Re-Imagine North Penn High School Update | |
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All NPSD families are encouraged to participate in conversations regarding renovations to North Penn High School.
Renovating NPHS must occur due to the age and condition of the building and the financial challenges to operate it. But to what extent NPHS will be transformed is still to be determined. Two options are currently being discussed.
Option one takes care of the infrastructure needs of the building, but also re-imagines NPHS to be a modern, flexible school with common areas, allowing for improved collaboration and learning. This option brings with it a unique opportunity to move ninth graders to the high school campus creating expanded opportunities for those students. A electoral debt referendum is required to fund this option.
Option two updates the school’s infrastructures including electrical, plumbing and lighting, and the layout of NPHS would remain similar to what it has looked like when it opened in 1971. Ninth grade students would remain at the middle schools.
To help community members better understand the needs of NPHS and how it could be transformed, tours are being held throughout the fall. To learn more, click here.
It is important that the entire North Penn community be informed and knowledgeable about the options, the estimated costs, and the serious physical needs at NPHS. Please visit the NPSD Re-Imagine website to learn more about the historic decision that is before the community, one that will shape the future of the North Penn School District.
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NPSD is offering behind-the-scenes tours of North Penn High School to help residents be more informed about the renovation conversations taking place while highlighting the facility needs of NPHS. Tours will be conducted by Pete Nicholson, Administrator of Secondary Education and Renovations. Tours are open and free to the public, no registration required. To learn more and view the tour schedule, please click the link below. | | |
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As discussions surrounding the upcoming renovations to North Penn High School continue, all information can be found at the new Re-Imagine NPHS website. To view timelines, videos, FAQs, and more please visit the link below. | |
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Dear North Penn,
It is with great enthusiasm and a sense of responsibility that this month’s letter addresses important meetings taking place this month that will help shape the future of NPSD and the North Penn community.
You've heard a lot about the needed renovations at North Penn High School and now it's time to learn about specific referendum plans. During the October 10 Worksession, the School Board heard final costs and design plans for Option 1 - which is to bring 9th graders to NPHS and renovate and expand the existing NPHS. Then, on Thursday, October 19 at 7 pm at the ESC, the Board will vote to move these plans to an electoral debt referendum in January.
I urge everyone to stay informed and know the facts about the plans being discussed and how they impact the future of NPSD for years to come. The decision we make in the upcoming months will have a profound impact on our schools, how we educate our children, and our collective future.
To make an informed decision, I encourage you to:
- Attend school board meetings (in-person or virtually) and the community forum being planned for December 5th to learn more about the issue being faced at NPHS and throughout our schools.
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Seek information from reimaginenphs.org to understand the differences between the options.
- Engage in respectful discussions with fellow residents to gain insights and perspectives.
- Encourage your friends and neighbors to be engaged and informed.
Again, please mark your calendars for the upcoming meetings and if you cannot attend in person, the meetings will be televised live on the NPTV YouTube Channel and added to the library for later viewing.
Thank you for your dedication to our community and its future.
Sincerely,
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Todd M. Bauer, Ed.D.
Superintendent
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Did you know that North Penn High School added a course in American Sign Language (ASL) this year? ASL is the predominant sign language of deaf communities in the US and most of Canada, and is a complete and organized visual language that is expressed by both manual and non-manual features. There are no prerequisites to take the class, American Sign Language I. North Penn High School students can sign up for the course during course selection later in the school year. | | |
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Nominations for the Class of 2024 Knights of Honor are now open! Do you know someone of honor? Knights of Honor celebrates alumni, former employees, and community members who have made a significant impact on NPSD and the community. | | |
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To continue engaging with families and community members, Dr. Bauer will be holding monthly "Community Conversations" to speak one-on-one about important issues in the NPSD. This month's meeting will be held in-person at Knapp Elementary on Tuesday, October 24 from 9:30-10:30 AM. Please note ID is required to enter our schools. Registration is required to ensure time for all to speak, so don't wait! This meeting time doesn't work for you? This year meetings will be held virtually, in-person at several schools across the district, and at a variety of times to make sure anyone in the community who wants to attend can do so. | |
An Eye on Equity
A monthly feature from Dr. Pamula Hart, NPSD Director of Curriculum and Equity
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Meeting the Needs of our English Language and Multilingual Learners | |
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The North Penn School District is deeply committed to supporting English Language and Multilingual Learners and ensuring their success in our educational system. We recognize the unique linguistic and cultural backgrounds that these students and their families bring to our schools, and we value the diversity they contribute to our learning community.
By providing the English language and multilingual learners with the necessary tools, resources, and support they can thrive academically, linguistically, and socially. We believe that by embracing and celebrating linguistic diversity, we create a rich learning environment that benefits all students and prepares them for success in an interconnected world.
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Languages Spoken
We currently have 3,382 students that speak a language other than English. Currently NPSD has 1,056 English learners as of September 2023.
Number of languages spoken: over 80!
Most common languages: Spanish, Arabic, Bengali, Mandarin, Gujarati, Hindi, Korean, Vietnamese
- During the 2015-2016 school year we had 450 English learners
- At the start of the 2021-2022 school year we had approximately 800 English learners
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Support for Multilingual Students and Families
We offer comprehensive English Language Development (ELD) programs that are designed to meet the unique needs of each student. These programs focus on building language skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, while also incorporating content from other subject areas to promote academic growth. In addition to the school based programming, we also offer an elementary ELD summer program for students in grades K-6 and ELD support for secondary summer school.
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Family Engagement
We recognize the importance of involving families in the education of the English language and multilingual families. We actively engage with parents and guardians, providing them with information and resources to support their child's language development and academic progress.
- Yearly ELD Family and Community Night: most recently held 10/5/23, more than 50 families attended this event
- English for Everyday course from the Community Education Program
To enhance the communication between families and each school, translations are available in many forms:
- Transperfect- verbal and written communications
- Talking Points- text communications for parents/guardians and families
- Smore Newsletters- sent weekly by principals and can be translated
- NPSD Website- language switch dropdown menu
- Contracted district in-person translators for registration, meetings, and some school events
- Translated Documents
- Healthcare/vaccine/dental resources as well as free and reduced lunch documents
- Documents related to a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP)
By embracing and celebrating linguistic diversity, we create a rich learning environment that benefits all students and prepares them for success in an interconnected world.
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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! | | |
Mental Health and Wellness Resource Fair | | |
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The North Penn School District is hosting a Mental Health and Wellness Resource Fair to help families, community members, and employees connect with resources for the whole self. The fair will be held Wednesday, November 1, 2023 from 6-8 pm in the Pennbrook Middle School gym (1201 North Wales Road, North Wales). Experts, including mental health providers, wellness coaches, nutritionists, fitness trainers, and more will be at the fair to provide information, resources, and/or interactive sessions to help with all aspects of a person’s health. The event is free for all to attend. | | |
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Dr. Bauer has launched a new podcast, "Educating with E's." This podcast aims to provide a platform for in-depth conversations with students, teachers, and individuals dedicated to fostering success and growth within the NPSD community. "Educating with E's" is a must-listen resource for educators, parents, students, and the community at large. Dr. Bauer's charge to the school community for the 2023-24 school year surrounds the 4 “E’s”- Elevate Learning, Ensure Belonging, Engage Community, and Exceed Expectations. Episode 1-3 are out now, available wherever you listen to podcasts and video streaming on NPTV's YouTube channel. | | |
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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.
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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!
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