In The Q

Calvin Lachman third and Mason Ziegler eighth at national coaches event

Quakertown Community High School wrestler Collin Gaj became a national champion for the second consecutive year, winning the National High School Coaches Association freshman 132-pound title. A year ago, as a student at Strayer Middle School, Collin captured the coaches' Junior High School championship. He is the first Panther to win a national title.

“That’s a prestigious event,” Coach Kurt Handel said. “It takes a special athlete to win. That’s quite impressive.”

Collin, who finished fourth in the Pennsylvania state championship in Hershey earlier this month, said he “goes out to win every time I’m out there. It’s pretty cool to finish first. They’ve been getting me ready for this since I was 10. Quakertown coaches teach us how to win.”

Quakertown had several wrestlers compete in the national event at the Virginia Beach Sports Center. Calvin Lachman finished third at 182 pounds, and Mason Ziegler, who was injured during the tournament, finished eighth at 120 pounds. Assistant coach Dan Ziegler made the trip with the wrestlers, who included Issac Williams, Tyler Scheibenhofer, Evan Hilton, Gavin Carroll, Max Hibsman, and Zach Borzio.

To have three wrestlers place is amazing for any program,” Coach Handel said. “This has been a heck of a year. I’m still in awe of how well these guys did. Man, what an amazing run.” The Panthers won the District One Southeast Regional championship, took their sixth consecutive Suburban One League Liberty Division championship, and Coach Handel earned District One Coach of the Year honors and his 300th dual meet victory.

Quakertown Community High School’s Jazz Band, under the direction of Frank Parker, once again reached the finals of the highly competitive annual SteelStacks High School Jazz Band Showcase.

The 10th annual competition took place Sunday, March 27, in the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks in Bethlehem. Quakertown achieved a Superior rating and had the Best Rhythm Section.

Photos, courtesy of Lehigh Valley Live, include Makya Milkowich, inset, playing flugelhorn, and Brooklyn Spear playing soprano sax.

3 high school singers qualify for PMEA choir

Congratulations to Brooklyn Spear, Simon Fletcher, and Zack Polek on their assignment to the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association Region 6 Choir!

For more information about QCSD's music programs, please go to www.qcsd.org/music.

'Closest' competition won by Brooke Alsante

In a close speech contest among four quality Quakertown Community High School public speaking students, sophomore Brooke Alsante captured the Rotary Four-Way Test Speech Competition.

“It’s the closest we’ve ever had,” Dave Freeman, President and Chief Executive Officer of QNB Bank, said of the competition. It’s his eighth year as director of the event. “We’re all about service to the community. This is a great way to get our message across. Having these students put their spin on it is a wonderful thing.”

Brooke, winner of the $100 first-place prize, edged out Emily Parker, Ryan Mott, and Richa Chawla, who finished second-, third- and fourth-place, respectively. Runners-up won $50, $25, and a gift card.

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Students earn nomination to HOBY leadership seminar

Three sophomore students at Quakertown Community High School have been nominated for the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) scholarship. The award comes with an invitation to attend a two-day leadership seminar with the organization, designed to give students the tools they need to turn their ideas into action and achieve their goals.

The outstanding students are Brooke Alsante, Emily Parker, and Emma Pham. Brooke is unable to attend the event - June 17-19 at Albright College in Reading - which is why three students, rather than two, were chosen. They were selected by QCHS counselors based on their written essays. Prompts asked for an example of when they showed leadership skills or an example of when they didn't and how they would respond differently today.

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Indoor Color Guard raising its game

Quakertown’s Indoor Color Guard is in the midst of an “amazing” season.

The team, with 10 members from Quakertown Community High School and two from Strayer Middle School, has continued to compete successfully while being promoted to take on more challenging competition.

“These kids are an amazing bunch of kids and I couldn't be any prouder of their accomplishments from this season,” said Indoor Color Guard Director Beth Colella.

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Students get creative in STEM Design Challenge

The Quakertown Community School District had several teams reach the semifinals of the Bucks County STEM Design Challenge, including a group from Quakertown Elementary School who were named “Most Creative” in the competition of more than 225 teams.

QE’s team of Nathaniel Storey, Darren Wexler, Colby Gerhart, and Dylan Treffeisen - named The Scientific Builders - captured the Most Creative prize with their Concretor, a vehicle that stores both concrete and asphalt on it. It's designed to easily fill in potholes with asphalt and fix sidewalk cracks with concrete. The vehicle also has a tool on the front to smooth over its work.

“We worked really hard at everything and it paid off,” Nathaniel said. “I was really excited when we won,” Darren added.

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Corbin Babb

Corbin, a junior, is a student in the Diesel Technology program. Corbin is a First Honors student and is currently working toward becoming an Eagle Scout. He is a senior patrol leader with the Boy Scouts and volunteers many hours within the community. After graduation, Corbin plans to pursue his career as a Diesel Mechanic.

Austin Chantelau

Austin, a junior, is a student in the Carpentry program. Austin is a First Honors student and received the Outstanding Level I and II award in his program. He won first place in Carpentry at the SkillsUSA District Competition and will advance to the state competition at Hershey. Austin is currently working toward becoming an Eagle Scout and volunteers in his community at the Food Pantry and Highway cleanup. After graduation, Austin plans to pursue his career in Carpentry.

Jessica Cordero

Jessica, a senior, is a student in the Agricultural Technology & Life Sciences program. Jessica is a First Honors student, has completed her CASE Animal Science certification, and is a member of FFA (Future Farmers of America). She also is a Cooperative Education student employed by Lampire Laboratories. After graduation, Jessica plans to pursue her as a Mammalogist (study of mammals).

Gavin Engelhardt

Gavin, a junior, is a student in the Welding & Fabrication Technology program. Gavin is a First Honors student and is OSHA certified. He also volunteers with his church youth group and a local nursing home. After graduation, Gavin plans to join the Navy and become a member of the Construction Battalion, The Seabees.

Jayson Halteman

Jayson, a junior, is in the Diesel Technology program. Jayson is a First Honors student and received the Outstanding Level II award in his program. He won first place in Diesel Equipment Technology at the SkillsUSA District Competition and will advance to the state competition at Hershey. Jayson is currently working to become an Eagle Scout and volunteers in his community. After graduation, Jayson plans to pursue his career in the Diesel Technology field.

Rebecca Kadlecik

Rebecca, a junior, is a student in the Cosmetology program. She has won first place at the SkillsUSA District Competition for Esthetics. She will advance to the State competition at Hershey. After graduation, Rebecca plans to become a licensed cosmetologist.

Autumn Moore

Autumn, a junior, is a student in the Agricultural Technology & Life Sciences program. Autumn is a First Honors student and has received the Most Outstanding Level I award in her program. Autumn is OSHA certified and has completed her CASE Animal Science certification. She is a member of FFA (Future Farmers of America) and is applying for her Chapter FFA Degree. Autumn also volunteers at the Last Chance Ranch. After graduation, Autumn plans to pursue her career in Animal Science.

Ty’lain Rotenberger

Ty’Lain, a junior, is a student in the Construction Technology program. Ty’Lain is a First Honors student and placed first at the SkillsUSA District Competition in Job Skill Demonstration. He will advance to the SkillsUSA State Competition at Hershey. After graduation, Ty’Lain would like to attend college and pursue a career as a Construction Manager.

Keiley Young-McGraw

Keiley, a senior, is a student in the Carpentry program. Keiley is a First Honors student and received the Outstanding Level I award in her program. She is OSHA certified and has earned her Ladder Safety Certifications. Keiley also is a Cooperative Education student employed by Cider Press Woodworks. She volunteers and fosters dogs at Harley’s Haven Dog Rescue, where she runs fundraising events. After graduation, Keiley plans to pursue her career in Carpentry.

Art club shows support for Ukraine

Quakertown Community High School’s art club has decorated a wall in the school’s lobby in support of Ukraine.

Students used posterboard, color paper, and oil pastels to create sunflowers, Ukraine's national flower. The sunflower, or “soniashnyk,” has become a worldwide symbol of solidarity for the country and its people since the Russian invasion began earlier this month.

“We’re hoping that students see the wall, see the flowers and think of Ukraine,” said Mary Barbour, a junior. “There’s something beautiful about it. It may be a small thing in some ways but you never know what may have a positive impact.”

The art club’s advisors, Laurie Christine, and Jim Moyer, proposed the idea to Principal Mattias van’t Hoenderdaal and he supported it. “I think it’s awesome,” he said.

Mrs. Christine said there are 198 petals and 22 centers on the wall. “We’re sending hope and love to the people of Ukraine,” she said. “The kids are really excited about it.”

Students get first-hand view of distracted driving on simulators

Quakertown Community High School students had the opportunity to take the wheel of distracted driving simulators to see how their lives can change in a matter of seconds when they’re on the road in a real-life situation.

The simulators, brought to the high school thanks to the efforts of School Resource Officer Bob Lee, were stationed outside the school’s Performing Arts Center and provided by the Lehigh Valley Health Network. They consist of a screen, steering wheel, and foot pedals and generated various distractions for the young drivers, including moving cats, dogs, and pedestrians.

“The purpose of today is to bring awareness and education to our young drivers about what can happen when they are distracted while driving,” Officer Lee said. “It doesn’t only have to be about texting. Anything that takes your eyes off the roadway can quickly damage your life. These simulators are hands-on, virtual, 3D, which make more of an impact than someone lecturing you.”

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Zander selected to volleyball all-star team

Congratulations to Quakertown Community High School senior Zander Marks for being selected to the Red Rover Invitational All-Star Team!

Neidig Literacy Night

Neidig Elementary School's Literacy Night was a huge success!

On Thursday, March 31, the school held its annual event, and hundreds of people attended!

Families read with therapy dogs, visited the Book Fair, completed Art projects, learned from student leaders, and listened to several guest readers. Those readers included Superintendent Dr. Bill Harner (photo inset), Assistant Superintendent Nancianne Edwards, and Pfaff Assistant Principal Jaime Maddon.

QCSD receives $11,500 from GIANT

The GIANT Company presented Quakertown Community School District with a check for $11,523.24 as part of the supermarkets’ Feeding School Kids initiative.

The money was raised by customers at the GIANT supermarket at 901 West End Blvd. who rounded up their bill to the nearest dollar or donated by converting points earned with their purchases earlier this year. GIANT then matched that number.

“We are incredibly grateful for this support,” Superintendent Dr. Bill Harner said. “The GIANT supermarkets play a valuable role in our community as a major destination for our families to grocery shop. And they’re a major employer for our students, who often receive their first paycheck and develop a professional work ethic.”

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Important Federal programs surveys, video

QCSD families, Dr. Erin Oleksa-Carter, the district's Supervisor of Elementary Programs, gave an important video and slideshow about Federal Programs on March 31. Please click here for that information.

The district is asking families with students in our Title I schools, Neidig, Quakertown, and Richland to complete this survey to evaluate our Title I programming.

We're also asking all parents, staff, students, and community members to complete this survey to provide input on district spending of federal program funds.

POR FAVOR VEA LA INFORMACIÓN EN ESPAÑOL AQUÍ.

The Quakertown Community School District is registering students for kindergarten classes through May 31. To be eligible for kindergarten in the 2022-23 school year, a child must be 5 years of age on or before August 31, 2022.

The intent of the School Board is to have full-day kindergarten for all students in each of the district’s elementary schools in 2022-23. Board leadership has given the administration the go-ahead to fill those new positions and the administration intends to advertise for them and budget accordingly.

More information on kindergarten registration may be found here. For a helpful video, click here. QCSD’s registrar, Kristine Fair, may be contacted at 215-529-2023 or kfair@qcsd.org.

Free gowns in the counselors' office

QCHS families, these have not been the easiest of times financially for many people. With that in mind, if you have a daughter who needs a gown for a prom or formal dance, the school counselors have been collecting them from thoughtful community residents. They're FREE!

Please have your daughter speak to her school counselor. They want to help! No questions asked!

If you have a gown to donate, please drop it off at the high school's main office.

School bus cancelations

QCSD families, by now you are well aware there is a nationwide shortage of school bus drivers. Brooke Ott, QCSD's Transportation Coordinator, has been in regular contact with you regarding bus cancelations.

A page on the website is dedicated to these alerts. They can be found here.

If you or anyone you know enjoys working with children and is looking for a part-time job, please contact Levy Bus Company, (215) 536-4567 or office@levybus.com.

Free COVID-19 testing for students, QCSD employees

The Bucks County Health Department is providing free COVID-19 testing for:

Bucks County school employees and contractors.
Bucks County children who have exhibited symptoms of COVID-19.

This free testing opportunity is not for individuals required to provide proof of a negative COVID test in lieu of vaccination. Per the Bucks County Health Department, individuals required to produce proof of a negative test in lieu of vaccination will need to secure other testing arrangements.

Click here for the flyer which contains all the necessary links, addresses, and expectations. Please note that appointments are required and can be scheduled by scanning the QR code or clicking on the link provided. No walk-ins are accepted.

COVID testing at St. Luke's University Health Network.

CVS and Rite Aid do testing as well, and appointments can be made via their websites.

Click here to find other COVID-19 testing locations.

For information on picking up free rapid test kits, click here.

COVID-positive student online form

The Quakertown Community School District nursing staff has developed an online form for families to use if their child has tested positive for COVID. We’re hoping that having this option available makes it easier for our families to communicate positive results to our nurses. This process aligns with the goals of the district’s Health and Safety Plan to safely monitor student and staff health.

If your student has tested positive for COVID, please fill out this questionnaire.

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