E-Matters May 2025

Dear North Penn Community,

As the 2024–2025 school year winds down, I am proud to celebrate the success of a new program implemented this year, the Superintendent’s Student Collaborative.

The Student Collaborative is a vital initiative that brings together students from grades 5 through 12 to serve as a voice for their peers and a bridge between students and district leadership. These students advocate, advise, and help lead positive change throughout the North Penn School District.

Throughout the year, I met with these thoughtful student leaders regularly. They shared their experiences, expressed concerns, and offered ideas to make North Penn a more welcoming, responsive, and engaging place to learn. They engaged in meaningful conversations about topics including school safety, the visibility and approachability of their principals, and their favorite staff members — often highlighting the deep personal connections they’ve formed. From teachers and principals to security and custodial staff, North Penn staff members in every area are truly making a difference.

For me, some of the most meaningful conversations occurred when students were asked what big picture and more complex topics worry them outside of North Penn. Answers included mental health, vaping, the challenge of choosing the right college, the environment, economic concerns, and the advancement of AI. By encouraging open dialogue, I believe a safe space was provided for students to be heard and supported.

We are grateful to our building administrators for their partnership in helping select students from diverse backgrounds to ensure a wide range of perspectives were represented. In some cases, students may be invited to continue their role in the following school year, strengthening continuity and deepening their impact.

Through the Student Collaborative, I was reminded of our students’ wisdom, creativity, and commitment to improving the world around them — starting right here in North Penn. I have enjoyed watching these students grow throughout the school year and connecting with them individually and as a group.

I look forward to next year and hearing the voices of our students to help shape the future of NPSD. Similarly, I would like to share a video with the community that was played at a recent Phillies game that talks about the importance of working together in our community. As it is stated in the video, it takes all of us and the students are watching! You can watch the video here.

Sincerely,
Todd Bauer

NPSD Superintendent

• May 26: No school for students
• June 17, Early dismissal all schools
• June 17, Last day of school and commencement

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

At North Penn High School, student voices are leading the charge in fostering a stronger sense of belonging and enriching the high school experience for all. The Cultural Proficiency and Equity Student Ambassadors (CPESA) are actively identifying areas for improvement and implementing creative solutions to ensure every student feels connected and has opportunities to thrive. Their recent projects, driven by student feedback, showcase the power of youth leadership in shaping a more inclusive school community.

Earlier this year, CPESA reviewed a school-wide belonging survey to gain insights into students' experiences. Analysis of the data revealed two key areas requiring attention: feelings of disconnection from school activities and perceived limitations in educational resources and opportunities, particularly among students of color.

In response to these findings, CPESA developed a video resource aimed at showcasing the diverse array of opportunities available within North Penn High School. This video features interviews with a variety of students who have pursued different academic and extracurricular paths, ranging from career and technical education to arts and performance programs. The central message of the video is to underscore the idea that North Penn, with its large and diverse student body, offers avenues for growth and involvement for every individual, regardless of their interests or background. The goal is to illustrate that the high school experience extends beyond academics and provides a space for students to discover their passions and shape their identities.

Furthermore, CPESA is taking proactive steps to improve student engagement by planning a fair that will feature all of the high school's clubs and organizations. This event, organized in collaboration with school administration and club leaders, aims to raise awareness of the numerous ways students can connect with their peers and pursue their interests. By providing a centralized platform to learn about and join various groups, CPESA hopes to foster a greater sense of community and ensure that all students feel a part of the vibrant North Penn High School environment. These student-led efforts exemplify the power of youth voice in shaping a more welcoming and inclusive school culture.

The pictured students are from North Penn's CPESA as well as Cheltenham School District presenting at the K. Leroy Irvis Day of Action. This is an annual event held by the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus to commemorate the anniversary of Irvis's election as the first Black Speaker of a state legislature in the U.S. Students from North Penn and Cheltenham got to present their projects in a breakout session at the conference.

North Penn athletes competed at the Special Olympics held at Spring Ford High School. 8 local school districts competed in a day full of fun, competition, sportsmanship, and lots of ribbons. Thank you to the staff and volunteers who make this day so special!

The North Penn High School Engineering Academy will be holding the 20th Annual Nanotechnology and Engineering Symposium on Thursday, May 29 at 7 PM in the North Penn High School auditorium. The event will showcase the ways that Engineering Design and Development students worked in collaborative teams to research and develop solutions to some of the most pressing energy, healthcare, and environmental problems facing the world today.

The symposium will begin in the auditorium and transition to the auxiliary gym for team poster discussions and live demonstrations of advanced characterization equipment, including the newly acquired Hitachi TM 4000+ Scanning Electron Microscope. This microscope had previously been on loan to the school for portions of the year, and will now reside permanently at North Penn High School thanks to a partnership between Hitachi, the North Penn School District Educational Foundation, and the North Penn School District. NPHS is now the only high school in the country to own a scanning electron microscope.

For those unable to attend, the event will be streamed live on NPTV. For more information, please visit http://www.thefutureisnear.org/. The symposium is supported by the North Penn School District Educational Foundation, funding grants in the district to motivate and inspire students and staff through innovative projects and opportunities that enhance the education of all students.

North Penn High School held a career fair for students as part of the Career Hosted Internship Program (CHIP). There was a great turnout from local businesses and organizations who came to talk to students about their current job openings, as well as career paths available to students after graduation from high school or post-secondary education.

Over 1800 NPSD students in grades K-6 participated in the annual IronKnights Triathlon. Students swam, biked, ran, and gave it their all to achieve their personal best. The event is a great way for students to push themselves and strive to achieve their goals. Thank you to the amazing NPSD physical education teachers for putting together this event!