|
|
NPSD Thanks Substitute Employees as Part of Substitute Educators Day
The North Penn School District would like to thank the over 415 substitutes as part of Substitute Educators Day, which was held on Friday, November 22. This day focuses on the importance of substitute school employees. Our substitutes are professional educators and support staff who perform a vital function in the maintenance and continuity of daily education. We thank our substitutes for serving as the educational bridges when regular classroom educators are absent. They are called early in the morning, take over tasks with short notice and ensure that quality education is maintained in our classrooms. The professional substitute ensures that time is productive and furthers the students learning. Thank you to all the individuals who serve as substitutes in NPSD!
|
 All Knights and Maidens and their families are invited to join the North Penn Alumni Association for a night at the NPHS Holiday Concert on Wednesday, December 18. The evening will include performances by the orchestra, chorus and band. After the concert, alumni are invited to the J-Pod (Art Pod) lobby for some refreshments. It will be a evening that will surely put you in the holiday spirit. Event is free. Click here to RSVP. For more information on the Alumni Association and its event calendar, please visit www.northpennalumni.org.
|
|
NPHS's Athletic Manager and Director of Activities Becomes a Superhero
Congratulations to Bill Bartle, NPHS athletic manager and director of activities, for being nominated as a North Penn United Way 2014 Superhero for Kids. This campaign honors 20 local community members who are ordinary people doing extraordinary things for kids right here in the North Penn and Indian Valley community. Past NPSD superheroes include Dr. Dietrich, superintendent and Linda Law, athletic administrative assistant at NPHS. |
Oak Park Elementary School Honors Veterans
Oak Park Elementary School partnered with the Air Force Junior Reserves Officer's Training Corps (AFJROTC) program from NPHS to honor veterans of the community at a recent assembly. The emotional assembly included singing by the Oak Park Elementary School Choir, a Cadet presentation, a Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (P.O.W./M.I.A.) ceremony, a rifle drill demonstration and a tribute to the United States of America military. Oak Park Elementary School families and community members were in attendance and veterans in the community were honored by the students. |
|
Keep up-to-date with NPSD Board Meetings
NPSD Board of School Directors Meeting
November 12 Agenda
November 12 Video
November 21 Agenda
November 21 Video |
Education/Community/Policy Committee Meeting
Finance Committee Meeting
Safe Schools Committee Meeting
Support Services Committee Meeting
To view agenda attachments and minutes from past meetings, please click here.
To access the list of meeting dates scheduled for 2014, please click here. |
|
Start Your Holiday Shopping at the NPHS School Store
| |
The NPHS School Store will be open for parents to come shop on Monday, December 16 from 7:15 am. to 1:30 p.m.
You can also stock up on all your NPHS apparel with an online order. To visit the School Store's website, please click here.
|
|
Want to know the latest news, events and highlights from North Penn?
Click the links below
to follow us
on Twitter and visit various
NPSD websites that
showcase up-to-date information most
important to YOU!
| |
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 circulate throughout the community.
Click on the logo above
to check out NPTV's
media library. New content daily!
|
|
The North Penn School District uses Phanfare, npsd.phanfare.com,
to upload and share its
photos and videos.
NPSD families, staff and community members are encouraged to submit their photos and videos here. Please check with your school to ensure that no students in the pictures are on the publicity refusal list.
For additional information, or questions about how to submit pictures through this site, please contact Chris Doerr at [email protected].
| |
|
|
To give feedback or suggest story ideas, please email [email protected].
|
|
|
 |
 Dear Community,
The holidays are upon us and soon we will be ringing in 2014. As this school year quickly flies by, I am reminded of important work that still needs to be accomplished. During the next several months much focus will be afforded to drafting a new strategic plan for NPSD and to renegotiating contracts for all of NPSD's employee groups.
Exciting opportunities are also in the works. First, we are in the initial planning stages of a Community Forum for Monday, March 10, at 7 p.m. in the NPHS auditorium. The forum's subject this year will be assessments. A team of panelists will explain the various types of testing that occurs during a NPSD education, including Keystone Exams and PSSA, and how these different assessments collectively and independently impact student achievement.
I am also very excited about a new endeavor in the area of grant writing. The NPSD Board of School Directors recently approved contracting with a grant writer on a part-time basis. This innovative idea is possible through a school board approved fund to support programs and initiatives that could ultimately cut operational costs, increase revenues or improve efficiencies. Initially, this individual will focus her work on grants for the operational side of the school district where costs can be decreased.
As always, thank you for taking the time to read this edition of North Penn E-Matters.
Sincerely,
Curtis R. Dietrich, Ed.D. Superintendent, NPSD
[email protected] |
|
|
NPSD Board of School Directors Holds
Annual Reorganization Meeting |
The annual reorganization meeting of the North Penn School District Board of School Directors was held Monday, December 2.
Sworn in for four-year terms were Josephine Charnock, Timothy Kerr, Frank O'Donnell and Vincent Sherpinsky.
The school board also re-elected Sherpinsky as board president and Kerr as vice president. The following committee memberships were also approved:
|
Education/Community/Policy
Josephine Charnock
Suzan Leonard
Carolyn Murphy |
Finance
Josephine Charnock
Frank O'Donnell
Vincent Sherpinsky | |
|
| |
Intermediate Unit
Carolyn Murphy
|
Negotiations
Josephine Charnock
Stephen Hladik
Timothy Kerr
Frank O'Donnell | |
|
| |
North Montco TCC - JOC
Stephen Hladik
Timothy Kerr
Suzan Leonard |
Personnel
Timothy Kerr
Rick Miniscalco
Vincent Sherpinsky | |
|
| |
Safe Schools
Suzan Leonard
Carolyn Murphy
Frank O'Donnell |
Special Education
Timothy Kerr
Rick Miniscalco
Vincent Sherpinsky | |
|
| |
Support Services
Rick Miniscalco
Frank O'Donnell
John Schilling |
|
 |
From Left to Right: Top Row: Stephen Hladik, Timothy Kerr, John Schilling, Rick Miniscalco Seated: Carolyn Murphy, Frank O'Donnell, Vincent Sherpinsky, Josephine Charnock, Suzan Leonard |
|
|
NPHS Engineering Students Attend Greenbuild Conference
|
Ten students from the North Penn High School Engineering Academy program named The Future is N.E.A.R. (Nanotechnology Education and Research) traveled to the Philadelphia Convention Center to attend the 2013 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo to learn about the latest technologies regarding energy and the environment.
The Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council, brings together the industry's largest gathering of representatives from all sectors of the green building movement. The show has three days of extensive educational programming, workshops, a vast exhibition floor and ample networking events that provide unrivaled opportunities to learn about the latest technological innovations, explore new products and exchange ideas with other professionals.
During the Expo, students had the opportunity to speak with engineers and sales representatives from leading companies around the globe to gain a deeper insight into the research endeavors they have begun in class. Two of the NPHS student research teams are studying Phase Change Materials. These materials are capable of storing and releasing large amounts of heat that can be utilized to reduce the energy load on a heating and cooling system in a building without the use of an external power source.
One team is studying electrochromism. Their research focuses on the development of transparent polymers that change color when a small voltage is applied. Their ultimate goal is to create a nanofabric fabric that can display live video. Another team is studying the process of internal combustion and determining the feasibility of using hydrogen as a direct fuel in an internal combustion engine.
This experience gave students many connections to professionals and potential resources in the industry. They hope to be able to use this information to further develop their research endeavors.
|
Honor a NPSD Employee with a Donation to NPSD Educational Foundation
|
Looking for a way to thank a NPSD employee for his or her work with your child this holiday season? The NPSD Educational Foundation has the perfect way for you to do this!
The Foundation's Staff Tribute Program allows you to make a monetary donation in the amount of your choosing in the name of that special staff member or members. Your tax-deductible gift will be recognized by the Foundation and the NPSD employee will receive a special card informing him or her of your generosity.
The best part of all is that your donation will help fund innovative projects in NPSD schools. Since 1988, the Foundation has raised funds to support projects that enhance the experience of our students.
To learn more about the Foundation and to make a Staff Tribute donation, click here.
|
Students' Talents Displayed in 2013 Superintendent's Holiday E-Card |
It is with great pride that NPSD once again features student art work in a holiday electronic card from Dr. Dietrich to the staff and community.
Students from A.M. Kulp Elementary School, Hatfield Elementary School, Pennfield Middle School and North Penn High School designed and submitted artwork for this card, and one winner from each school was selected by Dr. Dietrich. Special thanks to the teachers and students who participated in this annual contest. The artistic talent of both staff and students runs deep in NPSD, making the task of choosing the selected artwork extremely difficult each year.
Those pieces not selected are just as beautiful and will be displayed in the Educational Services Center, beginning December 9 for everyone to enjoy!
 | | 2013 NPSD Holiday Card |
|
NP ADvantage Program Welcomes Chyten Tutoring Center and AAUW
|
The NP ADvantage Program is happy to welcome Chyten Tutoring Center and American Association of University Women (AAUW) to its expanding group of community businesses!
AAUW took advantage of advertising space set aside specifically for non-profit organizations by advertising with yard signs and posters. Chyten signed on with the NP Triple Play package which will allow advertising in the NPHS baseball complex, pool and the Penndale Middle School football field.
Click here to learn more about the NP ADvantage program!
|
NPSD Organizations March in Lansdale Mardi Gras Parade
|
The 63rd annual Mardi Gras Parade was held in downtown Lansdale on Saturday, November 23. NPSD groups were proud to represent their team, band, classmates and co-workers! Special thanks to all of the NPSD participants including the NP Marching Knights, NPHS Baseball team, NPHS Knight Riders, NPSD middle school bands, the North Penn Alumni Association and many more!
Click on the image below to view photos of NPSD organizations marching in the parade.
|
Experience A Dancer's Dream through the
North Penn Cultural Cinema Series
|
Experience performing arts on the big screen in stunning high definition. The North Penn Community Education Program is pleased to present our Cultural Cinema Series. Bringing exceptional performances from around the world to viewers right here in Lansdale the Cultural Cinema Series is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
This month, North Penn Cultural Cinema Series Presents:
A Dancer's Dream: Two Works by Stravinsky
Purchase tickets by clicking here or at the door. Adults are $5 and students are $3.
Blending music with dance, live animation, pre-recorded video, puppetry, and circus arts, A Dancer's Dream blurs the lines between reality and imagination, audience and performer. The production turned Avery Fisher Hall into a dream world through costumes, sets, staging, and live film-making in which a real-time feed of musicians, puppets, and miniatures was projected above the orchestra. Using Stravinsky's The Fairy's Kiss and Petrushka, the production chronicles the story of a young woman (Mearns) and her dream of becoming a dancer. Entranced by the music, she is "kissed" by the passion to become an artist and drawn into the performance, dancing to the complete score of The Fairy's Kiss. By the second act, she has completed her transformation into an artist, becoming Columbine in Petrushka.
This one-of-a-kind cinema event features the complete production, behind-the-scenes footage, as well as a brief intermission feature on Stravinsky's history with the New York Philharmonic, with video and other never-before-seen material from the New York Philharmonic Digital Archives.
The New York Post described the show as a ". . .dreamy spectacle that keeps you endlessly on your toes." The NY Times called the production an "inspiring example of how an American orchestra can take a creative leap and reinvent itself" and described of Ms. Mearns' performance ". . .phrases beamed out powerfully."
A Dancer's Dream was conducted by Music Director Alan Gilbert and starring New York City Ballet principal dancer Sara Mearns in a production created by Giants Are Small. The show was recorded live in New York City at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall June 27 - 29, 2013. For more information on the North Penn Cultural Cinema Series, please visit their website.
 | | A Dancer's Dream: Two Works by Stravinsky @ NPHS Trailer |
|
NPHS Booster Club Welcomes Harlem Wizards |
The Harlem Wizards are coming to North Penn High School, Saturday, January 25 at 7 p.m. The evening promises to be a fun-filled event that is great for kids and adults and will guarantee to put a smile on your face! This event is hosted by the North Penn High School Booster Club.
The Harlem Wizards have a unique mission: create awe-inspiring events throughout the country. At a Wizards game, fans will witness amazing basketball talent combined with hilarious comedy. It is two hours of family time where parents, grandparents, and kids can all laugh together. When you're in the stands, 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!
And that is not all! The Wizards will be challenged by the "Dream team," an All-Star cast of NPSD employees and alumni. Team members include: Dr. Dietrich, Superintendent NPSD; Jeff Ellsesser, teacher, Bridle Path Elementary School; Bill Bowen, principal, Gwynedd Square Elementary School; Kathy Henderson, teacher, Gwyn-Nor Elementary School; Dan Moretski, teacher, Hatfield Elementary School; Bridget Patterson, teacher, Inglewood Elementary School; Zach Quigley, teacher, Inglewood Elementary School; Brad Carroll, teacher, Kulp Elementary School; Jason Theodore, teacher, Montgomery Elementary School; Kyle Richhart, teacher Montgomery Elementary School; David Yeum, teacher, General Nash Elementary School; Joe Covone, principal, North Wales Elementary School; Jeff Faikish, aquatics director, NPHS, Lauren Budweg, teacher, NPHS; Jon Fluck, teacher, NPHS; Donna Grabner, teacher, Oak Park Elementary School; Matt Connelly, teachers Oak Park Elementary School; Fred Irvin, teacher, Walton Farm Elementary School; Gino Santoro, custodian, NPHS; and Dan Geiger, NP Alumni Association.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the NPHS K-Pod Reception Office, upcoming sale date at various NPSD elementary schools and a mail-in order form. You can also purchase tickets online at www.harlemwizards.com, and then click on "Buy Tickets" and then click on "January. 25, 2014. Lansdale 7 p.m."
|
|
November North Penn News Update from NPTV
|
North Penn Television (NPTV) students produced updates on what was happening around the North Penn School District during the month of November. This month's video update includes coverage of the BuxMont Honors Chorus Concert and a NPTV News Update. To view the video library, please click here.
 | | North Penn News Update |
 | | North Penn News 11-7-13 - Evening Edition |
 | | 2013 Bux-Mont Honors Chorus 11-8-13 |
|
|
|
|
|
