District News:

 

NPSD Students watch historical inauguration on

January 20, 2009

 

Despite the two-hour delay due to weather on Tuesday morning, January 20, 2009, students and staff were still able to experience a full day of history related to the inauguration of the 44^th president, Barack Obama, the first African American president of the United States of America. This was an excellent teaching opportunity that many schools took advantage of by celebrating the inauguration in various ways.

 

Hatfield Elementary School recorded the inauguration ceremonies and watched them on tape delay after the school’s lunch period. Red, white and blue balloons decorated the gymnasium where the students were able to watch the activities on a big screen. North Wales Elementary School held a short assembly at 9:30 a.m. that morning and arranged to have students watch the inauguration during the lunch period as well. Montgomery Elementary School designated the gymnasium, library and laboratory classroom for students to watch the ceremonies. Fifth grade students at Oak Park Elementary School researched facts and created posters of past presidents. In the art classes at Oak Park, students painted Barack Obama-inspired self portraits to celebrate the diverse backgrounds of each individual.

 

Pennbrook Middle School suspended its normal academic schedule just before noon to provide its students and staff the opportunity to witness history. Following the Oath of Office, students watched and listened to the new president’s inaugural message to them, and the rest of the nation. Students then had the opportunity to discuss the events they witnessed with their teacher and had time to comprehend the significance of the day in general, but of this Inauguration in particular. When asked about the day years from now, Pennbrook students should be able to say that they were witnesses to history.

 

On Friday, January 16, North Penn High School held a special assembly, titled “Voices of Promise,” to acknowledge the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, as well as the Presidential Inauguration. The assembly began with clips of Martin Luther King Juniors “I Have a Dream” speech and clips of Barack Obama’s speeches from the past year.  This was followed by a video of more than 25 high school students who were interviewed about what the election of Barack Obama means to them. In addition, the assembly featured a montage of presidential inauguration speeches from FDR to the present to demonstrate to the students that each new president speaks about the hope, prosperity and future of this nation. The assembly concluded with multiple students reading parts of the “I Have a Dream” speech with the North Penn High School Select Choir singing America the Beautiful in the background.

 

 

Educational Services Center Donates to Community Housing in Lansdale

 

Yes, the Eagles may have lost, but for those individuals at the Educational Services Center (ESC), their support still felt like a win.  NPSD staff members working at the ESC participated in an Eagles Spirit and Violation Day on Friday, January 16, 2009. In addition to the Eagles gear worn, staff members were encouraged to pay $5 to wear jeans to work. All of the money collected from the violation day will be donated to the Community Housing Services in Lansdale. A committee of the building, called the ESC ESCtreme Makeover Committee, offered to match the donations raised from this activity. In total, $570 will be donated to Community Housing.

 

The NPSD staff members were excited for the opportunity to give back to the community outside of the school district.

 

 

OAK PARK ENACT CLUB HOLDS FUNDRAISER TO RECYCLE CELL PHONES

 

Oak Park Elementary School is starting a fundraiser to recycle cell phones.  This project is organized by the school’s EnAct Club, which consists of 40 members in grades four, five and six. Students collect recycled paper for the Abitibi bins each morning and collect recyclables such as glass, plastic and aluminum in the faculty room, as well as around the school. They also collect 6 ounce yogurt containers and drink pouches for a company called Terracycle, which gives money to the rainforests for each item submitted.  The containers and pouches are then reused by the company for other purposes.

 

The Oak Park EnAct Club holds bi-weekly meetings after school to do various projects around school property.  In the past, the club has planted gardens, created birdhouses and birdfeeders and collected trash from the playground.  In the spring, the club will be starting a compost project.  The collection of used cell phones is a fundraiser to get supplies and shirts for the club members.  The cell phones should be sent to Amy Walter at Oak Park Elementary School or dropped off in the main office.

 

 

 

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.