District News:

 

Bridle Path and Knapp Elementary Schools Hold

OLWEUS bullying prevention PROGRAM (obpp) KICK OFF EVENTS

 

Bridle Path and Knapp elementary schools held kickoff events for the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP) to introduce the pilot program to students and parents on Wednesday, January 14, 2009. The goal of both schools is to have this program implemented at the school, classroom and individual level. The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program is the most successful, world-renowned prevention program currently used today.

 

Bridle Path’s theme of the day was “Join the Team” and began with an assembly featuring the band Clarity from 9 to 9:45 a.m. This band consists of former NPSD graduates, four of whom attended Bridle Path in elementary school as well. The students played several songs and then discussed bullying both in the school environment as students and in the real world as musicians. Following the assembly, school-wide class meetings were held to discuss how to get to know each other better. Students also learned the definition of bullying, brainstormed ways to work together to prevent or stop bullying in the school and problem-solved situations involving bullying.

 

Students and staff members also learned the school’s anti-bullying rules:

(1)    We will not bully others

(2)    We will try to help students who are bullied

(3)    We will try to include students who are left out

(4)    If we know that somebody is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and an adult at home

 

Each grade level had several break-out sessions during the day to perform team-building and anti-bullying activities in their classes. To conclude the day, students attended an assembly where they expressed their opposition to bullying. For more information about the Bridle Path event, please contact Celeste Allerton at allertct@npenn.org. 

 

Knapp’s all-day event involved the entire student body, consisting of 632 kids, more than 80 staff members and many parents and guardians. Various activities were planned throughout the day for every grade level, including a kickoff assembly featuring the NPHS drama students. Additional activities included a slide show, role play skits and revision of the anti-bullying rules mentioned above.

 

Knapp Elementary School has 19 languages and a variety of socio-economic challenges stemming from its surrounding neighborhoods. Knapp is the second largest elementary school in the North Penn School District. For more information about the Knapp event, please contact Principal Joseph Mazza at 215-853-1515. 

 

These schools have spent countless hours adapting the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program to fit the needs of their schools and are 100% committed to creating a safe and respectful learning environment for all! When kids feel safe, they can achieve academically, socially and emotionally!

 

 

Attention NPSD Staff: Praxis Preparation Courses 2008-2009

 

The Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education is pleased to announce the following online professional development opportunity:

 

Title:  Praxis Preparation Courses 2008-2009

 

When:  January 1, 2009 through June 30, 2009

 

Location:  Online

 

Time: 24/7

 

Description:   Pennsylvania educators can prepare for the Praxis I or Praxis II tests by successfully completing one or more of the online courses offered.  Each course, except the Advanced Reading Courses, offers 60 Professional Education hours.  Each Advanced Reading Course offers 30 hours.  Participant in the course(s) will be supported with technical assistance on accessing the PLATO online courseware from designated PATTAN staff.  An 800 number to contact PLATO technical assistance directly will also be provided.  Online courses are available 24/7. 

 

Courses offered:

Mathematics

Professional Education Middle School English Language Arts

Professional Education Middle School Science

Professional Education Middle School Social Studies

Professional Education Middle School Mathematics

Professional Education High School General Science

Professional Education High School Biology

Professional Education High School Chemistry

Professional Education High School Basic Reading/English, Math, Writing

Advanced Reading Strategies in Science                      

Advanced Reading Strategies in Social Sciences         

Advanced Reading Strategies in Literature Advanced Reading Strategies in History

 

Credit:  Act 48 Hours

 

You may register directly on-line by visiting http://www.pattan.net and entering the Registration On-line page.

 

 

Miss Philadelphia is KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT NPHS KEY CLUB INDUCTION

 

The North Penn High School Key Club held its annual Induction ceremony, featuring keynote speaker Brintha Vasagar, NPHS graduate and former NPHS Key Club member, on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 7 p.m. in the NPHS Auditorium.  Community service is the main goal of the NPHS Key Club, which is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Lansdale, which is why Brintha was the perfect candidate for this event.

 

Brintha Vasagar attended Georgetown University where she double majored in Biology and Psychology before continuing on to medical school where she is currently in her third year. Being a survivor of the 2004 tsunami which devastated South Asia, she subsequently developed a strong interest in public health. As Miss Philadelphia, Brintha is championing a community service platform entitled “GIVE: Get Involved, Volunteer in Education.” Her priority for the year is to strengthen our community by empowering the youth with knowledge.