100-Year Celebration For Bensalem High School

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —With classes starting Monday, Patch posed five questions to Schools Superintendent Samuel Lee about the 2023-2024 school year. The new year also marks the 100-th anniversary of Bensalem High School.

Lee joined the Bensalem Township School District in July 2015. He had previously served as superintendent of the Bristol Township School District since 2010.

See the superintendent's responses below:

1. How excited are you about a new school year starting up?

I am always excited and optimistic about the beginning of school. It is our “New Year!” Always great to reconnect with students, families, and colleagues.

2. What are the biggest challenges the district faces this year?

We hope to build on the many student achievements, accomplishments, and successes by providing world-class opportunities and support for our kids and community. This is in a financially responsible way.

3. What are you most proud of that you accomplished in the past year?

• Enhanced focus on the science of reading through successful implementation of a comprehensive K-8 English Language Arts (ELA) platform.
• Implementation of Illustrative Math at the middle levels.
• Continued focus and supports for our English language learners and special learners.
• Advancement and refinement of our MTSS platform in all schools, including our ELA and Math learning centers at Bensalem High School and a coordinated academic system of support. MTSS is a multi-tiered system of supports. It is a proactive and preventative framework that integrates data and instruction to maximize student achievement and support students social, emotional, and behavior needs from a strengths-based perspective.
• Our Class of 2023 graduates earned 235 career and academy pathways micro-credentials.
• Unified Special Olympics program district-wide.
• Administration reorganization enhancing function, efficiency, and economy.

4. What stands out most that will be new for students/teachers/staff for the upcoming school year?

• This year, Bensalem High School celebrates its 100th anniversary. Sept. 23 is our kick-off event.
• Expanded dual enrollment opportunities for Bensalem High School students at Holy Family University and Bucks County Community College.
• Rush Elementary is celebrating 60 years.

5. What should parents expect from the district?

Continued commitment to student success and well-being and collaboration to provide the very best experience for all of our students.