In The Q

She's the sixth Panther girls basketball player to reach the illustrious total

When Carolyn Sipprell walks into the Quakertown Community High School gymnasium, she often looks up at the banner with the names of the Panthers’ 1,000-point scorers.

Her goal at the beginning of her senior season was to join the group of five girls basketball players who preceded her to that rarified achievement: Daniella Ciccarone (2010), Colleen Gavin (2009), Jen Carlson (1989), Anita Serge (1980) and Miram Afflerbach (1930).

Carolyn, in the midst of a marvelous campaign season, notched point number 1,000 on January 31st to join that select group. “She deserves this recognition more than anybody,” Coach Brittany Bamford said. “I’m very proud to be her coach. This is something she should be very proud of.”

Here's more on Carolyn's rare achievement.

5 finished in first place

Quakertown Community School District high school and middle schools had several students qualify for the Technology Student Association state competition following Saturday’s Region 5 competition at Colonial Middle School in Plymouth Meeting.

TSA results can be found here.

The experience gives educators an idea of the positive influence they have had on young people

When you’re a second-grade teacher, and a former student, now a high school senior, visits your class to let you know the impact you had on him, that’s a special moment.

Katie Robbins of Pfaff Elementary found out just how special on February 3rd, when Zach Borzio stopped by to let her know what she meant to him.

Zach, who brought a picture of himself as a second-grade student, also gave Mrs. Robbins his wrestling jersey as a one-day gift. It’s part of a new tradition called “My Jersey, Your Impact,” where senior athletes bring their jerseys to their favorite teacher to wear or hang in their classroom. The idea was inspired by high school social studies teacher Kate Kemp to show teachers “they are valued and appreciated. “In the end, the kids do appreciate what we do every day.”

Here's more on which teachers were awarded jerseys.

John Eatherton one of 55 in PA to receive the coveted Mini Max Award

John Eatherton is one of 55 players from Pennsylvania selected for the coveted honor. Players were nominated by their coaches and evaluated based on criteria that includes football performance, academics, and community service.

As they prepare for postseason tournaments, Quakertown Community High School’s wrestlers completed another successful dual meet campaign, reaching the state tournament with a 15-8 record.

Sophomore Collin Gaj, 36-0 and ranked in the top 10 nationally, is having an outstanding campaign. Two Panthers - Zach Borzio, 31-8, and Mason Ziegler, 33-4 - each achieved 100 victories during the duals season. Mason won six matches in districts and states, including five by fall.

Collin, first at 145 pounds; Mason, second at 121 pounds; and Zach, third at 152 pounds, are ranked among the area’s top wrestlers by phillyburbs.com. Calvin Lachman, 32-4, is first at 215 pounds; and Issac Williams, 26-11, is fourth at 114 pounds.

spring sports signup

Looking to play a High School Spring Sport in 2023? Sign up here.

Spring sports include baseball, boys lacrosse, girls lacrosse, softball, boys tennis, boys track & field, girls track & field or boys volleyball.

Britain Covey spoke with students about the 7 habits of highly effective people

Super Bowl-bound Philadelphia Eagle Britain Covey visited Neidig and Richland elementary schools on Wednesday. And while students excitedly asked questions and received hugs and high-fives from the Eagles rookie punt returner, questions weren’t only about the team, playing in the National Football League and facing the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl.

Mr. Covey spoke about something he shares with the students at both schools: “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” He is the grandson of Stephen R. Covey, the author of the book that Neidig and Richland students are learning leadership principles from. The Leader in Me process is an elementary version of Stephen R. Covey’s work.

“He was the most amazing man in the world,” Britain Covey said. “I love him so much and I miss him.”

Here's more about Britain Covey's visit.

Justin Guarini, the district's Artist-In-Residence, provided students with several helpful hints

From the outset of a more than two-hour coaching session with Quakertown Community School District students and parents, Justin Guarini put everyone at ease. Headlined as an Audition Secrets Masterclass, the star of Broadway shows and American Idol let everyone know that he sat where they’re sitting and their dreams can be fulfilled.

“I’ve done what you’ve done and lived what you lived,” he said. “I’ve been where it is you want to be. It takes a lot of hard work but if I can do it you can do it.”

His message hit home with Quakertown’s young people. Mr. Guarini was brought to the district by the Quakertown Community Education Foundation’s biennial Artist-In-Residence program. Dr. Erin Oleksa-Carter, a QCEF board member and QCSD’s Supervisor of Middle Level Teaching and Learning, huddled with several teachers to discuss the program. Erin Camburn, the high school’s choral director, suggested Mr. Guarini.

Here's more about Justin Guarini's interaction with Quakertown students.

Congratulations to these seven Quakertown Community High School band members for their performance in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 11 concert.

These wonderful musicians include Danny Finlayson, Dan Juszynski, Makya Milkowich, Henry Moyer, Zach Polek, Richard Strader, and Kaitlyn Williams.

Four of these performers, Dan, Kaitlyn, Richard, and Zach will be representing QCHS at the PMEA Region 6 Band Festival in March. Congratulations to everyone!

Twenty of QCHS Choir's finest singers and pianists, under the direction of Erin Camburn, displayed their talents and accomplishments before a very appreciative audience of more than 100 music lovers, family members, and friends recently at Trinity Lutheran Church.

In addition to their daily duties as choir members, each of these students has done extra work after school with QCHS accompanist Graeme Burgan, and with QCHS Choir Assistants Jonathan Lechner, Cynthia Rasmussen, and Marcia Vanderslice to prepare a song from classic solo literature to sing in the recital.

"We are so proud of these student singers and pianists for the level of improvement they displayed here today," said Mr. Lechner, retired QCHS Vocal Music Director. "We are also grateful to the leadership at Trinity Lutheran Church for allowing us to use their beautiful facility. The church sanctuary has such an excellent acoustic for solo singing, and their piano is one of the best in the community."

The photo, taken by Laura Polek, includes, left to right:

Front Row: Josh Greulich, William Hansen, Alyssa Cassel, Kaitlyn Williams, Abby Black, Karinna Richardson, Gussie Taylor, Wilson Martinez, Mrs. Vanderslice

Middle Row: Richard Strader, Elijah Thomas, Haunah Thomas, Rachael Szabo, Tanner Sheridan, Julia Huff, Gwyneth Trumbore, Mr. Burgan

Back Row: Mr. Lechner, Amoria Riendeau, Phillip Rotzell, Olivia Bell, AJ Lightbourne, Zach Polek

QE leads the way in making a difference

Quakertown Elementary School was very busy over the holiday season. Showing the spirit of giving, QE collected more than one ton of food and donated it to the Quakertown Pantry.

In December, QE completed a service project called Keeping our Community Warm. During this time students and faculty collected more than 1,200 hats, gloves, and socks for Quakertown Community Outreach.

It is amazing to see how the school community can come together and help make a difference!

Dr. Harner among educational leaders traveling to Israel

Quakertown Community School District Superintendent Dr. Bill Harner will be traveling to Israel as part of a US delegation with school superintendents and senior education officials. The trip of American Association of School Administrators is arranged by the America-Israel Friendship League, an organization dedicated to strengthening ties between Americans and Israelis based on shared democratic values.

Dr. Harner’s program in Israel will reflect a broad spectrum of topics and areas of interest. He will meet with national and municipal educational leaders from around the country and visit with visionaries and innovative model educational institutions.

The trip is scheduled from March 18 to 25.

Dr. Harner's blogs.

QCSD Budget Workshop

When

Thursday, March 30th, 7pm

Where

100 Commerce Drive, Quakertown

More information

QCSD Business Administrator Dawn Young will be presenting information to the School Board about the 2023-24 district budget. The original date of this event has been changed from April 6 due to the Good Friday holiday. This will be the third of three budget workshops being held. The second is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, March 2.

Get Directions

QCHS seeks Wall of Fame nominations

Quakertown Community High School Principal Mattias van 't Hoenderdaal is seeking Wall of Fame nominations from the public. Alumni considered will have demonstrated exceptional achievement in a career or have contributed significantly to the health, welfare or human rights of the local, state, national, or international community.

A completed nomination form must be received by the QCHS Principal by March 25 to be considered. Successful candidates will be notified by May 1. Please click here for the nomination form.

The Wall of Fame Committee is comprised of:

Ray Fox, Quakertown Alumni Association
Tom Klee, At-Large Member
Audrey Waddell, Quakertown Community Education Association
Sylvia Kalasz, Superintendent Representative
Christopher Betz, Quakertown Community Education Foundation

The Alumni Association and Quakertown Community Education Foundation help fund the Wall.

Changes to volunteer FBI fingerprinting

QCSD families, there's been a major change to volunteer FBI fingerprints. Please take a moment to read the information below.

PDE has issued a statement that the PDE Volunteer Service Code has been turned off and is no longer available. As of January 11, all volunteers must obtain their FBI Fingerprints through the Department of Human Services.

This change is not retroactive and the district will still approve people who have submitted their application in AppGarden with their PDE FBI Fingerprints prior to January 11. Any new or renewal applications that come in after January 11, must follow the new protocol.

More information may be found here.

Registration for State Police Camp Cadet

The Pennsylvania State Police Troop M will once again be hosting the annual Pennsylvania State Police Camp Cadet Program at Camp Fowler, 5851 Horseshoe Road, Orefield (Lehigh County). Camp will take place from Sunday, June 11 through Friday June 16.

Camp Cadet is an overnight summer camp for boys and girls between the ages of 12 to 15 years old. The goal of Camp Cadet is to introduce cadets to the diverse criminal justice system and establish a positive relationship between law enforcement and youth, while living in an atmosphere similar to an actual State Police Academy.

Presentations will include various municipal, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. This camp stresses teamwork, honesty, and integrity, while developing discipline and self-esteem, which will promote good decision-making at a young age. At the completion of the week, cadets will not only be proud of their accomplishments, but also gain an understanding of what it takes to be a police officer.

For those who are interested in attending Troop M Camp Cadet, registration can be done by going on-line and registering through the below link. Registration is open from February 1, 2023, until February 28, 2023, and limited to the number of applicants.

For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit www.psp.pa.gov.