E-Matters November 2024

Dear North Penn Community,

Your feedback about our schools is essential for creating a learning environment that meets the needs and values of the entire community. By sharing your perspectives, you can help school leaders understand what is working well and what areas may need improvement, from academic programs to extracurricular offerings and facilities.

If you are a parent or staff member in NPSD you should have recently received communications from the district surrounding our annual school climate survey administered by Hanover Research. It is also important that we hear from community members who do not currently have children enrolled. If that is you, I encourage you to take the survey here which closes on Sunday, November 10 at 11:59 pm.

The climate survey is a tool we have used for several years to help us gauge the satisfaction and perception of our district and plan accordingly. Students in grades 4 through 12 have already taken this year's survey and parents and staff have also been encouraged to participate. Honest feedback from everyone is essential. If you have already completed the survey, thank you for helping us to plan for the future of North Penn.

You may be wondering how these surveys help shape our decisions and ongoing plans. One way is that each summer administration uses the results to identify needs and to develop school and district wide goals to address those needs. Of course the survey is not the only tool we use, but it is an important part of the process.

As the holidays approach, specifically Thanksgiving, I wanted to take a moment to share my appreciation for our students, staff, families and community. Together, we achieve more than any of us could alone. Thank you for all of your support and hard work.

Sincerely,

Todd Bauer, Ed.D.

NPSD Superintendent

The U.S. military has always been a reflection of the nation's diversity, with individuals from a wide range of racial, ethnic, and gender backgrounds coming together to serve our country. From African American soldiers fighting for equality during the Civil War to Native American Code Talkers ensuring secure communications in World War II, diverse groups have made invaluable contributions at every stage of U.S. military history. Women have broken barriers, serving as nurses, pilots, and combat leaders, such as General Ann E. Dunwoody, the first woman to achieve a four-star general rank in the U.S. Army. Asian Americans, including the Japanese-American 442nd Regimental Combat Team, distinguished themselves as some of the most decorated soldiers in U.S. military history, despite facing prejudice. More recently, the increasing representation of LGBTQ+ individuals and veterans with disabilities reflects the military’s evolving commitment to inclusivity. These men and women, regardless of background, have demonstrated unwavering dedication to their country, and their diverse perspectives and strengths have been essential in shaping the military’s success.

In honor of Veterans Day, we want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of a few veterans whose names and stories may not be as widely known, but whose sacrifices and service reflect so many that have shaped the American history:

• General Lloyd Austin is the first African American to serve as the Secretary of Defense of the United States. A retired four-star general in the U.S. Army, Austin served for over 40 years and played a significant role in operations such as the Iraq War. His leadership as Secretary of Defense continues to shape U.S. military strategy and defense policy.
  
• Admiral Michelle Howard is a four-star admiral in the U.S. Navy and the first woman to lead a major Unified Combatant Command. With a distinguished career spanning over 30 years, she served in numerous leadership roles and was an advocate for diversity and inclusion within the military.
• Colonel Mary Lou Pinder is a retired U.S. Army officer of the Oglala Lakota Tribe, having served for over 30 years. She was the first Native American woman to become a colonel in the U.S. Army. Throughout her career, she advocated for Native American veterans' rights and has continued to support Native American communities through her work in veteran services.
  
• Staff Sergeant Tuan Nguyen is a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Iraq War. Originally from Vietnam, Nguyen emigrated to the United States as a child and enlisted in the Army after high school. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in combat and has continued to be an advocate for veterans' mental health and post-service support.

These veterans exemplify important contributions within the U.S. military and demonstrate the continued strength of diversity in shaping military leadership and service.