Dream Big, Achieve Greatness 

North Penn E-Matters

A Monthly Newsletter from the North Penn School District

Volume 5; Issue 8
February
2015

 
Table of Contents

  
Super Saturday Registration Coming Soon!

 

Registration will be opening soon for NPAGE's annual fundraiser, Super Saturday. Super Saturday will be held March 14th from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Penndale Middle School. Super Saturday is a morning full of fun workshops that are open to all students in kindergarten through sixth grade. There will be sessions that include dance, sushi basics, robotics, chess, computer programming, and more. Visit the NPAGE website for more information.

 

Penndale Middle School's LEO Club Visits Elm Terrace

 

The Penndale LEO Club traveled to Elm Terrace on January 22nd to decorate cookies with residents. Students enjoyed talking with the residents and enjoyed their tasty treats. This trip to Elm Terrace is just one of the many service projects the club completes each year.  

 

Upcoming NPHS
Theatre Events

 

Continuing fundraising for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, NPHS Thespians will host the 16th Annual Knight of the Arts Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Gala on February 20th. The evening will start with performances. The Broadway Memorabilia Silent Auction begins at 7 p.m. and auditorium performances begin at 7:30 p.m.  

Get a sneak peak at the upcoming middle school shows, performances by various students and clubs from the high school, and some other special guests and surprise performances. No ticket purchases are necessary, but a $5 donation to BC/EFA is suggested. The festivities will be held at North Penn High School.

 

The NPHS Theatre will present Titanic the Musical as their spring musical. Performances are scheduled for April 29th (Gold Card Matinee at 1 p.m.); April 30th, May 2nd, and May 2nd at 7:30 p.m.; and the Sunday Matinee on May 3rd at 2 p.m. Tickets will go on sale in mid-February. For more information, please visit the NPHS Theatre webpage

 

Save the Date
for Knight of Jazz and Knight of Guard and Percussion

 

The Annual Knight of Jazz will be held on Friday, February 27th at 6:10 p.m., featuring eight area high school bands in competition. Five ensembles representing North Penn School District also will perform in exhibition: Navy and Columbia jazz bands from NPHS and Pennbrook, Penndale and Pennfield jazz ensembles. Knight of Jazz will take place in the North Penn High School auditorium.   

   

The following day, North Penn High School will host Knight of Guard and Percussion on Saturday, February 28 at 3:00 p.m., featuring multiple high school indoor color guard and percussion units in competition. The event will take place in the North Penn High School main gym. North Penn High School's Winter Percussion and North Penn Middle Schools' "Knight Vision" visual ensemble also will perform in exhibition. The event is sponsored by USBands. Advance tickets are available in NPHS K-Pod reception office for $10. Tickets also will be available at the door. 

Cinema Cultural Series Presents Caesar and Cleopatra

 

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:

Caesar and Cleopatra

Monday, March16 - NPHS Auditorium - 7 p.m.

Purchase tickets by clicking here or at the door. Adults are $5 and students are $3.

 

Caesar and Cleopatra is a witty and seductive comedy about the relationship between a veteran Roman political strategist and an enchanting Egyptian teenage queen. Stratford's production was hailed by The New York Times as "the climactic event in the company's impressive current season." Now movie audiences can witness the acclaimed performance of legendary Canadian actor Christopher Plummer, and experience the drama, intrigue and comedy of George Bernard Shaw's celebrated play. The production also stars Nikki M. James, who later went on to receive the 2011 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role as Nabulungi in The Book of Mormon. The high quality production captures the true experience of witnessing Shaw's celebrated play on the prestigious Stratford Festival stage.

NPSD Educational
Foundation Launch
Foundation February

 

It's Foundation February! The North Penn School District Educational Foundation has deemed the month of February as the time to raise awareness of the Foundation in the NPSD schools. Several schools are participating in Spirit Days and fundraising activities.

 

This year alone, the Foundation awarded 45 grants, providing over $28,240 in funding to NPSD classrooms. Grants cover every subject level for each grade level. These classroom projects not only enhance the curriculum but provide a hands-on and innovative way for students to embrace and fully comprehend the lesson. When NPSD educators apply for these grants, some think of how this experience will affect the student in the future. Science and technology grants allow students to understand theories at the next level of thinking. Other grants allow teachers to think about how this experience will benefit students socially and vocationally.

 

Community members are encouraged to participate by making a donation to the Foundation or liking the NPSD Educational Foundation on Facebook. Follow this page as pictures from events will be posted there. To learn more about the Foundation, please visit www.npenn.org/foundation.

 

Keep up-to-date with NPSD Board Meetings

  

NPSD Board of School Directors Meeting

 

January 6 Agenda

January 6 Video  

 

January 15 Agenda

January 15 Video  

 

To view agenda attachments and minutes from past meetings, please click here.  

 

 NPHS School Store is Online!

  
Stock up on all your NPHS apparel by ordering online. To visit the School Store's website, please click here.  

 

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Dear Community,

 

Superintendents are involved in many decisions that guide the direction of a school district. From budgetary priorities to curricular changes, these decisions are met with much thought, input and analysis.

 

 The same can be said about each weather-related decision a superintendent makes to close school, start late or dismiss early. Many factors are considered including first and foremost student safety, combined with weather forecast, road and property conditions, bus readiness and more. Sometimes, the storm and its effects are such that a decision to close or delay the start of school can be made the night before, but most of the time it is an early morning decision.

 

My conversations on these mornings begin in the 4 o'clock hour, though NPSD staff members in many cases have been up throughout the night readying our buildings and grounds. I also check the various media outlets for the latest forecast which can vastly vary and therefore add to the challenge. Finally, a conference call is made with other superintendents of schools in the area to discuss road conditions and to flush out the situation further.

 

Typically by 5:15 a.m. a decision is made. At this point the priority becomes notifying our community. We use a variety of methods to do so including NPTV, Facebook, Twitter, npenn.org and the local media outlets. We also need to notify our staff and have mechanisms in place to do that as well.

 

Early dismissals are a little different. We know this decision must be made by 10:30 a.m. at the latest in order to make the necessary preparations to get students home. The same considerations are taken into account. In these cases, our goal is to transport students during the safest forecasted time.

 

How could our decision-making process be improved? Maybe a crystal ball with 100 percent accuracy? Or forecasts we know won't change? Yes, those would be nice.  But some realistic things would be helpful from you. Knowing that sidewalks and bus stops are clear for our students would be a huge factor and help. Also, making sure your contact information is correct for early dismissals and the schools know where your children go on those days are also very important. 

 

Making weather-related decisions is a reality for Pennsylvanians. I appreciate your support in making these decisions in the best interest of our students.  

 

Sincerely,

 

Curtis R. Dietrich, Ed.D.  
Superintendent, NPSD
dietricr@npenn.org 
 
It's a Winter Wonderland at Pre-School Family Engagement Event

North Penn School District held a family engagement event for its three preschool partners through the Keystone to Opportunities (KtO) grant. The evening featured two story times with readings of fiction and non-fiction books. During the story time, the readers modeled making predictions and text-to-self connections. After the initial readings, students and their families completed five learning centers. The learning centers concentrated on technology, verbal concepts, phonics, math and fine motor skills. All of these skills and concepts are important for families to concentrate on and develop with their student as they make the transition from preschool to Kindergarten.

 

After completing all five fun and interactive learning centers, families received a copy of the two books read earlier in the evening and entered to win learning games.

 

NPSD Athletic Teams Recognize Don Ryan

On January 9, North Penn High School and the North Penn community celebrated the accomplishments of a man who has guided North Penn sport programs to a sustained level of athletic excellence that is unparalleled in the state.

 

In 1969, Donald "Doc" Ryan began his work at North Penn High School, his alma mater, as an athletic trainer and equipment manager. Two years later, he became assistant athletic director and in 1981 took the position of athletic director. He has held this position until January 2015.

 

There is no question that the athletics program at North Penn would not be what it is today without Doc's leadership. Under his direction, 34 teams have been named state champions, with countless individuals winning titles as well. In addition, 219 teams have won Suburban One League championships and twice, North Penn was named the top athletic program in the entire state by Sports Illustrated.

 

Doc Ryan is a man who is true to his alma mater, community, his family and anyone who comes in contact with him. With his quiet and humble manner, he helped create a dynasty at North Penn High School with his selection of the most qualified coaches, rapport with the athletes and endless amounts of time he spent working in the office.

Thank You Doc!
Thank You Doc!
NPHS Theatre and Thespians Have Successful Trip to State Conference

North Penn High School Theatre and Thespians are in the midst of a busy 2014-2015 school year. In November the theatre students presented Once in a Lifetime. Besides being enjoyed during the regular performances at North Penn High School, the production was also presented at the Pennsylvania State Thespian Festival at Central York High School in December.  

 

Also at the Pennsylvania State Thespian Conference, senior Melissa Fuhr won the top Senior Scholarship for a student planning to major in theatre arts. Also receiving recognition was: senior, Juliette Shipp with a solo musical performance and senior, Victoria Finley; junior, Jamie Devine; and sophomore, Natalie Clauser were recognized for their group musical number.  All four students achieved Superior Ratings and qualified to compete at the International Thespian Festival at Lincoln, Nebraska in June 2015. Junior, Mary Beth Bloomer was also elected by her peers to serve a one-year term on the Student Thespian Board for Pennsylvania Thespians.  

 

Senior Jackson Simpson auditioned for and appeared in the first All State Pennsylvania State Thespian Show "The Lullaby of Broadway" a 1920s musical revue. NPHS Theatre Teacher and Thespian Advisor, Andrea Lee Roney, wrote the revue and collaborated with Debra Buckner, NPHS Theatre co-director and choreographer, in directing the show.  

 

Concluding the Pennsylvania State Thespian Conference, North Penn High School Thespian Troupe #5464 was awarded a Gold Honor Troupe Certificate for outstanding work in production, participation at the State Thespian Conference, and School and Community Outreach.

NPSD Organizing Committee to Help Plan 50th Anniversary

The 2015-2016 school year kicks off the 50th anniversary of the North Penn School District. Throughout the year, events will be held to highlight the district's history and celebrate the accomplishments of the students, staff and graduates.

 

The North Penn School District Office of School and Community Engagement is looking for community members to join the 50th Anniversary Planning Committee. The organizing committee welcomes members who are parents, graduates, staff members or community members.

 

Those interested in serving on the committee and those with general feedback are invited to attend a meeting on Tuesday, February 17 at
6 p.m. at the Educational Services Center. The district office is located at 401 E. Hancock Street in Lansdale.

Save the Date for Upcoming Conversations with NPSD Superintendent

The North Penn School District (NPSD) and NPSD Superintendent Dr. Curt Dietrich are excited to once again offer its families and community members the opportunity to speak one-on-one about important issues involving NPSD schools. Community Conversations, a series of informal meetings, gives attendees the chance to talk freely with Dr. Dietrich and share their concerns and suggestions for the North Penn School District.

 

In addition to addressing participant concerns, Dr. Dietrich will give summarized updates on school district news and ask for feedback and input on important district issues while allowing time for open questions from parents/guardians and community members. NPSD is working on multi-year solutions that focus on student success, staff development, financial security and a safe, healthy and orderly environment.

 

Save the date for the next Community Conversation scheduled for Wednesday, March 25, 2015 from 12 to 1 p.m. at the Montgomery Township Building, located at 1001 Stump Road in Montgomeryville. To view the dates, locations, and times of the remaining Community Conversations of the 2014-2015 school year, please click here. For more information and to register, please contact 215-853-1020 or e-mail bergmamv@npenn.org.

 

All North Penn community members, whether they have children in North Penn schools or not, are invited to attend these informative Community Conversations with Dr. Dietrich.

NPHS Football Players Participate in 11th Annual Reading Super Bowl

More than 80 North Penn High School football players participated in the 11th annual North Penn Reading Super Bowl event on Thursday, January 29th. These readers visited all 13 elementary schools and read to more than 5,500 children in 246 classrooms across the district as part of the reading incentive program. Reading specialists at the elementary schools chose age-appropriate books for the football players to read to the students. This program fosters an interest in reading in the elementary students and allows the high school students to act as role models for literacy.

 

For the 11th consecutive year, the NPHS football players distributed trading cards highlighting their statistics and their favorite book. The Reading Super Bowl is supported by Printworks and Quakertown National Bank.

 

Hatfield Elementary Teacher Organizes Buddy Program

Teachers at Hatfield Elementary School are making the most of the school's temporary location by partnering with Pennfield Middle School for a Buddy Program. Mrs. Pileggi's third and fourth grade students spend time each day with eighth and ninth grade students from the middle school. About 24 Pennfield students participate in the program. Each day, two of the 24 students go over to Hatfield Elementary School during their study hall to work on a lesson or help read a book with Mrs. Pileggi's students. These interactions help Mrs. Pileggi's students further develop their social skills and apply the lessons they are learning in class.

 

 

North Penn Alumni Association Creates Career Database
One goal of the North Penn Alumni is to connect North Penn School District students with alumni in their prospective career fields. The association has begun to build this connection through events like NPHS College/Career Fair, but they need your help in expanding this program!

Any interested alumni are invited to fill out this form regarding their current career, past vocational experience and post-high school education. They will be compiling responses into a database available to all NPHS students through the Future Planning Center. Please note, the North Penn Alumni Association will not be sharing alumni contact information with current students.

 

Thank you for your assistance in this very important endeavor!

  

 


Students Bolster their Brainpower with School Breakfast

Children who eat breakfast at school start the day ready to learn-reflected in higher test scores and better classroom behavior. However only half of the children who eat lunch at school also eat school breakfast, according to the Food Research and Action Council. To garner increased participation in the School Breakfast Program, North Penn schools will recognize National School Breakfast Week. Slated for March 2-6, 2015. National School Breakfast Week is a weeklong celebration aimed at increasing awareness of the School Breakfast Program among students and parents.

 

North Penn will promote school breakfast with special menus and decorations, activities, and events all week. School Nutrition Services is inviting elementary parents to join us and their student for a healthy breakfast during this special week. Invitations to families will be sent later in the month.

 

The 2015 National School Breakfast Week theme, "Make the Grade with School Breakfast" reminds everyone in the school community - parents, students, administrators - that a healthy school breakfast sets students up for a day of learning and academic success. The theme will appear in school cafeterias during National School Breakfast Week, March 2-6.

"Too many children are showing up at school hungry, and we know hungry children can't learn," said Pamela Gallagher, Coordinator of School Nutrition Services. "A healthy breakfast helps students focus in the classroom and perform better. That's why we offer a healthy breakfast every morning in our schools."

 

Every school day, North Penn's breakfast program offers students a healthy breakfast that can help them get set for a busy school day. North Penn serves a healthy hot breakfast daily as well as a variety of delicious cold breakfast options. Every school breakfast served meets federal nutrition standards limiting fat, calories, sodium.

 

"Make the Grade with School Breakfast" was created by the non-profit School Nutrition Association with support from Kellogg's Foodservice. National School Breakfast Week was launched in 1989 to raise awareness of the availability of the School Breakfast Program (SBP) to all children and to promote the links between eating a good breakfast, academic achievement and healthy lifestyles.

January 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 January. This month's video update includes a NPTV News Update and presentations of the Superintendent Honor Roll.

North Penn News 1-14-15
North Penn News 1-14-15
A Journey Through Black History Part 1 2-2-15
A Journey Through Black History Part 1 2-2-15
NPSD Dream Team takes on the Harlem Wizards
NPSD Dream Team takes on the Harlem Wizards

2014-15 Superintendent Honor Roll Award Winner: Ellen McKee - NPHS
2014-15 Superintendent Honor Roll Award Winner: Ellen McKee - NPHS
2014-15 Superintendent Honor Roll Award Winner: Cheryl Vilsmeier - Gwyn Nor
2014-15 Superintendent Honor Roll Award Winner: Cheryl Vilsmeier - Gwyn Nor
2014-2015 Superintendent's Honor Roll Award Winner: Jason Bashaw - Penndale
2014-2015 Superintendent's Honor Roll Award Winner: Jason Bashaw - Penndale