profound impact through her leadership in community-centered programs. She brought the Narateen program to Neshaminy High School, creating a safe and supportive space for students affected by addiction within their families. In addition, her leadership in the 21st Century Grant Beyond the Bell Program has provided students with academic support, enrichment opportunities, and a welcoming environment beyond the school day. Melissa’s vision, integrity, and proactive leadership have earned the respect of students and colleagues alike, making her a powerful example of how educators can strengthen both schools and communities.

Brian Suter exemplifies the thoughtful, steady, and inspiring leadership celebrated by the Neshaminy School District Leadership Award. Through his patience, humility, and genuine commitment to helping others grow, he has become a trusted mentor and colleague across the district. Whether supporting new teachers or collaborating with experienced educators, Brian creates an environment where people feel comfortable taking risks, learning, and improving. His calm demeanor and thoughtful decision-making help teams stay focused and positive, even in challenging situations, while his consistent encouragement motivates others to embrace innovation and continuous growth.

In addition to his supportive leadership style, Brian brings deep expertise in science education and instructional best practices. His involvement in state educational committees, including work related to the STEELS standards, reflects his dedication to advancing science education and sharing that knowledge with colleagues in practical, meaningful ways. What truly sets Brian apart is his ability to combine professionalism with approachability, positivity, and enthusiasm. Through both his leadership and his “stay green” message promoting environmental stewardship, Brian inspires educators and students alike while strengthening the entire Neshaminy School District community.

The Fifth Annual Neshaminy Alumni Achievement Awards will be held in November, 2026. Nominations for this prestigious award can be submitted online using the form available at the link below. Anybody can submit a nomination, and the deadline for nominations is June 19, 2026.

The purpose of this award is to honor outstanding lifetime achievement in post-graduation personal and professional pursuits among the alumni of Neshaminy School District as an inspiration to the current students of Neshaminy and the entire Neshaminy community. Recipients are invited to the ceremony and their stories are shared on a video monitor in the school. Past recipients have also visited classes to talk with students about their careers and lives and how their time at Neshaminy started them on a path to success.

This award is separate from the Neshaminy All-Sports and Football Hall of Fames. Names of past recipients can be found at the alumni section of the Neshaminy website.

🔗 Submit a nomination

Steph Coons, Assistant Store Manager at the Feasterville Giant Supermarket, recently stopped by district offices to present a ceremonial check of funds raised during their annual Feeding School Kids campaign to Superintendent Jason Bowman. The money came from customers at the Feasterville and Langhorne Giant stores who chose to "round up" their grocery totals during recent months with the difference going to the campaign. The funds will be used to supplement the food pantry programs in our schools, provide food baskets to families of district students facing homelessness, and other similar efforts to ensure that no Neshaminy child goes hungry.

Registration for the 2026-2027 school year is now open. Parents and guardians of new Neshaminy students should begin the process online by visiting www.neshaminy.org/register. Be sure to use the "Register a Student for Next Fall (2026-2027)" link on the registration page.

RE-REGISTRATION (ENTERING GRADES 5 and 9)

Parents and guardians of students entering grades 5 and 9 at the start of the 2026-2027 school year are asked to review and update their residential and contact information. This routine re-registration process supports accurate student records and helps ensure smooth transitions, appropriate school placement, transportation, services, staffing, and resource planning for the upcoming school year. Visit the link below for more information.

STUDENT, FAMILY INFORMATION UPDATES (ENTERING GRADES 1-4, 6-8, 10-12)

Starting this spring, ALL Neshaminy parents and guardians (except those re-registering for rising grade 5 and 9 students) must update their information in Home Access each year. If you have not completed this update yet, please check your email for information and instructions.

VACCINATION REMINDER

ALL NEW STUDENTS, RISING 7TH GRADE STUDENTS, and RISING 12TH GRADE STUDENTS (including NSDVA) must have updated immunization records prior to the start of the 2026-27 school year. We understand that annual appointments are difficult to schedule, therefore we encourage that you begin planning those appointments with your family’s medical provider now so there is no delay to the start of school year for your child(ren).

Parents and guardians are encouraged to review their child's immunization status and submit updated documentation to your child’s school office as soon as possible to avoid any interruption of school attendance this fall. The link below can help guide you through your information needs regarding immunizations requirements:

🔗 Neshaminy Vaccination Information Website

If there is any doubt or you are not sure that your child’s immunizations are up to date, you should consult your primary care doctor, pediatrician, or local health department for further guidance about what immunizations your student may need.

2026-2027 BUDGETS

The Neshaminy School District 2026-2027 Proposed Final Budget was presented at the May 12 Public Work Session and is available for examination on the Board Docs website here. Total revenues equal $228,558,594 and expenditures equal $231,705,334. A property tax increase of 4.1% will be applied to balance the budget which equals the adjusted 2026-2027 Pennsylvania Department of Education Act 1 index for Neshaminy School District. The budget will be considered for adoption at the June 23, 2026 School Board Public Meeting.

At the May 5 meeting the School Board approved the 2026-2027 Bucks County Technical High School budget in the total amount of $36,572,626 (Operating budget of $35,156,020), with the Neshaminy School District 2026-2027 net fiscal payment to be $5,806,923.

NHS STUDENTS COMPOSE ORIGINAL THEMES FOR SCHOOL BOARD VIDEOS

Students in the Music Production class at Neshaminy High School created a series of new theme songs for the archive videos of Neshaminy School Board meetings. The students were asked to create original compositions that will be heard over the opening credits of each meeting video and rotate through future meeting videos. The first video featuring a student composition is the May 26 Board Public Meeting.

The next full Board meeting will be the Public Work Session held on Tuesday, June 9 at 7:00 pm. The June Board Public Meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 23 at 7:00 pm. There is only one School Board meeting in July on Tuesday, July 21. 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. Upcoming committee meetings include:

• Wednesday, June 3: Business Operations Committee

All committee meetings are held at 6:30 pm in the District Board Room at Maple Point unless otherwise noted. Times and dates may change — please check the Neshaminy district website for updates.

• Wednesday, June 3, 6:30 pm: NHS Senior Awards Ceremony
• Thursday, June 4, 6:30 pm: Hoover ES Move-Up Ceremony , Maple Point MS
• Friday, June 5, 9:00 am: Poquessing MS Move-Up Ceremony
• Friday, June 5: Last day of school for NHS seniors
• Monday, June 8, 9:30 am: Schweitzer ES Move-Up Ceremony at Carl Sandburg MS
• Monday, June 8, 7:00 pm: Tawanka ES Move-Up Ceremony
• Tuesday, June 9, 9:00 am: Maple Point MS and Carl Sandburg MS Move-Up Ceremonies
• Tuesday, June 9, 6:00 pm: Core Creek ES Move-Up Ceremony at Maple Point MS
• Wednesday, June 10-Friday, June 12: Half-days for students (see article below)
• Wednesday, June 10, 9:30 am: Ferderbar ES Move-Up Ceremony
• Wednesday, June 10, 6:30 pm: Neshaminy HS Commencement Ceremony
• Thursday, June 11, 9:30 am: Miller ES Move-Up Ceremony
• Friday, June 12: Last day of school for students
• Friday, July 3: Independence Day weekend, district closed

For updated event and sports information please see the district and school website calendars.

The final three days of the school year (Wednesday, June 10, Thursday, June 11 and Friday, June 12) are half-days for all students in grades K-11. The dismissal schedule is as follows:

• High School: 10:50 am
• Middle schools: 11:45 am
• Elementary schools: 12:30 pm

Grab-and-go lunches will be provided. Parents and guardians must fill out an online order form if their student would like to obtain one of these lunches (check email for information and a link to the order form).

Registration is still open for the 2026-2027 Pre-K Counts preschool program at Neshaminy. This is a grant program funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that provides free, high-quality pre-kindergarten education to families who meet the age and financial criteria. Classes in the Neshaminy Pre-K Counts program are held at locations in the district, including in Neshaminy schools. To be eligible for the 2026-2027 PA Pre-K Counts program, children and families must meet the following criteria:

• Your child turns 3 or 4 by September 1, 2026.
• Your total household income may not exceed 300% of the federal income guidelines.

Click on the link below for guidelines and registration information.

🔗 Neshaminy Pre-K Counts Information and Registration

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 held on several Fridays in the District Board Room at Maple Point.

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)

HOMELESSNESS RESOURCES

Life is uncertain, but your child’s education doesn’t have to be. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act can help provide school stability for your child if you do not have a permanent home. More information is available here. Additional information and resources can be found on the district website here.

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

Ph: 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

🔗 Contact the Hub

The United Way 211 Helpline

Phone: Call 211

🔗 https://www.211.org/

Neshaminy's elementary schools held their Field Days on Friday, May 15 and the middle schools a week later on Friday, May 22. The weather cooperated for both days. Click on the links below to see a photo gallery from each school on the Neshaminy District Facebook page:

• Core Creek Elementary School
• Joseph Ferderbar Elementary School
• Herbert Hoover Elementary School
• Walter Miller Elementary School
• Albert Schweitzer Elementary School
• Tawanka Elementary School
• Poquessing Middle School
• Carl Sandburg Middle School
• Maple Point Middle School

Over 500 runners competed in the Sixth Annual SUNSet Challenge 2K/5K race on the Maple Point campus on Friday, May 8. Over 75 volunteers including Neshaminy staff members and Neshaminy High School students helped out as race marshals, registration helpers, parking lot attendants, distributing post-race snacks and helping the elementary school mascots come to life. The race drew competitors from every Neshaminy school. The school participation award (most registrations as a percentage of school population) went to Core Creek Elementary School, with Tawanka coming in at a close second place.

The race is organized by StandUp Neshaminy, a group dedicated to fighting substance abuse. Pre-race speakers included PA Senator Frank Farry, PA Representative Joe Hogan, and Morris Derry, Program Director at No More Pain, Inc. Profits from the race are used for programs dedicated to substance abuse prevention and education.

🔗 SUNSet Challenge Photo Gallery #1

🔗 SUNSet Challenge Photo Gallery #2

Wednesday, May 6 was National Bike to School Day (officially known as National Bike & Roll to School Day). Carl Sandburg MS and Albert Schweitzer ES both sponsored group rides in their neighborhood with help (and riders) from the Middletown Township Police Department. Penn Community Bank and the Raymond P. Mongillo Community Center allowed the groups to use their parking lots as launch sites for the morning rides.

Monday, May 4 was a big day for students and staff at Tawanka Elementary School as they enjoyed a visit from the Phillie Phanatic thanks to Sage Atwater's second-grade class. Ms. Atwater entered the "Phanatic About Reading" program, and each student in her class read at least 15 minutes a day and logged 100 books each. Their efforts earned the assembly for Tawanka, during which Ms. Atwater read "The Phillie Phanatic's London Adventure" to the entire school as the Phanatic acted the story out, in his own energetic style. Principal Don Palmer even presented Ms. Atwater with a very special pair of Phanatic sneakers just for the occasion.

The Girls on the Run Club at Schweitzer ES completed their community project on Tuesday, May 26. The girls first voted on which part of the community to focus their efforts. They then made healthy dog treats, baked them, decorated containers for distribution, along with handmade cards for local animal shelters and hospitals. This Girls on the Run team is composed of 36 hard-working girls in third and fourth grade. They will be competing in a 5K race on Sunday, May 31 at the Navy Yard in Philadelphia.

The third grade at Core Creek ES went on a field trip to Lucky Strike bowling lanes in Feasterville. Students tested their understanding of science skills through the game of bowling. They practiced observation, prediction, force, motion, and teamwork while having lots of fun with their classmates. It was a great way to connect science concepts to a real-world experience!

Early on a Saturday morning following Ferderbar's Glow Dance in early May, Mr. Mednick, Mrs. Faust, and the Early Act Club came back to celebrate Beautification Day! Students and their families helped weed, spread mulch, and plant flowers.

Gym 1 at Neshaminy High School was filled with hundreds of paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, pottery and more for the District Art Show on May 20 and 21.

On Wednesday, May 13, Maple Point held their Mother's Day Walkathon. Students from each grade raised money to participate in the walk which will be used to help MPMS mothers who could use some extra financial help identified by the school counselors.

Philadelphia basketball coaches Fran Dunphy (University of Pennsylvania, Temple University and LaSalle University) and Phil Martelli (St. Joseph's University, University of Michigan) visited Poquessing Middle School on Monday, May 4 to speak with 7th and 8th graders. Their message went far beyond sports. Through their work with the American Cancer Society, they have dedicated decades to supporting individuals and families impacted by cancer, raising millions of dollars and helping provide critical resources for those in need. During the assembly, students heard powerful, real-life stories that focused on the importance of character, resilience, teamwork, and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

The Carl Sandburg MS Student Council along with Field Day captains wanted to bring back the Memorial Day Food Drive that Sandburg historically did prior to the pandemic. Similar to Gym Night at NHS, the students were encouraged to bring in either jars of peanut butter or jelly and place them in their team's (red or blue) bucket. Blue won the food drive this year and were awarded points at the start of Field Day. The food was donated to Penndel Food Pantry and Mary's Cupboard to help families in our community.

On Tuesday, May 12, athletes from the district's three middle schools competed at Harry E. Franks Stadium in a Unified Track Meet. This is one of several sports in the middle schools and at the high school where athletes with and without disabilities are paired and compete together as teammates.

A group of Neshaminy High School students recently participated in the PJAS (Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science) state competition at Penn State University in May. They each spent the entire year preparing their science projects which they presented at the regional and state PJAS competitions. The following students received awards:

• 1st place winners: Vic Chen, Nishka Patel, and Yashvee Patel.
• 2nd place winners: Adriana Acevedo, Sam Hunter, Maiia Khimich, Jake Lohr, Ruhi Patel, Liya Radjabov, Kriti Sunkara, and Chloe Xie.

Congratulations to the eight Neshaminy High School students that have committed to joining a branch of the Military upon graduation in June. The annual Military Commitment Ceremony was held in the HUB on Thursday, May 21, with seven in attendance. Middletown Township Police Officer Melissa Robison was the featured guest speaker, who recalled her own military service and offered advice to the new recruits.

• Naomi Brogan - Air Force
• Jacob Toner - Air Force
• Charles Ewer - Marines
• Dillon Gonzalez - Marines
• Quinlan Kirk - Marines
• Othello Debar - Navy
• Keith Shackles - Navy
• Sophie Simonds - Navy

Neshaminy HS Spring Signing Day 2026 took place on Tuesday, May 12 in the Hub. The following student athletes signed their letters of intent to continue playing their sports while attending college:

• Baseball (Coach Toner): Ethan Hoyas – Alvernia University.
• Girls Basketball (Coach Gallagher): Camryn Rodriguez – Eastern University.
• Girls Bowling (Coach Sinclair): Isabelle Lindahl – Capital University.
• Boys Bowling (Coach Wolstenholme): Colin Taggart – Muskingum University.
• Cheerleading (Coach Cabeza): Erin Hill – Temple University.
• Girls Cross Country (Coach White): Leah Tomlinson – Millersville University.
• Boys Cross Country (Coach DeLosAngeles): Dylan Rooney – West Chester University.
• Football (Coach Felus): Carter Clee – Slippery Rock University; Riley Durnin – Long Island University; Michael Eckart – East Stroudsburg University; Milo Makes – Millersville University; Mike Sassano – Delaware Valley University; Nick Sassano – Delaware Valley University; Owen Swartz – Bloomsburg University.
• Girls Lacrosse (Coach Smith): Taylena Rogers – Holy Family University.
• Boys Lacrosse (Coach Donato): Ryan Ganzel – Lebanon Valley College.
• Girls Soccer (Coach Van Reed): Aislyn Fitzgerald – Lackawanna College; Natalie Weidle – Kutztown University.
• Boys Soccer (Coach Foley): Mark Andreyeu – Penn State Abington; Chris Reed – Delaware Valley University.
• Boys Swimming (Coach Suter): Eddie Bobst – Misericordia University; Ryan Brabazon – Misericordia University.
• Boys Track and Field (Coach White): Zorro Videnovic – Holy Family University.
• Boys Volleyball (Coach Klingerman): Cadenn Amati – Alvernia University.
• Girls Wrestling (Coach Bing): Annetta Barry – Arcadia University.

On May 7, Neshaminy High School celebrated their April Students of the Month. Left to right: Jason Phelan, Iuliia Ivanochko, Christopher Loadwick, Amelia Frain, Jaina Troup, Neel Shirwalker, Hannah Johnson, Alex Lemp, Emily Effing, Carsyn Hardy, Mr. Stephen Garstka, Principal.

The Neshaminy High School Orchestra Concert featured a movie theme, "From Screen to Stage" and a song (starts at 56:30 minutes) dedicated "everyday heroes" that featured pictures submitted by students, staff and the community of the heroes among us.

• 🔗NHS Chamber Concert (May 7)
• 🔗NHS Jazz Concert (May 11)
• 🔗NHS Band Concert (May 20)
• 🔗NHS Choral Concert (May 21)

On the weekend before Memorial Day, members of the NHS Football Team planted American flags on veterans graves at Our Lady of Grace cemetery. This is a beloved team tradition to remember and honor those that served our nation.

Neshaminy's own Lisa Pennington was honored on Thursday, May 14 by the Mud In My Cleats (MIMC) organization as the Athletic Director of the Year during a ceremony held at the Parx Casino event space. MIMC is a non-profit serving the Philadelphia region that awards scholarships and offers financial support to high school athletes in need. They honored Lisa for her many years of teaching, coaching, and as an administrator at the high school leading to her current role as Assistant Principal / Athletics & Co-Curricular Director. Lisa is also a proud Neshaminy graduate who played basketball and field hockey and was a member of Neshaminy's 1990 State Championship field hockey team.

Neshaminy Update is published monthly during the school year and distributed to the Neshaminy community via email and web. To submit comments, suggestions or news items for consideration, please email Chris Stanley, Community Relations Coordinator.

Neshaminy School Board of Directors

Marty Sullivan - President

Tina Hollenbach - Vice-President

Erin Brosious

Kristin Egan

Jake Krause

Beth Marshall

Nicholas McGoldrick

Carlos Rodriguez

Jill Waldbieser

Contact Information

View Upcoming Meetings

Meeting Videos

Neshaminy School District

Superintendent

Jason Bowman

Assistant to the Superintendent for Educational Operations

Dr. Sean Haines

Assistant to the Superintendent for Elementary Education

Dr. Michelle Burkholder

Assistant to the Superintendent for Secondary Education

Dr. Kate Hinshaw

Assistant to the Superintendent for Pupil Services and Special Education

Dr. Kevin Kane

Business Administrator

Deborah Klahold

Director of Human Resources

Felicity Hanks

Neshaminy School District

2001 Old Lincoln Highway

Langhorne, PA 19047

www.neshaminy.org