Shakespeare 'comes alive' for QCHS students
After a two-year absence due to COVID, Shakespeare returned to the Quakertown Community High School’s Performing Arts Center this week as more than 100 students witnessed the DeSales University theater program’s performance of Hamlet.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to see the actors live,” QCHS senior Bryce Widdoss said. “It helps to understand the storyline and to see how the actors operate on stage, which is amazing.”
The efforts of teacher Nick Burch have secured previous visits from the Linny Fowler WillPower Tour, the centerpiece of the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival's educational programming, to bring Shakespeare’s plays to life for QCHS students. This year, however, DeSales, with a grant already secured, reached out to him to schedule its performance.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to see the actors live,” QCHS senior Bryce Widdoss said. “It helps to understand the storyline and to see how the actors operate on stage, which is amazing.”
The efforts of teacher Nick Burch have secured previous visits from the Linny Fowler WillPower Tour, the centerpiece of the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival's educational programming, to bring Shakespeare’s plays to life for QCHS students. This year, however, DeSales, with a grant already secured, reached out to him to schedule its performance.
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The Bucks County Intermediate Unit’s Fab Lab, which gives students an opportunity to learn from cutting-edge technology designed to inspire and encourage them to pursue careers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) fields, is at Pfaff Elementary School this week.
Second-graders, the priority grade level this session, engaged in a digital fabrication project, sketching a healthy community. Students traced their sketches with a Sharpie marker before Dr. Lindsey Sides, the IU’s Supervisor of STEAM Education, imported them into Corel Draw and prepared them to be engraved and cut on the laser machine. They also learned how to code a robot. Students in grades one, three, and four were also exposed to the Fab Lab this week.
Second-graders, the priority grade level this session, engaged in a digital fabrication project, sketching a healthy community. Students traced their sketches with a Sharpie marker before Dr. Lindsey Sides, the IU’s Supervisor of STEAM Education, imported them into Corel Draw and prepared them to be engraved and cut on the laser machine. They also learned how to code a robot. Students in grades one, three, and four were also exposed to the Fab Lab this week.
Treat or Treat Scavenger hunt held at QCHS
Best Buddies, Quakertown Community High School’s most popular club, recently held its Fall Festival Trick or Treat Scavenger Hunt. More than 200 students traveled the school’s hallways, maps in hand, searching for goodies.
The club’s mission is dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With the help of advisors Jennifer Honrado and Megan McGinty, Best Buddies provides club members opportunities for one-to-one friendships; leadership development for students with IDD; makes all students feel valued, and helps improve life skills.
“Each meeting we ask students to switch groups and make new friends,” Mrs. Honorado said.
The Quakertown Community Education Foundation recently approved Best Buddies’ $1,000 mini-grant request for its Spring Fling. According to QCEF President Stephanie Zajkowski “The Board was very impressed by the incredible growth the club has experienced over the past two years and recognizes the financial strain such growth can create. Everyone felt this club clearly provides opportunities not traditionally available to students inside or outside of the classroom. We hope this grant in conjunction with your other fundraising activities enables the club to achieve everything you hoped to this year.”
The club’s mission is dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With the help of advisors Jennifer Honrado and Megan McGinty, Best Buddies provides club members opportunities for one-to-one friendships; leadership development for students with IDD; makes all students feel valued, and helps improve life skills.
“Each meeting we ask students to switch groups and make new friends,” Mrs. Honorado said.
The Quakertown Community Education Foundation recently approved Best Buddies’ $1,000 mini-grant request for its Spring Fling. According to QCEF President Stephanie Zajkowski “The Board was very impressed by the incredible growth the club has experienced over the past two years and recognizes the financial strain such growth can create. Everyone felt this club clearly provides opportunities not traditionally available to students inside or outside of the classroom. We hope this grant in conjunction with your other fundraising activities enables the club to achieve everything you hoped to this year.”
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Quakertown Community School District would like to thank the West End Fire Co. for its visit to Quakertown Elementary School and Quakertown Fire Co. No. 1 for its visit to Neidig Elementary School.
We appreciate these important first responders for taking the time to visit and educate students on fire safety. Everyone learned a lot and had a great time!!!
Austin Chantelau: UBCTS Student of the Month
Quakertown Community High School senior Austin Chantelau, a student in the Upper Bucks County Technical School’s carpentry program, has been named UBCTS Student of the Month for October.
Austin is a First Honors student and received the Outstanding Level I and II awards in his program. He placed first in carpentry at the SkillsUSA District Competition and competed at the state competition. He is working toward becoming an Eagle Scout and volunteering in his community.
Austin began co-op at the end of last year with Kuhn Construction in Perkasie. “He is conscientious, courteous, and talented in his trade,” UBCTS School to Work Coordinator Lisa Walck said. “Austin stands out to me because he is always professional when communicating or meeting deadlines for co-op. He is the definition of an outstanding student of the month. Another validation of his personality is when he specifically stopped by the co-op to introduce his mom to me on Parent Information Night.”
After graduation, Austin plans to pursue a career in carpentry.
Austin is a First Honors student and received the Outstanding Level I and II awards in his program. He placed first in carpentry at the SkillsUSA District Competition and competed at the state competition. He is working toward becoming an Eagle Scout and volunteering in his community.
Austin began co-op at the end of last year with Kuhn Construction in Perkasie. “He is conscientious, courteous, and talented in his trade,” UBCTS School to Work Coordinator Lisa Walck said. “Austin stands out to me because he is always professional when communicating or meeting deadlines for co-op. He is the definition of an outstanding student of the month. Another validation of his personality is when he specifically stopped by the co-op to introduce his mom to me on Parent Information Night.”
After graduation, Austin plans to pursue a career in carpentry.
Author brings positive message to SGC
The creator of a novel highlighting the deeds of a child superhero visited the Sixth Grade Center this week to speak with students about bullying, kindness, and never giving up, all part of his latest enterprise, “Leon The Extraordinary.”
Jamar Nicholas authored the graphic novel, which are similar to comic books but with more complex plots. He described Leon, who’s “been in my head for almost 20 years,” as a “fifth grader and soon-to-be sixth grader” who saves all kids from bullies. “What makes Leon super? He always does the best he can. He makes mistakes but always tries to do the right thing.”
Jamar Nicholas authored the graphic novel, which are similar to comic books but with more complex plots. He described Leon, who’s “been in my head for almost 20 years,” as a “fifth grader and soon-to-be sixth grader” who saves all kids from bullies. “What makes Leon super? He always does the best he can. He makes mistakes but always tries to do the right thing.”
QCHS hires assistant principal
Michael Bolinsky has been hired to be an assistant principal at Quakertown Community High School. He will be taking the place of Jennifer Carolla, who accepted a position in the East Penn School District.
Mr. Bolinsky has been an assistant principal at William Allen High School in the Allentown School District.
Mr. Bolinsky has been an assistant principal at William Allen High School in the Allentown School District.
BJ's QCEF Fundraiser through October 31
BJ's Wholesale Club is offering a fundraiser through October 31 that gives up to $10 to the Quakertown Community Education Foundation for each new member or renewing member.
In addition, those signing up receive these rewards:
- New member perks $75 cost & redeem $20 rewards at register.
- New Inner Circle $25 cost & redeem $10 rewards at register.
- Renewal perks $110 cost & redeem $20 rewards at register.
- Renewal Inner Circle $55 cost & redeem $10 rewards at register.
VFW 2022-23 essay contests
The Veterans of Foreign Wars has two contests for students, one for those in high school and another for students in grades 6-8.
The theme of the Patriotic Essay Contest for high school students is “Why Is The Veteran Important?” The student entry deadline is October 31, 2022 and the patriotic audio essay competition comes with a $30,000 grand prize.
The theme of the Patriot's Pen Contest for students in grades 6-8 is “My Pledge to Our Veterans.” The patriotic written essay competition comes with a $5,000 grand prize.
Quakertown Community School District
Gary Weckselblatt, QCSD Director of Communications, writes about the people and the programs that impact the Quakertown Community School District.
