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Dear Community,
January is School Director Recognition Month. It is a time we set aside each year to honor the nine members of our school board who tirelessly devote their time and expertise to the North Penn School District.
Our elected officials spend countless hours reviewing budgets, approving curriculum and textbook choices, reviewing hiring decisions, adopting policy, and evaluating the academic and operational results of the district. They are our neighbors, friends and community leaders doing a necessary job for the benefit of our children.
As we continue to celebrate the success stories in our schools, let's not forget our elected school directors who play a significant role in creating the environment where those successes can happen.
Sincerely,
Curtis R. Dietrich, Ed.D.
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Have you downloaded the NPSD Mobile App yet?
Scan to download or search "North Penn School District" in your App Store or Google Play Store.
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Do You Want to See YOUR School Highlighted in North Penn E-Matters?
With 18 awesome schools, we do our best to cover all of the great things going on in the North Penn School District. If your school has a charity fundraiser, unique assembly program, interesting classroom project, fun spirit day, etc. coming up, we want to hear about it!
Please send information about upcoming events including WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN & WHY to NPSD Communications and Development Specialist, Kaity Andrey at andreykm@npenn.org.
Do you have great photos of past events that you'd like to share with us? Upload photos of school events to our
Phanfare
page!
Click here to upload.
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North Penn School District Board of School Directors Appoints New Member, Patrick McGee Jr.
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The North Penn School District Board of School Directors welcomes newest member Patrick McGee Jr. who was appointed by the board on Thursday, January 5 to fill the vacant position left by Carolyn Murphy until the election in November 2017. Patrick McGee was sworn in at a meeting held on Monday, January 9. Congratulations!
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Moody's Investor Services Upgrades North Penn SD PA's GO to Aa1 from Aa2
Moody's Investors Service has assigned an Aa1 rating to North Penn School District, PA's $17.8 million General Obligation Bonds, Series A of 2017 and $20 million General Obligation Bonds, Series of 2017. Concurrently, Moody's has upgraded the North Penn School District, PA's outstanding General Obligation debt to Aa1 from Aa2 and revised the outlook to stable from positive. The A3 enhanced rating on the Series of 2015 bonds has been affirmed.
"The district was thrilled to learn of the bond rating upgrade from Aa2 to Aa1 by Moody's," said Steve Skrocki, NPSD Director of Business Administration.
The rating upgrade puts North Penn in elite company as only 19 school districts in the state (out of 500) have a rating of Aa1 or better. The rating upgrade was able to save the taxpayers of the North Penn community $500,000 in the recent borrowing for the Montgomery Elementary School renovation/new construction project.
"The rating upgrade provides independent confirmation that NPSD is financially sound and well positioned for future fiscal challenges," said Skrocki. "This is a credit to the School Board for prudent fiscal planning."
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York Avenue 1st Graders "Ruff" to Read
In December 2016, first grade students from York Elementary read with Petie and his owner Wendy Keller from the volunteer organization Therapy Dogs International. By sitting down next to a dog and reading to the dog, all threats of being judged are put aside. The child relaxes, pets the attentive dog and focuses on the reading. Reading improves because the child is practicing the skill of reading, building self-esteem, and associating reading with something pleasant.
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Spring 2017 Classes
Now Open for Registration!
The North Penn School District Community Education Program offers a variety of learning and recreational experiences for people of all ages. From sports and fitness to music, theater and cooking classes, there's something for everyone in this year's Community Education Program.
Click here to view the Spring 2017 Course Catalog.
To register in person, please visit the Community Education Department Monday through Friday from 8am-4pm at the Educational Services Center, located at 401 E. Hancock St. in Lansdale.
For more information, please call the Community Education office at 215-853-1028 or 215-853-1029.
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Snowing?
Where to find school closing & delay information...
Although the weather outside has not been so frightful, snow is bound to hit NPSD this winter. During these times, NPSD Superintendent Curt Dietrich is very busy consulting with various school district departments, other school districts and weather outlets to assess conditions and whether school needs to be delayed, dismissed or cancelled. It is not an easy job.
On snowy mornings, Dr. Dietrich (if he sleeps at all) is awake for a conference call before 5 a.m. It is NPSD's hope that school delays and closings will be decided and posted via district communication channels by 5:30 a.m. In some challenging situations, that may not happen but the decision is always made as soon as possible.
It is important to note that district communication channels are always updated first. Thus, in the event of inclement weather tune into North Penn Television (NPTV) on Comcast Cable channel 28 and Verizon FiOS channel 29 for the fastest information concerning delays and closings. You can also download the NPSD mobile app to receive notifications on your mobile phone. The NPSD Mobile App is available for Apple and Android devices. You can also visit our website atwww.npenn.org, "Like" NPSD on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NorthPennSD or follow NPSD on Twitterat www.twitter.com/NPSD.
Local radio and television stations are also notified but NPSD cannot guarantee the timeliness of their posting of the information. TheWNPV 1440 AM school closing number for NPSD is 303.
When snow arrives while students are already in school, Dr. Dietrich's job is just as challenging. The same process of information gathering and consulting with others is used. In situations when schools are dismissed early, all of the above-mentioned communication tools are used in addition to using the School Messenger program. Because of this, it is very important to keep your contact information up to date with your school's office.
For more detailed information about inclement weather notification, turn to your 2016-2017 Activities Calendar.
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GO-TIME Launches myCOMPASS PA
Governor Wolf's Office of Transformation, Innovation, Management and Efficiency (GO-TIME) and the Department of Human Services (DHS) have launched a mobile app for Pennsylvanians who have applied for or receive assistance benefits called myCOMPASS PA.
"Since the inception of GO-TIME, state agencies and employees have continued to develop new and exciting ways to make Pennsylvania's government work more efficiently," said Governor Wolf. "The myCOMPASS PA mobile app is another way in which my administration is providing quality customer service while modernizing state government operations throughout the commonwealth."
Once implemented, myCOMPASS PA is estimated to save an average of $3.2 million per year in the years following implementation by reducing mail processing time, manual information entry, call center calls, postage, and printing.
Read more...
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December NPSD Board of School Directors Meetings
To view agenda attachments and minutes from past meetings, please click here.
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The school store is now online!
Stock up on all your NPHS apparel by ordering online. To visit the School Store's website, please click
here.
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Stay up to date with the latest news, events and highlights from North Penn School District |
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In an effort to improve communications, the district has created "Say What" to provide people with a place to get answers to questions and to address rumors and inaccurate information that sometimes circulates throughout the community.
Click on the logo
to check out NPTV's
media library. New content
added daily!
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We want to hear from you! If you have a suggestion for a story idea or have comments, please email
andreykm@npenn.org.
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Kindergarten Registration: March 22 - April 4
NOW IS THE TIME TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT!
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Centralized Kindergarten Registration for students entering Kindergarten in September 2017 will be held March 22 through April 4 and slots are filling up fast! Now is the time to book your appointment. Students must be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2017. Our school policy does not allow exceptions to this date.
The following MUST be brought to your appointment or you will need to reschedule, no exceptions:
- Your child
- Completed registration packet
- Proof of child's age
- Proof of residency
- Child's immunization records
- Additional forms may be required depending on your individual situation, please see link below for details
For more information about the documents above and to make an appointment, please
click here. If you have any questions, please contact the district registrar's office at 215-853-1086 or registration@npenn.org.
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NPHS FBLA Team Members Advance to States
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The NPHS Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) had a very busy day at the Regional Leadership Conference on Thursday, December 8.
NPHS school hosted the Regional Leadership Conference for the Future Business Leaders in Region 20. This is the beginning of the competitive event process. Student members have the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and ability in various business-related events.
Students from 14 schools in Montgomery County competed at the FBLA Regional Competition for a total of 550 students overall who competed in all three areas. NPHS had 53 students place high enough in their event to qualify to compete at the State Leadership Conference held in Hershey, PA April 2nd through 5th. The North Penn FBLA is advised by business teacher Linda Westerlund, who also serves as Pennsylvania FBLA Region 20 Advisor.
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Congratulations to Dr. Dietrich's 2016-2017 Superintendent's Honor Roll Award Recipients
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Each school year, staff members throughout the North Penn School District have an opportunity to recognize their colleagues for their hard work and dedication both in and out of the classroom by nominating them for the prestigious rank of Dr. Dietrich's Superintendent's Honor Roll Award. Dr. Dietrich and an anonymous committee then review the large number of submissions and select the top candidates which stand out amongst the rest as true superstars of the North Penn School District. These recipients are selected in recognition of high level job performance and the impact that they have on their colleagues, school, community and most importantly, students.
Congratulations to this year's winners!
You may read their full award description and view photos of award presentations by clicking their names.
Band Teacher at Penndale Middle School
Head Custodian at Gwyn-Nor Elementary School
Guidance Counselor at Pennbrook Middle School
5th Grade Teacher at Oak Park Elementary School
To watch the unforgettable moment when this year's and previous years' winners received their awards,
click here.
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NPSD Now Accepting Applications for
2017 Class of Knights of Honor
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 The NPSD is now accepting applications for the 2017 class of North Penn Knights of Honor.
During the 2015-2016 school year as part of the North Penn School District's 50th Anniversary Celebration, the district introduced the Knights of Honor Program. The purpose of this newly formed "Hall of Fame" is to recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to the school district, community and/or their chosen career, and therefore bring great honor to the NPSD. The program is designed to recognize notable North Penn community members, former staff members and alumni who have brought honor and outstanding service to the district. The goal is to pay tribute to these important people and their contributions, but to also inspire others to follow in their footsteps.
On Wednesday, November 23 in the North Penn High School Auditorium, five outstanding individuals were inducted into the NPSD's inaugural class of the North Penn Knights of Honor.
The five inductees include June Browne, Jim Finnemeyer, Steve Frederick, Dr. Davis Giersch and Dr. Michael Haynie.
The NPSD is now in search of our next class of honorees for the 2017 class. For information, guidelines and nomination application, please visit
www.npenn.org/knightsofhonor. Nominations are due by March 1, 2017.
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NPSD Partners with the Drexel University Society of Women Engineers to Host Engineering Night for Girls
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NPSD invites girls in grades seven through nine to join the Drexel University Society of Women Engineers at NPSD's Engineering Night for Girls on February 7 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Auxiliary Gym at NPHS.
This innovative program will offer NPSD students an opportunity to hear from five ambitious and well-accomplished female students in the Drexel Engineering Program. NPSD students will participate in hands-on activities and small group discussions while learning about six different types of engineering including biomedical, civil, materials, chemical, electrical and mechanical.
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NPHS in Search of Community Partners for Newly Formed Career Apprenticeship Program
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Teachers, guidance counselors and administrators at NPHS are diligently working to create a career-focused, credit-bearing learning opportunity for rising seniors at North Penn and they need your help!
At the start of the 2016-2017 school year, NPHS Special Education and Math teacher, Mr. Dominic Calamia, partnered with NPHS College and Career Counselor, Mr. Pat Brett, and guidance counselors at North Penn to create a summer course geared towards the career interests of incoming seniors.
The Career Apprenticeship Program at North Penn will offer rising seniors the opportunity to explore career interests in a hands-on manner by working at an off-campus location to complete an internship-like program during the summer months for 0.5 credits toward graduation. In order to offer this, NPHS would like to establish partnerships with local businesses/corporations that will accept a student(s) into their workplace and provide them the opportunity to authentically observe, learn and meaningfully participate in a professional career path they hope to pursue. The program will utilize supervision by both a NPHS supervisor and a community sponsor.
Read more...
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NPHS Theatre Fall Show Qualifies for International Thespian Festival
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The North Penn School District is proud to announce that the NPHS Theatre Department's fall show, She Stoops to Conquer, has been selected as one of six shows to be performed on the Kimball Main Stage during the International Thespian Festival in mid-June in Lincoln, Nebraska.
This past fall, She Stoops to Conquer was not only presented in the NPHS auditorium, but also traveled to the Pennsylvania State Thespian Conference at Central York High School where it was performed to much acclaim on the evening of December 2 for over 1,000 Thespian delegates and their directors from across the state. That "States" performance was also adjudicated by representatives from the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), parent to the International Thespian Society, as one of at least 45 other productions from the United States and Canada for an invitation to perform at the International Thespian Festival at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln in June 2017.
On December 22, Mrs. Andrea Roney, NPHS Theatre Director and Thespian Troupe Advisor, received a congratulatory invitation from Nancy Brown, Festival Director, that NPHS had been selected as one of six shows to be performed on the Kimball Main Stage during the International Thespian Festival.
Read more...
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North Penn High School Student Named 2017 Montgomery County Youth Hero
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 The North Penn School District is proud to recognize NPHS senior Madeline Payne for being named the 2017 Montgomery County Youth Hero by the American Red Cross.
The award honors individuals who truly exhibit the spirit of humanitarianism by showing courage, kindness and unselfish character through their acts of heroism in our community. It is presented by the Montgomery County Leadership Council, a group of local professionals who volunteer to raise funds and awareness for the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania. There are seven categories in which award recipients can be nominated, including Good Samaritan, First Responders, Give Life, Community Partner and Youth Hero.
Madeline is a senior at NPHS and serves as Vice President of the NPHS Key Club. She was nominated in the fall by Key Club Advisor, Linda Law, in the "Youth Hero" category for her work with the homeless in Philadelphia.
Read more...
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NPSD Parade Band Travels to Waikiki, HI for Special Performances
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On November 20th, 2017, 197 North Penn band and color guard students in grades nine through 12 along with eight staff members, eight chaperones and 140 family members traveled to Waikiki, HI for a very special series of performances. The ensemble marched in the annual Waikiki Parade, this year commemorating the 75th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor. The North Penn performance ensemble, known as the NPSD Parade Band, was created specific to this event. In addition to the parade, the students performed two concerts of patriotic music at Pearl Harbor, one outside the USS Missouri, the other across from the Arizona Memorial.
North Penn's invitation to perform at this most prestigious event came three years ago as the parade organizers saw the North Penn Marching Knights perform at a band competition in Annapolis, MD. The trip took more than two years to coordinate and is the largest trip in the band's history. Thirty-eight bands from across the US and Canada traveled to Hawaii for this event including eight bands from the Hawaiian Islands and 30 from the Mainland.
Congratulations to the NP Parade Band for proudly representing the NPSD through all of their exception performances. Click here to see a video of the band performing in Hawaii from the NPSD Facebook Page.
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Harlem Wizards to Return to NPHS for
Rematch Against NP Dream Team
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The Harlem Wizards are once again traveling to NPHS to take on The North Penn Dream Team, an All-Star cast of NPSD employees and alumni on Saturday, January 28th at 7:00 p.m.
Hosted by the NPHS Booster Club, the evening promises to be an outrageously entertaining event that is great for audiences of all ages. The Wizards vs. Dream Team game will offer a fun-packed two hours of family time where parents, grandparents and kids of all ages can laugh together. The Harlem Wizards are known to utilize their unique mission to "create awe-inspiring events throughout the country" as they entertain fans with amazing basketball talent combined with hilarious comedy. When you're in the stands at Wizards game, you're more than a spectator; you're part of the show with loads of audience participation. Throughout the game, fans will experience a magical display of tricks, coordinated ball handling, fancy passing and aerodynamic athleticism combined with high-energy comedy and audience interaction. The experience can only be summed up in two words: Awe-Inspiring!
Tickets are $12 and can be purchased by
clicking here. Please note that tickets are sold online-only. Please use the "Print at Home" option and bring your printed ticket to the game for entry.
For more information, please contact NPHS Director of Student Activities Kyle Berger at bergerkg@npenn.org.
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NP Dream Team vs. Harlem Wizards, January 2016
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Community Conversations with Dr. Curt Dietrich
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The NPSD is excited to once again offer its families and community members the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Superintendent Dr. Curtis Dietrich. Community Conversations, a series of informal meetings with the district's superintendent, gives attendees the opportunity to talk freely about the important issues involving NPSD schools.
The next session is scheduled for Thursday, February 23 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Educational Services Center, located at 401 E. Hancock St. in Lansdale.
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December North Penn News Update
from NPTV
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North Penn Television (NPTV) students produce updates on what was happening around the NPSD during the month of December.
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December 2016 Monthly Update
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To see more from NPTV, check out
our
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