E-Matters April 2025

Dear North Penn Community,

I am proud to share with you NPSD’s Comprehensive Plan for 2025–2028—a collaborative framework that reaffirms our unwavering commitment to student success and community engagement. The plan was approved by the Board of School Directors at the April 8th meeting and was submitted to the state for its approval.

Developed through a thoughtful and inclusive process, this plan is the result of dedicated work by a diverse group of stakeholders including students, parents, teachers, administrators, board members, and community leaders. Thank you to everyone who helped us in the process. Together, we examined data, reviewed our current practices, and envisioned a future where every North Penn student can thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally.

The plan is designed to ensure that every student receives an equitable, innovative, and empowering educational experience. To do so, our Comprehensive Plan focuses on six guiding principles:

Academic Excellence
Student-Centered Learning
Safe, Efficient, and Modern Schools
Operational Excellence
Social and Emotional Wellness
Communications & Engagement

Some of our key priorities over the next three years are:

Strengthening family and community engagement through accessible, multilingual communication and feedback systems;
Enhancing instructional practices through data-driven decision-making and professional learning communities;
Supporting every student’s well-being by developing processes that address academic needs and mental health;
Empowering educators with research-based professional development focused on instructional excellence for all students.

The comprehensive plan can be found here. Thank you for your continued support of the North Penn School District. Together, we will elevate learning, ensure belonging, engage our community, and exceed expectations—because every student deserves our very best.

Sincerely,

Todd Bauer

Superintendent
North Penn School District

Upcoming Events

April 30: Early dismissal
May 20: No school for students
May 26: No school for students

The full NPSD calendar, including school-specific events can be found here.

Eye on Equity

A Monthly Feature from Dr. Pamula Hart, NPSD Director of Curriculum and Equity

Mentoring

When high school students share experiences with younger students, it creates meaningful connections and valuable learning opportunities. This was very evident on Friday, April 11th, when members of various cultural clubs from North Penn High School visited Walton Farm Elementary to host the 2nd annual Diversity Assembly. The students performed dances, led trivia, and shared insights about their traditions, identities and the contributions their clubs make to the larger NP community. Experiences like this one helps our younger students see themselves represented, promotes understanding of different cultures, and encourages leadership and confidence in the older students as they take on the role of mentors. These interactions foster a more inclusive, respectful, and inspired school community. The younger students are more likely to engage and ask questions when the information comes from relatable role models. It also sparks curiosity and appreciation for diversity at an early age. Events like this one leave lasting impressions and we look forward to seeing the current elementary students lead this assembly when they are NPHS students.

Ensuring Belonging

NPSD Schools Celebrate World Down Syndrome Day

Each year on March 21, NPSD celebrates World Down Syndrome Day. March 21 is chosen for this celebration as those with Down Syndrome have 3 copies of their 21st chromosome. To celebrate, students and staff were encouraged to wear their most colorful and fun socks to celebrate those with Down Syndrome and what makes us all unique. Socks are chosen since chromosomes have a similar shape to socks.

Bridle Path's Blaze rocked some custom socks!

Elementary students had fun rocking their socks.

Elevating Learning

Knapp Elementary Buddy Program

Knapp Elementary School has created a Buddy Program, pairing classes from different grade levels for engaging activities. Older students serve as mentors and role models, while younger students benefit from peer support and encouragement. Buddies work together on activities including reading, art projects, and team-building exercises. By fostering leadership, collaboration, and a sense of community, the Buddy Program helps students develop important social and academic skills in a fun and supportive environment.

Engaging Community

Pennbook Holds Day of Service

Pennbrook Middle School 9th graders participated in a Day of Service, giving back to the community in many ways. Some students stayed at Pennbrook and baked dog biscuits and made dog toys for animal shelters, and others planted trees at the school that will grow for decades to come. Other students ventured out into the community, volunteering at the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, The Giving Tree, Mitzvah Circle, and more organizations.

Exceeding Expectations

Montgomery 3th Grader Collecting Crayons for Recycling

Montgomery Elementary 3rd Grader Vedesh Despande is collecting old, broken, and used crayons for recycling! These crayons go to The Crayons Initiative in California who melts down the crayons and remakes them for children who are hospitalized. This keeps crayons out of landfills, giving them new life, and bringing some color and fun to children who are going through a tough time.

So far, Montgomery has collected over 500 crayons and is continuing to collect more through the end of the school year. Vedesh was inspired by his big sister, Vedika, a Senior at NPHS who collected crayons as part of her Girl Scouts Silver Award project. She collected over 10,000 crayons for recycling!