Dear North Penn Community,
It is with great and varied emotions that I write my very last update for E-Matters. First, the amount of pride I have for this great school district and community cannot be overstated. When I think about all we have accomplished in the last 12-plus years, and on any given day for that matter, it is quite remarkable. From having the first augmented reality high school course in North America to implementing one of the finest full-day kindergarten programs in the region just two years ago, the quality of a North Penn School District education is stellar from start to finish.
When I speak about pride in NP, I must single out our students. Year after year, the young men and women who we have the privilege of caring for and educating have inspired me, encouraged me, impressed me and taught me a great deal along the way. They are talented, kind, smart, funny and compassionate. Ensuring their education, safety and well being have always been the most important parts of my job.
I retire as superintendent with great hope for North Penn as well. I believe that we have the leadership in place to steer our organization onward to bigger and greater accomplishments. We are exceptionally positioned to take on any new challenges that come our way and expand upon current advantages. I leave you with full confidence in Dr. Bauer and could not be more pleased he has been selected as my successor.
Though I am ready to spend more time with my family, serving my community and traveling, I am certain that I will miss the wonderful people of North Penn. The daily interactions, relationships, and commitment to the great NPSD vision we all share will be difficult to replicate. I think many retirees can agree that this change is difficult to think about as you make the leap from working world to… well wherever it is you land.
But North Penn will never be far from me. You’re in my heart and will continue to be in my thoughts. I don’t just bleed blue for Penn State. North Penn blue runs through me too, and always will.
Forever North Penn Strong,
Curt
Picture Credit: Franky Walsh, NPHS Class of 2022
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NPSD School Board to Appoint Dr. Todd Bauer as the Next Superintendent |
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The North Penn School District (NPSD) Board of School Directors would like to announce plans to appoint Dr. Todd Bauer as its next Superintendent. Bauer is a current NPSD assistant superintendent and will replace Dr. Curtis R. Dietrich when he retires as superintendent on June 30th. The NPSD Board of School Directors will vote to elect Dr. Bauer at a special action meeting on June 27, 2022 at 5 PM at North Penn High School. |
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Class of 2022 Commencement |
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On Friday, June 19, 2022, 1022 graduates from the North Penn High School Class of 2022 earned their diplomas and joined the legacy of North Penn alumni. Congratulations to the Class of 2022! To watch the video, please visit NPTV. For photos from the ceremony, please click the link below. |
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Butterfly Man Visits Bridle Path Elementary |
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Rick Mikula, "Butterfly Man", visited Bridle Path elementary to give 2nd graders an unforgettable presentation all about the life of butterflies. Students got to learn about anatomy, adaptations, and even look at live butterflies! Thank you to Rick for coming to Bridle Path, and to the NPSD Educational Foundation for providing the grant for The Butterfly Man to visit! |
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An Eye on Equity
A monthly feature from Dr. Pamula Hart, NPSD Director of Curriculum and Equity
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Now that the school year has come to an end, I have the opportunity to highlight a few of the ways in which the tenets of cultural proficiency and equity have been incorporated into our learning communities this year: |
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North Penn Fishbowl
In February, more than 40 NPHS students representing the diversity of the student population participated in a facilitated conversation with news reporter Tracey Matisak. Students shared their experiences through the lens of their multiple identities and offered recommendations to NP staff and administrators with the goal of enhancing their experiences as well as others.
Staff members also participate in facilitated professional development sessions and book discussions to enhance their own understanding of the ways in which student identity shapes their experience in schools.
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Establishing Windows and Mirrors |
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A StoryWalk is a project that places an illustrated children's book, taken apart and displayed page by page, along a walking route in your community. Our StoryWalks include QR codes so that stories can be translated.
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Bulletin Boards and other displays showcase the wide range of experiences of famous and less well known people. |
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This playground board is used to help facilitate communication with our early language learners and to provide visuals for them. Both students with and without communication barriers can benefit from the boards.
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Weekly newsletters are created on the Smore platform. Updates and images of activities are included. Smore allows families to translate the newsletter to the language of their choice. All families can have access to the school newsletters and have equal ability to learn about information coming out of the schools. |
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During morning announcements, students receive words of encouragement, learn information and about important figures from the cultural proficiency theme of the month. In some schools, students lead the morning announcements and also learn greetings in various languages. |
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The National Junior Honor Society is an organization established to recognize outstanding middle school students. Our middle schools changed the requirements for the grade point average to be more aligned with the national requirements and removed the cost of joining. |
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Unified Sports joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. Students compete in unified bocce, track, and many compete at the annual Special Olympics. Students of all abilities benefit from the unified teams, helping students to push themselves to achieve. |
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A variety of data points are used to identify and elevate a number of students in Reading Intervention to a Higher Level English Course. The snake process is in place for math courses. |
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Strengthening Connections |
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Affinity groups and culture clubs have been established in the middle and high schools to provide a supportive and safe space for students representing various identities and allies. By providing this safe space, students can feel supported and learn from each other to make school a more accepting place for all. |
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Parents in Equity (PIE) Committee created opportunities for family members to across schools and NP communities to connect and learn from one another. |
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Classroom and school events and celebrations incorporate students’ and families’ traditions and culture. By representing more cultures and traditions in school celebrations, all students can feel seen and can learn about those outside of their own culture. |
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NPSD Educational Foundation Auction Winners Ride to School in Style |
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Some lucky North Penn students got to ride to school in style on a firetruck, thanks to the North Penn School District Educational Foundation and our local fire departments! Families bid in the annual online auction, raising money for the Foundation to provide grants that inspire student success. Thank you to our winning families, and to all who bid in our online auction! This year's auction raised over $12,000 that will go directly towards supporting North Penn students. Pictured below is the Towamencin Volunteer Fire Company who drove two lucky students to Inglewood Elementary, and stuck around to give the Kindergarten students a tour of a firetruck and a police car. |
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You Could Save Up to $585 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! |
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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; and bonus incentives), 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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