New Hope-Solebury School District


Empowering all learners for a world of possibilities.


#NHSD Weekly eNews

Volume 24 | February 23, 2024

We are sharing an exciting new designation for our school district, celebrations of diversity, highlights from the Board of School Directors meeting, an incredible counting feat, a Lions Athletics update, and so much happening in our local community.

NHSD Earns Great PA Schools Designation

We are proud to announce that our district has earned the Pennsylvania School Boards Association's (PSBA) designation as a Great Pennsylvania School! This ribbon reflects our commitment to innovative programming and signifies overall excellence in academic achievement, governance, and planning. NHSD is among the first districts in the state to earn this important recognition.

Celebrating Diversity

Conversations for Black History Month continue in our classrooms. In Ms. O'Hara's Lenses of American History class, students explore the experiences of American minority populations through group discussion and student-led research. This week. Ms. O'Hara's students shared projects examining the work and contributions of Black artists, musicians, and authors. The class then engaged in conversations about the accomplishments and legacies of famous Black athletes. At the UES, high school students again visited with our fourth graders to teach an equity lesson correlated to Matt de la Peña's Newbery Award-winning book, Last Stop on Market Street. The book aims to build perspective and deepen cultural understanding.

The Model United Nations Club, Multicultural Club, and Student Equity Committee invite you to our Cultural Heritage Night on Wednesday, March 13. All are welcome to visit and explore the tastes, sounds, and traditions of the diverse cultures within our community and to enjoy live cultural dance entertainment. 

School Board Meeting Highlights

We celebrated the upcoming retirement of New Hope Police Chief Michael Cummings, who has served as New Hope's chief for 15 years and has served a total of 47 years in law enforcement. We are grateful to Chief Cummings for his commitment to ensuring a strong partnership with our schools and his tireless efforts to support the safety of our school community.

Eighth grader Jill Leyman was recognized as one of 1,300 students across the nation to win an essay contest sponsored by the Mass Mutual Foundation. The essay asked students to reflect on the content of their EverFi course, which is integral to a groundbreaking financial literacy course we are offering at the Middle School. The course guides students in effective financial decision-making and was formed by faculty member Dr. Brian Rutledge and MS Principal Dr. Erik Pedersen.

Meeting attendees were treated to a special sneak preview of Mask and Zany's upcoming production of the musical Footloose. Join us for their performances Thursday, March 14 - Saturday, March 16 in the Buck Theater. Reserve tickets by contacting Melanie Pittner at mpittner@nhsd.org.

3,200 and counting!

Mrs. Hess's kindergarten class had a special visit from her former student, first grader David Hufnagel, this week. When given the kindergarten class assignment to write numbers up to 100, David took the initiative to write his numbers all the way up to 3,200, a process that took him four months! Mrs. Hess asked David to visit her class this year to show them his work and to inspire them to go even higher, too. "David was such a great example for my students. They were so motivated by his presentation and now believe even more in their abilities. I’m so proud of David and appreciate him for sharing his mathematical skills with my class," said Mrs. Hess.

Lions Athletics

Girls Basketball won their District 1 3A Semi-Final game on Tuesday, February 20 by a score of 50 - 30. The team will play Renaissance Academy Charter School on Saturday, February 24 at 12pm at Harriton High School for the District 1 3A Girls Championship! See the team's feature in the Bucks County Herald Photo: Karla Donohoe


On February 17, Kathryn Phinney competed in the first-ever District 1/12 Girls' Wrestling Championship Tournament. Kathryn went 1-2 in the tournament. On February 18, Quinn Bridge earned third place at the Panther Invitational.  


Congratulations to senior Nina Meixler, who was recognized as Univest's Featured Female Athlete.

Upcoming Events

UPCOMING EVENTS


Girls Basketball vs. Renaissance Academy Charter School

District 1 3A Girls Championship

Saturday, 2/24 @ 12:00PM

at Harriton HS

Order Tickets


Cultural Heritage Night

Wednesday, 3/13 @ 5:30PM

HS Cafeteria


Mental Health Webinar

How to Motivate Your Child

Wednesday, 3/13 @ 7:00PM

via Zoom

Register Here


Mask and Zany presents Footloose

Thursday, 3/14 - Saturday 3/16 @ 6:30PM

HS Buck Theater

Order Tickets

Community Happenings

Students entering grades 2-9 are invited to a youth basketball camp from June 17 - June 20 with our Lions basketball coaches, Mike Connors and Steve Polinsky. Campers will have the opportunity to develop and learn basketball skills while having fun! All proceeds benefit NHS Girls & Boys High School Basketball Teams.

NHSprinters invites students from the LES and UES to join their fun and exciting running club. Join this non-competitive running program designed to promote fitness and healthy lifestyles with our students. For more information please click here.

Support the St. Baldrick's Foundation and its efforts to fund pediatric cancer research through the upcoming Bootcamp for Baldrick's event. Participate in a class with Amy Wexler at Nex Level Doylestown on Friday, March 1. All proceeds benefit St. Baldrick's.

The Lenape Chamber Ensemble invites children ages 4-12 to their Concert in the Round on Saturday, March 2 at Delaware Valley University. Children will meet the artists, have an instrument demonstration, and hear pieces by Beethoven and more.

The Bucks County Tennis Association offers affordable, quality tennis programs throughout Bucks County. Outdoor programs begin in April and “swing” through October! The BCTA uses the game-based approach to learning—stressing social skills and fitness along with tennis play. Learn more about their programs here.

The YMCA of the Pines offers sleepaway camp experiences and wilderness trips. Learn more about their summer programs through their upcoming open house events. Learn more here.

Save the date for the NHS High School Environmental Club's Second Annual Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 27. This festival includes environmental and energy themed vendors, a judged Plugin Electric Vehicle car show, and earth-friendly food options. 

The Bucks County Audubon Society will host an evening exploration of the croaks, trills and splashes of our local amphibians on Saturday, March 23. Grab your boots and a flashlight and get up close and personal with our local amphibians! The registration cutoff date is March 20, 2024.

The Bucks County Children’s Museum is hosting a FREE parenting event on Thursday, March 14. Physicians from CHOP Pediatrics of Doylestown will be discussing setting limits and self-calming techniques within the context of toddler and preschooler development. Registration is required.

Disclaimer Statement: The information provided in the District’s Community Happenings segment above is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement or recommendation of any specific individual or organization. We offer this platform as a resource for community organizations but cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the details provided.

New Hope-Solebury School District


180 West Bridge Street New Hope, PA 18938


Phone: 215-862-5372

Fax: 215-862-2906

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