It's Almost Back-To-School Time For Pennsbury Students

When the more than 11,000 students return to school on Wednesday, they'll be using new computers with upgraded software, a new college and career education center, and they'll benefit from a healthful change in cafeteria offerings.

"Pennsbury administrators, teachers, and staff are looking forward to welcoming students back for the 2011-2012 school year," said Ann Langtry, coordinator of communications for Pennsbury School District. "It will be an exciting time for Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary students, who will witness their school transforming into an energy-efficient, green facility as the year unfolds, just as Makefield Elementary students did last year. Two other Pennsbury buildings, Walt Disney and Oxford Valley elementary schools, were selected by the EPA to compete in a national Energy Star 'Battle of the Buildings' contest thanks to their high energy efficiency ratings."

Patch listed highlights of what's new around the district and at some of the schools:

Pennsbury Parent Portal. The new Parent Portal lets parents view their student's class schedule, attendance records, and marking period grades. Parents can also review and modify their child's contact information. When a child is tardy or absent, the Parent Portal will notify a parent or guardian by sending an e-mail to them. Parents will be able to communicate better with teachers by sending them an e-mail through the portal. The portal will become active on Aug. 31 when parents can view 2011-2012 school year data, including middle school teams and high school schedules.

Energy Conservation Initiative. Pennsbury has saved more than $1,051,580 since October 2008 due to aggressive energy conservation efforts. This represents a 14.3 percent reduction in energy consumption, according to information from the school district. The district has modified temperature settings, added automated lighting, increased air filter maintenance and made other modifications to realize energy savings. This coming school year, energy conservation efforts will continue in all of the district schools.

Cafeteria Goes Bean. Metz Culinary Management will offer additional nutritious offerings at district schools this year. In addition to whole grain foods and fresh fruits and vegetables, students will be able to choose from a variety of bean items. Selections will include vegetable side dishes and main entree items such as baked beans, refried beans, veggie burgers (at the high school) and hummus. Snacks that contain lower fat, calories and sugar will be offered throughout the district.

High Schools. At Pennsbury High School West, Technology Education students will benefit from brand new desktop computers and upgraded computer software. New desktop computers were added for students taking classes in the Business, Computer and Information Technology department.

A new College and Career Education Center will debut at the high school's East and West campuses this year, thanks to a $2500 grant from the Workforce Investment Board (WIB), Bucks County's regional career education partnership. The Naviance Succeed system is a key component of the new centers. This online resource connects students, parents and school counselors. Soon, students will be able to plan their courses online, while researching potential colleges and careers. While the College and Career Education Center offers multiple computer stations for student use, students and parents can access Naviance through home computers.

Elementary Schools. New Dell laptop computers were installed in 10 elementary school computer labs over the summer. Starting last spring, district elementary schools received new LCD computer projectors for use in classrooms by teachers in grades K-5. Curriculum renewal efforts include new Reading and Language Arts materials in grades K-2 this year, plus new mathematics materials in grades 3-5.

Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary, built in 1963, is undergoing extensive renovations including the addition of central air conditioning. The work started in June 2011 and will continue throughout the upcoming school year until the targeted completion date of August 2012. The school will become Pennsbury's newest "green" school with solar roof panels, energy-efficient windows and lighting, and new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. More than 100 trees will be planted on the school property. Students will relocate temporarily as needed throughout the various building phases.