Friday, May 22, 2026
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Well… it’s all happening. Graduation is just one week away, and the finish line to an incredible school year is finally in sight. Across the district, our students are wrapping up concerts, competitions, celebrations, ceremonies, field days, senior events, and all of the special moments that make this season so memorable. It’s a busy time, an emotional time, and one filled with so much Pirate pride.
As we head into Memorial Day Weekend, we also pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. We hope you enjoy a safe, meaningful, and relaxing holiday weekend with family and friends.
Enjoy this week’s Patch-perfect edition — packed with celebration, community, and connection.
Following is a handful of photo highlights from recent events and activities. THANK YOU to our PTA/PTOs, Dawn Smigo, our athletic teams posting on InstaGram, 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.
The "Ed Ruisz Sports Performance Center" is NOW OPEN!
The "Ed Ruisz Sports Performance Center" is NOW OPEN!
Palisades High School proudly announced the “Ed Ruisz Sports Performance Center” at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, May 15. The state-of-the-art facility was dedicated to the memory and legacy of longtime teacher, coach and leader of athletic performance, Ed Ruisz, who passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025 at the age of 70.
Former students, mentees, family and community members were present to honor Ed with heartfelt speeches and shared memories.
Sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to making this event a wonderful celebration. Thank you to the Palisades Community Foundation whose funding made this all possible.
If you have an opportunity, please find the time to visit the sports performance center.
THANK YOU, Dawn Smigo, for the wonderful photos!
Upper Bucks 250 Heritage Day @ Tinicum Park
Upper Bucks 250 Heritage Day @ Tinicum Park
The Upper Bucks 250 Heritage Day celebration took place on Saturday, May 16 at Tinicum Park. In conjunction with many of our teachers, staff, and students, lots of Palisades-prepared components were a big part of the day: from artwork and historical videos to a live band performance. It was a great day to celebrate the rich history of Upper Bucks and its influence on our nation's independence.
For a terrific review that beautifully captures the entire day, be sure to check out the The Upper Bucks 250 Heritage Day Celebration blog HERE.
Thank you to all of the volunteers and participants who made this event a success.
Bucks County Intermediate Unit's Leadership Development Fellowship
Bucks County Intermediate Unit's Leadership Development Fellowship
Jillian Boshkoski and Shauna Chilton were selected to participate in the Bucks County Intermediate Unit's Leadership Development Fellowship, representing Palisades for this year's cohort.
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.
Attention All 5th Grade Parents! Preparing for the Transition to Middle School
Attention All 5th Grade Parents! Preparing for the Transition to Middle School
You are invited to join us for an informative and engaging evening dedicated to preparing your child for the exciting transition to middle school. At PALMS, we are committed to making the move from elementary school to middle school a positive and successful experience for both students and families.
What You Will Learn
Academic Programs & Curriculum
Learn about our middle school curriculum and academic expectations.
Explore opportunities for student growth and achievement.
Discover the variety of courses and enrichment opportunities available.
Activities & Student Involvement
Learn about extracurricular activities, clubs, athletics, and student organizations.
Discover ways students can get involved and connected at PALMS.
Meet Our Staff
Meet our dedicated teachers, counselors, and administrators.
Learn how our staff supports students academically, socially, and emotionally.
Supporting the Transition
Discover how PALMS helps students navigate the transition to middle school.
Learn about supports designed to promote student confidence, independence, and success.
Parent Questions & Community Connections
Have the opportunity to ask questions
Connect with other parents and families in our school community.
Date: Thursday, May 28, 2026
Time: 5:00-6:00 PM
Location: PALMS Library
We look forward to meeting you!
Dr. Karl R. Scheibenhofer, Principal of PALMS
World Language Honor Society Induction Ceremony
World Language Honor Society Induction Ceremony
Congratulations to our PHS World Language Honor Society inductees who were recognized on Thursday May 14, 2026!
Palisades High School Class of 2026 Graduation!
Palisades High School Class of 2026 Graduation!
We are looking forward to graduating the class of 2026 NEXT WEEK!
Date: Friday, May 29, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Walter T. Rohrer Stadium, Palisades High School
Graduation Info for the Class of 2026: 1 week away!
As a reminder, the Graduation Ceremony date for the Class of 2026 will be on Friday, May 29th. This is only 1 week from today! The ceremony will take place in the stadium and it will begin promptly at 5:30 PM. Tickets are not required for the outside event that will take place in the stadium.
If the weather requires us to postpone the ceremony on Friday, May 29th, the postponement date and time will be Saturday, May 30th at 10:00 AM in the stadium. If the weather is still not cooperating at this date/time, the ceremony will be moved inside to the high school auditorium. Please note, only if the ceremony is moved inside will the event require a ticket for admission. Each graduating senior will receive 6 tickets, if this occurs.
Attending the Graduation Ceremony? Here Are A Few Reminders:
The ceremony will begin promptly at 5:30 PM. There will be a special video recognizing our graduates that will begin at 5:15 PM. Gates will open at 4:30 PM.
Parking lots at the high school will fill-up quickly. Please carpool if possible. A shuttle bus will run periodically between the parking lot at the middle school to the stadium beginning at 4:45 PM for overflow parking.
If you need handicapped parking and have a handicapped license plate, please look for the designated spots on the Gold Gym or Tennis Court side of the building (off of Church Hill Road on the east side of the building).
Seating for handicapped or anyone unable to climb the stairs of the bleachers will be on the track area. Entry to the track will be available from the handicap parking area across from the tennis courts. ONLY service dogs are allowed inside of the stadium. No reservations are needed for handicapped parking.
Backpacks, coolers, and other large bags are not permitted in the stadium.
Utility tools and knives as well as other items that would be classified as a weapon are prohibited on school district property at all times.
Congratulations to the Palisades High School Class of 2026! We are SO proud of you all.
Palisades High School Prom 2026 Pictures!
Palisades High School Prom 2026 Pictures!
The Class of 2026 from Palisades showed up in style for their Prom on May 15 at the Steel Club in Hellertown.
Check out all of the beautiful photos on PhillyBurbs.com!
Photo credit: Daniella Heminghaus | Bucks County Courier Times
Pirates @ PIAA State Track & Field Championships
Pirates @ PIAA State Track & Field Championships
On Thursday, 5/21/26, at 10:30 AM, our qualifying track & field team headed to the PIAA Track and Field State Championships! The 101st PIAA Track and Field State Championships will be held on May 22 and May 23, 2026. The two-day championship meet is taking place at Seth Grove Stadium on the campus of Shippensburg University in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania.
BEST OF LUCK to all of our qualifying athletes at states!
LET’S GO PIRATES!!!
"Many Voices, One Voyage" Student Exhibition
"Many Voices, One Voyage" Student Exhibition
Opening Reception
Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Time: 6:30-7:00 PM
Location: Palisades High School Art Gallery
This interdisciplinary exhibition showcases the literary and artistic talents of our PHS community and was made possible through the generous support of the Palisades Community Foundation.
Homer’s ancient epic, "The Odyssey," is part of the 9th Grade English Language Arts curriculum, and students were inspired to write from the perspectives of the diverse characters who shape this timeless narrative. Students in the Art Department then crafted ceramic chess pieces inspired by the poetry of their peers. Finally, students in the Journeys Program combined their artistic talents with the quilting expertise of Monica Losinno to create a chessboard that represents the PSD community through a variety of meaningful symbols.
This exhibition explores the many voices and experiences that shape both stories and journeys. It also celebrates the inspiration we draw from one another as creators. Above all, we hope this exhibition creates a space for people to connect, reflect, and play using these unique creations.
We hope you enjoy!
Lauren Sunday, Brent Jones, and Rose Lipton
Palisades Area Girls Flag Football Youth Camp
Palisades Area Girls Flag Football Youth Camp
Join the Fun. Build Skills. Play the Game! Open to girls in grades 2 through 8
DATE: July 13th, 14th, & 15th
TIME: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LOCATION: Palisades High School, Football Stadium
COST: Fee: $60.00 per participant ($100.00 for two siblings)
Who Can Sign Up?
Girls of all skill levels are welcome! Whether you're new to flag football or looking to improve your game, this camp is for you.
What to Expect:
Skill development & drills
Teamwork & game strategies
Fun scrimmages
Positive coaching environment
What to Bring:
Athletic wear
Cleats or sneakers
Water bottle
You can register using the QR code or via the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf_2odQ33hDvk_NN6FK9wIL75LcsDES58dy_20V4qdcL0ylvA/viewform
Any additional questions please contact Brian Gilbert: bgilbert@palisadessd.org or 610 847-5131 Ext 2010
Palisades Area Girls Soccer Summer Camp
Palisades Area Girls Soccer Summer Camp
Kick Into Summer! Open to girls in grades 2 through 6.
DATE: August 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th
TIME: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
LOCATION: Palisades High School, Football Stadium
COST: Fee: $75.00 per participant ($115.00 for two siblings)
Who Can Sign Up?
Girls of all skill levels are welcome!
What to Expect:
Fun games, drills, and scrimmages
What to Bring:
Athletic wear
Cleats or sneakers
Water bottle
You can register using the QR code or via the following link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdLym3v-NcsGqmE0od-491gVIwczXLmb4mS_Jt0l2iQB2fvyg/viewform
Any additional questions please contact: dakotaw1408@gmail.com
The PHS High School Baseball Program Summer Camp is Back!
The PHS High School Baseball Program Summer Camp is Back!
Head Coach Gary Koenig, his staff and the Varsity Baseball Players will lead the three-day Camp. Camp is open to those in K-6th grade, whether you live in the Palisades School District or elsewhere.
Information you need to know:
Dates: July 13-15
Times: 8:30 am until 11:30 am
Location: Palisades Middle School (PALMS)
Cost: $100.00 per camper
What to bring: Hats, Gloves, Bats, Helmets, Towel, Water Bottle, Sunscreen, Cleats
All proceeds from the camp go directly to the Palisades High School Baseball Booster, which supports both the High School and Jr. High Baseball Programs.
If you have any questions, contact Coach Alkhas at ralkhas@palisadessd.org.
To sign up, complete the form using the QR code or online HERE.
Upper Bucks County Technical School 2026 Summer Camp
Upper Bucks County Technical School 2026 Summer Camp
Explore Career Pathways Opportunities!
Programs Offered:
Graphic Communications
Agricultural Science
Carpentry
Culinary Arts
Programs subject to change.
Dates: June 22-25
Times: 8:00-11:00AM (Students Entering Grades 3-5); 12:00-3:00PM (Students Entering Grades 6-8)
Location: Upper Bucks County Technical School, 3115 Ridge Rd, Perkasie, PA 18944
Cost: $150.00 (Cash or Check)
Register online HERE.
Checks made payable to UPPER BUCKS COUNTY TECHNICAL SCHOOL. Mail or drop off payment at: Upper Bucks County Technical School, 3115 Ridge Rd, Perkasie, Pa 18944. Attention: Caprice Reinheimer.
FAMILY CORNER
FAMILY CORNER
Information in this section will be particularly helpful for those who have students in our schools.
Summer Reading Assignments for Grades 9-12
Summer Reading Assignments for Grades 9-12
All students, grades 9-12, will be required to complete summer reading assignments. Assessment of the required reading texts for all students in English courses will occur during the second week of the school year, regardless of the semester in which the student is enrolled in the associated course.
For the social studies courses, students will need to complete a written assignment and bring a print copy to school with them during the first week of school and share it with their classroom teacher. Grade 12 students, be advised that you will need to complete the summer reading social studies packet if you are enrolled in Cultural Diversity or the Government course (even if you are also in an AP course).
Please be reminded that these assignments must be completed before school starts on August 30, 2026.
We have created a site with more information on and access to each assignment, along with answers to Frequently Asked Questions and special needs.
You can find complete information online at the high school library homepage HERE: http://tinyurl.com/ydxxe2fk
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.
** COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE UPDATES **
** COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE UPDATES **
Policy Committee Meetings Cancelled: May 6th and June 3rd
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.
American Legion Post 399 Memorial Day Service
American Legion Post 399 Memorial Day Service
DATE: Saturday May 23, 2026
TIME: 9:00 AM
LOCATION: Starting at St. John Baptist Church (OLD), Haycock Run cemetery, then proceed to St. Luke's Church, Ferndale cemetery. After St. Luke's, move on to Union cemetery, Ferndale then to Red Hill cemetery, Ottsville.
The Memorial Ceremony will conclude at 11:00 am @ Veteran Memorial Field-Park in Revere (on Marienstein Rd. and Route 611).
In the event of bad weather, a short service will start at 9:00 AM at the (OLD) St. John’s Church and then proceed/conclude at St. Luke's Church on Church Hill Rd. Ferndale at 10:00 AM.
Everyone Welcome!
FREE Dental Clinic 5/29 and 5/30
FREE Dental Clinic 5/29 and 5/30
MOM-n-PA is an annual, two-day free dental clinic for underserved Pennsylvanians in which dental treatment is provided at NO COST to individuals who cannot afford dental care.
Treatment is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. It is expected that hundreds of individuals will be attending this year's event, so please come early! Patients do not pre-register.
All services are provided free of charge by a host of dedicated volunteers.
The 2026 MOM-n-PA will be held at the Agri-Plex at the Allentown Fairgrounds on Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30, 2026.
Tinicum Arts Festival 2026: Calling All Volunteers!
Tinicum Arts Festival 2026: Calling All Volunteers!
Join us on Saturday and Sunday, July 11 & 12! The Tinicum Arts Festival will return to the shady grounds of Tinicum Park for the 75th time! Share this announcement with friends and family! Pass it along and post on social media.
Gather with friends and neighbors to enjoy the works of over 200 regional artists in the centerpiece Art Barn. Delight in the creations of over 130 craft artisans displayed under the trees. Discover treasures at the White Elephant Tent. Choose from literally thousands of volumes at the Book Wagon, visit the Author’s Table, Discovery Tent or place a bid at the Silent Auction. Enjoy the outstanding live musical entertainment all while savoring a fresh-squeezed lemonade, a tasty sandwich, or an ice cream in the picnic grove. Come and enjoy all the special activities for children and summer fun for everyone.
Our volunteers and families make this event a fun successful community event. Take the time now to sign up HERE!
For more information click on the Tinicum Arts Festival page. The Tinicum Arts Festival is the primary fundraiser for the non-profit Tinicum Civic Association.
The Festival is planned and run entirely by volunteers. Proceeds maintain the 1832 Stover Mill & Gallery in Erwinna, PA and benefit over 30 other non-profit organizations that serve Tinicum Township.
Thank you to the community for supporting the Tinicum Civic Association.
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.
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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