CSD Weekly Update

CELEBRATING CENTENNIAL
CSD Strategic Use of Funds to Improve Student Outcomes 2021- 2024
The following 24-minute audio presentation summarizes the initiatives implemented by the Centennial School District (CSD) use of additional funding, particularly Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) grants, to improve student outcomes using the data analysis conducted by an independent third-party of our student performance data and financial allocation of funds. The data from the third-party analysis looks at assessment data for various student demographics and school years (2017-2024). Key data points include:
Overall Performance Trends: The data shows the percentage of students meeting performance targets across various groups, including All Students, PA (Pennsylvania), IU (Intermediate Unit), and Southeast Region. It highlights significant academic gains across various student subgroups.
Strategic Investment in Key Areas: CSD strategically allocated additional funding across five core areas: curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional learning, and systems. This holistic approach was recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Education as a model for effective resource utilization to improve teaching and learning. The Impact of Funding on Outcomes: The audio also highlights the proven link between increased per-pupil spending and positive student outcomes like improved achievement and graduation rates and even improvements in things like reduced poverty rates in adulthood.
Conclusion: CSD has successfully leveraged additional funding to implement strategic initiatives that have led to significant academic gains across various student subgroups. However, impending budget cuts pose a serious threat to the district's ability to sustain these improvements. Proactive measures are needed to mitigate the impact of these funding reductions and maintain the momentum achieved in recent years. The district's future success is contingent on how it will deal with these future funding challenges.
FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Dear Centennial Community,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to update you on the recent investigation involving a teacher in our district. Centennial School District prioritizes transparency, integrity, and due process while ensuring our students and staff's safety and well-being.
As a public institution, we adhere to legal obligations and collective bargaining agreements that ensure fairness for all employees. Due process is essential, allowing for a thorough and impartial review of the situation before any conclusions are drawn.
To clarify, the teacher under investigation was initially placed on paid administrative leave and later on unpaid leave. This standard procedure ensures student safety and preserves the integrity of the learning environment. It is important to note that this action was not an indication of guilt but was necessary to allow for an unbiased investigation.
Investigation and Disciplinary Process
Our approach follows a structured process in collaboration with legal counsel:
- Conducting a thorough investigation, including witness interviews and evidence review.
- Issuing a notice of allegations if warranted and providing the employee an opportunity to respond.
- Determining disciplinary actions based on legal standards and just cause.
- If suspension without pay pending dismissal is required, the district outlines charges and offers the employee a hearing before the board or an independent officer.
Throughout this process, we worked closely with external agencies, including law enforcement and the district attorney’s office, ensuring compliance with legal and contractual standards.
Key Points of Clarification
We understand that some aspects of this process may cause confusion. Below are important clarifications regarding the district’s role and authority:
- Employment & Due Process: As a governmental entity, the district must follow due process under the 14th Amendment, which protects employees’ property interests in continued employment.
- Retirement: Retirement eligibility is determined by the state guidelines and the Pennsylvania State Employee Retirement System (PSERS), not the district.
- Educator Certification/Licensure: Certification and potential revocation are handled solely by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Actions Taken by the District
We want to address concerns regarding our handling of this matter:
- The 2024 incidents were reported and recorded by our staff in compliance with the legal requirements of the required child protective services system. The current district leadership was not involved and/or employed during the prior incidents from 2009 and 2012.
- Based on our legal counsel’s (three different attorneys) recommendations, the district accepted the employee’s retirement, ensuring the end of the employee's employment with CSD in the most effective and efficient manner.
- The Superintendent submitted all relevant records to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for further review. The Pennsylvania Department of Education will determine if additional actions regarding certification/licensure are taken, not CSD.
- As requested, the district fully cooperated with law enforcement and the district attorney’s office during the legal and court proceedings.
- On March 5, 2025, a judge issued rulings as part of the legal and court proceedings.
We acknowledge the concern and distress this situation has caused in our CSD community. Our commitment to fairness, accountability, and transparency remains unwavering. We appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued trust in Centennial School District.
Respectfully,
Dana T. Bedden, Ed.D., CAA
Superintendent of Schools
This Weekend!
Musical at Log College MS ~ Willie Wonka, Jr.!
Centennial School District is home to incredible talent, with students showcasing their passion and dedication to the performing arts. Don’t miss the opportunity to see them shine on stage in their highly anticipated musicals. Come support these talented performers and experience the magic they bring to life!
ACADEMICS
Chief Science Officers - Spring Cabinet Meeting at Doylestown Hospital
On Wednesday, March 5, the Centennial School District Chief Science Officers (CSOs) participated in the Bucks County Spring Cabinet Meeting at Doylestown Hospital. This was an exciting day for the CSOs; they had the opportunity to learn about various professions within the hospital and explore different career opportunities in the world of medicine. Students learned about physical therapy, genetic counseling, cardiac rehab, and more. Students constructed pedigrees to trace specific traits that they have throughout their family tree, and they explored how cells could be stained and studied under a microscope. CSOs presented and discussed the outcomes of their action plans and reflected on what still needed to be accomplished. The day ended with a K-nex vehicle building competition where teams were to design a vehicle that could travel the farthest using only the materials provided in the K-nex kit.
Davis Elementary - Read Across America Week
Davis Elementary enjoyed celebrating Read Across America week with mystery readers coming into classrooms across the building. Students enjoyed hearing from teachers and staff who aren't normally in their classes, and teachers & staff enjoyed sharing their love of reading and their favorite stories!
Davis also had themed dress days, buddy reading, partner reading, time to share our favorite books, and even a visit from the Cat in the Hat. Keep reading, Davis!
Therapy Dog Vern: A Friend for Students at Klinger MS
At Klinger Middle School, a special visitor named Vern the therapy dog has arrived to support students. Accompanied by his handler, Mr. Steve, Vern is here to provide comfort, companionship, and support to students who may find school challenging.
Therapy dogs like Vern play a crucial role in schools. They are trained to interact with students in a calm and gentle manner. Vern is not just any dog; he has received special training to understand and respond to the needs of students. This training allows him to provide emotional support, which can help reduce anxiety and improve social interactions.
When Vern visits the school, students have a chance to spend time with him. They can pet him, talk to him, or simply sit quietly with him. This interaction can be very calming. For many students, social situations can be overwhelming. However, being around a friendly dog like Vern can create a safe space where they can relax and feel accepted.
Mr. Steve, Vern's handler, plays an important role as well. He ensures that Vern follows the rules and behaves appropriately around students. Mr. Steve works closely with teachers and staff to create a positive environment for all students.
Research shows that therapy dogs can have significant benefits for students. They can help lower stress levels, improve focus, and even encourage students to communicate more.
Vern's presence at Klinger Middle School is not just about petting a dog; it’s about building connections. Students learn to trust and interact with Vern, which can lead to increased confidence. This experience can also help students develop empathy and responsibility as they take care of Vern during his visits.
Therapy dog Vern, along with Mr. Steve, brings joy and support to Klinger Middle School. Their visits can make a significant difference for students, helping them feel more comfortable and engaged in their school environment. Through their companionship, Vern and Mr. Steve are creating a community where all students can thrive.
Award-Winning Poet Inspires Tennent Writers
On Tuesday, March 4th, 25 WTHS students saw a famous poet in action; Sarah Kay from Project Voice conducted a poetry workshop for Tennent’s most curious writers. Sarah Kay has been featured in TEDTalks and on YouTube, so she shared her expertise during the workshop funded with a grant from the Centennial Education Foundation. Kay masterfully conveyed the importance of creating a meaning unique to each individual writer.
Her presentation began with a performance of her own poetry emphasizing how poetry can be found everywhere, especially in experiences from childhood. She encouraged students’ creativity by promising the audience, “There is no place poetry doesn’t exist as long as you’re looking for it.” Kay’s teaching was just as compelling as her own writing, which was such a fluid transition between informing and performing. The audience greedily anticipated her next word, description, or activity. Creative Writing student Angela Chacko expressed her first impression of Sarah Kay, “I really enjoyed Sarah’s joy and her energy was infectious! She really inspired me to keep going with my writing.” Kay also demonstrated the difference between abstract and sensory details to enhance written expression.
Since Project Voice promotes the power of spoken work and poetry performances, Sarah led students through a performance activity to build their confidence with sharing writing with others while also having fun. Movement and vocal expression helped students practice their skills in public speaking, theater and creative writing. 25 unified voices proudly echoed their words inspired by Kay’s performance and guidance.
Whether it's about the meaning of love, the way the sun looks at the end of the day, or a math test the next day, poetry is a way for writers to express their thoughts and feelings. Sarah Kay, with the magic of creativity and her love for performance, showed students at William Tennent what it means to be a writer and, most importantly, what it means to live in our poetic world.
By Caroline Moritz, Class of 2026
25 Tennent students were inspired to write their own poetry.
Sarah Kay confers with senior Weronika Ciesla about her writing.
Sarah Kay directs the poetry performance as Gavin Mraz and Aiden Edelmann-Kantor follow her lead.
Log College Jr. Model UN Works at Temple University
Log College’s Jr. Model UN Club attended their first preparatory conference on March 5th, at Temple University. The goal of Jr. Model UN is to work collaboratively to propose recommendations on solving two of the major world issues from the viewpoint of their assigned nation. Student delegates received badges that included their names, countries (India or France ), topics (Ensuring Gender Equality or Building Peaceful and Inclusive Societies ), and committee (#1 or #2).
Upon arrival, students were split into small conference rooms based on their badges. Once in the conference rooms, delegates introduced themselves to delegates from other schools, learned conference etiquette, and group norms.
As the morning rolled on, delegates identified the parts of a resolution paper and reviewed sustainable development goals. In addition, delegates practiced creating resolutions using their research and provided Jr. UN Vocabulary.
Delegates will meet a few times to write, revise, and edit their resolutions that they will present at their final conference in May at Temple University.
Social Emotional Learning Day at Klinger
On Monday, March 3, students celebrated SEL (Social Emotional Learning) Day by engaging in board games. This activity was not only enjoyable but also played a significant role in developing important SEL skills such as self-control, relationship-building, and problem-solving.
Students brought games in from home and played them during their WIN class. They were also tasked with filling out an activity sheet that helped identify what skills they were utilizing. Were they displaying listening skills, perseverance, and patience, or showing respect? Students learned how these skills related to the Character Strong sessions that they do each Monday in their SEL WIN class.
Klinger's FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Team Showcases Innovation at Two Competitions
On February 2nd, Klinger Middle School's FIRST Technology Challenge team traveled to Lincoln High School to compete against 32 other teams in FIRST Robotics' "Into The Deep," game. 7th and 8th grade students have been working since September to design, build, and program a robot that will grab and manipulate game pieces and score points. After a good showing at Lincoln, the team worked on iterating their design for their second competition on February 15th at Coatesville Area High School. They finished in the top 20 and continued to learn more about the design process. We wish the 8th graders best of luck as they ascend to the high school to continue their robotics journey and we want to thank the Centennial Education Foundation for providing us with a grant to continue this team. For more information on how this game was played, check FIRST's official game animation, and be sure to join us at William Tennent March 28th and 29th as William Tennent hosts its Week 5 Qualifier competition!
William Tennent Robotics Swim to a Top 10 Finish!
The William Tennent Robotics Team #6808 competed last weekend at Hatboro-Horsham High School in Week 1 of the FIRST Mid-Atlantic Robotics qualifiers. This year's FIRST Robotics Competition game is called "Reefscape," and the team found out on January 4th what type of robot they would need to build. In about 7 weeks, the team designed, fabricated, and programmed their robot named, "Orca." Every team member had a role in building our robot, whether they were hands on or not.
This past weekend, our drive team of Luke Taylor and Max Royzman strategized with other teams and finished with a 9-3 record and a 7th place finish. It was the highest finish that William Tennent Robotics has ever had. We were Captain of a playoff alliance for the first time ever! We also won the "Team Spirit" Award, which was another first for our team, thanks to the leadership of Team Lead, Molly Dinerman. The team continues to get better and we look forward to showing our district and community what we can do as William Tennent will host the Week 5 qualifier on March 29th and 30th. Come out and cheer us on! Thank you to our major sponsors, Noetic Software, Inc., the Centennial Education Foundation, and the Centennial School District. For more information, check out www.centennialsd.org/wtrobotics.
ATHLETICS
THE ARTS
Klinger MS Brings Disney’s Frozen JR. to Life
Do you want to build a snowman? Klinger Middle School certainly did, as they brought Disney’s Frozen JR. to the stage on February 28 and March 1. This delightful and heartwarming adaptation of the top-grossing animated film captivated audiences with its magic, music, and powerful message.
In this stage version of the beloved Disney classic, Anna, Elsa, and all of your favorite characters embarked on an epic, ice-filled journey of self-discovery, friendship, and the true meaning of love. With its enchanting songs, including "Let It Go" and "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?" the production transported theatergoers to the icy kingdom of Arendelle, where the bond between sisters is tested and ultimately triumphs.
Directed by the talented staff at Klinger Middle School, the cast and crew put on an unforgettable performance that melted the hearts of all who attended. The show’s empowering themes of love, understanding, and resilience resonated with audiences of all ages, reminding us that even in the coldest of times, love can thaw the heart and bring people together.
Whether you were seeing Frozen JR. for the first time or revisiting the beloved characters and songs, the talented students of Klinger Middle School brought Disney magic to life in a way that only live theater can.
William Tennent Artists on Exhibit
Please join the WT Fine Art Department as we celebrate 21 strong and talented William Tennent Artists! The PSEA Touch the Future juried art competition is an exhibition showcasing the brightest student-artists from Bucks and Montgomery counties. The exhibit is open March 3-7 and March 17-27 and is sponsored by the Mideastern Region of the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) and the Council for the Advancement of Public Schools (CAPS) We are thrilled to share that senior, Gwen Larsen-Roeber has been awarded 3rd Place Best in Show for the original photo collage “Echoes of Touch”. It was a great opening event Sunday March 3rd!
Enclosed is a list of the accepted artists.
Alexis Pertschi, Milo Trubetsyaka, Gwen Larsen-Roeber, Arlyn Villada-Varela, Trey Noll, Olivia McCarthy, Max Bollendorf, Istamoy Asatilloeva, Emma Castro, Stella Monaghan, Liza Salodkaya,
Orasta Tohirov, Lily Bollendorf, Grace Sabara, Bryan Sadowski, Iryna Besashchuk, Benjamin Small,
Wenhui Zhong, Ryann Rivera, Adriana Hostiuk, Alexis Castro Luna
WTHS Open Mic Night
There are many opportunities at William Tennent High School for students to showcase their art. Tennent will be hosting an Open Mic Night where instead of seeing art, it can be heard. The microphone is open to those who sign up with any original pieces of poetry, song, or a piece of music. Students can express their love for literature and music in front of friends and family.
Open Mic Night will be held March 13th in the WTHS Library at 6 pm, with the doors opening at 5:30. Refreshments will be served alongside a lively aesthetic. The lights and comfortable atmosphere help to spotlight the admirable work showcased by the talents of Tennent’s students. This will surely make for a memorable night that shouldn’t be missed. Previous participant, Kalena Viera, a junior who loves to both sing and write, expressed her opinions on her experience at Open Mic Night. “The best part about Open Mic Night is being able to express yourself freely. It’s an open environment where everyone can feel supported.”
Open Mic Night is a place to represent the unique and amazing talents of William Tennent students. Support comes in both ways: the guidance and upholding of fellow peers, and the presence of an audience readily applying themselves to every performance. March 13th will be the joining of performers and audience members, but more importantly, celebrating voices that want to be heard!
Voices to Be Heard: WTHS Open Mic Night
Caroline Moritz, Class of 2026
Briena Zenszer, Class of 2025
Alexia Weidner, Class of 2025
Mamma Mia! comes to the Tennent Stage
Are you ready for a Broadway-quality production here in our very own William Tennent Auditorium? Coming live, on March 14th and 15th, the WTHS production of Mamma Mia! promises to be an unforgettable night of high-energy performances, catchy tunes, and heartwarming moments.
The story follows Sophie (played by WTHS junior Maddie Picozzi), a young woman preparing for her wedding who embarks on a thrilling journey to find her father. On her electrifying quest, she is joined by her mother Donna (played by WTHS senior Leah Stever) and her three potential fathers: Sam Carmichael, Harry Bright, and Bill Austin (played by seniors Sam Carden, Cole Rooney, and Dakota Landis). Come out and join Sophie as she attempts to unravel her past in a riveting undertaking.
The show will feature some of ABBA’s most memorable songs, including “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me,” and “Mamma Mia,” creating a mesmerizing blend of romance, humor, and drama.
Tickets are available for $15 including reserved seating (online, with a nominal fee), or general admission tickets are available at the door. Students may also purchase tickets at the door for $10.
Come see Mamma Mia! (March 14th at 7pm and March 15th at 1 and 7 pm), directed by Mrs. Jennifer Hoban, Mrs. Dina McCaffery, and Mr. Keith Abrahamson.
COMMUNITY
Would you like registration assistance or do you require an interpreter? Attend one of our in-person registration events!
If you plan to attend an in person event, you will need the following:
Email address & password (if you already have one, if not we will help you create one)
Skyward username & password (if you already have one, if not we will help you create one)
ALL of the REQUIRED documents listed in the "Online Registration" section of http://www.centennialsd.org/registration (if you are unable to make copies, we will scan the document for you)
OFFICE OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
A Parent's Guide to Phonics Videos
Looking for more information and a free copy of A Parent’s Guide to Phonics: Understanding How to Help Your Child with Reading and Spelling?
Centennial School District is proud to offer:
follow-up videos on the CSD YouTube Channel
a free book for each family (contact your child’s school office)
Thank you to the CSD Elementary Reading team members who created these videos: Kim Flounders, Miriam Infanti, Dawn Kremer, Lisa Laatsch, Erin Landy, Danyel Masey, Jennifer McArdle, Rose Miele, Kelley O’Leary, and Susan Stackhouse.
FOOD AND NUTRITION
Round Up to Support Feeding School Kids
Centennial's Food & Nutrition Department is again partnering with GIANT Food Stores to help support our students facing food insecurity. We encourage the greater community to participate in this effort.
From January 1 through March 31, everyone who shops at GIANT in Warminster or Upper Southampton will be invited to "round-up" at the register and donate the round-up amount of their bill to support Feeding School Kids. Customers can also give by converting their CHOICE Rewards Points to donations in the GIANT app or purchasing a reusable bag.
We ask our school community to help spread the word about the Feeding School Kids 2025 Campaign to ensure its success. Our goal is to support the children in our district who need the most help accessing nutritious meals and snacks. From backpacks with weekend food to clearing lunch debt to building a community pantry in our schools, the funds will be provided directly to our district's food organization for use, at our discretion, to address food insecurity in our school community.
Please join us in supporting and advocating for this initiative to help ensure no child in our district experiences hunger at school or home.
CSD IN THE NEWS
ATTENTION VOLUNTEERS
IMPORTANT LINKS
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
March
March 11: CSD School Board Meeting, 7:00 pm
March 14: Early Dismissal Grs. K-5; Grs. K-5 Conferences; Grs. 6-12 Full Day of School
March 25: CSD School Board Meeting, 7:00 pm
2025/2026 School Year Instructional Calendar
On Tuesday, February 25, 2025 the Board of School Directors approved the district calendar for the 2025/2026 school year. I want to thank the committee members for their time and efforts in developing the calendar.
The committee was charged with developing a calendar that maintained a continuity of student learning and continuity of professional learning to improve student learning and growth.
UPCOMING SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
(Back row from left to right): Mr. Flemming Godiksen (Vice President), Mr. Mark Gindhart (Assistant Secretary), Dr. Kathleen Maguire, Mr. Michael Hartline (Front row from left to right): Mrs. Jane Schrader Lynch; Mrs. Patti Crossan; Dr. Dana T. Bedden (Superintendent), Mr. Tony Sadowski, Mrs. Mary Alice Brancato (President), Mr. Charles H. Martin not pictured.
Work Session/Regular School Board Meeting
- This meeting is public and can be viewed on the CSD Cable Stations or via the CSD Website or YouTube Channel.
- Click HERE for CSD Public Comment Procedure.
Tuesday, Mar 11, 2025, 07:00 PM
48 Swan Way, Warminster, PA, USA
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Community Information and Job Posting
For complete details and to apply, please go to: https://BucksIU.net/CSD-Superintendent
Applications are due on or before March 23, 2025, with the successful candidate to start on or as soon as possible after July 1, 2025.
CSD is Looking for Interpretation Contractors
Are you multilingual? Would you like to earn $ and help CSD families?
Do you know someone who is multilingual and available to provide interpretation or translation services during or after school hours?
We would like to grow the list of interpreters & translators that we call upon on an as needed basis. Please share our job posting: https://www.applitrack.com/centennialsd/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Independent+Contractor
Start Your Career at Centennial!
Spread the word that Centennial School District is hiring!
Check out our employment webpage for a complete list of vacancies. https://www.centennialsd.org/employment
If you know anyone who might be interested in these positions, please have them apply. We offer competitive rates, excellent perks, and benefits, including a pension. For questions, please call 215-441-6000, Ext. 11034.
CENTENNIAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Ready to go to the happiest place on Earth?
Enter to win the Ultimate Disney Experience and support education!
We've partnered with Tix for Good to bring you this fun and exciting vacation!
The trip consists of:
Vacation for a family of five, including -
*6 days & 5 nights of Disney magic - (August 21–26, 2025)
*Park Hopper Passes - to all four iconic Disney parks: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney Studios
*Luxury accommodations at the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
This fundraiser supports grants and scholarships for students.
Every donation brings you closer to winning this unforgettable adventure while helping a great cause. Don’t miss out, enter today and make dreams come true for your family!
Enter here: https://tixforgood.org/product/disney25?npo=cedf
Contest/Raffle Drawing Rules:
1. Winner must be 18 or older.
2. Prize does not include airfare, meals, parking, etc.
3. Taxes are the responsibility of the winner.
4. Winner must sign a publicity & liability release
For full contest rules visit: https://tixforgood.org/official-sweepstakes-rules
Thank you for supporting the Centennial Education Foundation.
Register to golf with us now!
Don't miss our 5th Annual Bruce Beaton Memorial Golf Outing on Monday, June 16th, 2025!
Registration includes:
*18 holes of Golf
*Golf Cart
*Breakfast & Lunch
*Hit it to Win it Green
*Prizes, 50/50 and Silent Auction
All proceeds benefit Centennial Education Foundation and our mission to provide educational opportunities and programs for the students of the Centennial School District.
Link to register: https://centennialef.networkforgood.com/events/79109-5th-annual-bruce-beaton-golf-outing
We provide “ABOVE AND BEYOND” educational experiences!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
A Child's Place 2024-2025 School Year
CENTENNIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT eFOLDER
Each year, more and more people and organizations are turning to our District to help get the message out about various activities, events, fundraisers, etc. The intent of this process is to support student achievement and to provide mutual assistance and benefit through shared information. Our district spends a great deal of time collecting, reviewing, and posting flyers to the District eFolder. The District no longer is posting eFlyers to any social media outlets or the District cable channel. You may refer to Policy 913 for additional information.
Please click on this link to connect with all the community eFlyers of the month
Centennial School District
Website: www.centennialsd.org
Location: 48 Swan Way, Warminster, PA, USA
Phone: (215) 441-6000
Facebook: facebook.com/centennialsd
Twitter: @Centennial_SD


