Friday, October 24, 2025
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Our Palisades community is just as dazzling as the showy autumn landscape in Upper Bucks County. Our Pirates do not disappoint. Three cheers to another terrific week!
Grab a blanket and something pumpkin-spiced and come out to support our athletic teams and our marching band as they continue their incredible season. Lots of great stuff coming up, so watch this space!
Enjoy this week's edition of the Patch.
Following is a handful of photo highlights from recent events and activities. THANK YOU to 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.
The Comprehensive Plan 2026-2029 is Well Underway!
The Comprehensive Plan 2026-2029 is Well Underway!
Our Steering Committee met earlier this week to identify the key focus areas that will inform the work that we do as a district for the next three years. Keep your eyes peeled to your email inbox early next week for a letter detailing the next steps in the process, as well as a link to a survey. Your input is invaluable and we look forward to hearing from everyone to help us shape this important work.
Every Stop Counts and Every Driver Matters: School Bus Safety Week
Monday, October 20th marked the start of School Bus Safety Week. Every morning and afternoon, school buses carry our most precious passengers. We’re reminding every driver to slow down, stay alert, and stop when the lights flash — because every safe stop protects a child’s life.
Dr. O'Connell, district representatives, Krapf leadership and transportation personnel stopped by the Krapf office at the Palisades School District for a visit from U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick to discuss the importance of school bus safety and protecting our children on our roads. You can read more about this visit on the 69News website:
"Road safety is a team effort: Local leaders, lawmakers focus on school bus safety"
For more information on bus stop safety please click on the link HERE.
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.
October is National Principals Month!
National Principals Month is a celebration in October that honors school principals for their leadership and dedication. It's a time to recognize their role in creating a positive school environment, supporting students and staff, and advocating for the resources they need to succeed. Here is a special shoutout to our very own! This week we will highlight our middle school and high school Principals! Thank you for all you do!
Dr. Karl Scheibenhofer, Principal
Dr. Karl Scheibenhofer, Principal
Palisades Middle School
1. Where did you go to high school and university?
Quakertown High School
Kutztown University (Bachelor of Science)
Gwynedd- Mercy (Masters in Education)
ESU/IUP (Doctorate)
2. Something you love about your job as a Principal:
The number one thing on my list is our students...they are simply the BEST. A close second is working collaboratively with all staff, along with building relationships with families and fostering trust with a shared purpose of making PALMS the best it can be!
3. A favorite hobby:
Coaching football and lacrosse and riding quads at our cabin.
Dr. Richard Spering, Associate Principal,
Dr. Richard Spering, Associate Principal,
Palisades Middle School, Palisades High School
1. Where did you go to high school and university?
Elk Lake High School
Pennsylvania State University (Bachelor's)
Lehigh University (Master's)
Delaware Valley University (Doctorate)
2. Something you love about your job as a Principal:
Interacting with students and colleagues and helping students to be successful.
3. A favorite hobby:
Cheering on my daughters during their athletic endeavors (field hockey, basketball, and softball) and participating in athletic events whenever possible.
Mr. Richard Heffernan, Principal
Mr. Richard Heffernan, Principal
Palisades High School
1. Where did you go to high school and university?
Bethlehem Catholic High School
Fordham University (Undergraduate)
Penn State University (1st Masters Degree)
Lehigh University (2nd Masters Degree)
2. Something you love about your job as a Principal:
I love seeing students create their stories. I watch them come in as 9th graders and then go out into the world to pursue what started with their experiences here.
3. A favorite hobby:
I love to ski, especially with my family and friends.
Another HUGE Win For Our Palisades Pirates Football Team On First Responders Night!
A big 56-0 victory over Wilson Area High School last week capped off a winning night where service members and first responders were honored on the field. THANK YOU for your service on behalf of our community!
Great job, Pirates!!
Thank you to Kim Casterline for the photos!
Let's Celebrate Our Marching Band!
Let's Celebrate Our Marching Band!
A special shout-out to this amazing group of students who celebrate us with their beautiful performances every week!
They are participating in another Cavalcade of Bands competition in Whitehall on Saturday, 10/25/25.
What a great way to spend a Saturday! Check out the event schedule here.
Last Home Football Game in the Regular (WINNING) Season!
Last Home Football Game in the Regular (WINNING) Season!
October 24th:
Pirates vs. Salisbury
Senior Night/Pink Out Game
Kick off is at 7:00pm at the Palisades High School Walter T. Rohrer Stadium.
The Pirates will host a home District Playoff game on Saturday, November 1st.
You can find a complete calendar of all of Palisades High School sports games here.
2025-2026 season and yearly passes are available that can be used for all HOME, regular season, sporting events. If you would like to purchase a pass online, please go to this link.
Boys and Girls Soccer Teams Advance to PIAA District XI Tournament!
CONGRATULATIONS to both our Boys and Girls Soccer Teams for advancing to the PIAA District XI tournament!!! Boys won 8-0 over Shenandoah Valley and the Girls won 1-0 over Pine Grove.
Both teams will be playing Tuesday night at Catasauqua: Girls @ 5:00pm; Boys @ 7:00pm. Way to go Pirates!
Thank you to Dawn Smigo and Nikki Bowen for the photos!
Lehigh University Art Galleries Director and Professor Visits PHS Team!
Lehigh University Art Galleries Director and Professor Visits PHS Team!
We were honored to welcome a very special guest this week: Dr. William B. Crow, Director and Professor of Practice for the Lehigh University Art Galleries.
Dr. O'Connell, Dr. Donnelly, Rich Heffernan, and teachers Lauren Sunday and Brent Jones appreciated the opportunity to share our awesome art programs and the work that our teachers and students produce.
It was also very interesting to learn about the variety of pieces that Lehigh University maintains and the work being done within the realm of art at the campus.
Warm thanks to Dr. Crow for taking the time to get to know our PSD community. We hope he will visit us again soon.
UBCTS Thanksgiving Dinner Family Support
UBCTS Thanksgiving Dinner Family Support
Upper Bucks County Technical Support (UBCTS) students, in partnership with SkillsUSA and Angels Sharing the Warmth, are supporting families in need in our community with meals this Thanksgiving.
If your family, or someone you know could, use a Thanksgiving meal box this year, the UBCTS would be honored to help. Each box may include a turkey, butter, milk, canned vegetables, jarred gravy, boxed stuffing or mashed potatoes, canned cranberries or yams, mini marshmallows, and disposable roasting pans.
Please fill out this Thanksgiving Support Request Form.
All information will be kept confidential. Families will be notified after November 14th with details about pickup or delivery.
SAVE THE DATE: Upper Bucks County Technical School To Host Open House
SAVE THE DATE: Upper Bucks County Technical School To Host Open House
Upper Bucks County Technical School (UBCTS) will open its doors to the public on Thursday, November 13th from 5:30-7:30pm for its annual Open House. Upper Bucks County Technical School is located in scenic Bedminster Township in Perkasie, PA and has proudly served the Pennridge, Quakertown, and Palisades communities since 1964.
The UBCTS offers excellent career and technical education in twenty-three program areas. Students earn industry-recognized certifications and college credits through articulation agreements with area colleges and learn their technical skills on the same equipment used in industry.
The UBCTS works closely with the three sending districts of Palisades, Pennridge, and Quakertown to ensure the students receive the academic coursework to prepare them for college or careers. Graduates have earned advanced degrees, owned their successful businesses, and have continued their relationship with our school to ensure we continue to offer quality education at the school.
Mark your calendars to stop by the Open House to see first hand all of the great things happening there!
Palisades Blanket Sale
Palisades Blanket Sale
Spread school spirit with a cozy Palisades blanket! They make great gifts.
These super-soft 60"x70" blankets are a perfect way to wrap up in comfort while supporting a great cause — all proceeds benefit the PALMS Trek program.
$32 each
Order by November 1st
Get yours today and show your Palisades pride. ORDER HERE!
Trot or Treat Fun Run
Trot or Treat Fun Run
The Palisades Cross Country team is hosting a FREE Fun Run at PALMS on Wednesday, October 29th at 5:00pm for students in grades 4th through 8th.
The one-mile course will wind around the middle school and on the trail through the woods.
Run in costume or athletic wear.
Donations are welcome in support of the Palisades cross country team. Make checks Payable to “Palisades Sports Boosters.”
Registration: https://forms.gle/94qeRzPoUqxsZ49h7
Questions: Contact Coach Kellman at tkellman@palisadessd.org
FAMILY CORNER
FAMILY CORNER
Information in this section will be particularly helpful for those who have students in our schools.
Feed Us Your Feedback PSD School Meals!
Feed Us Your Feedback PSD School Meals!
We value your feedback! Whitsons, our Food Service provider for the school district, is conducting a short survey to gather your insights on our school nutrition program and to explore ways to enhance their services.
Your input on the current program and any suggested improvements will help us develop new options that better meet your needs. They will be collecting responses from 10/20/25-10/31/25.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!
You can find the survey here.
Attendance Policy
Attendance Policy
Thank you for your support in making attendance a priority.
When your child is absent for illness or other reasons, a signed excuse must be returned to school within three days of the absence, or it will automatically be classified as an unexcused absence. You must call the absence line at your child’s school the morning of the absence before school starts. Excuse notes may be emailed to the building secretary. Legitimate reasons for a student’s absence include: illness, quarantine, recovery from an accident, required court attendance, death in the family, observance of a religious holiday, and family educational trips with prior approval of the principal. All other reasons for absence are considered unexcused. For additional information about our attendance policy, please see Policy 204 in BoardDocs for more information.
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.
Bucks County’s "Medication Take Back Day" is October 25th
Bucks County’s "Medication Take Back Day" is October 25th
On Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can safely drop off unused, unneeded, or expired medications during Bucks County’s Medication Take Back Day.
This program helps protect our kids, pets, and waterways by keeping harmful medications out of the wrong hands and away from the environment. Prescription, over-the-counter, and pet medications will be accepted. Vaping devices, creams, ointments, and inhalers can also be dropped off. Please remove batteries from vapes.
Sharps will be accepted at select sites. Illicit substances cannot be accepted. Below is a list of local drop-off locations across our area:
Pennridge Regional
Police Department
200 Ridge Road
Sellersville, PA 18960
Quakertown Borough
Borough Hall
35 North 3rd Street
Quakertown, PA 18951
Quakertown Borough
St. Luke’s Upper Bucks Campus
Main Entrance
3000 Saint Luke’s Drive
Quakertown, PA 18951
Richland Township
Police Department
229 California Road
Quakertown, PA 18951
Springfield Township
Springfield Township Elementary School
1950 Route 212
Quakertown, PA 18951
Telford Borough
Indian Valley Public Library
100 East Church Avenue
Telford, Pa 18969
For more details, visit bcdac.org or call 215-444-2700.
The Harlem Wizards are HERE on Nov. 10! Tickets are NOW AVAILABLE!
The Harlem Wizards are HERE on Nov. 10! Tickets are NOW AVAILABLE!
The world-famous Harlem Wizards will visit Palisades High School on Monday, November 10th at 7:00pm in the Purple Gym! Join us for an evening of great fun and fundraising. The Wizards will play a game against a team of Palisades School District administrators, teachers, athletes, community leaders, and community members. Proceeds will benefit the Palisades Community Foundation Initiatives programs.
The event will feature a variety of fun interactive extras to complement the Wizards' dazzling demonstration of hoops artistry: Pregame "Wiz Kids" warm-up, contests, comedy, awesome slam dunks, audience participation, merchandise giveaways, and more. The game will conclude with the Wizards' signature dance extravaganza that will have the crowd on their feet!
Doors open at 6:00pm. General admission tickets are $20.
Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Children age 3 and under are FREE and don't need a ticket.
"WizKids" who purchase jerseys in advance will get to meet the players before the game!
Food and merchandise will be available for sale.
Tickets (and FUN) are available online here!
Veterans Day Program
Veterans Day Program
The Upper Bucks Veterans Organization will host its annual Veterans Day Program on Tuesday, November 11th, at 10:00am at Palisades High School, 35 Church Hill Road, Kintnersville.
The public is invited to attend this event to honor all who have served in our Armed Forces.
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.
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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