Bensalem News and Notes

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

Also included are upcoming Dates to Remember.

From September 15 to October 15, we celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, history, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. We are proud to recognize and honor the diversity that makes our Bensalem community so special!

This year's National School Lunch Week theme was “Cafeteria Circus!” Our incredible café staff decorated their cafeterias making the celebration fun for all. Thank you for your hard work, kindness, and commitment to creating a welcoming environment that ensures our students are well-nourished and ready to succeed each day!

On October 2, BTSD students in grades 4–6 visited Bensalem High School to see our award-winning Owls Marching Band perform. The high school musicians entertained the crowd with several songs and performed their field show, “Pirates." The highlight of the day came when our elementary band students joined the high school band on the track to play stand tunes together. This was truly a memorable collaboration that left everyone inspired and energized to celebrate our music students and their teachers.

BHS Homecoming Week took place from October 5-9. Students showed their school spirit throughout the week, wearing their class shirts on Thursday and their homecoming shirts on Friday. The annual bonfire was held Wednesday night, followed by a spirited pep rally on Thursday, all leading up to the Homecoming Game against Dobbins on Friday. The cheerleaders and band kept the crowd energized as the Owls crushed Dobbins Tech 49-6! Congratulations to the Homecoming King and Queen DJ Wilkerson and Amani Annigew!

On Friday, October 23, Shafer students and staff came together for their annual Pink Walk to support breast cancer awareness. Funds were raised throughout October through student donations and the sale of pink-themed items such as pink ribbons, pens, pencils, erasers and stickers during lunch. All proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation to support research, patient care, and community programs. Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this worthy cause!

Students in Mrs. Phillips’ eighth grade science class explored the fascinating world of cellular biology through a hands-on strawberry DNA extraction lab. This engaging activity allowed students to observe DNA firsthand while strengthening their understanding of chromosomes, cell nuclei, and where DNA is found within cells. By bringing science to life through hands-on learning, students were able to make meaningful connections between classroom concepts and real-world scientific discoveries!

Belmont Hills Elementary second graders became geologists as they explored the fascinating world of rocks. Students learned about weathering and how rocks change over time. They also observed and compared three types of rocks: tuff, scoria, and basalt. The young scientists had a great time investigating the rocks and discovering their unique features.

Cornwells ELD Night was a great opportunity for families to come together, enjoy good food, play games, and spend time getting to know one another. There was plenty of laughter, new friendships forming, and phone numbers being exchanged as families made connections that can continue long after the evening ended. It was a reminder of how important it is to create opportunities for families to feel welcome, build relationships, and become part of our school community. Each student and family received a book of their choice that tied into the night's event. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the evening such a success! A shout out to Mrs. Fischer for organizing the event and to the staff who helped out.

Second graders at Faust Elementary put math into action by creating their own meter sticks as part of the Eureka Math curriculum. Through this hands-on activity, students explored measurement, practiced counting by tens, and strengthened their understanding of the base-ten system. The project is one of many engaging experiences that helps students develop a deeper understanding of mathematics through active, hands-on learning.

Rush Elementary sixth grade students have been learning about non-fiction text features during WIN. They put their knowledge to the test in an exciting game of Jeopardy! Working together, students used the text features in their Social Studies textbooks to find information and answer questions. It was a fun and engaging way to strengthen their skills and build teamwork!

Struble kindergarteners rode a bus with the teachers to Shady Brook Farm. Upon arrival, they went on a hayride through the farm to the pumpkin patch where they picked out the perfect pumpkin. After the hayride, students enjoyed many of the fall activities from pedal cars to a giant slide, to a petting zoo, games, and a big bounce pillow. Each class even had a chance to mine for gems and found some incredible stones. Their day ended with yummy pumpkin, chocolate, or vanilla ice cream from Uncle Dave's Ice Cream!

Third graders at Valley Elementary have been busy learning across all subject areas. In ELA, students combined reading and writing skills to complete engaging Pumpkin Projects that encouraged a love of reading. In Social Studies, students explored the lesson “Weather, Climate, and Forces of Nature” by creating posters about different natural hazards. In Science, they kicked off their unit on motion with the hands-on lab, “How Fast Can It Move?”

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/

November 3: Election Day - Professional Development/Schools Closed, Offices Open

November 5: End of Marking Period # 1

November 11: Veterans' Day Holiday - Schools and Offices Closed

November 13: Report Card #1 Available on SCP

November 24, 25: Act 80 Day - Parent/Teacher Conferences - Schools Closed, Offices Open

November 26: Thanksgiving Day Holiday - Schools and Offices Closed

November 27: Thanksgiving Holiday - Schools and Offices Closed

December 15: Interim Progress Reports Available on SCP

December 24-31: Winter Recess - Schools and Offices Closed

January 1: Winter Recess - Schools and Offices Closed

January 4: Schools and Offices Reopen

January 18: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Schools and Offices Closed

January 26: End of Marking Period # 2

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

Website: www.bensalemsd.org

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