Bensalem News and Notes

District Highlights ~ June 2026

We are delighted to share some of the many wonderful activities, accomplishments, and special events that took place in our schools during the month of June.

Thank you for being part of another successful school year. We wish you a wonderful, relaxing, and safe summer!

Also included are upcoming Dates to Remember.

Image of administrators listening to a speaker

Administrators Engage in Summer Leadership Retreat

On June 17th, administrators and principals gathered for the annual BTSD Leadership Retreat, an important time for the team to reconnect and reflect on 2025-2026 efforts, and refocus ahead of the 2026–2027 school year. We are grateful for the commitment of our leadership team as they continue to foster safe, supportive, and innovative learning environments for every student.

Image of administrators sitting at tables collaborating

Image of speakers taking to administrators

Image of graduates throwing caps in the air

Bensalem High School

On June 11th, under a beautiful and hot sunny sky, 536 graduates in Bensalem High School’s Class of 2026 received their diploma during the 102nd Commencement ceremony. The class will begin to write new chapters of their lives as they enter universities and colleges across the United States including: Boston U, Drexel, U PENN, Penn State, St. Joseph’s, Hofstra, Holy Family and Temple, just to name a few. Speakers included: BHS principal, Mr. Per; Interim Superintendent, Dr. Velazquez; Valedictorian, Lucas Ferrandez; and Salutatorian, Ron Assulin. Additionally, we were delighted to welcome members of the Class of 1976 celebrating their 50 year reunion! We wish our graduates well in all their future endeavors and know they will continue to demonstrate the pride, tradition, and spirit of being a Bensalem Owl!

Image of graduates sitting on chairs in the stadium

Image of 8th grade girls at their promotion ceremony

Shafer Middle School

In the morning on June 12th, Shafer Middle School’s eighth grade commencement took place at Bensalem High School. After the chorus sang the National Anthem, students received special awards including principal’s honor roll, distinguished honors and honors, citizenship awards and much more. Congratulations and best wishes as you begin the next chapter of your education.

Image of 8th grade boys at their promotion ceremony

Image of a student holding her award plaque

Image of a student in her wheelchair holding her award plaque

Snyder Middle School

On June 10th, Snyder Middle School’s eighth grade commencement took place at Bensalem High School. After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, students crossed the stage in the auditorium shaking hands with Dr. Bourque and Mr. Hansbury. Each student also received a treat bag thanks to Snyder’s Home and School Association. Congratulations and best wishes in all your future endeavors.

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Belmont Hills Elementary School

Belmont Hills first graders finally got to enjoy their long-awaited trip to the Elmwood Zoo on June 9 after being rained out in May. With beautiful weather and smaller crowds, students had an exciting day exploring the zoo. Favorite activities included feeding giraffes, petting goats and other animals in the petting zoo, cooling off in the water mister elephant, and enjoying ice cream treats. Along the way, students learned about a variety of animals, including bald eagles, llamas, giraffes, bison, zebras, owls, otters, and frogs. It was a fun-filled, educational day for the Bulldogs!

Image of 6 kids with their hands in the air under the Elmwood Park zoo sign

Cornwells Elementary School

Cornwells Elementary wrapped up June with a strong and celebratory finish! They proudly promoted their sixth graders, celebrated their fifth grade D.A.R.E. graduates, recognized the K–5 students with end-of-year awards, and enjoyed a special breakfast with returning BHS graduating Cornwellians. The year concluded with an exciting schoolwide game of Throw Ball, bringing the entire community together in a fun and memorable way.

Faust Elementary School

Second graders in Mr. McCarthy’s class at Faust Elementary welcomed spring by planting wildflower seeds and raising butterflies. Students learned about the butterfly life cycle and cared for six caterpillars, observing their growth each day until they emerged as butterflies. The project concluded with a butterfly release, giving students a fun and memorable hands-on learning experience.

Rush Elementary School

Rush sixth graders celebrated their final days as elementary students with a special luncheon filled with laughter, memories, and friendship. As they reflected on their years at Rush, students enjoyed time together, shared stories, and celebrated all they have accomplished. While this marks the end of their elementary school journey, it is also the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Rush staff are incredibly proud of the sixth graders and wish them continued success as they move on to middle school. Once a Roadrunner, always a Roadrunner!

Struble Elementary School

On June 5, fourth grade students at Struble Elementary presented their Annual Living Wax Museum. This is a cross-curricular student-centered project based performance where students utilized their research, synthesizing skills and writing to become a famous figure that has had a positive influence on society. The students eagerly shared what they know about their famous person and they were fantastic! Great job, Superstars!

Image of a girl dressed as Benjamin Franklin

Image of a boy dressed as a professional basketball player

Valley Elementary School

Kindergarten’s English Language Arts curriculum's current theme is "Then and Now." At Valley, students developed vocabulary and investigation skills related to learning about the past. Teachers helped students extend this learning by giving them the tools (literally and figuratively) to investigate a very cool group of reptiles who lived long ago: dinosaurs! During their exploration, the 5 and 6 year old paleontologists read books, wrote facts, and danced to songs about different dinosaurs. They also explored and debated possible explanations for dinosaur extinction and practiced using scientific tools to dig for fossils.