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Dear North Penn Community,
Earlier this month, we held the Knights of Honor Class of 2024 induction, celebrating those who have left a legacy of hard work, serving others, and demonstrating what it means to be a Knight: exceeding expectations, elevating learning, ensuring belonging, and engaging community. I encourage everyone to watch the ceremony recorded by the great NPTV team and learn more about each of our Knights of Honor, Dr. Amaka Eneanya, Dr. Juan Baughn, Ted Heller, and Ken Weir.
This event is something I always look forward to, as it provides a moment to sit back and reflect on all that North Penn is and can become. Each year, about 1000 students graduate from North Penn High School and enter the world carrying all they learned as a Knight. Students learn many different academic subjects during their time in North Penn, but they also learn many other valuable lessons that extend far beyond what can be found in a textbook. Our students learn how to interact with peers who may look, speak, act, or learn differently from them. They learn how to give a helping hand to others and how to be resilient throughout the many successes and challenges that life throws their way. These are the lessons that create Knights, well-rounded individuals who, of course, have impressive resumés and accomplishments, but more importantly are people who strive to leave every place better than they found.
We also had the opportunity to celebrate Read Across America Week from March 2-6. I had the pleasure of visiting Hatfield Elementary School as a “mystery reader” and reading Memoirs of a Parrot, by David Scillian, to students in second, fourth, and fifth grades. The energy of our elementary school classrooms is always a joy to witness, and one of the most important skills learned during this time is literacy. Read Across America Day has been celebrated for over 20 years, and is a wonderful way to celebrate the love of reading and encourage every student to find books they love and practice their literacy skills. Studies have shown that reading can reduce stress, build up vocabulary, help develop critical thinking skills, and improve overall academic achievement. Even for us grownups, Read Across America is a great reminder that reading isn’t limited to students and that we can take some time to read for joy.
I hope you have a wonderful Spring break, and use this break to enjoy the warmer weather, spend time with loved ones, and take a moment for yourself. We will see our students and staff back in school on April 1 - and that is not an April Fool’s joke!
Sincerely,
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Todd M. Bauer, Ed.D.
Superintendent
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The North Penn School District, alongside Devereux- Center for Effective Schools, will be hosting a series of live webinars and events surrounding important mental health, drug/substance abuse, and other challenges facing our families. The first event will be held Tuesday, April 2, 7-8 PM virtually via Zoom. In this session, families will have the opportunity to learn more about NPSD's Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Life Skills Training initiatives, along with data from the School Climate Survey. No registration is required, to join the Zoom meeting on the event date, click the link below. For any questions, contact Neil Broxterman at broxtnm@npenn.org. | |
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. | |
March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day, celebrating those with Down Syndrome and advocating for inclusion. March 21 is chosen for this celebration as those with Down Syndrome have 3 copies of their 21st chromosome. This year's theme is #endthestereotypes, focusing on treating everyone with respect and dignity. Students and staff were encouraged to wear their most colorful and fun socks to celebrate those with Down Syndrome and what makes us all unique. While rocking our socks is fun, inclusion is not just a one day celebration, and we have to continue celebrating and uplifting each other every day. Our awesome staff, including inclusion facilitators, special education teachers, and paraprofessionals work hard each and every day to ensure belonging. | |
ENACT Club Tree-Plenish Sale | | |
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Getting ready for some Spring landscaping? Consider purchasing a sapling from the NPHS ENACT Club's Tree-Plenish sale! The club aims to offset energy consumption at North Penn High School by offering trees to be planted in the community. Choose between the Eastern Redbud, Red Maple, or Yellow Poplar and add some beautiful trees to your home! The saplings are bare-root, about 2 feet tall, and will typically bloom about 4-6 weeks after being planted. Pickup for trees is on April 27 at North Penn High School. Order your saplings now at the link below. | | |
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Registration for Super Saturday is now open! Hosted by the North Penn Association for Gifted Education (NPAGE), the event is open to all students grades K-6. Join in the fun on April 13 at Pennfield Middle School for workshops covering dance, karate, programming, arts and crafts, and more! This year's exciting class offerings include Improv 101, Nail Art, Hair Braiding, Solving Rubik's Cubes, Strawberry DNA Extraction Lab, Canva Graphics, and so much more. Classes fill up fast- so don't wait! Register by April 3 at the link below. | | |
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A new club at NPHS, Sharing Excess North Penn, has been working with the organization Sharing Excess to help end food insecurity in the community. Students have held two "Free Food Fests", giving hundreds of pounds of produce away to the community, free of charge, no questions asked. Students are now partnering with Montgomery County Community College for the next giveaway. The event will be April 9, 3:30-5:30 PM at the Blue Bell Campus. Registration is recommended, please visit the link below for more details. | |
An Eye on Equity
A monthly feature from Dr. Pamula Hart, NPSD Director of Curriculum and Equity
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During the months of March and April, many members of our community will celebrate important holidays. Easter, Ramadan, Purim, and Holi are significant religious holidays celebrated by different faith traditions around the world. While each holiday has its unique customs and practices, there are also notable similarities that highlight common themes of spirituality, reflection, community, and renewal.
One key similarity among these holidays is the emphasis on spiritual reflection and renewal. During Easter, Christians commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, reflecting on themes of sacrifice, redemption, and new beginnings. Similarly, Ramadan is a month of fasting, prayer, and self-reflection for Muslims, focusing on spiritual growth, empathy, and gratitude. Purim, celebrated by Jewish communities, commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from a threat of extermination, emphasizing themes of courage, faith, and divine intervention. Holi encourages introspection and self-awareness prompting people to assess their relationships, attitudes, and conduct towards others for Hindus as well as Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists.
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Community and togetherness are also central to these holidays. Easter gatherings often involve church services, family meals, and community events that bring people together in celebration. Ramadan is a time for communal prayers, breaking fasts with family and friends, and acts of charity towards those in need. Purim is marked by festive gatherings, sharing food and gifts with others, and coming together to read the Megillah (the story of Esther). During Holi, the playful exchange of colorful powders and water on one another transcends age, gender, and social status, fostering a sense of equality and camaraderie within the community.
The importance of acts of kindness and charity are also essential pillars of these holidays. Christians may engage in charitable activities, such as feeding the hungry or visiting the sick as a way to embody the spirit of Easter. Muslims are encouraged to practice generosity and help those less fortunate during Ramadan through acts of charity (Zakat) and community service. In the Jewish tradition, Purim involves giving gifts to friends and donations to the poor, emphasizing the value of helping others in need. During Holi, families spend time with the elderly, make donations to charitable organizations, or participate in community service activities.
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All four holidays involve elements of joy, celebration, and gratitude. Easter Sunday is a day of rejoicing in the resurrection of Jesus, marked by festive gatherings, music, and expressions of joy. Ramadan concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a joyous celebration that includes feasting, exchanging gifts, and expressing gratitude for the blessings received during the month of fasting. Purim is a time of merriment, with costumes, parties, and the sharing of Purim treats, creative a festive atmosphere of joy and celebration. Playing with colors, dance performances, water balloon fights, and parties are a few of the festive activities that make Holi a vibrant and festive celebration.
While Easter, Ramadan, Purim, and Holi are distinct religious holidays with their own traditions and significance, they also share common themes of spirituality, community, charity, and celebration. We are so fortunate to be a part of a community that celebrates religious diversity and is connected by values of love, compassion, and renewal that are central to their respective religious traditions.
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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! | | |
PSEA High School Art Show | | |
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22 North Penn art students have their work on display in the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) "Touch the Future" High School Art Show. Among the North Penn works exhibited are two category winners! Congratulations to senior AP Digital Photogrpahy student Carina Laventure and senior Computer Animation student Lydia Herb for winning their categories! The show is open to the public from March 3 until April 4 at the Fine Arts Center Gallery in Montgomery County Community College (340 Dekalb Pike, Blue Bell). | |
The Hunchback of Notre Dame | | |
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North Penn High School Theatre and Thespian Troupe 5464 present: The Hunchback of Notre Dame! This is a new musical based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney film. Music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, and book by Peter Parnell, originally developed by Disney Theatrical Productions. Performances will be May 2, 3, 4, 7:30 PM, and May 5, at 2 PM. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students, with gold and silver cards honored. The musical is PG-10, parental discretion advised. You don't want to wait- tickets for Frozen nearly sold out in 48 hours last year! Purchase tickets at the link below. | |
The NPHS Bengali Cultural Club hosted a night of performances, dances, songs, poems, skits, and more. This event not only showcased Bengali talent and culture, but was a chance for the community to come together and celebrate. The show has offered a gateway for students to educate the community on what Bengali Culture is all about, a tapestry woven with love, tradition, and creativity, where every thread contributes to the beauty of its heritage. | | |
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March 2-6 is Read Across America Week, and North Penn students had fun with all the activities! Classrooms across the district had mystery guest readers, and got to hear a story read by staff members, administrators, and families. Students at Montgomery even had a "reading campout", and got cozy with a favorite book, blankets, and "campfire". The whole week was a great way to celebrate the joy of reading and encourage students to read more and discover new books. Thank you to all the North Penn staff members for putting together such a fun Read Across America week! | | |
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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 1-12 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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