Volume 13 • Issue 6

Comprehensive Plan Now Available

Every three years, Pennsylvania school districts are required to submit a Comprehensive Plan to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The comprehensive planning process is a continuous process used to ensure that all students are achieving high levels by developing goals and action items. Review North Penn School District's 2022-2025 Comprehensive Plan at the link below.

The Office of Emergency Management and Safe Schools is dedicated to the safety and well-being of every student and staff member in our facilities each day. To create a safe and welcoming school environment is a challenging task, and not one that we take lightly. To meet this challenge, we utilize a holistic approach to school safety, taking into account every aspect of emergency management and every person involved in making our schools safe. 

A large part of this is security staff. The security officers in the halls of North Penn schools each day are all highly qualified, well-trained, with over 200 years of experience in law-enforcement and safety combined. Nearly all North Penn security officers are current or former police officers, many of whom have worked in local departments. They all come to North Penn with a wide range of skills and experience, including a former Secret Service agent. Most importantly, every security officer is dedicated to the safety and well-being of all who walk through the halls. Security is not just about enforcement, but about creating an environment of safety and trust so students feel safe when they come to school, and can trust security officers to assist in times of need. 

In working on creating that trust, I have been meeting with students across the district to hear directly from them about school safety. At the high school, in partnership with students, we have created the Safe Student Committee, to give students a voice in creating a safe school culture. Lauren Yoo, a junior at North Penn High School, has been leading the Safe Student Committee and working with administration to begin this process. When asked why she wanted to create this committee, Lauren said: “My goal with the committee is to increase student voice in conversations about school safety since the decision made by administration impacts each individual student. I hope to spread awareness as well, using student voice to communicate proper safety procedures and increasing the information given to students. I believe this committee will increase the unity within the community by allowing each other to share possible fears and working collectively to create a safer community for everyone in the district”. I look forward to working with Lauren and students across North Penn as we continue with the Safe Student Committee.

If you have any questions regarding school safety, please feel free to reach out to us at any time. I can be reached by email at rhonebj@npenn.org or by phone at 215-853-1037. Additionally, I encourage you to attend our Safe Schools Committee meetings with the school board, held the last Monday of each month at 5:45 pm. Safety is our collective responsibility, and if you are concerned about something, I encourage you to tell someone. Reach out to me, a principal, guidance counselor, or teacher at your school. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Safe2Say program. 

Sincerely, 

Brandon Rhone

Coordinator of Emergency Management & Safe Schools

Community Meetings with Dr. Bauer

Want to meet with Dr. Bauer and talk one-on-one about important issues in North Penn schools? Two opportunities are coming up! Meet virtually for Community Conversations on March 1 from 6-7 PM or meet in-person at Backyard Beans in Lansdale on February 22 from 2-3 PM for a casual conversation over a cup of coffee. Registration for both events is limited to ensure time for all, so don't wait!

Black History Oratorical Competition

The North Penn School District is hosting its annual Black History Oratorical Competition. Students from grades 3-12 selected to compete will present their speeches at North Penn High School on Thursday, February 23, 2023, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The event is free and open to the public. All are encouraged to attend this inspirational and entertaining evening.

Promoting Equity and Diversity in our Homes

Over the past few months, parents and guardians have expressed interest in learning how they can promote diversity and equity in their homes. Here are a few recommendations to get started:

To begin, parents and guardians are encouraged to think about:

• What is unique about our family culture? How do we celebrate that uniqueness? How do we respect and celebrate other cultures?
• What types of diversity do we have in our family?
• Who do we invite to our home for social visits?
• How often does my child see diverse people in positions of authority (teachers, coaches, health care providers, faith leaders)
• To what extent do our extracurricular or family activities include diverse groups of people? What opportunities exist to become more inclusive?
• Does the media we consume (books, shows, videos, games) feature diverse characters and storylines without stereotypes? Do we use the media as an opportunity to talk about diversity and inclusion?

Important Messages to our Children

• Acknowledge differences. Kids notice them, so there's no need to pretend they don't exist. Emphasize the positive aspects of differences and be honest about the ways people are mistreated for their differences.
• Ask open-ended questions and listen without judgement. Encourage your child to keep asking questions by expressing your values for diversity and inclusion without shutting down the conversation.
• Take time when you need it. If you're unsure how to answer your child's question, tell them you'll think about it and set a time to talk when you're more prepared.
• Speak up when bias happens. Whether your child or someone else does or says something prejudiced, address it in the moment. Silence teaches children that it's ok.

Things to do With Your Children

• Read diverse books and watch diverse media together. Books can transcend the environment we're in, thus opening new perspectives to their readers. Start a book club with friends.
• Discuss current events at an age-appropriate level with your child.
• Take action together. Brainstorm ideas with your child for how to promote diversity and inclusion in your neighborhood, school and community. Involve others if possible.
• Travel. If it's financially feasible, traveling with kids offers a first-hand opportunity to experience different cultures, societies, and foods. The trip doesn't even have to be to another country. Traveling to an enclave that encompasses another culture can be just as educational. For example, make a trip to the nearest Chinatown or another area where a different culture than your own is dominant.
• Attend events and festivals. Search for multicultural events and festivals within driving distance. Often these events revolve around holidays.

North Penn AAC's Colors of Pride

The North Penn High School African American Awareness Club (AAAC) is holding their annual Colors of Pride ceremony on February 15. Students will attend an assembly during school hours, and the community is invited to attend an evening showcase from 7-8 PM in the NPHS auditorium.

Members of the AAAC wrote and produced the show, which includes separate acts to showcase dance, spoken word, and fashion. The evening’s theme is “The Black Diaspora”, a term used to describe the involuntary and voluntary movement of African people and culture around the world. The diaspora highlights the global nature and impact of black culture, which united African Americans, Afro-Caribbeans, and Africans in common heritage. The show’s theme will highlight these ideas through dance and clothing inspired by Africa. 

There are no tickets for the evening performance, but attendees are asked to “pay as they wish” to support senior awards and scholarships for diverse students and their allies at North Penn High School.

Kindergarten Registration Now Open

Kindergarten registration for the 2023-2024 school year is now open! Students must be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2023 to enter kindergarten in the 2023-2024 school year. To learn more and get started, visit the North Penn website.

Community Bulletin Board

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.

Polar Plunge

Last week 80 students from North Penn High School were freezin' for a reason- it was the annual Polar Plunge! Students braved the icy water at Citizens Bank Park to raise over $12,000 for Special Olympics. Great job students!