Technology initiative provides another option for student learning
One day, Ryan Wieand’s fourth-grade class researched various forms of alternative energy in textbooks. The next day, the students had an enhanced educational experience.
Using Google Expeditions Virtual Reality headsets, Mr. Wieand led his Quakertown Elementary School students to far away locations where they viewed various forms of energy. One stop took them to an ice cream factory in Scotland that takes advantage of various alternative forms of energy to help improve the environment.
“Students were stunned by the images, because they never had an opportunity to connect to what they were learning in this way before,” Mr. Wieand said.
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Senior achieves dream with West Point appointment
Nine years later and now a high school senior, Lizzie’s response remains true to her words that day: “I’m going to attend the United States Military Academy, and become an Army officer.”
One of Quakertown Community High School’s outstanding students, Lizzie recently received confirmation that she’s achieved the first part of her dream, with her “Certificate of Appointment” to West Point.
“I’m humbled and honored and so thankful for this,” she said.
Please click here to read the story.
Plus, 4 students graduate from BCCC's in-school youth workforce development program
Will Derr is the latest student from The Academy at Quakertown to receive a diploma.
Will, a senior a year ago, worked hard to wrap up his work and graduate in January. "He strived at The Academy and completed his senior year with us," said Jaime Maddon, a Teacher On Special Assignment and The Academy’s assistant principal. "I'm so proud of him."
The district developed the school during the spring and summer. A students’ initial lessons are conducted in a cyber format. Anyone needing additional help is instructed by Academy staff members. The format allows for a specialized, structured educational environment that focuses on individualized behavioral support, consistent expectations and clear boundaries.
The four students who graduated from Bucks County Community College's In-School Youth Workforce Development Program are Tiana Connell, Kimberly Felgenhauer, Tyler Watson and Sumo Woodson.
The program is offered to 12th-grade students from Quakertown, Centennial, Bristol Borough, Bristol Township, Morrisville and Bensalem school districts. Paid work experiences, a focus on college and workforce readiness, and the opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials are highlights of the program, and help create high potential pathways to employment.
A new statewide system to help identify at-risk students and intercede before they cause injury to themselves or others has gone live in Pennsylvania.
The Safe2Say Something Anonymous Reporting System, which began operating January 14, is a tip line operated and monitored 24/7 by the Office of the Attorney General, where tips are reviewed, classified, and forwarded to the appropriate school district.
Anyone may provide tips about potential risks to young people through a phone call — 1-844-723-2729, website (www.safe2saypa.org) or phone app.
The Quakertown Community School District has met all requirements established in Safe2Say, a key component in the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s Act 44 of 2018. A five-person district team has been established and trained on the program. The team includes Assistant Superintendent Nancianne Edwards, the district’s Safety Coordinator; Superintendent Dr. Bill Harner; Dr. Lisa Hoffman, Assistant Superintendent for the Office of Teaching and Learning; Janet Pelone, Director of Pupil Services; and high school Principal Dr. David Finnerty.
In photo, Trumbauersville Elementary School Principal Adam Schmucker gave a presentation to the school's teachers and staff. Similar presentations took place at all QCSD school.
For more on Safe2Say, please click here.
Safety Committee moves forward with work
The group also spent a lot time discussing the January 23 Strayer Middle School bomb threat evacuation. Much of the conversation was similar to the district After Action Review, held at Strayer on January 24.
For a refresher, please read Superintendent Dr. Harner's blog on the issue.
Scout achieves Life Scout rank, Eagle is next!
JP has earned 30 merit badges and performed many service hours so far, recently volunteering on QCSD's MLK Day of Service, and plans to pursue the next and highest rank of Eagle Scout.
With a love of music, JP is a member of the Panthers marching, concert, and jazz bands, as well as choir and men's ensemble. He is currently enrolled in the Small Engine Program at Upper Bucks County Technical School, and also enjoys skiing, kayaking, model railroading, and fishing in his free time.
Great first friday in Trumbauersville
Students started the day with an assembly and watched teachers play a game. One group of teachers modeled teamwork, while the other did not.
Students then played a version of the popular game “HeadBanz” in their classroom. They had an opportunity to practice teamwork in their groups. You could hear the fun throughout the building.
Great job everyone!
Connor earns ASPIRE employee of the month certificate
ASPIRE stands for Acquiring Skills Professionalism, Independence and Responsibility for Education/ Employment. It’s for students ages 18 to 21, who may have a mental or physical challenge that calls for more schooling to help them prepare to navigate the world after high school.
Students are taught daily living skills, how to gain and retain employment and are educated in self advocacy and interpersonal skills.
On students' off day, faculty worked towards students' health
In the morning, about 90 Quakertown Community High School faculty members received information about vaping and its impact on students during a presentation that included School Resource Officer Bob Lee, Principal David Finnerty, assistant principals Stephen Kimball and Jason Magditch and Lee Hellinger of the Council of Southeast Pennsylania.
In the District Services Center that afternoon, special education teachers worked with district behavioral support to learn about methods for collecting and analyzing behavioral data as well as best practices to writing and implementing behavior plans that support the acquisition of appropriate behaviors.
The district's K-12 counselors, nurses, and school psychologists learned about vaping, in particular anti-vaping strategies. They also learned about supporting and nurturing resiliency in children. Overall, lots of work toward planning the emotional and physical health and well-being of QCSD students!
In addition, district employees at many levels have been receiving training to become Google Certified Educators.
Neidig first graders show off leadership skills
Presentations on vaping for parents, guardians
Two important presentations were recently given at Quakertown Community High School that Superintendent Dr. Bill Harner wanted to make parents and guardians aware of.
One involves drug abuse and vaping; the other is about the Pennsylvania Youth Survey.
David Fialko of the Council Of Southeast Pennsylvania, a highly sought after speaker, spoke about drug abuse and vaping. His presentation can be found here.
Carolyn Staffieri, a QCSD Pupil Services Administrative Intern, presented on PAYS data. Her presentation can be found here.
Quakertown Community School District
