Dear Community,
In just a few short weeks it will be 2022, a new year and a chance to commit to resolutions to make ourselves, our community and the world better. I’d like to look at the coming year a little differently than I did last year when it was a great relief to leave 2020 in the rearview mirror. Though challenges were faced, 2021 was a good year in many, many aspects and I have a strong belief that 2022 will see continued progress and success.
A big part of the coming year will be the important first steps in planning for the renovations of North Penn High School. The school which opened in 1971 is in need of critical maintenance and structural changes to ensure it is not only operational but provides a learning environment for students who learn much differently than what was originally provided for in the 50-year-old building.
Linked to the major renovations at NPHS are discussions regarding grade configuration and the possibility to build a 9th grade center on the Valley Forge Road campus. Providing freshman access to high school classes and experiences is an important consideration as we plan for the future. At the same time, a ninth grade center could also be a crucial part of the renovation process at NPHS as it could house grade levels of students as the work to the main building occurs, thus saving NPSD hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Currently district representatives are touring high schools in Pennsylvania and beyond that have been recognized for their learning-centered designs. Working with the Schrader Group, an architectural and design firm out of Philadelphia, we will soon involve representatives from staff, students and the community in our next steps toward designing a North Penn High School for the future.
As exciting as this work is, it is just one endeavor we look forward to in 2022. We need to continue to dream big throughout 2022! I look forward to working with you as we make these dreams a reality.
I wish you a wonderful winter break. To that end, we are asking our teachers to refrain from assigning tests or projects over or right after the break. We are also asking our coaches to be understanding when athletes might miss a practice because they are making long-overdue visits to family. In these challenging times, we all need to take a breath, live in the moment and be thankful for all the good in the world in which we live.
Sincerely,
Curtis R. Dietrich, Ed.D.
Superintendent
|
|
|
Important Calendar Changes For North Penn Families |
|
|
|
The North Penn School District has announced the following changes to the 2021-2022 school calendar:
Thursday and Friday, January 20 and 21, 2022: Regular Early Dismissal for all students. At the elementary school level, staff professional development will be provided in various curriculum areas, including math and guidance. At the secondary level, an exam schedule will be implemented. More details regarding the exam schedule will be provided by the building principals. Please note that Extended School Care will be open to students enrolled on these days at the time of the early dismissal.
Thursday, January 27, 2022: The one-hour Early Dismissal for all students previously planned is CANCELLED.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
|
|
|
2021 Knapp Thanksgiving Parade |
|
Mrs. Dragun's 2nd grade class at Knapp Elementary participated in their own Thanksgiving parade as part of an ongoing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) project. Students designed and created their own parade balloons and traveled around Knapp Elementary to show their classmates their hard work. |
|
|
|
Nominations Open for Knights of Honor |
|
North Penn Television is now available on Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Roku for streaming. Users can download the apps and watch NPTV from anywhere. |
|
Nominations are now being accepted for the North Penn Knights of Honor, Class of 2022. Nominees should be a community member, alumni, or former staff member. Those honored have made a significant contribution to the school district, community and/or their chosen career, and therefore bring great honor to the NPSD. The submission deadline is 1/31/22. |
|
An Eye on Equity
A monthly feature from Dr. Pamula Hart, NPSD Director of Curriculum and Equity
|
|
Introducing: Parents in Equity Committee
Mission and Vision: To ensure that every school within NPSD fosters an inclusive and equitable environment by celebrating the diversity of its community.
The Parents In Equity (PIE) group was formed in 2019 to help facilitate communication between schools in the pursuit of cultural proficiency and equity for all of our students and families. This group of parents and administrators work together to continue to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all families at every building in our school district.
One representative from each school serves on the PIE Leadership Committee and also serves on the school's Cultural Proficiency and Equity Task Force. The PIE Leadership Committee meets monthly to facilitate the exchange of ideas between buildings.
|
|
|
2021 PIE Project Highlights |
|
Inclusive Book Fair
Members connected with their book fair chairpeople with the purpose of amplifying diverse and inclusive books available at the book fair. The books prominently feature topics such as autism, religion, race, gender, and family composition.
|
|
StoryWalk®
Laminated pages from a children's book were attached to wooden stakes, which are installed along an outdoor path. As you stroll down the trail, you are directed to the next page in the story. Some schools included QR codes with recordings of students reading books in various languages.
|
|
Diverse Book Summer Giveaway
This giveaway encouraged reading during the summer and promoted the importance of diverse home libraries. Over 100 books, representing 8 different titles, and prominently featuring characters of color were given away, thanks to $1300 in donations.
|
|
Interested in learning more information or getting involved? Parents, family members, and community members that are interested should contact their building principal or contact PIE Leaders: |
|
 |
|
|
|
Middle Schoolers Watch Film "LIKE" |
Middle schoolers had the opportunity to watch "LIKE", an iNDIEFLIX documentary exploring the impacts of social media on our lives and psyche. LIKE is designed with discussion guides for school and home to engage in meaningful peer conversation. The film was made available to schools through a grant secured by the NPSD Educational Foundation. |
|
|
|
|
|
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! |
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
