|
Dear North Penn,
Well that’s a wrap - another school year has ended and summer awaits us! Though filled with ups and downs, I truly believe it was a year in which we made significant progress toward accomplishing our goals of ensuring belonging, elevating learning, engaging community and exceeding expectations.
First, this year we received direction from the North Penn community on how to address the significant needs of an aging North Penn High School. NPHS will remain a 10 through 12 building and work has been ongoing since January to transform the building and to address the serious needs. This will include improved accessibility, updated educational spaces, improved student/staff circulation, lighting and HVAC and expanded space for our performing arts programs. Plans were presented to the NPSD Board of School Directors on June 4th. You can watch the presentation and view the slides here. The school board will vote on the schematic design at the June 20th meeting.
This year, and most recently, we also worked to turn setbacks into opportunities in regard to school safety. In particular, after a very disturbing situation in a middle school, our efforts toward school safety became even more focused. Throughout the summer, we will work tirelessly to ensure a safe and supportive environment for students and staff, where our students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally. This will remain a top priority throughout the summer and we will continue to engage our community in the process.
And of course this year, more than 13,000 students collectively and individually had successes and challenges. Our kindergarteners adjusted to school life as many of our middle school students attempted algebra for the first time.
I also want to offer congratulations and well wishes to those who are leaving us this year. Congratulations to the NPHS Class of 2024! Commencement is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication and I know that the content and lessons that you’ve learned here in North Penn will serve you well as you move to make the world a better place. To our 2024 retirees, thank you! Thank you for all that you poured into our school community and for the impact that you’ve had on the children and families of the North Penn School District.
As I finish another school year as your superintendent, I want to thank you for trusting in me to lead this incredible school district. I am both grateful and humbled by the opportunity.
Have a safe, healthy and awesome summer.
Sincerely,
| | |
Todd M. Bauer, Ed.D.
Superintendent
| | | |
|
Pride Month was initially inspired by the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, and works to achieve equal justice and opportunity for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning) Americans. The purpose of the month is to recognize the impact that LGBTQ individuals have had on society locally, nationally, and internationally. | |
The annual IronKnights Triathlon was held on May 18, challenging North Penn students K-6 to run, bike, and swim and do their personal best (even in the rain). Thank you to the amazing teams who make this event happen- parents, volunteers, and the incredible NPSD PE teachers who put on this event every year! The IronKnights Triathlon is a great demonstration of the lessons taught in gym class every day: to work hard, persevere, and have fun while doing it. As the shirts say, you don't have to win, you just have to tri! | | |
|
The North Penn School District has installed communication boards at all thirteen elementary school playgrounds in the district! The boards are designed to help students with language barriers or communication differences talk to each other about playground activities, emotions, and more. The boards feature picture “buttons” of actions, items, emotions, and questions that help students with communication differences play and interact with each other. For example, a student can point to the image for a slide and ask a peer to go play on the slide with them. This project was made possible by a grant funded by the NPSD Educational Foundation. To learn more, watch the video linked below. | |
An Eye on Equity
A monthly feature from Dr. Pamula Hart, NPSD Director of Curriculum and Equity
| |
Last week our students officially transitioned to summer vacation. Although the months of June, July, and August are often thought of as the time of year when students take a break from school, many families rely on the structure, support, and services that the school district provides. With this in mind, North Penn has established a variety of ways to stay connected to our students and their families during the "break". | |
|
NPSD's School Nutrition Services provides daily FREE lunch starting Monday, June 17 at 4 North Penn community locations! Daily lunch includes an entreé, vegetables, and milk. Free lunch is available to any child 18 and younger, as well as those over 18 who are in school programs for those with mental or physical disabilities, including the Post-12 program.
Times & Locations (weekdays only):
-Hatfield Park (Dog Park Parking Lot), 1950 School Road, Hatfield, 10:45-11:15AM
-A.M. Kulp Elementary School, 801 Cowpath Road, Hatfield, 11:30-12 Noon
-Oak Park Elementary School, 500 Squirrel Ln, Lansdale, 12:15-12:45 PM
-Inglewood Elementary School, 1313 Allentown Road, Lansdale, 1:00-1:30PM
Children must be present to receive a free meal. Limit one lunch per child per day. Fresh produce is offered when available.
There are several other ways to get access to free meals this summer. To learn more, click the link below.
| |
|
Elementary Virtual Enrichment Program
Program designed for students in grades K-6 to reinforce and strengthen grade level standards and skills to accelerate learning in all subject areas. Students access work via Canvas during the month of July. New content is posted on Mondays. Also available is Freckle, a personalized learning pathway, as well as opportunities for engagement through live Read Alouds with North Penn staff.
SPARK- Summer Program for Academic Readiness for Knights
This program is designed for students in grades K-6 to reinforce and strengthen foundational skills in reading and math. This program provides a boost for students who need additional practice and time to develop these skills.
Elementary ELD Summer Program
This program is designed to reinforce and strengthen newly acquired English language skills for newcomer/beginner English Learner students entering grades 1-6.
| | |
|
You Could Save Up to $877 through NPSD Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program | Are you eligible? Do you know someone who is? Learn more and help us spread the word about this program! | | |
All 13 elementary schools across the North Penn School District participated in Olympic Day on May 24, an all-day competition of games, relays, and teamwork. Students had a day of fun-filled physical activity and friendly competition, working together and challenging themselves. Thank you to all the NPSD staff and volunteers for making this day a success! | | |
|
|
Have you checked out the digital Community Bulletin Board lately? It's a great place to find events for you, your family, and more! Come and learn about the latest events in the North Penn. Interested in having your fliers included on the board? Groups that are registered non-profits can find instructions on the webpage to submit their fliers.
| | |
|
|
We need your help. Every school district across the state is experiencing a shortage of substitute teachers, which can impact student learning. If you have a four-year degree and enjoy working with children and teens, you can help us by joining the North Penn School District as a substitute teacher!
In addition to paying the highest rate in the county (starting at $180 per day; $170/day for guest teachers), we also provide great flexibility regarding daily assignments. You can share your availability and work as it fits your schedule. We will also provide training!
| | | | | |