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If you're a parent in the school district, you may have already heard the news. The North Penn School District has partnered with Hanover Research to conduct comprehensive survey of staff, students, parents, and the community members focusing on the culture and climate of our schools.
It is important that we hear from you, the people we serve. The survey asks questions related to a variety topics regarding school climate, including the building, academic, and social environments, stakeholder engagement, and community inclusiveness. What we learn from you, students, staff and parents will help us gauge how well we are meeting the needs of our stakeholders.
This survey should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. Your responses will remain strictly confidential, and all data will be stored securely on Hanover's private servers. No information that could be used to identify specific individuals will be reported or released. We sincerely appreciate your participation.
To participate in this survey, please click here.
Please note, the survey can be translated using a drop down menu found on the link. Languages available in addition to English are Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Korean, Mandarin, Bengali and Gujarati.
The survey closes March 19th. Results from the survey, which we expect to receive in late April, will be discussed publicly at various school board meetings, parent meetings, staff meetings and more. If you have any questions about the survey, or any issues with survey access, please contact Hanover Research (cmarrone@hanoverresearch.com). Hanover Research is an independent research firm based in Arlington, Virginia.
Thank you for helping us in our endeavor of always making North Penn better. I hope you will encourage others to participate in this survey as well.
Sincerely,
Curtis R. Dietrich, Ed.D.
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Perseverance and Grit Can Be Taught
"Years ago, I remember talking to a classmate before a test and hearing how much longer he'd studied for it than I had," says Tom Hoerr, head of the New City School in St. Louis. "I didn't think much about it until the tests were returned a week later and I noticed the disparity in our scores. Mine was not higher. What I learned from that experience about the differences in how we had studied helped me understand why his grade was so much better. The idea that you can succeed by increasing effort caused me to step back and focus my energies. People might be smarter than I am, but they weren't going to outwork me, I decided. I would persevere."
As illustrated in Tom's story, the ability to persevere is necessary to develop a mind-set for success because no one, no matter how talented, achieves everything every time. Perseverance is a necessary skill for discovering new ideas, and experiencing setbacks or failures, redrafting, and re-planning are all necessary steps toward developing it. Perseverance enables us to take risks, learn from our failures, and forge ahead with new and better information.
Parent Toolkit is a one-stop resource developed with parents in mind. It's produced by NBC News Education Nation and supported by Pearson and includes information about almost every aspect of your child's development, because they're all connected. Healthy, successful children can excel in many areas - in the classroom, on the court, and in their relationships with peers and adults. Our advice also covers important topics for navigating life after high school.
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NPSD will hold a special screening of the documentary
Angst
at Penndale Middle School in the Auditorium on Monday, April 1 at 6:30 pm to open up a dialogue between local families, community leaders and experts about anxiety.
This free event is open to the public (audience suggestion of grade six and higher) and was graciously funded by NPSD Educational Foundation. The program will feature a viewing of the 56-minute film, followed by an informative discussion, led by NPHS Guidance Department Chair Dr. Nicole Yetter and NPHS Guidance Counselor Mrs. Trish Pike.
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The NPHS Guidance Department invites parents and guardians in the NPSD to join in the conversation of growing up in the digital age at their free showing of the documentary
SCREENAGERS on Monday, March 11 at 7:00 pm in the NPHS Audion. The event has been rescheduled due to weather.
Kids today are scrolling through life, with rapid-fire thumbs and a six-second attention span. Physician and award-winning filmmaker Delaney Ruston saw that with her own kids and learned that the average kid spends 6.5 hours a day looking at screens. She wondered about the impact of all this time and about the friction occurring in homes and schools around negotiating screen time-friction she knew all too well.
In
SCREENAGERS, Delaney takes a deeply personal approach as she probes into the vulnerable corners of family life, including her own, to explore struggles over social media, video games, academics and internet addiction.
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The Model Aviation Club at NPHS will host its annual indoor model aircraft Fun-Fly event on March 16 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm in the gymnasium at NPHS. This awesome event is free to watch and a great way to introduce kids to model aircraft.
Participants are required to bring their own aircraft to fly at this event, no aircrafts will be provided. Planes, helis and smaller quadrotors are welcome. Participants may register at the event. A $10 cash donation will allow adults to fly their devices all day and children under 18 can fly for free. Participants should bring an extension cord, cash, their aircraft, 2.4GHz radios and should note that A/C power is limited. Part of the proceeds will benefit the North Penn School District Educational Foundation.
Spectators are invited to try their hand at the flight simulators at no charge! The Model Aviation Club encourages students, staff, families and members of the North Penn community to bring some kids and cash for raffle prizes or to purchase items from their local hobby shop, Hobby Hut RC!
For more information, please contact Mike Voicheck at voichemg@npenn.org.
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Register for NPAGE's Super Saturday by March 8!
Super Saturday is a fun KID SIZED SEMINAR open to all elementary aged kids in the community. It will be held March 16 from 9:00 am to 12:15 pm at Penndale Middle School. The morning includes fun workshops covering dance, karate, programming, arts and crafts, and more. Registration is required. Visit the
NPAGE website and click on Super Saturday for more information.
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Spring 2017 Classes
Now Open for Registration!
The NPSD Community Education Program offers a variety of learning and recreational experiences for people of all ages. From sports and fitness to music, theater and cooking classes, there's something for everyone in this year's Community Education Program.
Click here to view the Spring 2019 Course Catalog.
To register in person, please visit the Community Education Department Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at the NPSD Educational Services Center, located at 401 E. Hancock St. in Lansdale.
For more information, please call the Community Education office at 215-853-1028 or 215-853-1029.
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When the weather outside is frightful, NPSD Superintendent Curt Dietrich is very busy consulting with various school district departments, other school districts and weather outlets to assess conditions and whether school needs to be delayed, dismissed or cancelled. It is not an easy job.
On snowy mornings, Dr. Dietrich (if he sleeps at all) is awake for a conference call before 5 am. It is NPSD's hope that school delays and closings will be decided and posted via district communication channels by 5:30 am. In some challenging situations, that may not happen but the decision is always made as soon as possible.
it is important to note that district communication channels are always updated first. For the most accurate, up-to-date information, we recommend the following in order:
- Tune into North Penn Television (NPTV) on Comcast Cable channel 28 and Verizon FiOS channel 29 for the fastest information concerning delays and closings.
- Download the NPSD mobile app to receive notifications on your mobile phone. The NPSD Mobile App is available for Apple and Android devices.
- Visit the main page of our website, as closing/delay information will always be posted in the "Important Announcements" section.
- "Like" NPSD on Facebook or follow NPSD on Twitter to see posts about closing/delay information.
- Local radio and television stations are also notified but NPSD cannot guarantee the timeliness of their posting of the information. The WNPV 1440 AM school closing number for NPSD is 303.
In situations when schools are dismissed early, all of the above-mentioned communication tools are used in addition to using the emergency messenger system. Because of this, it is very important to keep your contact information up to date with your school's office and on Home Access Center.
For more detailed information about inclement weather notification, turn to your 2018-2019 Activities Calendar.
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Did you know NPSD has a monthly live program that all students and staff watch at the same time? Community members can watch live too the last Tuesday of every month at 10:00 am on our
YouTube Channel.
This month's issue features district news, full-day kindergarten registration, 21 Things and much more!
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Monday, March 11; 5 pm to 6 pm
NPSD Educational Services Center
401 East Hancock Street, Lansdale
NPSD and NPSD Superintendent Dr. Curt Dietrich are excited to once again offer 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.
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.
Space is limited and seats fill up fast!
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NPSD Board of School Directors Meetings
February 19 Action Meeting Agenda
February 19 Action Meeting Video
To view agenda attachments and minutes from past meetings, please click here.
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To view a list of future meeting dates,
click here.
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The school store is now online!
Stock up on all your NPHS apparel by ordering online. To visit the NPHS School Store's website, please click
here.
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Stay up to date with the latest news, events and highlights from North Penn School District |
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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 circulates throughout the community.
Click on the logo
to check out NPTV's
media library. New content
added daily!
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We want to hear from you! If you have a suggestion for a story idea or have comments, please email
andreykm@npenn.org.
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North Penn Talks Presents:
The Power of Choices by Ron L. James
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NPHS Class of 1981's Ron L. James knows the power of choices and how decisions can build you up or tear you down. He is returning to his alma mater to help today's youth learn from his mistakes on Monday, March 25 at 7:00 pm in the NPHS Audion, located at 1340 Valley Forge Road, Lansdale.
The presentation, titled "North Penn Talks: The Power of Choices" will tell the journey, and the lessons learned along the way, after being involved in harmful relationships and spending 25 years in and out of prison. The inspirational and thoughtful presentation emphasizes the true power of everyone's next choice. It is the culminating piece for a day focused on students that includes opportunities for NPHS students to hear from James during large group presentations, but also speak with him one on one regarding individual concerns.
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*SAVE THE DATE*
NPSD hosting Second Community Forum
on Building and Renovation Needs
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Providing safe, efficient and modern learning environments has always been a priority of the NPSD and the community it serves. With several building and renovation needs in the school district's immediate future, NPSD is hosting its second community forum to review the condition of current buildings, renovations and repairs needed and the costs associated with this work. The forum will be held in place of the April work session meeting of the school board on Tuesday, April 9, at 7:00 pm in the Pennfield Middle School Auditorium, 726 Forty Foot Road, Hatfield, PA 19440.
More information will be forthcoming on this important forum. All North Penn community members, whether they have children in NPSD schools or not, are invited to attend this interactive and informative discussion.
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NPSD Invites Community to Celebrate Black History at Upcoming Oratorical Competition featuring 20 District Student Finalists
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In celebration of black history, NPSD students in grades three through 12 were recently encouraged to participate in the NPSD Black History Oratorical Competition which will culminate in a final competition round held on Tuesday, March 19 at Penndale Middle School from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
The competition is designed to give NPSD public school students an opportunity to shine through public speaking while honoring black history. To enter the contest, students were required to submit a video of themselves reciting a published speech or poem from an African-American or black leader such as Toni Morrison, Michelle Obama, Barack Obama, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jesse Jackson, etc.
NPSD was thrilled to receive 50 student video submissions for the competition. Chaired by NPSD third grade teacher Ms. Cynthia Douglas, a committee of NPSD teachers, staff and administrators have reviewed each of the submissions and selected 20 finalists for the district-wide competition. These selected students will present their speeches at a competition held at Penndale Middle School on Tuesday, March 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
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NPHS Chamber Singers Featured
in Largest Choral Event in the Nation
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The NPHS Chamber Singers recently traveled to Kansas City, MO to perform at the American Choral Directors Association National Conference, held from February 27 to March 2.
The conference is the largest choral event in the nation, held once every two years and featuring performances from 61 choirs at the secondary, college and professional level. The NPHS Chamber Singers were one of only 11 high school groups in the country to perform and the only choir from Pennsylvania, including college and professional groups.
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Black History Month Celebrated throughout NPSD
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NPSD students and staff found unique and creative ways to celebrate Black History Month throughout the district. From door decorating contests and original performances to interactive guessing games, see how North Penn celebrated African-American men and women in history during the month of February.
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Inglewood Holds Annual Cultural Dinner
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Last month, Inglewood Elementary School held its annual Cultural Dinner. Led by the Cultural Competency Committee, more than 200 students and family members along with a over a dozen staff members attended the event. The evening consisted of a potluck style dinner for Inglewood students and families who volunteered to bring an appetizer, main entrée, side dish or dessert that represented their culture or heritage. Families had the opportunity to share about their culture and/or about the dish that they brought as well as its significance to their family and their culture. After dinner, families enjoyed a dance presentation by a local Indian group.
Inglewood's Cultural Competency Committee hosted the first Diversity Dinner in 2016. With the event now in its fourth year, the team is proud to witness the growth in participation and engagement from year to year. Members of Inglewood's Cultural Competency Committee include Jessica Meschino, Stephanie Levitt, Peggy Groller, Kathy Reed, Allison Detweiler, Carolyn Barr-Hubbard, Melissa Nead, Erin Lord and Aisha Weston.
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U.S. Representatives Select NPHS Student as
2018 Congressional App Challenge Winner
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NPHS senior Neelay Velingker is breaking ground in the world of technology as he has recently been selected as a Congressional App Challenge award winner by members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Neelay submitted an extremely advanced Mobile App to the Congressional App Challenge that he created for a Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) competitive challenge. The app was designed for Android users and is called "Kolb Library."
According to Neelay,
Kolb Library is a comprehensive and multi-faceted catalog system able to actively maintain thousands of books and users. Neelay was selected in December of 2018 as one of six students in Pennsylvania and just over 200 students in the nation as a Congressional App Challenge winner.
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NPHS ENACT Club Invites Community to Hop into Spring!
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The NPHS Enact Environmental Club invites families to their FREE spring event! Visit the club's new nature trails and engage in an outdoor adventure. This event is perfect for children ages four to 10. Families can pick their start time between 10:00 am and 12:40 pm on April 13. Each adventure will last about an hour.
Children will be led by high school volunteers through an adventure where they will hear a story, participate in a scavenger hunt, create a recycled craft and play a nature themed game.
No need to bring anything special, just come dressed to explore the outdoors!
It is highly recommended that families register to guarantee a spot.
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NPHS Students Earn Outstanding Scores
in Foreign Language Contest
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NPSD is proud to recognize students who represented NPHS well across Japanese, German and Spanish in the Montgomery County Association of Teachers of Foreign Languages (MCATFL) James J. Doyle Oral Proficiency Contest held on Tuesday, February 26 at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School.
This annual contest provides a forum for students to measure their oral skills in a foreign language against students from other schools in the county. Individual interviews are conducted by foreign language professionals to determine which students are most proficient in the second language.
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NPHS Theatre Presents: Mamma Mia!
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Pennsylvania State Education Association Art Show
to Feature Works of 23 NPHS Students
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NPHS Art Department is very proud to announce that artworks from 23 NPHS students have been accepted into the 2019 Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) "Touch the Future" Art Show that opened last Sunday at Arcadia University.
The event is free and open to the public through March 28 during gallery hours. It is sponsored by the Pennsylvania State Education Association, Mideastern Region(PSEA/MER), and the Council for the Advancement of Public Schools (CAPS) to provide an opportunity for students to participate in a juried exhibition and showcase the wide-ranging art opportunities available to students in the region.
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Niche Ranks NPHS 15 in State for
Best Public High School Sports
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NPSD is proud to share that NPHS has recently been ranked number 15 in the 2019 Best Public High School Sports in Pennsylvania by Niche in accordance to their ranking system.
NPHS ranked 15 of 982 in Pennsylvania and 378 of 24,014 in America of 2019 Best Public High School Sports.
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Dr. Dietrich's Superintendent's Student Council
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Last month, Dr. Dietrich visited Hatfield Elementary School for the Superintendent's Student Council October meeting where he was joined by NPSD Director of Elementary Education, Dr. Betty Santoro and students in 5th and 6th grade. During this meeting, Dr. Dietrich was able to speak with students about curriculum, teacher support, student interaction, extracurricular activities and much more. The district thanks these stellar students for their feedback about what it's like to be a student at Hatfield in the North Penn School District.
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North Penn News Update from NPTV
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North Penn Television (NPTV) students produce updates on what was happening around the NPSD during the month of February.
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| NPHS Football: 2019 National Letter of Intent |
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| Happy Valentine's Day from the NPHS Chorus |
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