Updates from the QCSD BOE

Greetings, Quakertown Community Family!

As we near the culmination of another academic year, it's truly astonishing to realize that grade-level promotions and graduations are less than 30 days away. This time of year presents us with a unique opportunity to extend grace to one another and to seize every opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students, staff, and families. Please mark your calendars: the last official day of school is set for Friday, June 7, with our highly anticipated High School Graduation scheduled for Tuesday, June 4.

The conclusion of the academic year brings forth a flurry of end-of-year activities and celebrations within our school community. From prestigious awards ceremonies to spirited field days, these events serve as tangible reminders of our collective accomplishments and reinforce the enduring bonds we've forged throughout the year at Quakertown. I urge each and every one of you to take note of the upcoming activities at specific schools, with building principals providing even more detailed information regarding these events. Please consult your respective school calendars for comprehensive details on the exciting events taking place throughout the remainder of the year.

Amidst the excitement of these festivities, it is paramount to remember that our students remain steadfastly engaged in their academic pursuits. As they prepare for exams such as the PSSA, Keystones, Advanced Placement tests, and final exams, alongside completing final projects across various subjects, they continue to rely on our unwavering support. Let's continue to encourage our students to strive for their personal best, ensuring they prioritize sufficient rest and nourishment to fuel both their minds and bodies during this demanding period.

I extend my deepest gratitude for your ongoing partnership as a community in nurturing the success of our students. Together, let's navigate these final days of the school year with determination, resilience, and celebration of the remarkable accomplishments we've achieved collectively. Our journey toward excellence continues, and I am honored to embark upon it with each and every one of you.

Yours in Education,

Dr. Matthew Friedman

Superintendent of Schools

Quakertown Community School District

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Dear Quakertown Community,

As we draw near to the end of the academic year, it is with pride that we reflect on the accomplishments of an incredible year. Our students have consistently demonstrated excellence both academically and in their extracurricular pursuits. From great academic success to participation in community service endeavors like the recent Quakertown Spring Clean Up, our district’s commitment to excellence and desire to better the community is commendable and makes our district proud.

With many accomplishments behind us, we navigate new opportunities and challenges as we move forward as a district. Part of our role as your School Board of Directors is to provide the very best for our schools while planning to enhance the educational experience for our entire school community.

We have always been ahead of the curve when it comes to technology, which has led to our innovation and growth. In today's rapidly evolving world, we must continue to embrace change and provide the best resources for our schools. We are living during challenging but exciting times in education, with so many technological advancements and a fast-paced flow of information. This has led our teachers to adapt and bring new learning opportunities for our students, along with implementing innovative teaching methodologies that have been seamlessly woven into the curriculum.

I am the first to admit that change is never easy. However, I am constantly impressed by the flexibility and adaptability exhibited to embrace new technologies and learning platforms that are the
future of education and the key to our growth and success.

As we approach the end of the school year, we will continue working through the summer with administrators to navigate and anticipate challenges so we can address them head on. Ultimately, our goal is to empower each student to reach their fullest potential, which is only possible with the unwavering support and commitment of you, our community.

Sincerely,

Todd Hippauf

School Board President

Director of Elementary Education, Dr. Erin Oleksa-Carter, presented on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). The Board recognized Upper Bucks County Technical School students for their achievements in the state tournament. Click the video below to watch the entire board meeting.

Click here to see the full agenda

During the meeting, the Board honored students from each elementary school for showcasing excellent leadership skills throughout the month of April. Elementary school honorees included Neidig Leaders of the Month (safe, respectful and responsible),

Pfaff students recognized for doing their best every day, Quakertown Elementary students exemplifying the “D” in Dependability (always dependable and able to do the right thing), Richland’s April Leaders of the Month nominated by teachers for living Richland’s mission, and Trumbauersville student leaders.

Please see QCHS students of the month:

• January
• February
• March
• April

Click here to watch

Student representatives Aislin Magalengo, Jaelyn Taylor and Sophia Wang reflected on the last month and reported to the Board on student achievements and upcoming events.

• Color Guard placed 4th out of 13.
• Drum Line placed 2nd out of 11.
• High School Spring Concert was a success.
• Penn Relays, a prestigious track and field competition, that a few of our fellow peers were able to attend.

• All-State PMEA (Pennsylvania Music Educators Association) featured student Wilson Martinez who was one of the two Baritone saxes in the wind ensemble.
• March Mammal Madness.
• College Fair.
• The Unified Track & Field Team remains undefeated.
• Students enjoyed RIASEC event (4.26)

Todd Hippauf, President, Tenure since 2021, Region 1

Glenn Iosue, Vice President, Tenure since 2021, Region 2

Ron Jackson, Member, Tenure since 2014, Region 1

Jon Kern, Member, Tenure since 2015, Region 2

Joe Lyons, Member, Tenure since 2023, Region 3

David O'Donnell, Member, Tenure since 2023, Region 1

Brian Reimers, Member, Tenure since 2019, Region 3

Charles Shermer, Member, Tenure since 2021, Region 3

Chris Spear, Member, Tenure since 2019, Region 2

The Board recognizes that communication to and from them is important. You may contact all members of the Board, and Superintendent Dr. Matthew Friedman, by emailing board@qcsd.org. Before bringing your matter to the attention of the Board of Directors, however, please be sure you have provided your local team with an opportunity to help: your child’s teacher(s), the building principal and staff. Thank you.

Click the button below to watch each committee meeting.

Education Committee: (4.2.24) Click to view the minutes

• Update on coaches/interventionists
• Dedicated librarian in every school
• STEM focused special for K-5
• Digital Literacy instruction for K-5

Policy Committee: (4.2.24) Click to view the minutes

The following policies are presented for review and discussion:

• Policy 702 - Gifts, Grants, Donations
• Policy 707 - Use of Facilities
• Policy 800 - Record Management
• Policy 801 - Public Records
• Policy 920 - Booster Clubs

For discussion:

• 225-AR - Student Financial Obligations

Policies for Retirement:

• 702.3 Loan Fund

For Information Purposes Only:

• 707-AR-0 - Use of Facilities
• Facilities Fee Schedule
• 800-AR-0 - Retention Schedule
• 800-AR-1 - Records Management
• 920-AR-0 - Booster Club

Policies recommended for 2nd reading and approval:

• Policy 302 - Employment of Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent
• Policy 305 - Employment of Substitutes
• Policy 309.1 - Telework
• Policy 312 - Performance Assessment of Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent
• Policy 313 - Evaluation of Employees
• Policy 314.1 - HIV Infection
• Policy 319 - Outside Activities/Intellectual Property
• Policy 324 - Personnel Files
• Policy 338.1 - Compensated Professional Leaves
• Policy 340 - Responsibility of Student Welfare
• Policy 907 - School Visitors
• Policy 810 - Transportation
• Policy 701 - Facilities Planning

Policies for Retirement:

• Policy 400 - Ethical Behavior of Professional Staff
• Policy 412 - Conflict of Interest

For Information Purposes Only:

• 324-AR-0 - Personnel Folders
• 805.1-AR-0 Pupil-Police Contact in the Schools
• 810-AR-0 Side Stop Signal Arm Enforcement System

Any policies from the April 2, 2024 meeting that required no changes were moved to 1st reading at the April 25, 2024 Board meeting.

Finance Committee: (4.11.24)

Treasurer's Report: February 2024

• 2022-2023 Audit Presentation by Carl Hogan, CPA - Partner at BBD, LLP

• Community Eligibility Program (CEP) 2024-2025 District Cost Options
• The Board asked the Administration to do an analysis to see what the financial impact of enrolling additional buildings in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) program would have on the District.
• Currently the District is enrolled in CEP in grades K-6.
• 2024-2025 Preliminary Budget Presentation Update
  

Facilities Committee: (4.11.24)

• Bids for the High School modification to the existing sound attenuation equipment will opened on May 3, 2024.

Communications Committee: (4.16.24)

• Website: New district website to go live over the summer.
• Board Newsletter: Continue to send out the board newsletter monthly to keep the community up to date.
• District Newsletter: The next district newsletter is set to come out in May.
• Media Relations/Press Releases: Continue to share press releases to local and regional media. Work to acquire relationships with media and build media list.