Friday, October 9, 2026
Friday, October 9, 2026
Let's Connect!
It’s Homecoming, Pirates!
Break out your purple and gold and join us tonight for tailgate BBQ, music, and football as we celebrate our Palisades community—and help bring our beloved stadium Pirate Ship back aboard!
Across the district, curiosity and connection are shining, from little robots inspiring big ideas at Springfield to a new Little Lending Library at Durham Nockamixon.
Enjoy this week’s Patch-perfect mix of school stories, fall fun, and opportunities to get involved.
Following is a handful of photo highlights from recent events and activities. THANK YOU to Kim Casterline, Siobahn Devlin, our PTA/PTOs, 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.)
Your guide to timely information in the Palisades School District.
We’re seeking dedicated individuals for these part-time positions:
Personal Care Assistants
Registered Behavior Technician
Highly Qualified Instructional Assistants/Paraprofessionals
Make a difference in the lives of our students.
Apply or explore additional openings: https://palisades.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx
Just a reminder that there is no school for students on Monday. It is a full-day of in-service for teachers;
Enjoy your day off, Pirates!
Saturday, 11/14/26
9:00am - 12:00pm
Palisades High School, Gold Gym
You can help to make a difference by participating in our Winter Coat Drive event by donating your gently used coats and helping someone stay warm during the cold winter months.
Donation bins are located in the lobby or office of each school building from 10/12/26-11/11/26.
Thank you for supporting our community.
Back by popular demand, there will be a Ceramic Textured Bowl Workshop in November! No experience necessary!
If you think you have no artistic ability, after making this bowl you will be proven wrong! Participants aged 14 and older unless accompanied by an adult.
The cost is $50.00. This includes all materials and tools. *** Payment must be made prior to class ***
You will come for a one-hour workshop the first week (11/16/26, 11/17/26, or 11/18/26) then return two weeks later (Wed. 12/16/26 @ 3:00-7:30PM) to glaze your bowl.
Your masterpiece will be available for pick up (Wed. 12/23/26 from 3:00-6:00PM) before Christmas break! It will make a great gift or impress your guests at your holiday gatherings!
Located in Palisades High School @ Room 215
SPACE IS LIMITED SO REGISTER NOW HERE: https://tinyurl.com/2hd5ycn5
From January 1 through March 31, 2027, The GIANT Company will once again invite their customers to support the Feeding School Kids campaign by rounding up at the register.
We are pleased to share that our school district will be a beneficiary of this campaign through our local GIANT stores. Our shared goal is to strengthen efforts to eliminate childhood hunger and ensure students have access to the nutrition they need.
Every cent stays right here in our community!
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.
We are thrilled to cut the ribbon and open DN's new "Little Lending Library." To kick things off, DN's fourth grade students are invited to bring in one book that they would like share with others during the month of October. Each month a different grade level will be invited to share/contribute a book to the little outdoor library. Parents and families are encouraged to visit the outdoor library after school hours or on weekends to borrow a book.
The Little Lending Library was donated to Durham Nockamixon by former principal Ms. Janet Link who truly enjoyed sharing the love and joy of reading with our students. Many thanks to Mrs. Pam Young, our custodial crew chief for her efforts in decorating the library and seeing it through to fruition!
Small robots made a big impression at Springfield Elementary School! During the Bucks County Intermediate Unit’s Mobile Fab Lab week-long residency, students explored STEAM—science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics—through hands-on digital design and robotics activities. In the classroom, students used iPads to program rolling robots, testing their instructions and navigating around obstacles. These interactive challenges bring computer science to life while encouraging collaboration, creative thinking and problem-solving.
Third graders participated daily in both computer science and digital fabrication, discovering how a digital design can become a physical product. Second graders explored digital fabrication, while fourth and fifth graders took part in computer science activities.
Equipped with tools including 3D printers, a laser engraver, vinyl cutters and robotics equipment, the traveling lab brings exciting technology directly to students. With age-appropriate lessons guided by the Fab Lab Program Coordinator, the residency gives Springfield’s young learners opportunities to experiment, create and discover new possibilities—one design and one line of code at a time.
Our elementary students learned from our local fire companies about various aspects of fire safety including fire alarms and identifying safe routes out of your home. We will have photos to share in next week's edition of The Patch!
For more information on our local fire departments and fire safety tips, please click on the link HERE: https://tinicumtownship.org/local-volunteer-fire-companies/
Thank you to all of our local departments for educating our students and keeping our community safe!
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!
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
Don’t miss tonight’s Homecoming football game against Salisbury High School at our very own Walter T. Rohrer Stadium!
Bring your wallets and your appetites because PCF has partnered with the UBCTS food truck for a Tailgate and are offering an amazing BBQ meal for $25. Quantities are limited so place your order in advance by calling/texting 484-943-0448.
PCF is offering a discounted meal price for all employees! The price will be $20 for employees - just show your school ID at the food truck!
Proceeds from the PCF Tailgate will be used to finance the rebuilding of our iconic Pirate Ship at the stadium! Thanks in advance for your support!
Our All-Sports Boosters Snack Stand will also be open, so come on out and make a night of it while you cheer on our heartie Pirates!
Pregame Tailgate (inside stadium) & Music by DJ Rob Reilly:
4:30-6:30 PM
Kickoff: 7:00 PM
As a reminder, and with all events in our buildings and on our campus, please leave all utility knives, multipurpose tools, box cutters, mace, and weapons at home.
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
Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026
Time: Doors open at 12:15PM; Games begin at 1:00PM
Location: Palisades High School Cafeteria
$30 for 20 games
Tickets can be bought in advance from a Cybersonics student or by emailing dreckner@palisadessd.org; tickets will also be available at the door.
50/50 tickets, raffle baskets, and door prizes
Refreshments will be available for purchase
All proceeds benefit PHS Cybersonics
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.
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.
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, 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
Support UBCTS Culinary & Baking students with our Cheese Fundraiser!
All proceeds benefit student educational travel, including our 2027 trips to Spain and Disney’s Cook Around the World Competition.
Orders must be placed and paid for by 10/16. Pickup will be the week of 11/16, just in time for your holiday celebrations!
View the cheese options and pricing.
Place your order here: https://forms.gle/15PwenGobPBK5j1Y9
Thank you for supporting our students and their educational experiences!
Information in this section will be particularly helpful for those who have students in our schools.
We are committed to providing students with a positive and enjoyable dining experience. As part of our ongoing effort to support the needs of our school community, we are partnering with Whitsons Culinary Group to gather feedback on our food service program.
We invite students, families, faculty, and staff to participate in a brief survey and share their experiences and perspectives. Your feedback will help us better understand what is working well and identify opportunities to further enhance our meal program.
The Whitsons K-12 Customer Feedback Survey can be found here: HTTPS://XMP.INSIGHT-SURVEYS.COM/S/FALL-2026
Surveys will be open from October 19th through November 6th.
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.
Join Krapf for the Palisades FREE Trunk or Treat at the bus lot on Saturday, October 24, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM!
Bring the family for FREE Halloween fun, including decorated trunks, candy, Halloween tattoos, coloring stations, pumpkin decorating, and more.
Halloween tattoos
Pumpkin decorating
Coloring
Candy
Krapf School Bus lot, 22 School Drive, Kintnersville, PA (Parking in High School lot near Tennis Courts)
We hope to see you there!
More information is available on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1PqV5gso1G/
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
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.
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 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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Be environmentally friendly! Recycle your old, unwanted, broken and outdated electronics and appliances.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (or until trucks are full)
Location: Springfield Elementary School, 1950 PA Route 212, Quakertown, Pa 18036
Check out the flyer in the carousel at the end of the newsletter for additional recycling details.
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 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.