Friday, January 23, 2026
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Brrrrrrrr!!! Ice and snow and wind, oh my! And lots of it. As winter reminds us who’s boss, let’s hunker in, get cozy, and take good care of one another.
Enjoy the weekend — and this week’s Patch, filled with the moments, stories, and connections that keep our community close, no matter the weather.
Following is a handful of photo highlights from recent events and activities. THANK YOU to Christmas City 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.)
DISTRICT DISPATCH
DISTRICT DISPATCH
Your guide to timely information in the Palisades School District.
Winter Community Classes are Underway!
Winter Community Classes are Underway!
See all of the class options and registration information on our website.
Ceramics
Hypnosis (Stop Smoking, Lose Weight, Reduce Stress)
Qi Gong
Pickleball
Yoga
Aromatherapy/Meditation/Tea
Volleyball
And more!
Check back frequently as new classes will continue to be added.
January is School Board Recognition Month!
January is School Board Recognition Month!
We are grateful for the leadership, dedication, and countless hours our School Board gives to support our students, staff, and community — thank you for helping our district learn, grow, and thrive every day!
Each week in January we will highlight the board members from each of the three regions.
THANK YOU to Dr. James Ott, Dr. Karen Beerer and Saul Ramos from Region 2, Durham/Nockamixon/Riegelsville!
GIANT Feeding School Kids Campaign
GIANT Feeding School Kids Campaign
The Palisades School District is proud to participate in the GIANT Food Company Feeding School Kids campaign!
From January 1 – March 31, everyone who shops at GIANT, MARTIN’S, and GIANT Heirloom Market stores will be invited to “round up” their bill to the closest dollar to support our district’s efforts to eliminate childhood hunger. Customers can also give by converting their CHOICE Rewards Points to donations in the GIANT app.
The round up funds raised will support Feeding School Kids. Through this campaign, our district can use the funds to:
Support school meal programs
Expand food distribution programs
Create on-campus food pantries and gardens
Provide additional weekend meals
Eliminate outstanding student meal debt
Join us as we round up to fight hunger!
Kindergarten Registration for the Class of 2039!
Kindergarten Registration for the Class of 2039!
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.
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.
American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge
American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge
By participating in Kids Heart Challenge, our elementary students will learn how to keep their hearts, bodies and brains healthy while helping kids with special hearts live longer, healthier lives. It's a fun and meaningful way to learn lifelong habits of health and helping others, while supporting and earning rewards for our schools.
Students will be receiving an information sheet this week and prizes will be awarded once fundraising begins. You can register your elementary student today and begin fundraising. All money raised benefits the American Heart Association as well as our Health & PE Department!
Our goal is to break last year's record-setting total to raise over $24,000.
Register using the links below each school's sign up page:
Current District-wide Total: $5,071.20
If there are any questions, please reach out to Jason Blocher or Shauna Chilton at: jblocher@palisadessd.org or schilton@palisadessd.org
Join us in spreading kindness, building healthy habits, and making a lasting difference. Together, we can create a healthier future, one heart at a time.
Palisades Middle School Presents Rodgers & Hammerstein's OKLAHOMA!
Palisades Middle School Presents Rodgers & Hammerstein's OKLAHOMA!
Tickets are now on sale!
Don't miss this classic show performed by our very talented middle school students! Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at: palmstheatre.ludus.com
Showtimes:
Thursday, 1/29/26 @ 7pm
Friday, 1/30/26 @ 7pm
Saturday, 1/31/26 @ 2pm
Tickets:
Adults $10
Students $5
PALMS Team Participates in FABLab PA Keystone Competition!
PALMS Team Participates in FABLab PA Keystone Competition!
Team Palisades Pirates participated in the first PA Keystone Competition event at the Bucks County FABLab. Team Palisades Pirate members Scott Cohen, Luke McElhaney, William McMichael, Ryan Campbell and August Erk were tasked with developing a design change, big or small, that could improve Pennsylvania's schools.
They came up with the Infection Detection 8000. The prototype would use advanced technology of nanoarrays to detect sick students and staff prior to entrance into the school. Their idea was based upon the recent pandemic and the increase in viruses worldwide.
Good job, Team Palisades Pirates, on a cutting edge, innovative idea!
Attention PHS Class of 2026 Parents & Guardians!
Attention PHS Class of 2026 Parents & Guardians!
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
PSD Winter Sports
PSD Winter Sports
Our winter sports program is now underway. Be sure to come out and support our Wrestling, Basketball and Unified Bocce teams!
Unified Bocce has had a strong start to the season with two competitive away meets. Palisades earned a match win against William Tennent and followed up with two match wins against Pennridge, pushing the competition all the way to the Golden Frame. Come out and cheer on our Unified Bocce team at Palisades for our home matches on January 28 and February 4!
You can find a complete calendar of upcoming PSD athletic events here.
Let's Go, Pirates!!
PALISADES SPIRIT WEAR STORE IS LIVE!
PALISADES SPIRIT WEAR STORE IS LIVE!
Grand Opening Promo 🎉
Grand Opening Promo 🎉
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.
Palisades HS Baseball Winter Mini Camps: January 11th & 18th and February 1st & 8th
Palisades HS Baseball Winter Mini Camps: January 11th & 18th and February 1st & 8th
Coach Koenig, his staff, and the Varsity Players will lead the 2-hour camps over four Sundays. Open to all youth ages 1st grade through 7th grade.
Times: 10:00am until 12:00pm (over four separate Sundays)
Location: High School Gold Gym
Dates: January 11 & 18th (General Camp); February 1st & 8th (General Camp with Pitchers & Catchers)
Cost: $100 per camp (per player) or $150.00 for all 4 weeks (per player)
What to Bring: Hats, Gloves, Bats, Helmets, Water Bottle
All proceeds from the camp go directly to the Palisades High School Baseball Boosters, which supports both the High School & Jr. High School Baseball Programs. If you have any questions, contact Coach Alkhas at ralkhas@palisadessd.org
To sign up, you can scan the QR code, click on the link here or download the form in PDF format here.
Once a Pirate...Always a Pirate!
Once a Pirate...Always a Pirate!
Class of 2023 alumni Thomas Smigo and Bryce Guthier — friends and former PSD Track & Field teammates (superstars!) — enjoyed a special reunion this past weekend at Lehigh University. Though their paths have taken them beyond the halls of Palisades, the bonds built through teamwork, dedication, and Pirate pride remain as strong as ever, proving that the Palisades community truly lasts a lifetime.
Thank you, Jaime Guthier (and proud mom!), for the terrific photo!
Upper Bucks County Technical School (UBCTS) Rockridge Restaurant Calendar
Upper Bucks County Technical School (UBCTS) Rockridge Restaurant Calendar
The Rockridge Restaurant at UBCTS will be will be open from 12:15-1:15 PM on the days specified on the schedule (see image). Please arrive between 12:15 PM and 12:30 PM on days you have reserved to ensure you are served within a timely manner.
Menus will consist of a la carte items (people order off of a menu) including, but not limited to, soups, salads, sandwiches, etc. or a themed buffet. Menus will change depending upon the seasonality of ingredients and topics being taught in class. Menus, with pricing, will be sent to reserved parties prior to your reservation.
On the dates they're open for breakfast, the restaurant will be open from 9:00-10:15 AM. Seating is between 9:00 and 9:30 AM. Breakfast will be buffet style with a set price. Once reservations are at capacity, the date will be removed.
If you have a party of 20 or more and would like to book a private lunch event, please email aunderdown@ubtech.org
To make a reservation, you can scan the QR code or click on the link here.
Address: Rockridge Restaurant 3115 Ridge Road Perkasie, PA 18944
Questions? Contact 215-795-2911 ext. 218 or aunderdown@ubtech.org or kkramer@ubtech.org
FAMILY CORNER
FAMILY CORNER
Information in this section will be particularly helpful for those who have students in our schools.
Attention Families & Students Receiving Special Education Services: A Message from our Director of Student Services
Attention Families & Students Receiving Special Education Services: A Message from our Director of Student Services
The Palisades School District is currently participating in the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Cyclical Monitoring for Continuous Improvement (CMCI) process, which reviews special education programs and services.
As part of this process, feedback from parents, guardians, and students who receive special education services is essential. Your input helps guide continuous improvement and ensures we are meeting the needs of our students.
This letter, from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, provides additional information.
Please take a few moments to complete the appropriate survey using the links below. All surveys must be completed by January 30, 2026.
Parents/Guardians: http://apps.leaderservices.com/ParentSurvey
Save the Date: Upper Bucks Transition Fair 3/12/26
Save the Date: Upper Bucks Transition Fair 3/12/26
Coordinated by the Palisades, Pennridge and Quakertown School Districts, this event is an excellent opportunity for individuals with disabilities and their families to discover resources that will help with planning for the transition after high school.
A wide variety of agencies will be invited that support a wide range of disabilities.
Free entry and no registration required, so mark your calendars!
Pennridge High School
Thursday, March 12, 2026 @ 5:30-7:00pm
Snow Make-Up Days!
Snow Make-Up Days!
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
Important Reminder:
Important Reminder:
Electronic Devices and Cold Weather
Electronic Devices and Cold Weather
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.
Welcome Officer Kane!
Welcome Officer Kane!
Cardinal Point has recently assigned Michael Kane to the Palisades School District to provide armed security services. Officer Kane is a seasoned security professional and Pennsylvania Licensed Private Detective with nearly 40 years of experience in risk management and safety coordination. He has built a career specializing in site security analysis and emergency response across various sectors including school districts and healthcare settings.
Officer Kane possesses a strong specialized background in school security and child safety. He served as a security officer for the Owen J Roberts School District and most recently in the Upper Perkiomen School District. He is relocating and Palisades is closer than his previous assignment.
10 Weeks of FABulous STEAM Camp Summer FUN! Registration is now OPEN!
10 Weeks of FABulous STEAM Camp Summer FUN! Registration is now OPEN!
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
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!
Tips For A Healthy Winter
Tips For A Healthy Winter
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.
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.
Palisades Community Foundation Is Here For You … And Now We Need Your Help!
Palisades Community Foundation Is Here For You … And Now We Need Your Help!
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 League (PAYB) Sign Ups Are Now Open
Palisades Area Youth Baseball League (PAYB) Sign Ups Are Now Open
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.
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
Palisades Area Girls Softball Spring Registration
Palisades Area Girls Softball Spring Registration
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
Winter Driving Reminder
Winter Driving Reminder
The winter season is fast approaching and 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.
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 due to financial challenges or recent changes to SNAP benefits. 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.
Code Blue Shelters
Code Blue Shelters
The Upper Bucks Code Blue Shelter, operated by The Advocates for the Homeless of Upper Bucks (AHUB), is located at:
November-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
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.
PECO Customer Relief Fund
PECO Customer Relief Fund
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.
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