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March news & updates

Volume 13 • Issue 7

Upcoming Events


3/9: Early dismissal- all schools, Elementary parent teacher conferences


3/10: End of 2nd trimester- elementary schools


3/28: Report cards available- elementary schools


3/31: End of 3rd marking period- secondary schools

School Board
View upcoming meeting schedule, how to tune in to meetings and additional resources.

Women's History Month

Since 1910, March 8th has been observed as International Women's Day by people around the World. In 1978, an education task force in Sonoma County, California, kicked off Women's History Week on this day. The goal was to draw attention to the fact that women's history wasn't really included in the K-12 school curriculum. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter declared the week of March 8 Women's History Week across the country. By 1986, 14 states declared the entire month of March as Women's History Month. The following year, Congress declared March Women's History Month.

Learn More

Dear Community...

Dear Community,


I want to apologize up front for being somewhat of a broken record as I once again write to you about the upcoming project to renovate North Penn High School. This month I want to tie the need to reimagine NPHS to the remarkable happenings in our schools that set our school district apart from others in Pennsylvania.


The North Penn School District has elevated expectations for its students. From the Black History Oratorical Competition which you can read about in this newsletter, to spatial computing courses at NPHS which are the only of its kind in the United States, to the hundreds of students who will come out for this spring’s Iron Knights Triathlon, North Penn has long served as an example to other public schools. We have top-notch students, an exceptional staff and an involved and engaged community.


However, our high school facility is no longer a point of pride or an example of modern, efficient and inspiring learning spaces. It has served us well since 1971, and our facilities staff has done an incredible job of keeping NPHS running, but we can do better. No, we must do better for our students and this community.


I am very excited to announce “Bus to North Penn’s Re-imagined Future” being held on Monday, April 3rd which will literally transport community members to the future, from NPHS to Upper Merion High School, an example of what is possible if we reimagine our facility. The day will include a tour of NPHS and then a bus ride to Upper Merion to show everyone what an innovative, collaborative high school looks and feels like. Our architect and NPSD administration will be on hand to answer questions as we tour both buildings. 


Space will be limited but we are also planning to broadcast parts of the day live so others can follow online and, as always, post the video to NPTV afterwards.


More information will be provided at the March work session regarding Bus to North Penn’s Re-imagined Future. Please note that the work session has moved to Monday, March 13th, at 7 p.m. at North Penn High School. This is a very important meeting at which time we will share renovation options and costs. I truly hope to see you there, but if not, please tune in to NPTV on YouTube!


Sincerely,

Todd M. Bauer, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Black History Month Oratorical Competition

Congratulations to the students who competed in the Black History Month Oratorical Competition! North Penn students never fail to impress with their courage to perform in front of a large audience and their amazing speeches from African-American and Black leaders. Congratulations to the winners:


Grades 3-5

  • First Runner Up: Pradhyun Srinivasan 
  • First Place: Saanvi Waghmare

Grades 6-8

  • Second Runner Up: Ria Shankar 
  • First Runner Up: Jyothi Anand
  • First Place: Erick Crawford

Grades 9-12

  • Second Runner Up: David Lyons
  • First Runner Up: Jalynn Grant 
  • First Place: Vedika Deshpande


All the students did an amazing job! NPTV has recorded the competition and can be viewed at the link below.

Watch Video

Learn more about Grand View Health

Join the North Penn Alumni Association

Behind the Scenes: Special Education

The Special Education Department is excited to share the amazing work our students and staff are engaging in at North Penn High School. This year the North Penn High School Special Education Team has re-opened the Practical Assessment and Exploration System (PAES) Lab to support students' post-secondary goals and interests as it relates to job training and job exploration skills. This assessment, which provides data to support IEP teams' decision making processes, has enhanced our Post-12 program offerings and student-specific IEP plans as they relate to student skill sets and interests. With the support of Ms. Vernon, Ms. Oberst, and Dr. Shelly, students can explore areas of career interests, community-based employment, functional skills and develop a portfolio of strengths and barriers to success. The PAES Lab transforms a classroom into a simulated work environment for our North Penn students. We are so excited that our students have access to this essential assessment and exploration classroom to further support their post-secondary goals!

Middle School Musicals

The three NPSD middle schools are holding their Spring musicals this month! Penndale Middle School will be performing Seussical, March 10-11 at 7 PM and March 12 at 2 PM. Pennbrook Middle School will be performing Shrek the Musical, March 9-11 at 7 PM and March 12 at 2 PM. Pennfield Middle School will be performing Rock of Ages, Youth Edition, March 3-4 at 7 PM and March 5 at 2 PM. You won't want to miss out! These students have been working hard to put on an incredible show. Tickets and more information are available at the links below.

Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets
Buy Tickets

Community Meetings with Dr. Bauer

Want to meet with Dr. Bauer and talk one-on-one about important issues in North Penn schools? Two opportunities are coming up! Meet virtually for Community Conversations on March 30 from 12-1 PM or meet in-person at Backyard Beans in Lansdale on March 29 from 2-3 PM for a casual conversation over a cup of coffee. Registration for both events is limited to ensure time for all, so don't wait!

Community Conversations
Caffeinated Conversations

Tree-Plenish Sapling Sale

Get ready for spring with the ENACT Club's sapling sale! For $5, you will get a 2-3 foot sapling of your choice, bare root, and ready for planting. The trees will help the ENACT Club offset energy usage at North Penn High School and add greenery to the community. Order your sapling before March 22, and pick it up on April 22! To learn more or order your sapling, visit the link below.

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An Eye on Equity
A monthly feature from Dr. Pamula Hart, NPSD Director of Curriculum and Equity

Holidays and Celebrations

We are so fortunate to live in a diverse community where families celebrate a wide range of holidays throughout the year. During the month of March, students and their families will celebrate and observe:


  • Purim, a Jewish holiday that begins on March 6
  • Holi, a Hindu tradition that will be celebrated on March 8
  • Ramadan, the month-long Muslim holiday that begins on March 22


Recognizing that there are many members of our community that are not familiar with these holidays and their traditions, our hope is for the community to honor their own family's cultural and religious practices while respecting the beliefs and cultures of all.


Children notice differences and often wonder about them, but they may not always ask questions. During a time of talking about holidays and celebrations of all cultures, we have a chance to open up discussions about differences and give children a chance to develop an understanding of why people have different beliefs and practices. Some ways for children to learn about holidays with their families are to:


  • Meet People: Talking with adults and children who celebrate different holidays can be a wonderful way to understand the facts of a holiday as well as how it is practiced and celebrated
  • Do Activities: Doing a craft, game, or activity from a holiday celebration helps children explore and experience different holidays in an age-appropriate way
  • Attend Events: Many groups invite others in the community to celebrate with them during the holidays. Consider taking your child to some local holiday celebrations.
  • Reading Books: Reading holiday books to your children can be beneficial to you both, as you will have the opportunity to learn along with your child if you do not know much about the holiday. This also provides a chance to explain your own beliefs and tradition and answer your child's questions.

Kindergarten Registration Now Open

Kindergarten registration for the 2023-2024 school year is now open! Students must be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2023 to enter kindergarten in the 2023-2024 school year. To learn more and get started, visit the North Penn website.

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NPSD Business Office Wins Award

The North Penn business office has won the Association of School Business Officials' Meritorious Budget Award for the 8th year in a row! This award is given to schools for a commitment to fiscal integrity and transparency in the budgeting process. Last year only 8 school districts in Pennsylvania, including North Penn, earned this award. All budget information can be reviewed on Board Docs and the community is encouraged to attend and view Finance Committee meetings to learn more about the budgeting process.

You Could Save Up to $731 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!
Learn More + See if You're Eligible

Community Bulletin Board

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.


Learn More
Learn More and Apply now

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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