Friday, September 4, 2026
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WELCOME BACK, PIRATES! And just like that…summer has sailed by, the hallways are buzzing again, and we are officially underway for the 2026-27 school year!
This year, we’re "Charting Our Course" — moving forward together with purpose, a clear sense of direction, and a shared commitment to making Palisades the very best it can be for our students, families, staff, and community. We’re excited about where we’re headed and there are already some wonderful things to share!
The course is set, the compass is pointing forward, and we can’t wait to see where this school year takes us. New year, same Pirate pride. 💜💛
Let’s get underway! ⚓️
Following is a handful of photo highlights from recent events and activities. THANK YOU to our PTA/PTOs, our athletic teams posting on InstaGram, our parent photographers and friends, our building principals, Kim Casterline, 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.
We've Updated Our Look!
We've Updated Our Look!
We have brand-new, district-wide websites! Our fresh, new online home is designed to make information easier to find, navigation more intuitive, and communication even stronger.
Most importantly, it represents a significant step forward as we continue working toward our goal of greater digital accessibility and ADA compliance — ensuring our information and resources are accessible to everyone in our community.
Hot Off the Press...
Hot Off the Press...
Our 2026-27 District Calendars have arrived! Look for them to make their way home with students during the first week of school, filled with important dates, district information, photos, and plenty of Palisades pride.
You can view/download a PDF version HERE.
Dates are subject to change (and do!) so please check the district and school website calendars regularly for updates.
Krapf's Cool Summer Event
Krapf's Cool Summer Event
On August 5th, Krapf School Bus invited the community to an afternoon Cool Down!
Guests got to test drive a school bus, enjoy fun craft activities, cool off with complimentary treats from the Kona Ice truck, and learn about employment opportunities.
Fall Community Classes Begin!
Fall Community Classes Begin!
See the calendar for upcoming classes on our website.
Ceramics, Pickleball, Hypnosis, Qi Gong, Yoga and more! Check back frequently as new classes will continue to be added.
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.
Back-to-School Nights
Back-to-School Nights
Back-to-School Nights are right around the corner. Mark your calendars:
Palisades High School: Tuesday, September 1 | 5:30–7:00 PM
Palisades Middle School: Thursday, September 3 | 5:30–7:00 PM
Durham Nockamixon Elementary: Thursday, September 10 | 5:30–7:00 PM
Springfield Elementary: Thursday, September 10 | 5:30–7:00 PM
Tinicum Elementary: Thursday, September 10 | 5:30–7:00 PM
Each building will share information with families specific to its Back-to-School Night schedule, so please keep an eye on your email for details from building principals.
Thank You to the Lions Club for the School Supplies for Our Students and Their Teachers!
Thank You to the Lions Club for the School Supplies for Our Students and Their Teachers!
Sending a big shout-out to the Lions Club, who generously donated supplies to our students at Springfield Elementary School. again this year!
Thank you to our wonderful community organizations that support us year after year. We appreciate you!
PHS Madrigals Wow the Crowd at Iron Pigs Game
PHS Madrigals Wow the Crowd at Iron Pigs Game
On Tuesday, August 25th, the PHS Madrigal Singers kicked off their fall season by singing the National Anthem at the Iron Pigs Game again this year.
It was an amazing performance and a gorgeous night out at the ballpark.
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.
Nadia Wilt Hits It Out Of The (Devon) Park!
Nadia Wilt Hits It Out Of The (Devon) Park!
PHS sophomore Nadia Wilt was selected to play on the USA All-American Region 1 Stripes 14U softball team! The USA All-American Games were held in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, from August 3–9.
Nadia shared: "My experience playing for the USA All-American Region 1 Stripes 14U softball team in Oklahoma City was an amazing opportunity, and I had so much fun! I met so many amazing athletes from all around the country, competed against pitchers throwing up to 72 mph from 43 feet, and learned so much throughout the week.
One of my favorite moments was hitting a walk-off to win one of our first games, as well as getting to play at Devon Park, known as the “Softball Capital of the World.” I also had the amazing experience of meeting Tom Brady’s parents and staying in the same hotel as the USA professional softball team and Team Japan.
I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and for everyone who supported me and helped make this experience so special!"
Congratulations on an amazing accompishment! You make us Pirate Proud!
A Message From Our All-Sports Boosters
A Message From Our All-Sports Boosters
Welcome Back Pirate Nation!
We hope you all had a great summer! We were very busy renovating the Snack Shack and gearing up for another great year! Many of you offered help last year but did not know where to sign up or where we needed help. So, this year we will be posting all our Sign-up Geniuses in the Patch for easy access. They are also on your Team Snaps.
Parents/Staff you do not have to have a player to sign up for an event! All are welcome! Student volunteers from 7th grade up are welcome and can earn volunteer hours. Students below 6th grade are not permitted due to safety concerns. Wishing all our Palisades families a wonderful school year! 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#/
Sport Booster Team Support
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044CAAA82EA5F4CF8-63996443-fall
Support Our PHS Baseball Team!
Support Our PHS Baseball Team!
Come on out for some Dab & Donate BINGO and support our baseball team with their fundraising goal.
Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: The Gulch Tavern, 1821 River Rd, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972
Call to reserve a table at: 484-312-3180. All other seating is on a first-come basis.
Help Our Band March To Victory!
Help Our Band March To Victory!
From August 31 through September 6, Owowcow in Ottsville will give 20% of your sale to the Palisades Band Association to benefit our band program.
Don't forget to mention PALISADES BAND at checkout.
FAMILY CORNER
FAMILY CORNER
Information in this section will be particularly helpful for those who have students in our schools.
Helpful Hints for a Fantastic School Year!
Helpful Hints for a Fantastic School Year!
In early August, all families were emailed a comprehensive list of Helpful Hints that facilitate a great start to the new school year. You can find a copy on the PSD website.
We hope that you will find the "Helpful Hints for a Fantastic Start to the 2026-2027 School Year" information useful in the coming weeks as we get started up again!
Returning Student Forms in PowerSchool are Due
Returning Student Forms in PowerSchool are Due
Every year, ALL of our families must review and update their child(ren)'s information in our PowerSchool Student Information System so that we have the most current information on file in the event that you need to be reached in an emergency.
Video instructions on how to access and complete these forms are available here.
Don't Forget to Renew Your Free and Reduced Lunch Benefits
Don't Forget to Renew Your Free and Reduced Lunch Benefits
You must reapply every school year for each child. If you believe that your family may qualify, we urge you to apply.
Complete information and applications can be found on our website.
Say Cheese!
Say Cheese!
Picture Days
Picture Days
PHS: 9/11
PALMS: 9/18
Durham Nox: 9/10
Springfield: 9/22
Tinicum: 9/18
More information will be coming soon from your child’s school(s).
Addressing Concerns
Addressing Concerns
It is the District's intent to establish reasonable and effective means of resolving concerns and to establish and maintain clear two-way channels of communication. In order to ensure that your concerns or issues are heard by the appropriate individual who can provide you with a speedy response, please start with the employee closest to the situation then progress through the levels outlined below in the contact list. In addition, please give the employee the opportunity to respond before moving to the next level. You can find the document in PDF format on our website.
Keystone Scholars Program
Keystone Scholars Program
The Keystone Scholars program is a Pennsylvania Treasury initiative that aims to help families jump-start long-term savings for higher education.
Program Basics
Benefit: A $100 investment account set up for eligible children.
Eligibility: Every baby born or adopted by a Pennsylvania resident starting in 2019.
Cost: Free to families; uses no taxpayer dollars.
For more information, review the flyer in PDF format.
Be prepared with CHIP. Free or low-cost healthcare for Pennsylvania kids and teens.
Be prepared with CHIP. Free or low-cost healthcare for Pennsylvania kids and teens.
CHIP covers uninsured kids up to age 19 in Pennsylvania. It doesn’t matter why your kids don’t have health coverage right now; CHIP may be able to help. Most kids receive CHIP for free. Others can get the same benefits at a low cost.
CHIP is brought to you by leading health insurance companies who offer quality, comprehensive coverage. There is no limit on income. If your income is below CHIP guidelines, your child may be enrolled in Medical Assistance.
CHIP COVERS:
Routine check-ups
Prescriptions
Hospitalization
Dental
Eye Care
Eyeglasses
Behavioral care
Specialty care
More
APPLY/RENEW at CHIPcoversPAkids.com or by calling 800-986-KIDS.
2026 Drug-Free Calendar Contest
2026 Drug-Free Calendar Contest
As part of National Drug Prevention Month, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General is sponsoring the 29th Annual Drug-Free Calendar Contest.
Every fifth-grade student from across the Commonwealth is invited and encouraged to submit their artwork for consideration to be in the 2026 Drug-Free Calendar. Students must create an original illustration that includes a drug-free message of their choice.
For more information, please refer to the official Office of Attorney General Drug-Free Calendar Contest submission guidelines.
All entries must be mailed to the following address, postmarked by October 31, 2026:
Office of Attorney General
Calendar Contest
16th Floor, Strawberry Square
Harrisburg, PA 17120
For any additional information, please contact contest@attorneygeneral.gov or 717-574-5794.
Save the Date: Secondary Transition Options and Resource Fair
Save the Date: Secondary Transition Options and Resource Fair
The Bucks IU is hosting its 26th annual Secondary Transition Options and Resources Fair at the Bucks IU offices in Doylestown on Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 5:30-7:30PM.
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 any time between 5:30 and 7:30 works.
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.
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.
THANK YOU, Turkey Hill!
THANK YOU, Turkey Hill!
Back in June, our Turkey Hill neighbor in Ottsville hosted a Community Appreciation Day.
They offered complimentary tasty treats, fun giveaways and raffled baskets that raised money for gift certificates that were donated to the Palisades School District!
Thank you, Turkey HIll! We appreciate you!
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.
Pre-K Counts Is Enrolling for the 26-27 School Year
Pre-K Counts Is Enrolling for the 26-27 School Year
Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts (PA PKC) is a state-funded prekindergarten program for 3- and 4- year-old children to help them gain school readiness skills. The goal of PA PKC is to provide a high quality-learning environment for children. The program provides comprehensive services to all enrolled children and their families. By forming a partnership with parents, staff, and the community members, we offer services designed to promote the healthiest, safest environment in which children, families, and staff can thrive and their full potential.
The new applications for Pre-K Counts for next school year are now available. Hard copies will be available in the main offices of each of our elementary school buildings shortly.
You can download the applications in PDF format below:
Pre-K Counts Application 26-27 (English)
Pre-K Counts Application 26-27 (Español)
Any eligible students from within our school district are able to participate. Parents must provide daily transportation. There are currently 13 openings for the program next fall. The Pre-K Counts classroom is located in Durham Nockamixon Elementary.
All completed applications can be sent to Kim Day, Director. Any questions can be directed to her by phone at 267-424-2024 or via email at kday@lq.org.
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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