Friday, March 27, 2026
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Let's Connect!
Spring has sprung, and the PSD is buzzing with activity—from kindergarten registration and the Springfield Elementary mural reveal to spring sports, National Junior Honor Society induction, and the Monster Meet art show.
We hope you were able to join us for some of these special moments—and there’s plenty more on the horizon in the weeks ahead.
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, Dawn Smigo, 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.
Our Kindergarten Registration Event Was Awesome!
Our Kindergarten Registration Event Was Awesome!
On Monday evening, we welcomed the Class of 2039 (yes…2039!!!) and their families to Kindergarten Registration! By all accounts, it was a HUGE success! Be sure to check out some of the event photos in the carousel at the top of the newsletter.
Thank you to all of our faculty, staff, mascots, and student volunteers who made the event a HUGE success! A special shout out to Kelly Dobrydnia and Dr. Donnelly for organizing an evening where every future kindergartener left with a backpack, a t-shirt, and more -- and, most importantly, with a smile on their face!
If you missed the in-person registration event, it’s not too late—registration can still be completed online at: www.palisd.org/our_district/new_student_registration
*Once registration is completed, please contact Kelly Dobrydnia at kdobrydnia@palisadessd.org to schedule a time to pick up your incoming kindergarten student’s t-shirt and backpack.
Register online HERE.
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.
Springfield Elementary Unveils Mural Promoting Kindness and Self‑Worth!
Springfield Elementary Unveils Mural Promoting Kindness and Self‑Worth!
A very special event for our school community took place at Springfield Elementary on Monday, March 24! Students, faculty, staff, administrators, community members, and volunteers gathered to celebrate the completion of the first Words of Worth mural in Pennsylvania, a project that is about much more than paint on a wall. It is about identity, belonging, and the messages young people carry with them every day.
This mural was brought to life through Worthwhile, a nonprofit organization focused on prevention, healing, and reminding individuals of their inherent value. In partnership with the Ten Thousand Flowers Project, a national initiative creating murals across the country, this space has been transformed into something that speaks directly to students every time they walk by. The message is simple but profound: "You are worthwhile."
While the design is led by the artist, students and community members have taken part in painting the mural, turning it into a shared experience of connection and pride. What started as a blank wall is now a reflection of a community choosing to show up for its youth in a visible and lasting way.
This entire project was made possible through a generous donor to Worthwhile, allowing the mural to be gifted to the school at no cost. It is an investment not just in art, but in mental health, prevention, and the everyday environments that shape how young people see themselves.
To read more about the mural, Worthwhile and the Ten Thousand Flowers Project please click HERE.
>>> You can view the PSDTV video here: https://youtu.be/lx6d23PM4fw?si=tEixJ8EhQcM7Pm2N
>>> Check out the 69 News video coverage here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1-WTsJ4Ok0
Congratulations Gianna Nastasi!
Congratulations Gianna Nastasi!
Congratulations to senior band member Gianna Nastasi on her phenomenal performance at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association Region band festival last weekend under the direction of Jason Fettig, previously director of The President's Own Marine Band.
To get placed into this ensemble, she had to compete against the finest student musicians in Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Delaware, and Philadelphia counties. She is the first Palisades student to ever progress to the regional level for music.
PMEA District 11 Elementary BandFest
PMEA District 11 Elementary BandFest
The PMEA District 11 Elementary BandFest was held at New Hope-Solebury High School on Tuesday, February 24th. The top 5th and 6th Graders from Bucks and Montgomery counties were nominated by their directors into this honors ensemble. Congratulations to the following Palisades Band Students for their representation and hard work!
Pictured from left to right:
(PALMS) Lea Means - Clarinet
(PALMS) Hank Slotter - Clarinet
(Tinicum) Sammy Daknis - Trombone
(Durham Nockamixon) Rayanne O'Donnell - Flute
(PALMS) Katie Page - Percussion
PMEA District 11 StringFest
PMEA District 11 StringFest
On Thursday, March 19th, thirteen of our Palisades Orchestra students participated in PMEA District 11 StringFest at Lower Mooreland Middle School. StringFest is a director-nominated festival that provides a high level of string playing experience to outstanding orchestra students in 5-8th grade across Bucks and Montgomery Counties. The students had a great day of rehearsals, plus an amazing concert that evening! Please join us in congratulating these students for a great performance and an awesome day of music making!
Durham-Nockamixon Elementary:
Benjamin Cantwell
Benjamin Williams
Tinicum Elementary:
Samuel Daknis
Kenneth Scheetz
PALMS:
Joseph Cantwell
Acadia DeVito
Evangeline Fayne
Rose Frank
Cale Harbaugh
Earl Kenson
Caroline Page
Eleanora Radus
Josephine Williams
Bucks IU Awarded $90K Grant To Expand Chief Science Officer Program
Bucks IU Awarded $90K Grant To Expand Chief Science Officer Program
The grant, awarded through the Department of Education Job Training and Education Programs, will allow more schools to participate.
Check out this great article in "The Doylestown Patch" about our very own Dylan Fedell, PHS physics teacher, Chief Science Officer Advisor, and STEM Outreach Club Advisor and his partnership with the Bucks IU and State Rep. Brian Munroe to support the grant application.
Prom 2026 Information
Prom 2026 Information
Attention juniors and seniors!
Prom tickets go on sale April 1-24! Tickets are $70 each during the first week of sales and $75 for the remaining weeks of sales. Tickets can be purchased directly on MySchoolBucks or by check or cash in Mrs. Scoggin’s office. Juniors and Seniors are permitted to bring a guest, either another Palisades student or an outside guest. If you are bringing an outside guest, you must pick up a purple guest form from the main office and return the completed form to the main office. The form needs to be approved by the administration first and then you will be able to receive a ticket for your guest. An information table will be available during many lunches, based on student availability.
This year’s prom will be held on Friday, May 15th, at the Steel Club in Hellertown. Arrival time is 5:45 pm, and the event ends at 10:00 pm.
Remember, if you plan to bring a guest that is not a current Palisades student, you MUST complete the Guest Permission Form prior to purchasing your tickets. This information can be found in the student handbook. For your convenience, the permission form can be accessed at this link here.
We don’t want the inability to afford a dress to prevent you from enjoying this special night. If you need any assistance in finding the perfect Prom dress, please see Mrs. Mazza in guidance or Mrs. Page in the nurse's office.
Join PHS Students from the Key Club and the Stand Up to Silence Club at the Bucks County Suicide Prevention Walk
Join PHS Students from the Key Club and the Stand Up to Silence Club at the Bucks County Suicide Prevention Walk
High school students from the Key Club and the Stand Up to Silence Club will be participating in the Bucks County “Hold On You Matter” Suicide Prevention Walk on Saturday, April 25 at the upper campus of Bucks County Community College, located at One Hillendale Road in Perkasie. Registration begins at 10 am, followed by the program of speakers and the walk. Put on your sneakers and come enjoy the music, food trucks, raffle baskets, and activities while learning about different health resources and vendors in the area and supporting suicide prevention and awareness. The Key Club and the Stand Up to Silence Club will be distributing bracelets with messages of positivity and hope.
To register as a participant of the Palisades School District Team, please use the link HERE or QR Code from the flyer. Then follow these directions:
Click on the Register Now button
Click on the New User Button
Click on the Join Existing Team Button
Scroll Down to Select Palisades School District
For more information or for students that are interested in volunteering that day, please contact Katie Lloyd at klloyd@palisadessd.org.
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 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:
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
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.
Link To: Fiscal Committee Meeting 3/16/26
Link To: Regular Board Meeting 3/18/26
Link To: Policy Committee Meeting 3/18/26
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.
Tickets are on Sale NOW! Two FUN-FILLED Events for PCF!
Tickets are on Sale NOW! 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 (doors open at 5:30PM)
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.
Little Bellas Mountain Bike Camp at Nockamixon State Park
Little Bellas Mountain Bike Camp at Nockamixon State Park
Little Bellas is a nonprofit organization that introduces girls to mountain biking through fun, creative games that build skills and confidence — both on and off the bike. They offer a half day camp every summer at Nockamixon State Park for girls ages 8-12. All rider levels are welcome, including first-timers.
Camp Details: Lehigh Valley Half Day Camp
Dates: August 10-14, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Nockamixon State Park
Ages: 8-12
Registration: https://littlebellas.configio.com/pd/1299/pa-lehigh-valley-half-day-camp-ages-8-12
Cost: $285
Little Bellas offers financial assistance covering up to 100% of the registration cost for families who need support. Through their Gear UP! program, they can also provide bikes and helmets if needed.
Volunteers Needed: Roadside Cleanup April 11, 2026 @ 11:30 am
Volunteers Needed: Roadside Cleanup April 11, 2026 @ 11:30 am
Springfield Township is looking for volunteers for its annual Roadside Cleanup Day on April 11th, 2026 at 11:30 AM. There seems to be a lot of debris along this stretch of Route 212 this spring and your contribution of your time would help beautify an area in our district.
The Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) members will be on site to help with instructions, plastic bags and talk about safety while performing the cleanup. They have gloves and safety vests.
They will meet at the Springfield Elementary School and the effort usually takes a couple of hours.
If you have any questions, please contact Mike Clime, Springfield Township EAC Vice Chair at mikeclime@gmail.com.
🍦🚓 ICE CREAM WITH A COP 🚓🍦
🍦🚓 ICE CREAM WITH A COP 🚓🍦
Event by Tinicum Township Police Department and OwowCow Creamery
Join us for a free small ice cream, good conversation, and a chance to meet the officers who serve our community.
📅 Date: April 1, 2026
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Location: Owowcow Creamery, Ottsville
Students, families, and community members are all welcome. Stop by, grab some ice cream, and say hello!
We hope to see you there!
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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