School Board President's Message to QCSD Families
“Thanks to all those in the community who have joined us tonight or who may be viewing this Board Meeting at a later time. As your Board and Administration, we recognize this Pandemic has affected us greatly.
"Many teachers are wondering when they will get to see their students in a classroom setting once again. Students are missing their teachers and friends. Our graduating seniors are missing their last days of school, prom, and precious memories with friends.
"Parents are wondering how long this may go on, and are in some cases frantically trying to figure out how they will manage working from home and support their children’s learning. Some parents are worried about not having an income due to the virus.
"As we move through this journey, I am hopeful that we can show each other a bit of compassion and be there for one another. When hearing the news that Governor Wolf decided to close schools for the rest of the year, I am certain that was difficult news for some, but that doesn’t mean learning is stopping for our school district. As Governor Wolf so eloquently stated, 'Our schools are more than academics. They’re sources of hope, inspiration, stability, inclusion.' "
Please click here for the full statement.
Kenzie Sawadski's Bryce Harper portrait was a winner in the Phillies 2020 Drawing Contest
Just ask her art teachers. “She’s incredibly motivated and talented,” said Laura Christine of Quakertown Community High School. “Kenzie is extremely conscientious and is a very hard worker.”
Kate Fetterolf of Strayer Middle School said “What always stood out for me is that she is independently motivated. She uses her own inspiration and resources to shape her creative drive and is confident enough in herself to experiment. It’s one of the reasons she has been so successful.”
The results speak for themselves. During her senior year at QCHS, Kenzie’s work has been chosen for the Bucks County Student Arts Expo in Doylestown and the Hope & Healing Juried Art Show at The Baum School of Art in Allentown. Her drawing was also used to design the “Sea of Blue” t-shirts, sold by Free Press graphic & publishing at the Quakertown-Pennridge Thanksgiving Day game.
More recently, Kenzie was one of 10 students in the Philadelphia area to win the 2020 Phillies Drawing Contest. Had the season not been postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenzie would have been at Phillies Opening Day, where her portrait of Bryce Harper would have been displayed on PhanaVision.
Please click here for the full story.
US News HS 2020 Rankings
The US News High School 2020 Rankings placed Quakertown Community High School in the top 10 percent of America's high schools. Of Pennsylvania’s 671 high schools, QCHS is ranked number 63.
In his latest blog, Superintendent Dr. Bill Harner said “Our rank is indicative of the high quality of our curriculum, instruction by our teachers, and student participation and performance at all levels. We are incredibly proud of our students, faculty and staff, and the Quakertown Community that supports our work. We are privileged to serve!”
Here’s a look at how Bucks County’s high schools ranked:
Central Bucks East, 17
New Hope-Solebury, 22
Central Bucks West, 32
Central Bucks South, 56
Council Rock North, 57
Palisades, 73
Council Rock South, 107
Pennsbury, 128
Neshaminy, 131
Pennridge, 191
William Tennent, 275,
Bensalem, 344
Truman, 446
Bristol Borough, 453
Morrisville, 511-671
QCHS Virtual College Fair goes off without a hitch
“This was definitely new territory but the technology held up and the students presented themselves very well,” said counselor Eric Gozzard, who has coordinated the event for six years.
The format for the 45-minute meetings had a college representative present information about their school for 15 minutes. That was followed by a 15-minute student Q&A. The last 15 minutes allowed students to view other presentations during the same time slot and jump around to other presentations.
A QCHS counselor was in each session to set the tone for each visit, and the high school administrative team and Superintendent Dr. Bill Harner joined in on some of the Google Meets.
“Eric did a phenomenal job,” Principal Matt Van’t Hoenderdaal said. “To go from a traditional format and change it to a virtual setting, I’ve got to give him a ton of credit. Everything went great.”
Please click here for the story.
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Sixth Grade Center online recital: 'Heartwarming'
Music teachers organized the first-ever Sixth Grade Center music recital on April 17, and it was absolutely wonderful!
Ms. Edinger was the emcee of the event, organized by Mr. Silvius and Ms. Hazelrigg. Sixty people watched the recital, including Mrs. Urquhart, who said she is excited to have the students as 7th graders next year! And Mrs. Teprovich wrote "Great job by all the young musicians."
Student performers were Katelyn Bell, Faith Greenday, Travis Gilmore, Regina Kovacs and Anna Greenday. And there was a surprise guest performance by Superintendent Dr. Bill Harner, who played the clarinet.
Ms. Edinger said it is "heartwarming that art can still bring people together."
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Some Important Quick Links
For those who haven't seen it, here's QCSD's Closing and Coronavirus page, which has vital information for our families, including:
- The district's Continuity of Education Plan
- A Parent's Support For Distance Learning
- Technical Support For Students and Staff
- Mental Health Resources
- Superintendent Dr. Harner's Latest Blog
- Pre-K Counts information, application
If your family is in need of food, please click here for information on how students can get free breakfasts and lunches.
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QCSD Art Content Specialist Kate Fetterolf and the District art department has invited students to create artwork that will be displayed in St. Luke's hospitals.
It can send a message of kindness to a medical professional or a patient. Please click here for more information.
Please enjoy the great work that's been turned in so far!
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Quakertown Community School District
