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Ed. Foundation

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January news & updates

Volume 13 • Issue 5

Upcoming Events


1/25: End of 2nd marking period- secondary schools


2/2: Report cards available- secondary schools


2/17: No school for students, teacher in-service


2/20: No school for students, President's Day

School Board
View upcoming meeting schedule, how to tune in to meetings and additional resources.

Lunar New Year

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Dear Community...

Dear North Penn,


After nearly seven months as your Superintendent, I have been asked multiple times, “Is the job what you expected?” In all sincerity, it is. However, there are aspects of the job that you cannot fully appreciate until you are sitting in the seat. One such aspect is my understanding of the time, effort, and commitment that is made by our North Penn School District Board of School Directors. Although I had known for years while working in public education that a school board member’s job is difficult, often thankless, and always challenging, I now have a better understanding of the depth of commitment it takes to serve on a school board.


As we celebrate School Director Recognition Month across the state of Pennsylvania, I want to make special mention of our nine school board members who serve this great community. Tina Stoll, Christian Fusco, Dr. Elisha Gee, Jonathan Kassa, Dr. Wanda Lewis-Campbell, Tim MacBain, Juliane Ramic, Al Roesch and Cathy Wesley are community leaders who are committed to doing what they believe is best for our great school district. As elected school board officials, they receive no compensation for the valuable time and expertise that they and their families sacrifice for all of us. 


In honor of the commitment and time that our nine school board directors volunteer on behalf of our schools and communities all year long, I hope you will take a moment this month to thank them for all that they do. While most people get to see voting on budgets, adopting policies, and comprehensive planning, they do not see the hours of preparation and research that it takes to engage in what can be a very difficult process. 


Working closely with them, I know that our school directors routinely sacrifice their own family time so that the North Penn families have a quality educational program, safe schools, and an exceptional staff. Whether facing criticism or accolades, their true purpose is to do what is best for this community and ensure its excellence continues.


Personally, I am grateful for a school board that has high expectations, supports administrative recommendations, and one that is willing to “roll up the sleeves” and work with us for solutions and innovations. 


Click here to learn more about the role of School Directors across the state of Pennsylvania.


Sincerely,

Todd M. Bauer, Ed.D.

Learn more about Grand View Health

Join the North Penn Alumni Association

Behind the Scenes: NPSD Curriculum Department

Math Resources

iReady Math Resource: Elementary School, K-6

The teachers and students are settling into using the math curriculum for the second year, iReady. This curriculum focuses on using the Standards of Mathematics, presented in a structured and coherent manner to meet the needs of all learners. Teachers use universal screening data from the Renaissance STAR 360 in tandem with the diagnostic data from iReady to provide targeted instruction, balancing conceptual understanding with abstract reasoning to navigate through developmentally appropriate and real world tasks. Student discourse plays a key role as students make meaning of the "why" behind the standards.


Our goal is for students to be flexible in their thinking and the way they solve the problems. The iReady program has purposefully embedded culturally responsive teaching strategies and learning tasks to meet the needs of our diverse student population. Balancing whole and small group instruction, teachers are able to respond to students using real time data. Professional development and coaching have proven to be extremely effective to help support teachers navigating the new program. Our three math coaches work "elbow to elbow" with administrators, teachers, support personnel, and students on a daily basis to ensure the program is being implemented with fidelity. Our philosophy is "math for all, math for all" and we emphasize positive mindsets for all stakeholders.

Reveal Math Resource: Middle School, 7th & 8th

Reveal Math is a research-based math program designed to help reveal the mathematician in every student. The instructional model focuses on rigor, productive struggle, rich tasks, discourse, collaborative learning, and formative assessment. There is a combination of online and print materials that are used in the lesson structure of launch, explore & develop, and reflect & practice. Reveal is also connected with ALEKS, which provides an online personalized learning pathway. The goal of the program is for students to develop their conceptual understanding, extend on their previous knowledge, and have their individual learning needs met.

Black History Month Oratorical Competition

In celebration of Black History Month, students from grades 3-12 are invited to participate in this year's Oratorical Competition. Interested students will recite a published speech or poem from an African-American or Black leader and submit a video performance by Wednesday, January 25. Submissions are selected based on how students respect and honor Black history and embody messages that inspire and uplift participants to continue towards progress. Selected students will present their speeches at a competition held at NPHS on February 23 from 6-8 PM.

Learn More

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 January 24 from 12-1 PM or meet in-person at Backyard Beans in Lansdale on January 25 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!

Community Conversations
Caffeinated Conversations

Marching Knights Perform at Peach Bowl

The North Penn Marching Knights got to perform ahead of the Peach Bowl game on December 31, 2022. The band received 2nd place for their performance at the parade. Well done! Thank you to all the parents and volunteers who helped make this trip happen.

An Eye on Equity
A monthly feature from Dr. Pamula Hart, NPSD Director of Curriculum and Equity

Inclusive Practices

Inclusive Practices provide all students with access to flexible learning choices and effective paths for achieving educational goals in spaces where they experience a sense of belonging. In an inclusive educational environment, all children, regardless of learning style or how one accesses their education, learn together in the same age-appropriate classroom. It is based on the understanding that all children and families are valued equally and deserve access to the same opportunities.

Exclusion


Exclusion occurs when students are directly or indirectly prevented from or denied access to education in any form.




Segregation


Segregation occurs when the education of students with disabilities is provided in separate environments designed or used to respond to a particular or various impairments, in isolation from students without disabilities.

Integration


Integration is a process of placing persons with disabilities in existing mainstream educational institutions, as long as the former can adjust to the standardized requirements of such institutions.

Inclusion


Inclusion involved a process of systemic reform embodying changes and modifications in content, teaching methods, approaches, structures, and strategies in education to overcome barriers with a vision serving to provide all students of the relevant age range with an equitable and participatory learning experience and environment that best corresponds to their requirements and preferences.

Language Shifts in Inclusive Education

From:

To:

Special Needs Department

Learning Support Team

ORRS/ESOL Student

Student's Name

Those Students

All Students

Dyslexic Student

Student with Dyslexia

Diverse Students

All Students

My Down Syndrome Student

Student's Name

You Could Save Up to $731 through NPSD Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program

Are you eligible? Do you know someone who is? Learn more and help us spread the word about this program!
Learn More + See if You're Eligible

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.


Learn More

North Penn Health Center

The North Penn Healthcare Center is nearly ready! The modular building units have arrived and are currently being set up on site next to Penndale Middle School. NPSD staff on the North Penn insurance plan will have access to convenient, confidential, and complementary care right in the district, and the center will help the district save money on healthcare costs. The building will be staffed by Everside care team members. Stay tuned for an official opening date!

Learn More and Apply now

We need your help. Every school district across the state is experiencing a shortage of substitute teachers, which can impact student learning. If you have a four-year degree and enjoy working with children and teens, you can help us by joining the North Penn School District as a substitute teacher!


In addition to paying the highest rate in the county (starting at $180 per day; $170/day for guest teachers), we also provide great flexibility regarding daily assignments. You can share your availability and work as it fits your schedule. We will also provide training!

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