What a way to kick off February! I hope everyone was safe during the snow storm and our students and much of our staff were able to enjoy a well-deserved day of rest, play and recuperation. As always, we are extremely grateful to our facilities team for working around the clock to ensure that our grounds were clear for a safe return to our buildings as soon as possible. We also graciously acknowledge our teachers and staff for their continued flexibility in developing an online learning program that enables our students to access their education from home. I thank our families, students, staff and community for remaining #NorthPennStrong on behalf of the education for our young learners, no matter what new obstacle we face along the way.
And speaking of strength, we look forward to honoring such resilience and motivation in our local community members and beyond over the next few weeks as we celebrate Black History Month here at North Penn. Although many of our coveted live productions and events are unable to take place this year due to COVID-19, our cultural proficiency and equity team has been working hard behind the scenes to ensure that Black History Month is celebrated throughout the North Penn School District (NPSD).
Carter G. Woodson, the “Father of Black History,” felt it was important to recognize African Americans and ensure they had a presence in history. Since the first celebration in February 1926, the important contributions of African Americans have been remembered. Under the direction of Dr. D’Ana Waters, NPSD Director of Curriculum and Equity, we have an exciting new video series planned to be released this month to do just that.
Over the next few weeks, we will highlight the contributions of African-American members of the North Penn area who have been pioneers in the community. Our students will learn about these individuals in school and we will be sharing their stories with the community as well. Biographies of these individuals will be recounted by our own North Penn students and broadcast by North Penn Television (NPTV) for the entire district and community to see. We look forward to honoring those who have accomplished great things and have acted as role models right here in our backyard.
Classroom discussions, interactive presentations, service projects and more are taking place at every level of education in grades K through 12 at every school throughout North Penn. We also look forward to a virtual performance of the renowned Colors of Pride program put on by students in the African-American Awareness Club at North Penn High School (NPHS). More information including history, upcoming events, family resources and more about Black History Month can be found on our website
here.
Here at North Penn, we strive to acknowledge, respect, understand and celebrate the dynamics of racial and cultural differences. I am excited and proud to partner with our students, staff and families to expand this goal throughout the month of February and beyond. Together, we are #NorthPennStrong and together, we can learn to appreciate and respect each other and where we all come from.
Sincerely,
