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Dear North Penn,
It has been a month since the NPSD special election when voters cast their ballot on the future of North Penn High School. Although I have expressed my disappointment in the fact that the referendum failed, I am enthused and optimistic about the preliminary research and work that is currently being done to plan for renovations and additions that will address many of the issues facing NPHS.
In fact, the day after the election, January 17th, NPSD administration, our architects, engineers, and construction manager rolled up our sleeves and began to develop what the new plan for NPSD would be. In a short amount of time, we have looked at expanding hallways and common areas, adding classrooms, updating fields, improving music spaces, reconfiguring pods and more. While we will not be adding 9th grade to the high school, we look forward to the renovations we can complete and creating a school that not only meets today’s needs, but for generations to come.
From now until the end of the school year we will be finalizing ideas and financials for NPHS and continuing our search for a new location for the bus garage. This summer and into the fall, we should be ready to show preliminary designs to staff, students and community members to gather input and make revisions. All the while during this process, updates will be provided at the School Board’s Facilities & Operations Committee meetings. The schedule for those and for all board meetings can be found here.
Our mission to provide a state-of-the-art facility for our students and staff remains unchanged, as does our projected start time of the summer of 2025. As exciting as this sounds, I know there is much feedback to gain and work to be done. I look forward to the process and know that together we will create a new North Penn High School that expands the greatness of our community.
Sincerely,
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Todd M. Bauer, Ed.D.
Superintendent
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NPSD has selected the Knights of Honor Class of 2024, a group of alumni, former staff members, and community members who have had a significant impact on the North Penn community. Congratulations to Juan R. Baughn, Ed.D., Ted Heller, Ken Weir, and Amaka Eneanya, MD, MPH! The ceremony will be held March 7, 2024, 6 PM, at North Penn High School. To learn more about this year's Knights of honor and to RSVP, click the link below. | |
NPSD Educational Foundation Online Auction | |
Calling all North Penn area businesses and organizations: do you want to help support student success in the North Penn School District? Consider donating an item or experience to the NPSD Educational Foundation online auction! We are currently seeking items, services, gift cards, and more to auction off from May 2-7, 2024. Your donation can help fund amazing projects in North Penn schools, including kindergarten play centers, books for first grade students to take home and keep, a fish and coral reef program, and more! Best of all- the NPSD Educational Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so your donation may be tax deductible! Help us support incredible educational experiences in the North Penn School District by visiting the link below. | |
Black History Oratorical Competition | | |
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In celebration of Black History Month in February, North Penn students from grades 3-12 are participating in this year's NPSD Black History Oratorical Competition. The competition is designed to allow North Penn public school students to shine through public speaking while honoring Black history. Students will recite published speeches or poems from an African-American or Black leader such as Maya Angelou, Michelle Obama, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jesse Jackson, or others.
The competition will take place on February 27, 2024, at NPHS beginning at 6:00 pm. Submissions are due by January 19, 2024.
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26 NPHS students presented at the 12th annual Philly Materials Day held at Drexel University on February 3, 2024. The students, enrolled in the Engineering Design and Development class, presented their materials science and engineering principals alongside students from Drexel University, The University of Pennsylvania, and local businesses. NPHS students were the only high school students presenting at the event. The NPHS student research endeavors focused upon several themes, including piezoelectric energy, shape memory alloys, photovoltaics, thermoelectricity, bioplastics, hydrogels, chromism, rheology, absorption, and light pollution. This was the 12th annual Philly Materials Day, an event allowing people of all ages to explore what the world is made of and to learn how materials impact us every day. Congrats to all the students who presented, you represented the NPHS Engineering Academy well! | |
Community Education Program | | |
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Sign up for a Spring 2024 Community Education class today! This year’s class categories are Seminars, Sports & Fitness, Just For Kids, Arts & Crafts, Dog Obedience, Continued Learning, Aquatics, and so much more. There are also planetarium programs covering a range of topics and fun for all ages. New and exciting classes for this term include Hatha Yoga, Build Confidence in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) for kids, Safesence CPR, and Spring & Summer Themed Paintings. To see all the class offerings and register, please visit the CEP website. | | |
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North Penn middle school students competed in the Regional MathCounts competition on February 10. Over 160 students across the county competed, testing their math prowess in several areas. North Penn was well represented, and several finished in the top 25%. Congratulations to all who competed, and thank you to the coaches who worked so hard to prepare students for the competition. | |
An Eye on Equity
A monthly feature from Dr. Pamula Hart, NPSD Director of Curriculum and Equity
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Black History is American History | |
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Every February, the U.S. honors the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the nation. Black History Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities that are an indelible part of our country's history.
The celebration of Black History Month began as “Negro History Week,” in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, an African American historian, scholar, educator and publisher. It became a month-long celebration in 1976. The month of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.
Here are four ways African American culture influences American culture in these areas:
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Inventors and Innovators: African Americans have made significant contributions to American innovation and invention. Inventors like George Washington Carver (agricultural advancements), Lewis Latimer (improved lightbulb), Granville Woods (telegraph and railway systems), and Patricia Bath (laser cataract surgery) have made groundbreaking contributions to various fields. Their inventions have had a lasting impact on American society.
Music: African American music has greatly influenced American music across genres. From the blues, jazz, and gospel to rock and roll, hip-hop, and R&B, African American musicians have shaped the sound and style of American music. Artists like Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, Michael Jackson, and Beyoncé have not only achieved immense success but have also paved the way for future generations of musicians.
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Dance: African American dance forms, such as tap, jazz, and hip-hop, have become integral parts of American dance culture. Tap dance, with its rhythmic footwork and syncopated beats, originated from African American communities and has influenced various dance styles. Jazz dance, born out of African American social dances, has also become a significant part of American dance culture. Hip-hop, a cultural movement that emerged from African American and Afro-Caribbean communities, has had a massive impact on music, fashion, and dance worldwide.
Civil Rights Movement: The African American struggle for civil rights and social justice has had a profound impact on American culture and society. Leaders like Julian Bond, Fannie Lou Hamer Thurgood Marshall, and countless others fought for equality and justice, inspiring movements and shaping the American narrative. Their activism and sacrifices have influenced American culture, politics, and the pursuit of equality for all.
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Black History Month serves as a dedicated time to highlight and honor the significant impact African Americans have had on American society. It provides an opportunity to educate, raise awareness, and promote a more inclusive understanding of history. However, the ultimate goal is to reach a point where the history of African Americans is seamlessly woven into the broader narrative of American history. | | |
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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! | | |
Multicultural Celebration | | |
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Mark your calendars for the 2nd annual Multicultural Celebration on Friday, March 1, 6-9 PM at North Penn High School! Hosted by the North Penn cultural clubs, the event will showcase the richness of North Penn through captivating performances, engaging activities, and delicious cuisines. Admission is $5 cash at the door, and food is available for purchase. You don't want to miss this event! | | |
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Pennbrook Middle School students in the Technology Student Association (TSA) competed in the regional conference held at Colonial Middle School on Saturday, January 27, 2024. 14 students competed and all qualified for the state competition. TSA is a student organization focused on career readiness and technical exploration. TSA fosters personal growth, leadership, and opportunities in technology, innovation, design and engineering. The Pennbrook team will go on to compete at the State conference in April. | | |
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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 1-10 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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