In The Q

Six Quakertown Community High School students headed to perhaps the world’s largest wrestling competitions and three came away as All-Americans at the 2023 U.S Marine Corps Junior and 16U Nationals in the Fargodome on the campus of North Dakota State University.

Collin Gaj and Calvin Lachman each earned their All-America prize this week following last weekend's girls’ tournament where Caroline Hattala captured her honors. Collin was sixth at 152 pounds, Caroline sixth at 200, and Calvin eighth at 220.

Here's more.

three Softball players named All-State

Congratulations to three Quakertown Community High School softball stars who were named to the Pennsylvania High School Softball 2023 All-State team.

Shortstop Ava Beal and Leah Schwalm, the designated player, were named to the first team. Second-team honors went to pitcher Abbey Wagner.

Eric Fosbenner shows off skills in Culinary Arts at SkillsUSA nationals

Eric Fosbenner, a rising senior at Quakertown Community High School and Upper Bucks County Technical School, finished in eighth place in Culinary Arts at the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, a showcase of career and technical education students.

During his junior year, Eric won the Gold Medal at the SkillsUSA state competition.

The national event competitions occupied a space equivalent to 31 football fields or 41 acres. There were more than 6,500 contestants in 108 separate events. Nearly 2,000 judges and contest organizers from labor and management made the national event possible.

QCSD welcomes new superintendent

Dr. Matthew Friedman, a highly respected educational leader in districts in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, was sworn in as the next superintendent of the Quakertown Community School District on Wednesday, July 5.

President Judge Wallace H. Bateman Jr. administered the Oath of Office to Dr. Friedman, who shared the exciting moment with his family - wife Rebecca, and children Hannah, Rachel, and Ethan - members of the QCSD administration and School Board in the Bucks County Justice Center.

“I am excited for this incredible opportunity,” Dr. Friedman said. “It is a true privilege and honor to be part of this amazing school community, and I am humbled by it. I look forward to partnering with all stakeholders in this upcoming journey to accomplish the District’s mission and vision to prepare our students for life after graduation as well-rounded, responsible individuals and engaged citizens who contribute their knowledge and skills to our global community.”

Here's more.

Dr. Friedman meets with Quakertown Rotary Club

New Superintendent Dr. Matthew Friedman has been meeting with stakeholders as he acclimates himself to the Quakertown Community School District. He recently spoke at a meeting of the Quakertown Rotary Club, which he described as a “true honor.”

“I am excited to be part of this transformational group moving forward,” he said. “Service to others is paramount to being an effective leader and this organization will allow me to do that in our community.”

During the July 18 meeting, Dr. Michael Zackon, Supervisor of Secondary Programs, was named a Paul Harris Fellow, “in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given to the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.”

Dr. Friedman said Dr. Zackon’s award is “Well deserved and a true recognition of the servant leader Dr Zackon is each and every day.”

Computer insurance protection, 2023-24

A new Accidental Damage Protection (ADP) insurance company will be handling coverage for the Quakertown Community School District for the 2023-24 school year. The new company is School Device Coverage, and open enrollment begins on July 24th.

Please note that you will need to purchase insurance directly through School Device Coverage, as QCSD will no longer be collecting the payments. If your student is in Pre K, 1st, 5th or 8th grade, please hold off on purchasing insurance until they receive a new device.

On July 24, signup online here.

Openings for aides in QCSD

QCSD has openings for Instructional Aide and General Aide positions at the Sixth Grade Campus, Strayer Middle School, and the High School. Please follow the link for job descriptions and more information.

Forms for students in need of daycare

QCSD families with children who will use babysitter locations during the 2023-24 school year must have forms submitted no later than Tuesday, August 15. Any forms submitted after this date cannot be guaranteed to start on the first day of school, August 28.

The link to the form can be found here: Request for Transportation to Adult Supervision Form. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Brooke Renninger, Transportation Coordinator, brenninger@qcsd.org.

AP Boot Camp returns August 15-17

Quakertown Community High School is again offering the highly popular AP Boot Camp for incoming ninth-graders who plan to take AP Human Geography.

The three-day session, scheduled for August 15-17 from 9 AM to noon at QCHS, will strengthen their academic foundations and refine their advanced learning skills. The focus is on team building, time management, AP-level reading, and note-taking skills. By performing the work to pass this college-level course, students learn the habits necessary to succeed in high school. Students will have time to ask questions and work on their Summer Assignments. In addition, students who have previously taken the course will also be attending to discuss their experiences in the class.

The Boot Camp will be taught by Sean Burke (sburke@qcsd.org) and Kevin Laboski (klaboski@qcsd.org). Here is the RSVP link.