Friday, October 2, 2026
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Hello, October! A new month brings crisp mornings, colorful days, and plenty of Pirate pride. With Homecoming next week and lots of fall fun on the horizon, there’s so much to look forward to in our Palisades community.
Settle in with this week’s Patch and see what’s happening as we keep Charting Our Course together.
Enjoy this week's Patch-perfect edition!
Following is a handful of photo highlights from recent events and activities. THANK YOU to our PTA/PTOs, Kim Casterline, Jamie Davis, Brian Gilbert, our clubs and athletic teams posting on InstaGram, our student, parent and community photographers, our building principals, and Christmas City who share these photos for the newsletter every week. It would not be possible without you. You are appreciated! (Click or tap on an image to stop the carousel. Use the arrows to go forward and back at your own pace.)
DISTRICT DISPATCH
DISTRICT DISPATCH
Your guide to timely information in the Palisades School District.
Dr. Donnelly Speaks About AI
Dr. Donnelly Speaks About AI
This week at a conference in Hershey, our very own Dr. Donnelly sat on a panel regarding AI in school systems!
The event was for PA school district leaders on the subject of AI — and how it can serve learning, rather than shortcut it.
Fall Community Classes Begin!
Fall Community Classes Begin!
See the calendar for upcoming classes on our website.
Ceramics, Pickleball, Hypnosis, Qi Gong, Volleyball, and Yoga! Check back frequently as new classes will continue to be added.
PCF Homecoming Game Tailgate: Proceeds Help to Fund the Building of Our New Pirate Ship!
PCF Homecoming Game Tailgate: Proceeds Help to Fund the Building of Our New Pirate Ship!
Food provided by the Upper Bucks County Technical School (UBCTS) Food Truck!
Choice of Pulled Pork, Pulled Chicken OR Brisket
Mac & Cheese OR Fries
Cole Slaw OR Macaroni Salad
Bottle of Water
Soft Drinks for Sale (additional charge)
DATE & TIME: October 9th, 4:30 - 6:30 PM (Before the Varsity Homecoming Game)
LOCATION: Inside Stadium at Palisades High School (at the site of the Pirate Ship)
COST: $25.00
TICKETS: Available at HOME football games OR call/text 484-943-0448
Other ways to help? Be a sponsor! Use the QR code on the flyer or visit the Palisades Community website.
Guppy $100
Starfish $250
Navigator $500
Deckhand $750
Buccaneer $1,000
First Mate $1,500
Captain $2,000
Admiral $2,500
SCHOOL NEWS
SCHOOL NEWS
Find out what's happening in our schools! The Palisades School District is comprised of three elementary schools (Durham Nockamixon, Springfield, and Tinicum), Palisades Middle School, and Palisades High School.
Durham Nox and Tinicum Student Artwork Showcased in the Office of Rep. Shelby Labs!
Durham Nox and Tinicum Student Artwork Showcased in the Office of Rep. Shelby Labs!
This summer some of our 5th graders had artwork on display in the office of Representative Shelby Labs. The students created artwork based on the landscape of Bucks County, our community where we live! At the art show this summer visitors could vote for the artwork they thought was the most creative and displayed what our community looks like!
Their artwork will hang in our library for this entire school year so everyone can enjoy their work.
The Tinicum winner of the contest and a trip out to Harrisburg with a tour of the capitol and lunch with Rep. Labs is.......Allie Cron!
Learning By Doing in Mrs. Garr's Science Class @ PALMS
Learning By Doing in Mrs. Garr's Science Class @ PALMS
Our students have been busy learning through observation, creativity, and hands-on activities! They have been practicing the art of observing, creating character trait bracelets, learning about the unique New Zealand stitch bird, and building models to bring their learning to life.
There is lots of learning happening at PALMS, and our students are doing a great job exploring, creating, and making connections along the way!
Pierogi Fundraiser — Support TREK @ PALMS!
Pierogi Fundraiser — Support TREK @ PALMS!
Craving a delicious, fall snack? Stock up on homemade pierogies for Trick-or-Treat night, football weekends, or anytime you need an easy and delicious appetizer!
Pierogies are $12 per dozen with awesome flavors to choose from. All proceeds support TREK, our student travel program that gives students the opportunity to explore and learn in some of our country’s incredible national parks and destinations.
Order by: October 13
Pickup: Location Tuesday, October 27 at PALMS
Pickup time: 2:30–4:00 PM
Thank you for supporting TREK and helping make these student adventures possible!
Palisades Blankets are BACK!
Palisades Blankets are BACK!
And softer than ever! Spread school spirit with a cozy Palisades blanket! These plush, oversized blankets are a perfect way to wrap up in comfort while supporting a great cause—all proceeds benefit the PALMS Trek program.
These 60" × 70" extra-large blankets are thick, incredibly soft, and wonderfully cozy. Made from 300 GSM 100% polyester soft minky plush with finished, hemmed edges, they're perfect for curling up on the couch, taking to a game, or keeping warm on a chilly night.
Every blanket you purchase helps support the TREK program, which gives PALMS students the opportunity to travel and explore our country's amazing national parks. Each blanket helps students pay for their trip and cover the cost of transportation.
$35 each
Our program strives to foster students' appreciation for the nature, culture, and history of our amazing country by exploring our National Parks. Check out the Trek website here: bit.ly/palmstrek
Get yours today and show your Palisades pride!
ORDER HERE (via MySchoolBucks): https://tinyurl.com/nkp4ypv3
The Bucks IU Receives $90,000 Grant to Expand the Chief Science Officers (CSO) Program in Bucks County
The Bucks IU Receives $90,000 Grant to Expand the Chief Science Officers (CSO) Program in Bucks County
Dylan Fedell, Palisades High School physics teacher, Chief Science Officer advisor, and STEM Outreach Club advisor partnered with the Bucks IU and the office of state Rep. Brian Munroe to support the grant application that was awarded at a ceremony this week in Doylestown.
The CSO program is an internationally recognized STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) leadership initiative that empowers students in grades 6–12 to design and lead projects addressing real community needs. The grant, from the Pennsylvania Department of Education Job Training and Education Programs, will allow more schools and students across Bucks County to participate in the CSO program.
Congratulations to Mr. Fedell and the IU team!
Class of 2029 Fundraiser: Raffle Baskets Needed
Class of 2029 Fundraiser: Raffle Baskets Needed
Attention students and families of the Class of 2029: The Sophomore class officers will be selling cotton candy and raffle tickets at the Homecoming football game at Palisades High School on October 9th.
We are looking for generous families to donate complete raffle baskets for us to raffle off at the event. The money that we raise will go towards the Class of 2029 and will help in funding prom and other events.
Please drop off any basket donations to the PHS Main Office by Wednesday October 7th.
Please contact Mrs. Colyer or Ms. Casale with any questions.
Pirates Baseball Oktoberfest Fundraiser
Pirates Baseball Oktoberfest Fundraiser
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Silvercreek Pavillion, 2943 PA-212, Hellertown, PA
Featuring live dancing with Boots & Bling
Raffle Baskets
Ticket price includes FREE food, beer, wine and pop
$35 pre-sale; $40 at the door
Cornhole tournament: $20 play
For tickets, scan the QR code in the flyer at the left or contact Alyssa at 908-627-6434 or piratesvaristy24@gmail.com
Must be 21 to enter
Proceeds benefit Palisades Baseball
Palisades High School Polar Plunge is 2/19/27 @ Iron Pigs Stadium
Palisades High School Polar Plunge is 2/19/27 @ Iron Pigs Stadium
The Palisades High School Polar Plunge Team comes together to support Special Olympics Pennsylvania and PHS Unified Sports. Team members raise funds, spread awareness, and take the plunge together to promote inclusion, friendship, and opportunities for athletes of all abilities.
Special Olympics Pennsylvania describes the Polar Plunge as its largest statewide fundraiser, with funds supporting year-round sports training and competition opportunities.
Why We Plunge
Support Special Olympics Pennsylvania
Help provide athletic opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities
Support and grow Palisades Unified Sports
Promote acceptance, inclusion, and friendship
Bring the PHS community together for a fun challenge
You can help team members reach their fundraising goals by making a donation online at: https://give.specialolympicspa.org/give/t852547/#!/donation/checkout
All the funds raised go to provide FREE sports, health and leadership programming to our athletes – including the nearly 2,700 athletes in the Greater Lehigh Valley Pocono region.
PHS Theatre Ad Sale Fundraiser
PHS Theatre Ad Sale Fundraiser
The Palisades High School Theatre Department is proud to present two productions: “THE SOUND OF MURDER”, and “NEWSIES”.
Click here to visit our fundraiser page and submit your ad online.
Ads are 1/2 off until 10/16/2026 and we would be honored by your support via an advertisement in both productions at a discounted price. We hope that this reasonable rate will help spread the word of the amazing services your business or organization offers, and/or celebrate a special person in our production. Your support will help us purchase costumes, rental equipment, and set materials for these productions.
To learn more about advertisement opportunities, please click this link.
A Message From Our All-Sports Boosters
A Message From Our All-Sports Boosters
Hello Pirate Nation!
Our Fall Sport Athletes are about half way through their regular seasons and your All-Sports Boosters wanted to reach out and say "Thank You!" to everyone who has volunteered at the stadium snack stands! We could not provide the support we do to our athletes without you! We have some fun events coming up: Oct. 9th is HOCO (Homecoming); Senior Night/Pink Out Football is Oct. 23rd; Senior Night Girls Soccer is Oct. 8th; and Senior Night Field Hockey is Oct. 15th.
We still need more volunteers for all of our remaining games/matches. Parents/Staff you do not have to have a player to sign up for an event! All are welcome! Student volunteers from 7th grade and up can earn volunteer hours-bring your papers to be signed. Students below 6th grade are not permitted due to safety concerns. Looking forward to seeing some new faces to help support our teams.
Below are the most updated Sign-Up Geniuses with all of our volunteer openings. Thank you everyone for your continued support! Let’s Go Pirates!
Your All-Sports Boosters
Lynsay Fitzgerald, Amy Kapp & Amy Stump
Friday Night Varsity Football
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAAA82EA5F4CF8-65105248-2026#/
Fall Sports-JV/MS Football, B&G Soccer, & Field Hockey
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAAA82EA5F4CF8-65209011-msjv#/
Booster Support Team
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAAA82EA5F4CF8-63996443-fall#/
UBCTS Career & Technical Education Expo!
UBCTS Career & Technical Education Expo!
UBCTS, Upper Bucks Chamber & State Senator Jarrett Coleman present the Career & Technical Education Expo! In partnership with State Rep. Shelby Labs & State Rep. Craig Staats.
Calling all middle school, high school, and college students. Families, educators, and the people who cheer them on. Whether you’re exploring career pathways or just curious to learn more, this is the event for you!
OCTOBER 22, 2026 • 5:30 - 7:30 P.M.
SENSORY HOUR 4:30 - 5:30 P.M.
Upper Bucks County Technical School, 3115 Ridge Rd., Perkasie
Register online at: senatorcoleman.com/events
FAMILY CORNER
FAMILY CORNER
Information in this section will be particularly helpful for those who have students in our schools.
26th Annual Secondary Transition Options and Resource Fair
26th Annual Secondary Transition Options and Resource Fair
Connect with schools, agencies, and community resources to support the move from school to adulthood. Representatives will be on-site to share information on education, employment, and independent living.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026
5:30PM - 7:30PM
No registration required to attend.
Resources include:
Post-Secondary
Education & Training
Employment
Independent Living
Community
Resources
Legal, Financial &
Life Planning
Bucks County Intellectual Disability / Autism Services Parent Presentations @ 5:45-6:30 & 6:30-7:15
Review of Intellectual Disability and Autism services in Bucks County and the waiver system. The presentation will cover: intake, eligibility, waiting lists, waivers and services available.
Youth Presentations @ 5:45-6:30 & 6:30-7:15
Employability Jeopardy! * Students Only *
If you have never attended, please consider stopping by. It's an impressive event for young adults with disabilities and their families/caregivers. In addition to several presentations, it follows an open house format, so attending any time between 5:30 and 7:30 works.
Go to bit.ly/BucksSTORF for more information.
Free Online Math Tutoring for PA Students Grades 6-12
Free Online Math Tutoring for PA Students Grades 6-12
Penn GSE Peer Tutoring helps students gain insights and make connections, not just memorize facts. The collaborative and inquiry based approach helps students develop a strong foundation for success in math, in school, and in life.
13 weeks of math tutoring at a time that fits your busy schedule
Boost your grade in math and gain helpful skills and strategies to apply across all subjects.
Learn from professionally trained peer tutors in live, online sessions tailored to your needs.
Apply for tutoring using the QR code or by clicking on the link to the website here: https://www.thinkist.com/penn-tutee/
PSD SCHOOL BOARD
PSD SCHOOL BOARD
Links to recordings from the most recent Regular Board and Committee Meetings can be found below. Clicking on these links will redirect you to our PSD Stream channel on YouTube. You can find a complete Board and Committee Meeting Schedule on our website.
Disclaimer: Palisades School District is not responsible for statements made by those in attendance at the meeting. Rebroadcasting/reproduction of the audio recording is strictly prohibited unless prior written permission is obtained from the Superintendent or designee.
Link To: Board Working Session 9/30/26
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
COMMUNITY INFORMATION
There is always a lot going on in our community. In this section, you can find out how to get involved this week!
Disclaimer: Flyers and information presented in this section are provided by organizations in the general community. Palisades School District is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any information included in these submissions, and shall not be responsible for any decisions made based on such information.
Palisades Youth Basketball Association Registration Opens
Palisades Youth Basketball Association Registration Opens
Build Skills! Make Friends! Play Together!
The Palisades Youth Basketball Association is excited to start another basketball season for first through sixth grade boys and girls. Basketball is a great sport for developing individual skills and learning the value of teamwork. We look forward to seeing you on the court this season!
TRAVEL (Grades 3-6)
Teams travel to compete against other area teams
Focus on skill development and teamwork
Cost for travel players is $175 with a new uniform jersey and $145 if you already have a jersey from last year. If using last year’s jersey please check that it still fits before you complete the registration form.
Registration runs Oct. 1st - Oct. 15th. Registration may close early if rosters fill up, so please don’t delay in signing up. Teams may hold evaluations for tryouts and team placement.
Register online at: https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/531795
INTRAMURAL (Grades 1 & 2)
Led by the Palisades Boys and Girls Basketball teams
Four Sundays in January
Focusing on introducing the sport
The cost of this program is $35.
Registration deadline for intramural is Dec. 1st.
Register online at: https://go.teamsnap.com/forms/531796
Palisades Youth Wrestling Association Sign-up Information
Palisades Youth Wrestling Association Sign-up Information
Palisades Youth Wrestling is back for another exciting season!
Who Can Join: Palisades Youth Wrestling Association is open to all Palisades area resident in grades pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. Wrestlers cannot be 13 years old prior to September 1st of the current wrestling season. Athletes will compete at the Novice, Junior Varsity, and Varsity levels.
Location: Palisades High School Wrestling Room
Practice Schedule: Novice (Beginners): Tuesday and Thursday 6:00-7:30
Varsity and Junior Varsity (Experienced Wrestlers): Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 6:00-8:00
Practice starts Wednesday November 4th for all levels. We are excited to offer families a two day trial period. Come see if wrestling is the right fit for your child before making the full commitment.
Costs:
$100 - one wreslter
$135 – two wrestlers
$150 – three wrestlers
$150 Held Check (uniform deposit – only cashed if gear not returned)
$100 Fundraiser per family (raffle tickets)
Questions:
Coach Jarret at (267) 742-9313
Coach Cody at (904) 386-2781
Email: Pywa@palisadesyouthwrestling.org
To register, please go to our website: https://www.palisadesyouthwrestling.org
Family Day at Zoellner Arts Center
Family Day at Zoellner Arts Center
Join the Zoellner Arts Center at Lehigh University for Family Day on Sunday, November 15th starring Pete the Cat live on stage!
12:15pm: Pre-Show with The Kellyn Foundation (sponsored by Marcie & Glenn Yarnis '80)
1:00pm: Pete the Cat (NEW! Choose-What-You-Pay: $5/$10/$15)
2:00pm: Post-Show fun begins!
3:30pm: That's a Wrap!
Come early for The Kellyn Foundation pre-show. After the show, Community and Campus Partners will sponsor activities and giveaways throughout the entire Zoellner Arts Center! Look for Ziggy the Zoellner Zebra, great spots for pictures, face painting and much more! The Red Robin food truck will be on hand, and if you need a break, there are great spaces in the arts center to do so. Parking in our garage will be free.
Tickets and additional information can be found on the website.
Trunk or Treat at Bridgeton Athletic Association
Trunk or Treat at Bridgeton Athletic Association
Great Trick or Treating fun for kids in one safe, family friendly location! Come deck out your car’s trunk, tailgate or hatch & have fun handing out treats to our area’s youth. Prizes for 3 Best Costumes & 1 for Best Trunk. Free Event Open to the Public. Drinks/HotDogs available for purchase.
Date: Sunday, October 25th
Time: 6:30-7:30pm
Location: Bridgeton Athletic Association, 1340 Bridgeton Hill Rd, Upper Black Eddy, PA
Free STEM Expo for Girls (Grades 4-10)
Free STEM Expo for Girls (Grades 4-10)
Registration is now open for GETT (Girls Exploring Tomorrow's Technology), a free, hands-on, expo-style STEM experience for girls in grades 4-10.
At GETT, students participate in interactive STEM activities led by women from leading regional companies and organizations, meet STEM professionals, and explore educational and career pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These role models help students envision their own futures in STEM while providing real-world perspectives on careers and opportunities.
Event Details
Date: October 24, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, 100 Station Ave, Oaks, PA 19456
Cost: Free
Who: Girls in grades 4-10 and their families
For additional information and registration, visit www.gettpa.org/expo.
Saturday STEAM Adventures @ FAB LAB
Saturday STEAM Adventures @ FAB LAB
Turn an ordinary Saturday into an extraordinary day of building, coding, creating, and exploring!
Visit the FabLab website to review all of the events and to register.
DEA National Rx Take Back Day
DEA National Rx Take Back Day
Keep them safe. Clean them out. Take them back. Turn in unneeded medication for safe disposal. The location in our district can be found below.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Springfield Municipal Complex, 2320 Township Road Quakertown, Pa 18036
Visit DEATakeBack.com or the flyer in the carousel at the end of the newsletter for additional collection sites.
Join the Palisades Community Foundation!
Join the Palisades Community Foundation!
The Palisades Community Foundation is looking for volunteers as well as two additional board members to join our team in supporting arts, education, and wellness in the Palisades community. We are very excited about our upcoming projects for this school year, including:
Tailgate BBQ Party: Join us at the homecoming game against Salisbury on October 9th from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Food will be available for purchase from the UBCTS Food Truck group.
Community Holiday Giving: Organized in conjunction with the school district. Last year, thanks to your support, we provided nearly $10,000 in gift cards and presents to local families.
20th Annual Family Fun Run and 1-Mile Walk: Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 22, 2027. This event is a great community opportunity to focus on both physical and mental wellness.
The Pirate Ship Rebuild: This iconic tribute will be rebuilt at "The Walter" (Palisades High School Stadium). We are thrilled to bring back our beloved ship with the support of the School Board of Directors and community members!
Website & Social Media Refresh: We are updating our online presence to better share our mission and impact with the community.
For more information, text or call Donna at 484-943-0448.
FreshConnect Bucks County
FreshConnect Bucks County
FreshConnect Bucks County provides FREE, fresh produce to our residents facing hunger. They deliver in the PALMS parking lot on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month from 11:00am to 12:00pm.
Registration is required. You can find the application and additional information here.
*** PLEASE NOTE *** Beginning this year, FreshConnect will move to a seasonal schedule. FreshConnect will take a planned winter pause beginning December 18, 2026 and will reopen during the week of April 5, 2027. This seasonal schedule will continue in future years. This change will help FreshConnect to better align with Pennsylvania’s growing/harvest seasons, while also helping reduce weather-related disruptions during the winter months.
See below for flyers from community organizations. (Click or tap on an image to stop the carousel. Use the arrows to go forward and back at your own pace.)
If you would like to have information covered in the Patch, please send it to patch@palisd.org by Wednesday before its publication on Friday. If you don't currently subscribe to the Patch but would like to receive it via email, please sign up here.
You can find past issues of the Patch in the archive.
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