In The Q
March 9, 2022 Newsletter
Regional champs
Five wrestlers medal in regionals, earn ticket to state tournament
For the first time since 1986, Quakertown Community High School wrestlers captured the District One Southeast Regional championship, edging Council Rock South for the crown.
“It takes the entire program,” said District One Coach of the Year Kurt Handel, “I am so proud of every wrestler, their family, and our wrestling friends who played a part in us reaching this level.”
In the hard-fought triumph, the Panthers had five wrestlers gain medals and qualify for the state tournament at the Giant Center in Hershey. Heading to states are regional champion Colin Gaj, silver medalists Freddie Retter and Mason Ziegler along with fifth-place finishers Todd McGann and Calvin Lachman.
Another highlight of the event was Chuck Hangey's induction into the Southeast Pennsylvania Wrestling Hall of Fame. Chuck is a former Panther wrestler and as coach of the Quakertown youth program won three state championships!
*
Student-Athletes make college choices
Eight awesome Quakertown Community High School seniors announced where they'll be continuing their academic and athletic careers in a ceremony on March 1.
Congratulations to:
- Syd Andrews – Cabrini College (Softball)
- Kennedy Bowen – Kent State University (Gymnastics)
- Ty Everitt – Washington College (Baseball)
- John Juszynski – Slippery Rock University (Cross Country/Track & Field)
- Peyton Kochel – Delaware Valley University (Baseball)
- Thomas Kozlusky – Eastern University (Baseball)
- Madison Peacher – Shepherd University (Lacrosse)
- Kevin Wang – Macalester College (Track & Field)
The event was great to see as coaches teared up and students spoke about what it means to represent Quakertown. Click here to watch the ceremony.
*
QCHS student Julia Henry earns prestigious Good Citizenship Award
To receive this prestigious award, a Girl Scout must have attributes of honesty, courage, tolerance, curiosity, and loyalty, as well as endeavor to follow and uphold the principles of American patriotism. From the Union League’s perspective, nominees must show high personal standards of behavior and leadership. Award winners are eligible to apply for a college scholarship provided by the Union League worth at least $5,000 a year.
Please click here for the story.
*
QCHS Field Study program makes powerful impact
Thanks to the high school’s Field Study program, her experience at the UBFP helped her answer that question and save a lot of time and money in the process.
“The experience I had was amazing,” said Nicole, who learned that a journalism career is not something she will pursue. “I understand journalism a lot more now and it’s way different than I expected. Now I know not to major in it in college.”
Please click here for the story.
*
Board recognizes Students of the Month
Quakertown Community High Schools Outstanding Students of the Month since the start of the school year were recently recognized by the School Board.
They are, from left, Yerin Yun, Julia Witte, Will Steich, Justin Adamson and Bryce Widdoss. "They are the best of the best," Vice Principal Jason Magditch said. Each student received a $100 certificate from the Quakertown Rotary.
Listening to these young leaders speak makes your heart burst with Panther Pride! Click here for the video. Go to the four-minute mark.
*
AfterShock Percussion promoted for exceeding skill set
Quakertown’s Indoor Percussion group, “AfterShock,” is having a tremendous Winter season with first-place finishes in two competitions. Students are judged in four different areas, music, music effect, visual, and visual effect.
On February 19th, the team performed their show Dystopia in the Regional A Class competition, winning with a score of 83.3. On March 5th, AfterShock Percussion scored 85.1 for another victory. Their performance was noteworthy as they were promoted to the next class for exceeding the skill set of Regional A.
AfterShock members include Kylee Vika, Noah Clark, MaryAshlyn Wolf, Kenna Pebley, Kendall Ward-Wener, Otani Ekpe, Matt Inglis, Mazie Mitchell, Brian Kecza, Braden Donofry, Goda Minasamdram, Kyle DeAndrea, Travis Gilmore, Pamela Cole, Colin Miller, Ben Phy, Efa Ekpe, Kevin Ruser, Luke Somers, Viktor Durr, Kasey Goepfort, Matt Hafler, Simon Fletcher, Mervyn Brumback, Caden Eveland, and Brooklyn Spear.
*
QJazz Ensemble reaches SteelStacks finals
Following an outstanding performance in February, the QJazz Ensemble has been invited to the SteelStacks Jazz Finals on March 27!
The ensemble, directed by Frank Parker, received a Superior Rating and had the Best Trombone Section. Individual honors went to Brooklyn Spear, best Sax soloist, and Richard Strader, best Trombone soloist.
"It was a fantastic performance!," Mr. Parker said.
*
Strayer Jazz back in a big way
"The first live show in almost exactly 2 years and the first jazz show (ever) for every single member of the 2022 Strayer Jazz Band. Superior, Best Saxophone Section, and soloist award for Wilson M!"
*
Bowlers' fine season ends in eastern regionals
*
Pfaff learns tooth-brushing skills
The approximately 45-minute lesson, scheduled by kindergarten teacher Lynne Benninghoff, took place Friday, February 25.
“We want to motivate kids to be preventative patients,” said Dr. Blessington, who works at Upper Perk Family Dental in Pennsburg. The dental professionals spoke about why they wear glasses and scrubs and asked several questions of students and allowed each student to ask a question.
Please click here for the story.
*
6GC Student Council honors bus drivers
*
Daddy Daughter Dance Returns
Effort by Class of '23 a huge success
The Daddy Daughter Dance returned on March 5 after a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Junior Class of 2023 executed and planned the event, hosting approximately 320 people.
Class advisors Jennifer Stover Tina Sullivan, and Darlene Hardy praised the efforts of the Junior Class leadership. "We are so impressed with their willingness to serve and show enthusiasm for their school and their community. It was a huge success," said Mrs. Stover.
Back in October, Julia Henry and Jess Kelso reached out to Principal Mattias van 't Hoenderdaal seeking permission to resurrect this popular tradition and important Junior class fundraiser.
"I’m so happy we were able to bring the Daddy Daughter Dance back to QCSD after not hosting it at the high school for a few years," Julia said. "Seeing the huge smiles of all the girls with their dads/guys/dates made the whole experience of planning and hosting this student-run event so special. We are all extremely grateful to Mrs. Stover, Mrs. Sullivan and Mrs. Hardy for supporting and helping us every step of the way."
Junior Class leaders include, front row, left to right, Haunah Thomas, Livian Stover, Jessica Kelso, Katie Muller, and Emily Tolchin. Back row, left to right Jessica Waterstradt, Mary Barbour, Julia Henry, Claire Russell. Not pictured: Kayla Sicher.
*
Vaping and nicotine trends
QCSD families, "Vaping" continues to be a serious problem among young people. David Fialko, a certified treatment specialist with The Council of Southeast PA, recently presented information to parents of Quakertown Community High School, Strayer Middle School, and Sixth Grade Center students.
Topics included:
- What is “vaping” - Content, makeup, method of use
- Effects of Nicotine on learning
- Effects of Nicotine on Physical and mental health
- Traditional “tobacco” products and their popularity
- Trends in adolescent vaping
- Vaping and transition to tobacco products
- Cross utilization of ENDS to vape CBD’s (non-THC) and Marijuana/Cannabis (THC) based products
- Cessation / Quitting Options - FDA approved cessation/ quitting products
- Available supports for youth and families
Please click here to download the PowerPoint presentation.
*
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.
*
You can read some of the finest student journalists in Paw Prints, Quakertown Community High School's student newspaper. Click here for the latest.
*
QCHS grads in the news
Mason Hicks, 2019
*
Adria Retter, 2019
Adria Retter of Swarthmore College walked away from the Centennial Championships with two gold medals, winning both the weight throw and shot put!
The 2019 Quakertown Community High School graduate is having a spectacular junior season. Adria also excels in the classroom. At QCHS, she was a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. She is studying mathematics and computer science.
Once a Panther, always a Panther!
*
Buckle up, Quakertown!
The club is leading the seatbelt awareness campaign for the school.
*
2022-23 QCSD Calendar
*
Employment Opportunities in QCSD
The Bucks County PRIDE (Partnership for the Recruitment of Diverse Educators) Virtual Job Fair will be held on Friday, March 25, from 12 - 5 PM.
A consortium of school districts with a common mission of attracting diverse educators to Bucks County Schools to meet the needs of students and ultimately match candidates with job openings, Bucks County PRIDE school districts are eagerly seeking diverse candidates across all grade levels and content areas.
We look forward to meeting prospective educators.
*
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 Winter Farmer’s Market March 15
#QCSD families, on the first and third Tuesday, from 2-4 p.m., anyone can stop by the Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center (21 N. Main Street in Quakertown) for free produce and other items. (Bring your own bags if possible!) The next event is on March 15.
If you don’t have transportation or have any other questions, please contact Amy Stank of Quakertown Community Outreach at amystank@gmail.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.
*
County HS Poet of the Year contest
Bucks County students have until Friday, March 11 to submit three original poems for the chance to win $300. In addition to the prize money, the winner receives a proclamation from the Bucks County Commissioners, and the opportunity to read at a public reception.
Click here to submit your three original poems and an application form.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Here's how to access school board meeting videos
Looking for past "In The Q" issues?
Quakertown Community School District
Email: gweckselblatt@qcsd.org
Website: www.qcsd.org
Location: 100 Commerce Drive, Quakertown, PA, USA
Phone: 215-529-2028
Facebook: facebook.com/QCSDNews
Twitter: @QCSDnews