Bensalem News and Notes

District Highlights ~ January 2026

We are delighted to showcase the many wonderful activities and events taking place in our schools. We will feature one highlight from every school, reflecting the memorable moments.

Also included are upcoming Dates to Remember.

Bensalem High School

On Saturday, January 17, 2026, ten former Bensalem High School athletes were recognized for demonstrating athletic excellence and achieving outstanding careers at BHS. Additionally, we recognized one of our most successful coaches in school history, as well as a member of the Bensalem community who has dedicated countless hours to supporting our high school athletics programs.

A ceremony honoring the inductees was held in between the boys and girls basketball game followed by a dinner at Bensalem Country Club. Congratulations to: Brian Kilcoyne, Richard Duncan-Murphy, Brett Moss, Leo Vincent, Lauren Morell, Rahi Shah, Jackie Morell, Nick Cooper, Keith Parrish III, Stephen Aldrich, Jr., Norm Patten, and Harry Daut, Jr.

Image of female student standing at podium reading her essay

Shafer Middle School

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a time to reinforce the strength of diversity and unity in our community. Taking an active role in improving our community, several Shafer Sharks were selected to recite their ELA Unity Week essays throughout various locations in Bensalem. Students in all 7th grade ELA Core Plus classes were required to write an essay on unity. The essays were then judged by members of Building a Better Bensalem (B3T). Congratulations, Sharks!

Image of boy standing at podium reading his essay

Image of a boy standing at podium reading his essay

Snyder Middle School

Five students from Snyder‘s full year stem class had the opportunity to participate in the Pennsylvania Keystone competition at the Fab Lab held by the Bucks County Intermediate Unit. Students were tasked with designing something that would improve education in the state of Pennsylvania. The Snyder students designed and built a sensor to help nonverbal students communicate with teachers and staff to let them know when they are feeling stressed. Their fully functioning prototypes earned them a second place award. Way to go, Owls!

Image of 5 students sitting at a table designing their prototype

Image of 5 students and their teacher mentor holding a sign

Image of 5 students holding their second place award medals

Belmont Hills Elementary School

Belmont Hills Elementary student's ROCK! Students in second grade created and designed their very own guitars made with paper. Art classes provide students an outlet for their creativity and imagination. They talked about how a bunch of shapes put together can make something super cool!

Image of a group of students in the hallway at school pretending to play music with their paper guitars

Image of a boy and girl with their model representing various forms of early Indigenous housing

Cornwells Elementary School

Sixth grade students at Cornwells Elementary have been studying Civilizations of the Americas. As part of this unit, students explored North American Indigenous cultures and examined how geography and climate influenced the types of housing used by different groups. For a culminating activity, students researched, designed, and constructed models representing various forms of early Indigenous housing. This hands-on project allowed students to apply their knowledge, demonstrate creativity, and deepen their understanding of how people adapted to their environments.

Image of 3 girls constructing models representing various forms of early Indigenous housing

Image of students constructing models representing various forms of early Indigenous housing

Image of 3 boys constructing models representing various forms of early Indigenous housing

Image of a group of students sitting and standing in front of the statue of Benjamin Franklin

Faust Elementary School

Fourth grade students at Faust Elementary spent an exciting and curiosity filled day exploring the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, diving into hands on science experiences that brought their classroom learning to life. Students rotated through interactive exhibits such as the iconic Giant Heart, the Space Command center, and the Electricity Lab, where they experimented, asked questions, and made real world connections to topics they’ve been studying. The trip sparked wonder, teamwork, and plenty of “aha” moments as students engaged with engineering challenges, explored motion and energy, and discovered how science shapes the world around them.

Image of elementary students looking at a table at the Franklin Institute

Image of a student balancing on a surf board at the museum and a girl waiting her turn

Image of a worksheet on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Rush Elementary School

Third grade students at Rush Elementary engaged in an in-depth study of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Students explored his life and the impact he had on the Civil Rights Movement. They read a variety of books that highlighted his journey, challenges, and triumphs, and watched educational videos that brought his story to life. Class discussions helped students reflect on how his efforts not only transformed America, but also set an example for peaceful advocacy around the world.

Image of a girl in glasses holding up her worksheet on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Image of a worksheet on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. being completed by a student

Image of a girls completing their worksheet on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Image of 8 students in the hallway holding their art work with text on the board behind them that says Kindness Starts with Me!

Struble Elementary School

Third grade students at Struble Elementary focused on spreading kindness in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Inspired by his message of love and equality, students created a “Cup of Kindness.” Each cup was filled with marshmallows that describe kind words and actions. This project reminded everyone that, just like Dr. King taught, kindness starts with each of us!

Image of artwork a cup with a heart on it colored in blue and purple

Image of artwork a cup with a red heart on it colored in pastels and text that says A CUP OF KINDNESS

Image of 3 girls sitting at their desk in their classroom with their landform model

Valley Elementary School

Students in Mrs. Stuart’s sixth grade science class at Valley Elementary created clay landform models to deepen their understanding of Earth’s surface features. After constructing different landforms, students determined and compared the elevation and relief of each model, applying geographic concepts in a hands-on, engaging way.

Image of 4 boys standing at a desk in their classroom with their landform on the table

Image of 3 girls sitting at a desk in their classroom with their landform on the table

Image of 4 boys standing in the hallway with one student holding his landform

Bensalem High School Drama Club presents CHICAGO

BHS drama club productions are professional-quality shows that have always enjoyed community support and a great audience turnout. Please join us for one of the performances. Order your tickets on-line and pay with a debit/credit card or paypal at:

https://bensalemsd-bhs.edlioschool.com/apps/pages/BHSDramaClub

Tickets can also be purchased at the door using cash or Venmo, as long as seats are available.