TODAY Club Attends CADCA Leadership Forum

Ten students from the HS TODAY Club attended the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) Leadership Forum in National Harbor, Maryland this week alongside students from across the nation. Our students participated in workshops to further their understanding of drug abuse and its impact on our communities and to build their advocacy skills. Visits with Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick and representatives of State leaders, such as Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman, introduced the students to legislation addressing issues related to vaping and fentanyl and how this legislation has continued to evolve. Reflecting on their own experiences with their representatives, our students expressed their concerns about tobacco stores selling vapes to underage children. “It was interesting to hear firsthand about the work of these politicians, who I’ve only ever seen on commercials. It showed the real effects of lobbying and advocacy and how it makes a difference,” shared junior Major Richmond.

60 Donors for the HS Blood Drive

Our HS Student Government held their annual blood drive this week, and approximately 60 students and staff members volunteered to donate. This drive marked a milestone for our district, as we reached our 1000th blood donation for the American Red Cross. There is another chance to donate with a community blood drive coming up at the UES on February 15. Register here.

Students Perform with Music Mountain Theatre

Several NHSD students are taking the stage in Music Mountain Theatre's production of the Snow Queen's Frozen Adventure, a tale that follows a young boy on his journey to the Snow Queen's winter palace. Congratulations to Jamie Bultemeier, Gail Thompson, Annabelle Cheung, Brandon Ozols, Hannah Peterson, Alanna Young, Julia Staples, Mary Woods, and Madeline Gabrielson. See them in their final shows tomorrow, Saturday February, 4. Find more information here.

Fun with Pizza Bingo

Last Friday evening, the HSA hosted an incredibly successful Pizza Bingo fundraiser at the UES. This was a fun night for families with Mr. Marrone and Mr. O’Leary serving as the emcees. There were more than 350 attendees and 20 bingo winners. Approximately 90 hot pizzas were served, which were provided at cost from Pizza Village in Peddler's Village. Shared HSA President Jaclyn Oates, "The event was a really great success, and we are so pleased to have it back after a two-year hiatus!"

Jump Rope Club Underway with Mr. DiTulio

More than 80 students in grades 3-5 are jumping rope with Mr. DiTulio on Friday mornings. The Jump Rope for Heart program (now known as the Kids Heart Challenge) first started here in 1998 under teacher Adam Sherman. The program is designed to teach kids the importance of taking care of your heart by jumping rope and serves as a fundraiser to benefit kids born with sick hearts. Over the last 25 years, NHSD has raised over $780,000. Mr. DiTulio shared, "I have always had a love for jumping rope and know the importance of a healthy heart. I want kids to not only enjoy jumping but to take it to the next level by learning tricks and double-dutch jumping."

HS Students Reading to Kids

High school students have the opportunity to volunteer to read to students at the Upper Elementary School. Each visit has a theme: spooky stories in October, winter stories in January, and this week, Groundhog Day and Valentine's Day stories. For their next visit later this month, the students will play board games and card games with a third-grade class that won the Good Citizenship Award. "This is a wonderful opportunity for students to share their love of reading with the little Lions, promote literacy, and engage in activities that promote the social and emotional well-being of all students," explained HS Librarian Mrs. Pedersen.

Boys Basketball Celebrates their Seniors

Congratulations to Lions basketball players Matthew Hanly, Wil Keddie, Quinn Kennedy-Kelly, and Jonathan Wilson, who celebrated their senior night during a game against Lower Moreland HS on January 31. "The boys played hard and left it all out on the court!" shared Athletic Director Dr. Scarpello.

Photo Credit: Karla Donohoe