Friday, February 6, 2026
Friday, February 6, 2026
Let's Connect!
It's not a huge surprise that Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this year but it *IS* pretty wild when a 31-degree day feels downright balmy! Hang in there, friends. Spring is just around the corner.
In the meantime, hunker in and enjoy another Patch-perfect week in Palisades!
Following is a handful of photo highlights from recent events and activities. THANK YOU to Christmas City, Kim Casterline, our PTA/PTOs and our parent photographers and friends 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.)
Your guide to timely information in the Palisades School District.
National School Counseling Week 2026 is celebrated from February 2–6, focusing on the theme "School Counselors Amplify Student Success." This annual event highlights the vital role school counselors play in supporting students' academic, social-emotional development, and career readiness. It is a time to honor their contributions to fostering student success and well-being.
THANK YOU to all of our school counselors who give 200% to our students every day!
See all of the class options and registration information on our website.
Ceramics (FULL)
Hypnosis: Stop Smoking/Lose Weight/Reduce Stress (NEW)
Qi Gong
Pickleball
Tennis (NEW)
Yoga
Aromatherapy/Meditation/Tea
Volleyball
And more!
Check back frequently as new classes will continue to be added.
It's time to start planning for Kindergarten Registration for the 2026-2027 school year.
Children who will attain the age of five before 9/1/26 are eligible. Three proofs of residency, a current immunization record and proof of the child’s age must be presented.
Meet The Teachers
Get Questions Answered
Receive Registration Support
Submit Required Documents
March 23, 2026
4:00-7:00PM
Palisades Middle School
4710 Durham Road, Kintnersville
Online registration begins 2/17/26.
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.
And this one’s for everyone — not just trekkers. Along with our trip-specific design, we’re now offering a timeless Trek program design featuring a travel log graphic that will grow as new itineraries are added over the years.
This is not a fundraiser — it's a FUNraiser! A fun way to show your love of travel and adventure (and yes...a good hoodie!)
ORDER HERE by Feb 12th!
What is Trek? Learn more here!
Each Lehigh Valley area high school nominates one male and one female soccer scholar athlete for their excellence in the classroom, on the field of competition and in their communities! This year, Palisades nominated Greyson George as our male soccer scholar athlete and Jane Salva as our female soccer scholar athlete.
For only the 3rd time since the award has been given, a Palisades’ soccer scholar athlete has won it all! Greyson George is the first male soccer scholar athlete to be selected for this prestigious award of excellence among all LV area schools
Congratulations to to our Scholar Athletes!
Congratulations to Unified Bocce!
Team 1 finished their season on Wednesday night with a win against New Hope–Solebury. Team 2 clinched a playoff spot with their win and will compete in the league championships at Pennridge High School on Thursday, February 12th at 3:00 PM.
LET'S GO, PIRATES!!!
Anything Goes (2022 Version) is a dazzling, toe-tapping musical comedy packed with romance, mistaken identities, and nonstop laughs. Featuring Cole Porter’s iconic score — including “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “You’re the Top,” and the show-stopping title number — this updated version brings fresh energy to the classic story.
Set aboard a transatlantic cruise, the show follows a charming cast of characters as they navigate love, mischief, and high-seas hijinks. With dazzling dance numbers, sharp wit, and timeless melodies, Anything Goes is a must-see celebration of musical theatre’s golden age, filled with infectious joy and spectacular fun!
SHOWTIMES:
Thursday, February 26, 2026 @ 7:00 PM
Friday, February 27, 2026 @ 7:00 PM
Saturday, February 28, 2026 @ 2:00 PM
Get Tickets Online HERE!
Would you love to include your child’s baby picture and a short-but-sweet message in this year’s high school yearbook?
Each spread will be 1/4 of a page for $10!
DEADLINE: February 15th, 2026
Please fill out the Google Form here.
You will be able to write your personal message and attach a photo. Any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Hoferica at mhoferica@palisadessd.org
Our winter sports program is now underway. Be sure to come out and support our Wrestling, Basketball and Bocce teams!
You can find a complete calendar of upcoming PSD athletic events here.
Let's Go, Pirates!!
We are very excited to announce an online Palisades Store with TONS of awesome, high-quality, Pirate-brand clothing, accessories, homes decor and more!
Enjoy a 20% off sitewide discount during our grand opening sale (no minimum purchase!) which ends 2/9/26. Use Code: SPIRIT20
Let's show our Pirate Pride (and look great at the same time)!
You can find the online store here.
On Wednesday, February 4th students from the Upper Bucks County Technical School competed in the USASkill District 11 competition throughout the Lehigh Valley. Congratulations to the following Palisades students that placed in their events that are listed below:
First Place
Automated Manufacturing - Hannah Gibson
Basic Health Care Skills - Kaylee Vinciguerra
Diesel Equipment Technology - Logan Stowell
Promotional Bulletin Board - Emma Cooke, Corinn Grochowiak
Related Technical Math - Zachary Neumayer
Restaurant Service - Ethan Eskeen
Welding Fabrication - Jayce Teman, Coulton Meier
Second Place
Diesel Equipment Technology - Liam Kirk
Health Knowledge Bowl - Alaina Butler
Marine Service Technology - Audrey Burke
Promotional Bulletin Board - Savannah Moninghoff
Third Place
Action Skills - Corey Hagan
Crime Scene Investigation Team - Louis Helverson
Fire Fighting - Julianna Hershey
Marine Service Technology - Braedon Stowell
Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 academic year. Our cutting-edge Career and Technical Education programs are tailored to prepare you for both the careers of tomorrow and post-secondary education. Don’t miss out! The application will remain open during the spring, but to be considered for the first round of application reviews, please apply by February 16, 2026.
Apply at UBCTS using the application here.
After you apply, please make sure you request a teacher recommendation using this link.
Frequently Asked Questions can be found here.
Information in this section will be particularly helpful for those who have students in our schools.
The following days are no longer student/staff holidays. School will now be in session for the following days:
Monday, February 16th (make-up for 12/2/25)
Monday, April 6th (make-up for 12/15/25)
The revised at-a-glance PSD district calendar can be found here.
FAQ for Weather Delays & Cancellations:
Please see the following link for information about weather delays and cancellations: https://www.palisd.org/our_district/superintendent_s_office/from_the_desk_of_dr__bridget_o__connell/faq_for_weather_delays_cancellations
As colder weather continues, this is a reminder to avoid leaving laptops and other electronic devices in cold environments, such as vehicles, garages, or unheated areas.
Cold temperatures can cause several issues, including:
Battery damage or reduced battery life
Screen and internal component damage
Condensation forming inside the device when brought back into a warm environment
To help protect district-issued equipment:
Bring devices indoors whenever possible
Allow devices to warm to room temperature before powering them on
Avoid charging devices immediately after they’ve been exposed to extreme cold
Following these guidelines will help prevent avoidable damage and reduce repair downtime.
Thank you for your cooperation in caring for district equipment.
With a different theme every week (and some weeks offering two), the Fab Lab Summer Camp is the ultimate destination for curious minds and creative thinkers! Campers dive into handson adventures in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM). From robotics to designing 3D creations, coding games, digital fabrication, and more, campers learn cutting-edge skills while having a blast. With expert mentors and state-of-the-art tools, every camper becomes an innovator. Unleash your child’s potential and make summer unforgettable!
Camp Details:
Who Should Attend Camp: Each camp has a list of who should attend, from children entering 1st to 7th grades. Campers are grouped by age and skill-level to ensure success and fun!
Dates: Summer Camp Preview days will be June 16, 17, and 18. Regular Summer Camp weeks begin on June 22, 2026 and run through August 21, 2026.
Days/Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm (week 2 is Monday-Thursday). Full Day camp options for 3 or 5 days a week. Mornings only (8am-12pm) is 5 days a week.
Location: Fab Lab Center, One Ivybrook Blvd., Suite 190, Warminster, PA
Details on each week of camp and registration: https://bucksiu.net/FabLabCamp26
The Palisades School District has a membership to the DaVinci Science Center for the duration of the 2025-2026 school year. District families and faculty receive a 15% discount on general admission tickets and annual family memberships!
Use the following ticketing link and discount code Palisades15 to purchase your general admission passes here.
Thank you to the Palisades Community Foundation for their generous donation that made this membership possible!
Wash your hands: Prevent the spread of germs. Wash your hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds.
Get enough physical activity: Adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week. Do muscle-strengthening activities 2 days a week too. Kids should get 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day.
Take time to unwind and connect with others: Take deep breaths, stretch, meditate, or do an activity you enjoy to unwind. Talk with family and friends about how you’re feeling and express gratitude.
Eat a healthy diet: Good nutrition means that you're regularly choosing healthy foods and drinks.
Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep plays a vital role in mental and physical health, safety, and quality of life. Adults need at least 7 hours of sleep per night, kids aged 6 to 12 need 9–12 hours of sleep per night, and teens 13 to 18 need 8–10 hours of sleep per night.
Rethink your drink: Drinking enough water every day is important for your health! Choose water and other healthy, low-calorie beverages over sugary drinks.
Stay safe outdoors: Dress warm and stay dry, know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia, and stay safe during snow and ice cleanup.
Please contact the school nurse’s office if you have any questions or need assistance with obtaining CHIP for your child.
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: Buildings and Grounds Committee Meeting 1/28/26
Link to: Extracurricular Committee Meeting 1/28/26
Link to: Regular School Board Meeting 1/21/26
Link to: Budget Presentation #3 1/21/26
Link to: Fiscal Oversight Committee Meeting 1/20/26
Link to: Educational Programs & Services Committee Meeting 1/14/26
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.
The Palisades Community Foundation (PCF) is a 501c3 organization that supports the arts, education and wellness in our community! For more that 25 years we have provided financial support totaling more that $1.5 million for projects in our here at home. In the last five years alone we have given more than $150,000 to support the Palisades School District in the following ways:
Provided scholarships for high school seniors entering college, the military or workforce
Made assistance available for students and families in need via distributions of winter coats, backpacks, school supplies and gently used clothing
Donated gift cards to students and families during the holidays
Made donations to the Lord's Pantry in Ottsville
Provided T-shirts for PALM Singers for Phillies game performances
Supported students in need with year books, prom tickets, and scholarships for field trips and after school activities
Purchased sound systems for our elementary performances
Helped purchase band and youth wrestling uniforms
Provided assistance to families experiencing unexpected life-changing events, such as house fires
Contributed funds for the installation of the LED sign at the high school to promote district events
PCF is a very active philanthropic organization in need of help. We are searching for new members to help us grow and continue to serve our community! We have events to organize and host such as the recent Harlem Wizards game at PHS, the annual 5K Family Fun Run and 1 Mile Walk (scheduled for May 16th this year), as well as other activities to support the building of a new, kid-friendly Pirate ship in the Walter T. Rohrer Stadium.
To learn more about PCF or to become a part of the team, please contact Michael Hsu, President of PCF at michaelhsu@peonyland.com or call him at 267-221-4149.
Thank you for your consideration!
Palisades Area Youth Baseball offers a great opportunity for members of the Palisades community to experience baseball in a fun and inclusive environment. All skill levels and abilities are welcome to join. Open to all children aged 4 to 12 as of May 1, 2026. Registration closes on 2/15/2025, and late applicants will be exempt at that point as uniforms need to be finalized and ordered.
PAYB's goal as an association is that the kids strengthen their skills, as well as have a fun and positive team experience!
Please click HERE to sign up!
Direct questions to payb.info@gmail.com
Click on the link to register your player(s) for the Spring 2026 Softball Season. PAGSL offers teams for ages 4 through 20 years old. Sign up early to participate in off season clinics and open gyms.
Registration is open until Saturday, February 28th, 2026.
For additional information and to register, visit the website at the following link:
http://www.palisadessoftball.org/registration-318457.html
For questions or additional information please email pagsl@palisadessoftball.org
Participants must write an original oration between 5 and 6 minutes long. The oration must be delivered from memory. The subject shall deal with an event, a personality, or a document relating to the Revolutionary War with a mention of our nation’s 250th anniversary celebration.
The contest begins at the local SAR chapter level.
An SAR contest open to all high-school students.
Washington Crossing Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution
The dates for the Washington Crossing Chapter contest are:
March 31, 2026: Deadline for submitting applications to the Chapter
April 18, 2026: Chapter contest
The rules and other documents for the contest can be found here in PDF format.
Anyone wishing to apply should contact the Chapter’s Contest Chairman, First Vice President Michael Borish at michaelborish@gmail.com
River Crossing YMCA believes in offering pathway programs that support your health and wellness journey wherever you may be in life. Pathway programs are offered complimentary and made possible thanks to the generosity of their donors.
River Crossing YMCA is currently accepting participants for pathway programs that begin in April.
For a complete listing of Pathway and Community Impact Programs, visit the website here.
Interested in joining a Pathway Program? Click here and fill out the online form.
Throughout the winter season, driving conditions can become challenging. We care deeply about the traveling public’s safety, especially when it concerns the safety of our school students.
Please keep in mind the following recommendations from the PA Department of Transportation:
1. Keep the vehicle in good condition in accordance with the Pennsylvania School Bus Driver’s Manual Pre-Trip inspection.
2. Keep windshields, driver’s side windows, passenger doors and mirrors completely clear at all times. Inspect tires for tread wear and correct inflation, and use tire chains when acceptable.
3. Set a regular speed, and drive slower than the posted speed limit or what you would normally drive in dry conditions, especially in inclement weather. When driving on snow or ice covered highways, judge the effect of traffic and temper- ature on road surface friction by noting whether other vehicles are skidding. Remember, bridges freeze before the road surface.
4. SLOW DOWN. Just because the posted speed limit is 40 mph, it doesn’t mean you have to drive that fast. Remember, the speed limit is an indication of maximum safe speed during optimal conditions. 5. When following a snowplow truck, stay back 200 feet.
Thank you for your efforts to keep our students safe this winter.
Our social worker and school counselors have been discussing ways to support families who may be experiencing food insecurity. They have compiled a list of local food resources, which is attached below. We encourage families and community members to review and share this information—sometimes we may not realize who might be in need of a little extra support. Click this link to view the list here.
For those looking to make a monetary donation, the Bucks County Opportunity Council, Inc. is one of the lead anti-poverty organizations in Bucks County. Their website for donations can be found here.
The Upper Bucks Code Blue Shelter, operated by The Advocates for the Homeless of Upper Bucks (AHUB), is located at:
November through April:
The Quakertown Masonic Lodge
501 W. Broad Street
Quakertown, PA 18951
They are open when temperatures are projected to be 26 degrees or colder, or 32 degrees or colder with precipitation and/or strong winds. The shelter is open from November 15 through April 15. Shelter doors are open from 8:30PM-11PM. After 11PM, guests must have a police escort. Doors are open from 8:30PM-11PM. The Code Blue Shelters are independently operated by non-profit organizations and open dependent on having enough volunteers.
To find out if the shelter is open or closed on a given night, or for more information on the Advocates for the Homeless of Upper Bucks, visit the Facebook page or call the shelter hotline at 267-450-5191.
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.
United Way shared that PECO is offering a one-time assistance program that provides up to a $500 credit toward your electric and/or natural gas bill. It’s designed for people who may not qualify for other programs— but still need help. Find out more on United Way's website here: https://www.uwbucks.org/pecohelp/
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.