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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 Community,
May is a month of many staff appreciation days- and for good reason. As we all know, staff and students alike, May is crunch time for academics, activities, and more. While we speed toward the end of the school year, it is important to reflect back on the year and recognize all the pieces of North Penn who are so essential to our mission.
May 1 was National School Principal’s Day, acknowledging the leaders at our schools who support our teachers and staff while building a positive school community. Our principals create welcoming environments at all 18 schools to ensure students can learn to their full potential.
May 5 was School Lunch Hero Day, honoring the staff members who cook and serve meals to fuel our students through a day of learning. Our school nutrition services department is incredible at creating meals that are delicious, nutritious, and fit within USDA guidelines for school lunches.
May 8-12 was National Teacher Appreciation Week, recognizing the teachers who are the front and center of education. We can all think back on a teacher who inspired us, taught us that lesson we’ll always remember, and who truly cared.
May 10 was National School Nurse Day, celebrating the professionals who keep our students happy and healthy. Our nurses not only tend to the bumps and scrapes from the school day, but are critical in the public health of our schools to ensure a safe working and learning environment for us all.
This is only a small selection of the many staff members who are so vital to the education of our students. Substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, custodians, guidance counselors, administrative professionals, drivers, security officers, and so many more staff members are essential to what we do. To every single member of our North Penn community- thank you. I encourage us all to take time before the end of the year to thank a staff member who has made a difference in your life or the life of your student.
At the end of May will be the annual retirement dinner, a chance for us to recognize and celebrate staff members who have dedicated their years of service to North Penn and our community. We wish you all the best as you begin the next chapter of your lives- you will be missed.
Sincerely,
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Todd M. Bauer, Ed.D.
Superintendent
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Learn more about Grand View Health | |  |
Join the North Penn Alumni Association | | |
Behind the Scenes: Human Resources | |
Like many industries, hiring staff in school districts has been particularly challenging recently. This is evident by the number of teacher certifications issued by the PA Department of Education. According to the 2021-2022 data, a record-low number of teacher certifications were issued. From the total of 5,101 teacher certificates issued, 4,220 were for the graduates of the PA teacher program, and 881 were for out-of-state graduates. We recognize that the teacher shortage has yet to ease up, and we are continuing to speak with current students to engage their interest in education as a profession. We are also working with the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, the University of Pennsylvania - Delaware Valley Consortium for Excellence and Equity in Education, and other higher education institutions to recruit soon-to-graduate candidates and their alums for vacant positions. |  | While recruiting and hiring is an important role that HR plays, another critical responsibility is reviewing concerns from staff and the community when applicable. Depending on the concerns, they may require further review and gathering of information. In particular, due to training of administration, we have received a considerable number of concerns, which necessitates our attention. We are pleased that our administration is taking these concerns seriously and reviewing how to address them. | |
In the North Penn School District, with over 2,500 employees and substitutes across our 18 schools and three buildings, our human resources department is committed to hiring excellent candidates and supporting them to be successful so that they will help optimize the learning experiences of our students throughout the educational journey. | |
We also recognize that recruiting and hiring support staff has been equally challenging. At North Penn, our support staff plays an important role in supporting our staff and students. Certainly, a more creative and innovative way to recruit them is being reviewed and ensuring we have sound training in place for a successful entry into a new position.
We currently have over 100 Guest Teachers working when our teachers are absent and need a substitute teacher. Like our regular substitute teachers, our Guest Teachers work hard to provide continuity in our students’ learning experience, and we appreciate their service.
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Another responsibility is addressing reasonable accommodation requests per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Part of our role is to educate and inform employees of their rights and the process so that we can work collaboratively with them and their supervisors for possible accommodations.
The NPSD HR department recognizes that while we have various responsibilities - ranging from recruiting and hiring to labor relations, performance evaluations, leave of absence, ADA, etc. - they all lead to us supporting the district’s mission: to empower every student to become an independent, adaptable, life-long learner; a creative, innovative, positive, responsible, and contributing citizen; and develop a respect for diversity and appreciation of human differences.
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Community Meetings with Dr. Bauer | | |
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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 June 1 from 6-7 PM or meet in-person at the Lansdale Public Library on May 31 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! | |
The North Penn High School Key Club invites members of the North Penn community to their annual Memorial Day service held in honor and remembrance of fallen NPHS graduates on Monday, May 30 at 11:15 AM in the Memorial Garden at Penndale Middle School, located at the corner of Penn Street and Church Road in Lansdale. All are invited to attend. | |
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Community Education Summer Camps | | |
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Have you signed up for Community Education summer camps yet? There's something for everyone in this year's offerings. Join the Ultimate Frisbee Summer Camp to develop your frisbee skills and play games. Want a summer camp full of STEM activities? Try our Technology Camp or Sphero Robotic Camp! New this year is a Girls Basketball Camp for grades 3-8 to work directly with Knight coaches and players and develop your basketball skills. Register now at the link below. | |
An Eye on Equity
A monthly feature from Dr. Pamula Hart, NPSD Director of Curriculum and Equity
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Over the past two years, we have highlighted the ways in which the North Penn School District supports equitable practices to enhance the experiences of our students and their families. Over the past few months, high school students have begun to demonstrate their own advocacy on behalf of their peers.
North Penn High School seniors Alyssa Charow and Ahnaf Tausif worked alongside juniors Lauren Yoo and Tarun Iyengar to reduce the prices of Advanced Placement (AP) Exams statewide. They recognize that all students should have access to these exams, regardless of their financial situation, and are working to make this a reality.
AP exams are an important part of the college application process, and they can help students earn college credit and save money on tuition. However, the cost of these exams can be a barrier for many students, particularly those from low-income families.
This year, these students raised their concern with the high prices of AP Exams and wondered if the school would be able to fund the exams. They went above and beyond and worked with state representative Steve Malagari to create a legislative bill where the Pennsylvania Department of Education would pay for 80% of the exams and school districts would have the remaining 20% to pay. If the bill passes the prices would reduce from $97 to approximately $20 for all students enrolled in standard AP courses. The hope is to make AP Exams affordable for all students and provide equal opportunity within Pennsylvania. The hope is to have this bill passed in the 2023-2024 school year and fully implemented in the 2024-2025 school year. These students have worked very hard to achieve this goal and benefit education in Pennsylvania.
The students are hoping to go to Harrisburg in June to speak to legislators to encourage them to co-sponsor this bill. Stay tuned!
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Summer Enrichment Opportunities | | |
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To promote continuous learning and engagement over the summer, NPSD is offering opportunities for summer enrichment for all students grades K-6. These offerings are completely optional and designed to complete asynchronously. Activities will begin Monday, July 3, and continue throughout the month of July. Registration is due by June 19. Visit the NPSD website to learn more about these opportunities. | |
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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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! | | | |
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Are you a grandparent raising a grandchild? Are you interested in sharing your experiences or learning more about how to navigate school? Join us for Coffee & Conversation on May 31, 6:30-7:45 PM at the Educational Services Center (401 E Hancock Street, Lansdale). Babysitting will be provided. To RSVP or learn more, please contact Pam Hart, Director of Curriculum & Equity at hartps@npenn.org. | |
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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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The North Penn School District will be holding the Knight of the Arts on Wednesday, May 24 and Thursday, May 25 from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm at North Penn High School. Knight of the Arts is a K-12 art show featuring a multitude of media including drawing, painting, digital photography, sculpture, computer animation, and more.
Students will demonstrate their artistic skills live such as drawing, painting, carving, throwing on the potter’s wheel, digital demonstrations and more throughout the show. Additionally, the high school Fashion Show will display many creative designs from the Family Consumer Sciences (FCS) department, and musical performances from several schools to delight your auditory and visual senses. The show will also offer interactive activities, including face painting and a photo booth.
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Best Communities for Music Education | |
For the 11th year in a row, the North Penn School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation! This award is given to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. Thank you to our incredible music department for providing each North Penn student with a quality music education! | |
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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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