In The Q
February 3, 2022 Newsletter
Avinash Paul named Presidential Scholars candidate
He is among 5,000 students invited to apply for the program by the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars, which said the candidates “represent excellence in education and the promise of greatness in young people.” Each year, up to 161 students are named Presidential Scholars, one of the nation's highest honors for high school students.
“There are so many bright kids in this whole country, this is incredible,” said Avinash, describing the feeling of being in this position as one of “elation.” He said an uncle on his mother’s side of the family was a Presidential Scholar. “Maybe it’s in the genes,” he said. “No matter how hard-working I am, I am so thankful for my friends, family, and the teachers in Quakertown. I couldn’t have done this without them.”
Please click here for the story.
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Kindergarten Registration Information Session
The Quakertown Community School District is preparing kindergarten registration for the 2022-23 school year with all elementary schools in QCSD providing full-day kindergarten for our students. If you have a child entering kindergarten next year (5 years of age on or before August 31, 2022), please see this flyer for information regarding kindergarten registration and upcoming events.
A Kindergarten Parent Information Virtual Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 8 at 11 a.m. The meeting will be recorded and posted to the qcsd.org website for those unable to attend. Open office hours will be held in the District Office, 100 Commerce Drive, for Kindergarten Registration only on Tuesday, February 15, and Thursday, February 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you know of someone with a child who will be 5 on or before August 31, please share this email with them.
Tuesday, Feb 8, 2022, 11:00 AM
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Panthers quarterback in select company
Quarterback Will Steich, who rewrote the Panthers offensive record book, has been named a Mini Max High School Award winner for the 2021 football season. He is one of 55 players selected from schools across Pennsylvania. Players were nominated by their coaches and evaluated based on football performance, academics, and community service. Only two other Bucks County students were chosen, Jeremy Goldrick of Central Bucks West and Makai Jackson of Harry S. Truman.
“This is a really prestigious award,” said George Banas, the Panthers’ head football coach since 2010. “It’s a reflection on the type of young man he has become and how his parents have raised and developed him. Hopefully, there’s some of how we mentored him as well.”
Please click here for the story.
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QCHS set to kickoff Esports Club
Quakertown Community High School is adding one of the nation’s fastest-growing clubs to its wide array of activities for students. The Esports Club was introduced to students on Feb. 1 and is scheduled to begin on Feb. 17.
The goal of the club is to provide students with a positive social environment that includes quality mentors to help them experience and grow positive skills that can be applied in their educational and personal lives, said Sandi Frisch, a QCHS business teacher who will be a club advisor along with video production teacher Lincoln Kaar and science teacher Andy Snyder.
“I’m excited for the opportunities our students can gain through this,” said Mrs. Frisch, who led the presentation to 21 interested students in the Quakertown Performing Arts Center. “This isn’t just about playing a game. There’s so much more to it, teamwork, critical thinking. The skillset they’ll build is important to their future.”
Please click here for the story.
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Top musicians perform in PMEA District 11 concert
Congratulations to Quakertown Community High School Band Members, from left, Richard Strader, Daniel Juszynski, Elizabeth Callan, and Makya Milkowich.
The outstanding musicians qualified to perform in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 11 Concert at Pennsbury High School.
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Student returns to visit Mrs. Klee at Neidig
While in basic training, Neidig students wrote to him: "It was so exciting to finally meet you! Thank you for telling us all about your experience! We are proud of you!"
Michael played football and baseball at QCHS. In a Special Edition Newsletter last June, Michael said joining the Army National Guard is a "Great opportunity to serve the country."
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QCHS senior receives prestigious art award
Quakertown Community High School senior Thien Cao has been named a Philadelphia regional winner of a Silver Key in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Contest for his digital art entry.
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the longest-running, oldest, and most prestigious literary and art competition in the United States, aiming to find creative works and original technical skills by students in grades 7-12.
“This is a prestigious award and I’m so proud of Thien for his hard work,” Digital Art teacher Amy Migliore said. “He represents us well.”
Please click here for the story.
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Student artwork highlights QNB Calendar
Five Quakertown Community High School students highlight QNB Bank’s 2022 calendar. The students, three of whom have graduated, entered their work last spring in QNB’s 2022 Student Art Calendar Contest. High school students of all schools in the QNB Bank market area were eligible.
The QCHS winners, whose work is on display, are current students Thien Cao (May) and Kaylyn D'Andrea (July), along with 2021 graduates Megan Godshalk (April), Alexia Alsante (November), and Paige Spahits (back cover).
“I’m so proud of our students for participating in this challenging competition,” Principal Mattias van 't Hoenderdaal said. “Their work is so impressive and, obviously, QNB Bank representatives agreed. We thank them for encouraging our students to take part in this contest and for showcasing their artwork. Having five winners is a testament to the talent of our students and the efforts of our classroom teachers.”
The theme for the contest was "Industry & Invention" in the style of pen and ink. The 14 winning entrants each received a $100 deposit into a QNB CD or Savings Account and had their artwork published in the 2022 calendar.
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Richland Leaders of the Month
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QCHS Social Justice Alliance Spark Talk
Following an introduction by SJA advisor Bethany Fuller, students Tucker Busfield and Ryleigh Quinn spoke. They were followed by School Resource Officer Bob Lee.
Please click here for the video.
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Record-Setting Swimmers
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Freddie Retter commits to Kutztown University
Freddie Retter, a two-way lineman for the 13-1 Quakertown Community High School football team, has committed to Kutztown University.
Freddie, a first-team all-Suburban One League selection on both the offensive and defensive lines helped power the offense to a record-setting campaign. He also was a wrecking crew on defense with 15 sacks. In addition, Freddie set team records for tackles for loss in a season with 26 and must hurries in a season with 18.
"Thank you, Freddie, for everything you have done for the Quakertown football program," Coach George Banas said. "We know you’ll continue to make us proud!"
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Spring sports sign-ups
Click here to sign up if you're a middle school student.
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First for color guard!
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You can read some of the finest student journalists in Paw Prints, Quakertown Community High School's student newspaper. Click here for the latest.
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UBCTS accepting online applications
The Upper Bucks County Technical School is now accepting online applications for the 2022-23 school year. Please fill out your application by February 12.
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Celebrating our seniors
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Enjoy your retirement, Mr. Hendricks!
Congratulations to Scott Hendricks on his retirement after 24 years with the Quakertown Community School District.
Richland Elementary School students and staff let Mr. Hendricks know how much they appreciate him and will miss him while he enjoys retirement!
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Quakertown Rotary donates $350 to QE
The money was used to purchase a new book for all of QE's 279 students.
Thank you Quakertown Rotary!
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New Chromebooks for second-graders
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The Quakertown Borough Police Department is accepting applications for its 8th annual Citizens Police Academy. Classes begin on Tuesday, March 8th and will run each Tuesday for eight weeks from 6 to 8 p.m. at police headquarters.
Participants must be at least 15 years of age. If interested, email School Resource Officer Bob Lee at rlee@qcsd.org.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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
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Twitter: @QCSDnews