Friday, September 25, 2026
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Let's Connect!
Sometimes the best weeks are the ones filled with the steady rhythm of learning, growing and simply being together. As we wrap up another week, we hope you’ll join us under the Friday Night Lights for our home football game against Bangor Area High School and Youth Night!
Come cheer on our Pirates, enjoy a treat from the Kona Ice Truck and support our hardworking All-Sports Boosters. No matter what the scoreboard says, Pirate pride is always worth showing up for.
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, Kim Casterline, Jamie Davis, 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.)
DISTRICT DISPATCH
DISTRICT DISPATCH
Your guide to timely information in the Palisades School District.
Fall Community Classes Begin!
Fall Community Classes Begin!
See the calendar for upcoming classes on our website.
Ceramics, Pickleball, Hypnosis, Qi Gong, Volleyball, and Yoga! Check back frequently as new classes will continue to be added.
PCF Homecoming Game Tailgate: Proceeds Help to Fund the Building of Our New Pirate Ship!
PCF Homecoming Game Tailgate: Proceeds Help to Fund the Building of Our New Pirate Ship!
Food provided by the Upper Bucks County Technical School (UBCTS) Food Truck!
Choice of Pulled Pork, Pulled Chicken OR Brisket
Mac & Cheese OR Fries
Cole Slaw OR Macaroni Salad
Bottle of Water
Soft Drinks for Sale (additional charge)
DATE & TIME: October 9th, 4:30 - 6:30 PM (Before the Varsity Homecoming Game)
LOCATION: Inside Stadium at Palisades High School (at the site of the Pirate Ship)
COST: $25.00
TICKETS: Available at HOME football games OR call/text 484-943-0448
Other ways to help? Be a sponsor! Use the QR code on the flyer or visit the Palisades Community website.
Guppy $100
Starfish $250
Navigator $500
Deckhand $750
Buccaneer $1,000
First Mate $1,500
Captain $2,000
Admiral $2,500
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.
Fall Fest FUN at Durham Nox!
Fall Fest FUN at Durham Nox!
Our Durham Nockamixon Elementary family sure does know how to ring in the season!
The DN PTA hosted a fantastically fun event in the evening filled with food, entertainment, face painting, music and a fab foam party (gorgeous sunset included!)
A huge THANK YOU to our amazing DN PTA who never fails to bring it.
Springfield's Student Artwork Showcased in the Office of Rep. Shelby Labs!
Springfield's Student Artwork Showcased in the Office of Rep. Shelby Labs!
This summer, some of our 5th grade students at Springfield had their artwork on display in the office of Representative Shelby Labs.
The students created artwork based on the landscape of Bucks County. At the summer art show, visitors voted for the artwork they thought was the most creative and displayed what our community looks like.
The artwork will hang in the school library for the entire school year for everyone to enjoy. In the picture from left to right - Maddie, Taylor, Blake, Jacyln, Cyrus, & Mrs. McNichol.
Congratulations to all these students! The winner of the contest and trip out to Harrisburg with Representative Labs is Taylor.
Pierogi Fundraiser — Support TREK @ PALMS!
Pierogi Fundraiser — Support TREK @ PALMS!
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!
Palisades Blankets are BACK!
Palisades Blankets are BACK!
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
Pirates Baseball Oktoberfest Fundraiser
Pirates Baseball Oktoberfest Fundraiser
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
PHS Theatre Ad Sale Fundraiser
PHS Theatre Ad Sale Fundraiser
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.
Friday Night Lights!
Friday Night Lights!
Come on out and support our Pirates! We play Bangor Area High School at HOME!
Tonight is also Youth Night! The football team will have the Kona Ice truck on site as a fundraiser. It will be parked inside the stadium gates near the Gold gym parking lot side.
Date: Friday, 9/25/26
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Walter T. Rohrer Stadium @ PHS
As a reminder, as with all events in our buildings and on our campus, please leave all utility knives, multipurpose tools, box cutters, pepper spray and any weapons at home.
Please click this link for a full calendar of athletic events.
Flashback Friday! Youth Nights From Football Past...
Flashback Friday! Youth Nights From Football Past...
A Message From Our All-Sports Boosters
A Message From Our All-Sports Boosters
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: Youth Night is tonight (Friday the 25th) with the Kona Ice Truck coming out; 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#/
FAMILY CORNER
FAMILY CORNER
Information in this section will be particularly helpful for those who have students in our schools.
Helpful Hints for a Fantastic School Year!
Helpful Hints for a Fantastic School Year!
In early August, all families were emailed a comprehensive list of Helpful Hints that facilitate a great start to the new school year. You can find a copy on the PSD website.
We hope that you will find the "Helpful Hints for a Fantastic Start to the 2026-2027 School Year" information useful in the coming weeks as we get started up again!
Returning Student Forms in PowerSchool are Due
Returning Student Forms in PowerSchool are Due
Every year, ALL of our families must review and update their child(ren)'s information in our PowerSchool Student Information System so that we have the most current information on file in the event that you need to be reached in an emergency.
Video instructions on how to access and complete these forms are available here.
Don't Forget to Renew Your Free and Reduced Lunch Benefits
Don't Forget to Renew Your Free and Reduced Lunch Benefits
You must reapply every school year for each child. If you believe that your family may qualify, we urge you to apply.
Complete information and applications can be found on our website.
Addressing Concerns
Addressing Concerns
It is the District's intent to establish reasonable and effective means of resolving concerns and to establish and maintain clear two-way channels of communication. In order to ensure that your concerns or issues are heard by the appropriate individual who can provide you with a speedy response, please start with the employee closest to the situation then progress through the levels outlined below in the contact list. In addition, please give the employee the opportunity to respond before moving to the next level. You can find the document in PDF format on our website.
Keystone Scholars Program
Keystone Scholars Program
The Keystone Scholars program is a Pennsylvania Treasury initiative that aims to help families jump-start long-term savings for higher education.
Program Basics
Benefit: A $100 investment account set up for eligible children.
Eligibility: Every baby born or adopted by a Pennsylvania resident starting in 2019.
Cost: Free to families; uses no taxpayer dollars.
For more information, review the flyer in PDF format.
Citadel Heart of Learning Award 26-27 Nominations are Open
Citadel Heart of Learning Award 26-27 Nominations are Open
Citadel Credit Union is committed to serving those who work every day to build a better future for us all. Every year, they honor outstanding teachers across the Greater Philadelphia area in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Lancaster, and Philadelphia counties with the Citadel Heart of Learning Award.
This year’s outstanding teachers (including our very own Rachael Tubiello!) received a glass heart award and a monetary reward to the teacher and their school.
Back-to-School Family
Back-to-School Family
Vaccine Clinic
Vaccine Clinic
Protect your students and your family.
Date: October 1, 2026
Time: 3:30pm-6:30pm
Location: Bucks County Intermediate Unit, 705 N. Shady Retreat Road
Doylestown, PA 18901
Registration:
https://form.jotform.com/262578021628157
All PA School Required Immunizations available
Flu (3 & Up) & Covid (12 & up)
Clinic is FREE
Contact: rconnor@bchip.org
Be prepared with CHIP. Free or low-cost healthcare for Pennsylvania kids and teens.
Be prepared with CHIP. Free or low-cost healthcare for Pennsylvania kids and teens.
CHIP covers uninsured kids up to age 19 in Pennsylvania. It doesn’t matter why your kids don’t have health coverage right now; CHIP may be able to help. Most kids receive CHIP for free. Others can get the same benefits at a low cost.
CHIP is brought to you by leading health insurance companies who offer quality, comprehensive coverage. There is no limit on income. If your income is below CHIP guidelines, your child may be enrolled in Medical Assistance.
CHIP COVERS:
Routine check-ups
Prescriptions
Hospitalization
Dental
Eye Care
Eyeglasses
Behavioral care
Specialty care
More
APPLY/RENEW at CHIPcoversPAkids.com or by calling 800-986-KIDS.
Save the Date: Secondary Transition Options and Resource Fair
Save the Date: Secondary Transition Options and Resource Fair
The Bucks IU is hosting its 26th annual Secondary Transition Options and Resources Fair at the Bucks IU offices in Doylestown on Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 5:30-7:30PM.
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 any time between 5:30 and 7:30 works.
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.
Family Day at Zoellner Arts Center
Family Day at Zoellner Arts Center
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.
Trunk or Treat at Bridgeton Athletic Association
Trunk or Treat at Bridgeton Athletic Association
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
Palisades Youth Soccer Association (PYSA) Fall Intramural Information
Palisades Youth Soccer Association (PYSA) Fall Intramural Information
Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays, September 29-October
Ages/Birthdates: 8/1/2018-7/31/2023
Cost: $100
Location: Palisades Community Fields (next to Durham Nockamixon Elementary)
Sign up at: www.pysanet.com/FALL-INTRAMURAL
Palisades Youth Wrestling Association Sign-up Information
Palisades Youth Wrestling Association Sign-up Information
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
Free STEM Expo for Girls (Grades 4-10)
Free STEM Expo for Girls (Grades 4-10)
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.
Saturday STEAM Adventures @ FAB LAB
Saturday STEAM Adventures @ FAB LAB
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.
DEA National Rx Take Back Day
DEA National Rx Take Back Day
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.
Join the Palisades Community Foundation!
Join the Palisades Community Foundation!
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.
If you are interested in joining our board or lending a hand with any of these projects, please join us for our PCF Social Gathering on Tuesday, September 29th at 6:30 PM. Light refreshments will be served before the meeting.
Location: 1930 Old Bethlehem Road, Quakertown.
We would love to meet you! For more information, text or call Donna at 484-943-0448.
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.
Pre-K Counts Is Enrolling for the 26-27 School Year
Pre-K Counts Is 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.
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.
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