Friday, March 13, 2026
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With spring in the air and four-leaf clovers bringing a little extra luck, it’s a good reminder that the greatest Pirate treasure isn’t buried at the end of a rainbow. Around here, it’s the friendships, kindness, and community that make Palisades shine. That’s a pot of gold worth celebrating.
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, our parent photographers and friends, 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.
PA EDGE Outstanding Curriculum Leadership Award: Dr. Michael Donnelly!
PA EDGE Outstanding Curriculum Leadership Award: Dr. Michael Donnelly!
We are proud to announce that Dr. Michael W. Donnelly, Assistant to the Superintendent for Educational Services in the Palisades School District, has been selected as the recipient of the Outstanding Curriculum Leadership Award. This honor recognizes Dr. Donnelly’s exceptional contributions to curriculum development across Pennsylvania and his steadfast commitment to advancing high-quality learning experiences for all students.
Dr. Donnelly is widely regarded as a visionary educational leader and systems thinker, bringing more than two decades of expertise in curriculum renewal, instructional design, and strategic planning. His leadership spans roles as a Principal and Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, where he has steered districtwide initiatives with clarity, innovation, and purpose. His professional accomplishments, ranging from managing federal accountability grants to helping a school earn the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence designation, reflect his deep commitment to academic excellence and organizational coherence.
Beyond his K-12 leadership, Dr. Donnelly invests in the future of the profession as an Adjunct Professor and dissertation advisor at institutions such as Gwynedd Mercy University and Lehigh University. His scholarly and professional preparation, including a Doctor of Education from Temple University and advanced studies through the Pennsylvania Education Policy Fellowship Program and Cornell University, further inform his strategic and student-centered approach to educational leadership. He also extends his expertise to statewide service through his involvement with the America250 Planning Committee and the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Donnelly on this well-deserved recognition. We are grateful for his leadership, expertise, and lasting impact on curriculum development across Pennsylvania.
Kindergarten Registration for the 2026-2027 School Year IS NOW OPEN!
Kindergarten Registration for the 2026-2027 School Year IS NOW OPEN!
It's time to start Kindergarten Registration for the Class of 2039.
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.
Register online HERE.
There will also be an in-person event on March 23rd where you will have the opportunity to:
Meet The Teachers
Get Questions Answered
Receive Registration Support
Submit Required Documents
In-Person Event:
March 23, 2026
4:00-7:00PM
Palisades Middle School
4710 Durham Road, Kintnersville
Spring Community Classes are Underway!
Spring Community Classes are Underway!
See all of the class options and registration information on our website.
Ceramics (Spring Session Registration Is Now Open)
Qi Gong
Pickleball (BEGINNERS WELCOME)
Tennis
Volleyball
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.
Fifth Annual STEM Night Was A Blast!
Fifth Annual STEM Night Was A Blast!
STEM Night on Thursday, March 5th at Palisades High School was a BIG success! Everyone had a great time.
We had some really cool offerings this year, including an expanded VR experience and a station for tie-dying shirts!
Special thanks to our CSOs (Chief Science Officers) for all of their enthusiasm and support!
Interested in finding out more about STEM and our CSO program? Check out this cool video HERE!
Kids Heart Challenge Results Are Here
Kids Heart Challenge Results Are Here
The American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge (formerly Jump Rope for Heart) is an educational, school-based fundraising program. It promotes physical activity — specifically jump rope, basketball, or dancing — and heart-healthy habits while raising funds for cardiovascular research, disease awareness, and community outreach.
By joining Kids Heart Challenge, our students learned how to keep their heart, body and brain healthy — while helping kids with special hearts live longer, healthier lives. It’s a fun and meaningful way to teach lifelong habits of health and helping others.
The totals raised are reflected below:
Durham - $6,850.77
Springfield - $5,321.84
Tinicum - $2,965.51
Our overall total was $15,138.12!
Thank you so much for supporting this year's Kids Heart Challenge!
Big Artist, Little Artist Monster Meet! YOU'RE INVITED!
Big Artist, Little Artist Monster Meet! YOU'RE INVITED!
Second grade students at Tinicum Elementary and Durham Nockamixon Elementary created a texture monster painting in art class. Their artwork was shared with the high school art students who brought the texture monsters to life!
Not only can you come and see the amazing artwork but you can hear the monster stories written by students in the Palisades High School Creative Writing class!
You won't want to miss this wonderful, creative and FUN collaboration
March 26, 2026
Palisades High School Library
6:00-7:30pm
PALMS Recognized As "No Place For Hate" for 2025-2026
PALMS Recognized As "No Place For Hate" for 2025-2026
Once again we are proud to share that PALMS has been officially recognized as a "No Place for Hate" School. This designation reflects the commitment of our students, staff, and community to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone.
Thank you to all who helped support the activities and initiatives that made this recognition possible.
Great News from the Roots & Shoots Club @ PALMS
Great News from the Roots & Shoots Club @ PALMS
Members of the Roots & Shoots Club submitted an application and created a presentation to Bucks Beautiful asking to be considered for their annual daffodil planting program. The group’s hard work, creativity, and commitment to improving our school community stood out to Bucks Beautiful and we were selected for this year’s planting grant of 5,000 daffodils, which will be planted this fall in front of the school!
Please stay tuned for more information about planting plans, ways the school students can get involved in the planting.
Band Concert Concessions Profits Donated To A Great Cause
Band Concert Concessions Profits Donated To A Great Cause
Elementary and Middle School Band Director Stephen Lowrie presented Ed Doerr, Commander of American Legion Post 113, the funds raised at the concessions stand at the PALMS band concert on 2/19/26. The theme for the evening was "Honoring Our Heritage."
Money raised from the event will be donated to the Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA), which can help remove the financial barriers to a life-saving transplant.
Bryce Snyder Is PA State Champ!
Bryce Snyder Is PA State Champ!
Congratulations to PHS senior Bryce Snyder, who earned her 1st state title and 100th win in her final match on March 7, 2026!
Way to go, Bryce!!!
Photo Credit: Lehigh Valley Live
PSD Spring Sports!
PSD Spring Sports!
Are you ready for Baseball, Softball, Tennis, Flag Football, and Track & Field?! Our spring season starts in a couple of weeks. Come on out and cheer for our Pirates!
An important message from our Athletic Director:
Home TRACK & FIELD meet season is here and we need your help! Hosting a successful meet takes a team effort, and we’re looking for workers to help with timing, field events, check-in, and recording scores.
No experience is needed — we’ll show you exactly what to do. It’s a great way to support our athletes, make a few bucks and be part of the action! If you would like to help out, please contact Brian Gilbert at bgilbert@palisadessd.org
Home Track & Field meet dates:
3/17, 3/24, 3/31, 4/14, 4/18, 4/28
You can find a complete calendar of upcoming PSD athletic events here.
Let's Go, Pirates!!!
16th Annual Palisades Football Golf Tournament!
16th Annual Palisades Football Golf Tournament!
From the Palisades Pirates Football Boosters:
Dear Community Member,
The Palisades Pirates Football Team is excited to announce our annual golf outing at the Green Pond Country Club on May 16th, a cherished tradition that brings together our supporters, players, and families for a day of fun and community spirit. We are reaching out to invite you to become a sponsor and/or participant for this year's event, which will directly benefit our 2026 football players by providing meals, supplies, gear, and other necessities throughout the season.
Your sponsorship or donation-whether monetary or in-kind-will make a meaningful impact on our athletes and their experience. All proceeds from the event will go straight to supporting the team, ensuring that every dollar helps our players succeed both on and off the field.
We would be grateful for your support at any level, and all contributions are appreciated and tax deductible. Please contact us at palisadesfbboosters@gmail.com to secure your sponsorship or donate or see the flyer below. Together, we can ensure the Palisades Pirates have a successful and fulfilling 2026 season.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our student athletes. We look forward to partnering with you!
Date:
May 16, 2026
Location:
Green Pond Country Club
Cost:
$110 per person
Registration:
12:00PM
Shotgun Start:
1:30PM
Includes t-shirt, hot dog/hamburger, beverage ticket, buffet dinner, raffles, prizes, and much more!
Download the letter and forms in PDF format HERE.
Questions? Contact Beth Cook at 267-382-9350 (text) or palisadesfbboosters@gmail.com
1st Annual PHS Golf Team Outing and Fundraiser!
1st Annual PHS Golf Team Outing and Fundraiser!
Date:
April 25, 2026
Location:
Green Pond Country Club
Deadline:
April 11, 2026
Registration:
12:00PM
Shotgun Start:
1:30PM
Includes buffet dinner, snack & beverage of choice, fourman scramble, singles matched and much more!
Download the forms in PDF format HERE.
Questions? Contact James Deppe at 732-233-4302
FAMILY CORNER
FAMILY CORNER
Information in this section will be particularly helpful for those who have students in our schools.
Palisades Pre-K Family Nights
Palisades Pre-K Family Nights
Palisades School District invites parents and their four/five-year old preschool children to join us for Family Night. While a Palisades Teacher enjoys stories and activities with the children, parents will attend a presentation featuring fun ideas for learning about early literacy. During the second part of the program, parents and children will complete an activity together. Participants will receive a free book.
Two evening Pre-K Nights will be held for families, each covering a different topic. Families are invited invited to attend one or both of the sessions. Please complete the form at the link below to indicate which of the sessions you will be attending.
DATES:
Pre-K Night # 1: May 6, 2026
Topic of Session: Alphabetic Principle and Phonemic Awareness
Pre-K Night #2: May 20, 2026
Topic of Session: Concepts of Print, Vocabulary and Environmental Print
LOCATION:
Durham-Nockamixon School Library
39 Thomas Free Dr, Kintnersville, PA 18930
TIME:
6:00-7:00 PM
SIGN UP ONLINE AT THE LINK BELOW OR USING THE QR CODE:
You can download the flyer in PDF format in English or Spanish using the links below:
Nominate Our Educators with Real Impact!
Nominate Our Educators with Real Impact!
Let’s spread some joy! 🍎 Help us shine a light on the dedication of our educators. We’d love for parents to have the opportunity to nominate the educators who have made a difference in their children’s lives.
Nominate a staff member for the Lehigh University College of Education’s “Educators with Real Impact” initiative and they could be featured or win a raffle prize!
You can find the nomination form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfDRg9U9RBlmIgrBrZWV7S4Npffot48j5eIdw-sk580PlVO3A/viewform
FREE Breakfast: EVERY Student, EVERY Day!
FREE Breakfast: EVERY Student, EVERY Day!
The Palisades School District continues to offer a free breakfast for every student, every day.
You can find daily breakfast and lunch menu options HERE.
Snow Make-Up Days!
Snow Make-Up Days!
The following day is no longer a student/staff holiday. School will now be in session on the following day:
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
Important Reminder:
Important Reminder:
Electronic Devices and Cold Weather
Electronic Devices and Cold Weather
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.
March is Sleep Awareness Month
March is Sleep Awareness Month
Why should I turn off electronics before bedtime? We know it’s tough to hear, but the research is super clear: electronic devices (phones, TVs, computers, video games, etc.) before bed can make it hard to wind down. One reason? Blue light from the bright screens can slow down the release of a hormone called melatonin in your body. Melatonin plays a very important role in sleep, so when it’s messed up, it is harder to sleep. Also, the temptation of social media and video games can make it really hard to disconnect from your phone or computer. When that happens, you are very likely to go to sleep a lot later than you intended. It is important to turn off all electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
DaVinci Science Center DISTRICT CONNECT Membership for PSD Families
DaVinci Science Center DISTRICT CONNECT Membership for PSD Families
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!
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.
Coming Soon: Education Programs and Services Committee Meeting 3/11/26
Coming Soon: Fiscal Committee Meeting 3/16/26
Coming Soon: Regular Board Meeting 3/18/26
Coming Soon: Policy Committee Meeting 3/18/26
Coming Soon: Extracurricular Committee Meeting 3/25/26
Coming Soon: Buildings & Grounds Committee Meeting 3/25/26
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.
Spring Break "Backpack Meal Kit" Distribution For Palisades Students On Thursday, April 2nd
Spring Break "Backpack Meal Kit" Distribution For Palisades Students On Thursday, April 2nd
We know that when school is not in session, access to meals can become more challenging for some households, so we are especially glad that the Bucks County Opportunity Council, in partnership with a number of Palisades Community Outreach organizations, will provide Backpack Meal Kits for students over our spring break weekend.
These shelf-stable, kid-friendly kits include breakfasts, lunches, and snacks such as whole grain oatmeal packets, granola or cereal cups, shelf-stable milk, tuna or chicken pouches, low-sodium soups, whole grain crackers, fruit cups, and other healthy snack options.
On Thursday, April 2nd, Bucks County Opportunity Council will host their regularly scheduled Fresh Connect distribution at Palisades Middle School. There will be a separate drive-thru line for the Palisades student Backpack Meal Kits.
Meals will be available for households with children ages 18 and under and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Families will be asked to stay in their cars. Students are not required to be present to pick up meals.
Thursday, April 2nd @ 11:00am - 12:00pm
Palisades Middle School
4710 Durham Road, Kintnersville
(Parking Lot/Drive-Thru)
We are grateful for the partnership of the Bucks County Opportunity Council with Palisades Community Outreach organizations in support of our students and families.
Pre-K Counts Is Now Enrolling for the 26-27 School Year
Pre-K Counts Is Now 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.
Save The Dates! Two FUN-FILLED Events for PCF!
Save The Dates! Two FUN-FILLED Events for PCF!
The Palisades Community Foundation (PCF) is hosting two fundraising events that you don't want to miss!
SAVE OUR SHIP EVENT (Adults Only): Food, music, cocktails & raffles
DATE & TIME: Saturday, April 11, 2026; 6:00-10:00PM
COST: $50 per person in advance; $65 per person at the door
LOCATION: BW Social, 1984 Waldheim Rd, Hellertown, PA
CELEBRATE AMERICA’S 250TH RED/WHITE/BLUE FAMILY FUN RUN
DATE & TIME: Saturday, May 16, 2026; 9:00AM (Registration @ 7:30AM)
LOCATION: Palisades High School, 35 Church Hill Road, Kintnersville, PA
BE A SPONSOR! Two-for-One Events!
Guppy $100
Starfish $250
Navigator $500
Deck hand $750
Buccaneer $1,000
First mate $1,500
Captain $2,000
Admiral $2,500
For tickets and information, visit the PCF website HERE.
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.
Community Food Resource Information
Community Food Resource Information
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.
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.
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