Dear Pennsbury Community,
I hope you are enjoying your summer break. We are busy preparing for the return of almost 10,000 students on September 3 (orientation for students in grades K, 6, and 9 is on September 2). As is our tradition, teacher assignments and class schedules will be available on the third Thursday of August (Aug 21). Details will be shared in mid-August.
This year, we are excited to usher in two new changes: New secondary start times and the planned construction of a new Pennsbury High School. These changes reflect more than logistical updates—they represent our shared values as a district and a community that make Pennsbury such a special place to live, learn, and work.
Supporting Student Wellness with New Start Times
After several years of study and discussion, this fall, Pennsbury Middle Schools and Pennsbury High School will follow new start times:
We are committed to closely monitoring the impact of this change on our students, staff, and families. In addition to tracking key indicators such as attendance, punctuality, and academic performance, we will also gather feedback through surveys conducted in the fall and again in spring 2026.
Investing in Our Future: A New Pennsbury High School
Equally significant is our plan to build a new Pennsbury High School. In the fall of 2023, the Pennsbury School District Board of Directors approved a comprehensive plan to replace the district's aging high school facilities with a modern, unified campus that will serve students and the community for decades to come. The first construction bids are scheduled for release this December, followed by formal project approvals. Construction crews are expected to break ground in the spring of 2026, and the doors of the new PHS are anticipated to open in the fall of 2029. You can find detailed FAQs, financial information, and a construction timeline on the "Pennsbury High School Project" page under the "Community" tab at www.pennsburysd.org.
We recognize that building a new high school entails a substantial financial commitment. The district is committed to managing this responsibility wisely. Please look out for details about the ACT 34 hearing scheduled for September 4, which will detail the financing and cost of the project.
Rooted in Tradition. Ready for Tomorrow.
What makes our District truly special is something that extends beyond the walls of our classrooms – it is the people of Pennsbury. Generations of families have called Pennsbury home. Many of our graduates return to teach in our schools, run local businesses, serve on community boards, and raise the next generation of Falcons. That kind of loyalty and pride is remarkable, and it doesn't happen by accident—it's built through shared experiences and a commitment to something bigger than ourselves.
I would like to thank all of our families, alumni, staff, and community members. Your continued partnership, input, and support make everything we do possible. I look forward to working together throughout this school year—and beyond—as we shape a future that lives up to our proud past.
Enjoy the remaining weeks of summer!
Sincerely,
Thomas A. Smith, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
tsmith@pennsburysd.org
215-428-4111
