Weekly Newsletter - 4.11.26
A Message from Dr. Hoffman, Interim Superintendent
Spring is truly one of my favorite times of the year. My family and I are diehard Phillies fans, so it’s great to have baseball back on, even when they make it difficult to watch!
Spring also provides opportunities for our students to shine in many ways, from academics to athletics to arts and everything in between. They are finishing the year strong, and you can feel that energy the moment you walk into any of our schools.
We are also reminded that achievement, growth, and participation can look different for every student. Some are hitting their stride academically, others are shining on a team or a stage, and some are quietly working through challenges that don’t always get the spotlight. Our role is to recognize and support them wherever they are in their journey.
If you get the chance, I hope you’ll stop by a school activity, game, show, or performance in the coming weeks. These events are wonderful opportunities to stay connected with your child’s school experience.
Dr. Lisa Hoffman
*If you have any questions or ideas for content, please email us at communications@qcsd.org
QCSD Spotlight: Thank You to Our Assistant Principals
This week, we thanked our amazing QCSD Assistant Principals from across the district:
Dr. Monica Kenyon, Assistant Principal, Pfaff Elementary & Neidig School
Mr. Adam Smith, 8th Grade House Principal, Strayer Middle School
Ms. Jaime Maddon, 7th Grade House Principal, Strayer Middle School
Ms. Helen Conroy, Class of 2026 House Principal, Quakertown Community High School
Ms. Kelly Lannutti, Class of 2027 House Principal, Quakertown Community High School
Mr. Michael Bolinsky, Class of 2029 House Principal, Quakertown Community High School
Dr. Jason Magditch, Class of 2028 House Principal, Quakertown Community High School
From mentoring future school leaders to fostering inclusivity in our school communities, we are grateful for your dedication to our students, staff, and parents. Thank you for shaping our school culture and fortifying our entire school community from the inside out!
Today, and every day, we thank our assistant principals for their unwavering commitment to our students and schools.
Breaking News: Trumbauersville STEM team comes in 1st Place
On Friday, April 10, "The Green Girls," Trumbauersville Elementary students Callie, Marielle, and Honor, participated in the Bucks County IU STEM Challenge Design Finals at the FAB LAB in Warminster. After a day of intense competition, the Green Girls came in first place within the elementary competition!
What is the Bucks County IU STEM Challenge?
It is an annual engineering competition for students in grades 4–8 in Pennsylvania that challenges participants to create sustainable, innovative solutions to real-world problems.
This year, elementary and middle school students were challenged to design “a section of a factory that produces a product using sustainable practices. The prototype must be constructed of K'Nex and/or Engino, showcase how the machine functions, and support environmentally responsible production. The prototype should clearly demonstrate sustainability principles by minimizing waste, maximizing efficiency, and/or simulating the use of recycled, reusable, or otherwise sustainable materials or resources.” The Green Girls created a machine that recycles metal scraps using solar energy.
At the competition, the team was tasked with rebuilding their machine from scratch and presenting its functionality to judges. Teachers Mrs. Sparwasser and Ms. Lipski were incredibly proud. “Today’s STEM competition was such a great experience! The Green Girls did an amazing job on their project. They worked so hard, stayed focused, and really showed their creativity and teamwork. It was awesome to see all their efforts come together, and they should be very proud of what they accomplished!” said Ms. Lipski.
“This experience has taught the Green Girls the power of teamwork, perseverance, and time management. They brought incredible energy to today’s presentation with their confident, personable approach and absolute belief in their idea,” said Mrs. Sparwasser.
Congratulations to the Green Girls! We will follow up with a more in-depth story this week on their experience.
Elementary Explorations
Neidig 5th Graders Turn Small Change into Big Impact
The fifth-grade student leaders at Neidig Elementary are proving that even the smallest contributions can make a meaningful difference. Through their recent “Dimes for Dollars” fundraiser, students combined creativity, teamwork, and compassion to support others in their community.
Neidig’s fifth graders have a strong history of giving back. In previous years, students supported purchasing items from wish lists to benefit children spending the holidays in the hospital. Their continued commitment to service demonstrates a deep understanding of community responsibility.
Led by teachers Mrs. Schomber, Mr. Mason, and Mrs. Derby, Neidig’s fifth graders create monthly service projects and fundraising efforts to support their community throughout the school year.
This past month, students chose a unique challenge: collecting dimes. While the concept seemed simple at first, students soon realized counting hundreds of dimes was no easy task. With 1,000 dimes needed to equal just $100, the process demanded patience, organization, and perseverance. Students worked in teams and divided responsibilities to stay organized and count their donations accurately. While recounting was often necessary, the team remained determined and never gave up on reaching their goal.
When selecting a donation recipient, students voted to support St. Luke’s Cancer Center. Students shared that they wanted to help fellow children feel supported during their time in the hospital. They specifically hoped to contribute funds for toys and activities to bring joy and comfort to young patients.
In addition, the students made a special $200 donation to a charity connected to a staff member who experienced the loss of a child. This heartfelt gesture added a deeply personal and meaningful layer to their efforts, reflecting the empathy and kindness of the group.
Congratulations to our Neidig student leaders on their continued success and commitment to making our community a better place.
Middle School Moments
Willy Wonka Jr. Opens April 16th
Strayer Middle School is thrilled to present Willy Wonka Jr. — a magical musical adventure filled with wonder, whimsy, and chocolate!
This week we had the chance to visit a rehearsal and see the colorful world of Wonka! Join us as our talented cast brings Roald Dahl's beloved story to life on stage. Whether you're rooting for Charlie, marveling at the Chocolate Factory, or delighting in the Oompa Loompas, this show promises an unforgettable evening for the whole family.
Want to see your favorite performer?
Click here to check out our cast list to find out when they're taking center stage!
(Students not performing their named role in a performance can be found as part of the ensemble for the other performances.)
Show Dates:
April 16 at 7pm
April 17 at 7pm
April 18 at 2pm and 7pm
Tickets:
$5 at the door
Cash/Check accepted
Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka JR. is presented through special arrangement with, and all authorized materials are supplied by Music Theatre International, New York, NY (212) 541-4684 mtishows.com
Willy Wonka introduces himself to Augustus Gloop.
The Bucket Family reads about the chance to win a trip to the Wonka Factory.
Charlie visits the candy man for a chance at a winning Wonka bar.
Augustus dances and sings with the Oompa Loompas
Willy Wonka sings to the Oompa Loompas
Violet Beauregarde asks Mr. Wonka for her favorite candy.... gum!
High School Happenings
Congratulations to QCHS junior, Ms. Sydney Clark!
Her artwork was selected for the Bucks County Intermediate Unit (Bucks IU) Student Art Gallery.
On March 26, middle and high school students from across the region were honored for their outstanding artistic achievements. Sydney’s piece, At a Snail’s Pace, was chosen for exhibition.
“My art piece was collaged from old Victorian photos, newspaper clippings, and beautiful landscapes to maintain a neutral and cohesive color palette. I wanted my piece to symbolize the passage of time and how, at times, it may slow down, allowing one to appreciate where they are and the trail they’ve left behind,” Sydney shared.
Dr. van ’t Hoenderdaal, Ms. Lannutti, and Ms. Migliore were in attendance to congratulate Ms. Clark, along with her family.
Congratulations, Ms. Clark, on this impressive achievement and stunning work of art!
Sydney smiles with her artwork, "A Snail's Pace".
Dr. van ’t Hoenderdaal, Ms. Lannutti, and Ms. Migliore smile with Ms. Clark, admiring her work.
Viewers admire Sydney's work.
Upcoming District Events
4/13/26 - New Student Registration Event
Join us at Quakertown Elementary from 1pm to 4pm for this in-person new student registration event. Please RSVP by clicking here.
4/16/26 - QCHS College Fair
On Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 11:35am to 2pm, the lower gym will host the 12th Annual QCHS College Fair. With 82 vendors participating at the fair, students will have the opportunity to meet and chat with multiple colleges, universities, and resources to help them plan their future after high school. Don't miss it! Click here to learn more about this year's College Fair!
4/17/26 - QCHS Mini-THON 2026
The QCHS Panthers are doing their part to conquer childhood cancer by hosting a student-led Mini-THON! Help our students reach their goal and raise $20K for their cause - to ensure families never receive a medical bill, while also supporting cancer research.
How? By dancing all night long! And with your support, our students will dance from 6pm - 6am to reach their fundraising goal. To donate click this sentence!
Where? Quakertown Community High School, April 17, 2026 at 6pm - 6am
4/17/26 - QCEF His & Hers Bingo
The Quakertown Community Education Foundation (QCEF) will host its “His and Hers Bingo” event on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Benner Hall, 1260 Cherry Street in Quakertown. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with the first game beginning at 7:00 p.m. The evening will feature 15 regular bingo games along with specialty games, raffles, and a 50/50 drawing. Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door (if available). To learn more about this event, click this sentence!
4/22/26 - New Student Registration Event
Join us at the Quakertown Community High School from 3pm to 6pm for this in-person new student registration event. Please RSVP by clicking here.
4/24/26 - New Student Registration Event
Join us at Quakertown Elementary from 8:30am to 11am for this in-person new student registration event. Please RSVP by clicking here.
Upcoming QCSD Committees & Board Meetings
4/13 - Education Committee Meetings, 5:15PM
4/14 - QAPC - Quakertown Area Planning Committee, 35 N. Third Street, Quakertown, PA, 7PM
4/16 - UBCTS - Policy and Program Subcommittee Meetings followed by the JOC Meeting, 5PM
4/21 - BCIU Monthly Meeting - 705 N. Shady Retreat Road, Doylestown, PA 18901, 7PM
4/23 - QCSD School Board Meeting, 7PM
To learn more, click here to visit our QCSD School Board Webpage
Performing Arts Upcoming Events
4/13 - QCHS Choir Spring Concert - All Choirs
4/14 - QCHS Honors Choir PMEA Preview Performance
4/16 - Strayer Middle School Musical - Willy Wonka Jr.
4/17 - Strayer Middle School Musical - Willy Wonka Jr.
4/18 - Strayer Middle School Musical - Willy Wonka Jr.
4/21 - Meet the Instruments Night
4/28 - QCHS Band Spring Concert #2
4/30 - QCHS Orchestra Spring Concert
Meet the Instruments Night - April 21st
Join us for "Meet the Instruments" Night on April 21st from 6pm to 7pm, at Strayer Middle School. At "Meet the Instruments Night," your child will get to try their top instrument choices before committing to the one they want to play. Parents will also learn more about the program, meet teachers, and ask any questions.
Please register for this event, as it will prepare us for how many people are attending and how many instruments and materials we will need. Please complete this form by clicking this sentence. To find out more about the instruments before this event, visit QCSD Music Department's Website.
*Please note: Current 2nd grade students, who will be entering 3rd grade in the fall are only eligible to try out string instruments (violin, viola, cello, or string bass).
Quakertown Elementary Construction News
Take Home a Piece of QE History
After nearly 100 years of memories, milestones, and community, our beloved Quakertown Elementary School will soon be demolished to make way for a beautiful new school. We know how much this building means to so many, and now, you have a chance to preserve a piece of its legacy. Staff, alumni, community members, and local organizations are invited to submit a request for consideration to receive salvaged items from the current QE building before demolition.
Whether it's a small keepsake or a meaningful artifact, this is a unique opportunity to honor the history of a school that has impacted generations.
Click here to request your keepsake.
*Please note, it may not be possible to honor all requests.
SAVE THE DATE: QE Community Walk on May 26th
Please join us for a final community walk through Quakertown Elementary before construction begins. Community members are welcome to come explore a guided tour and walk the halls of QE one last time.
Please join us Tuesday, May 26th, from 5pm to 7pm at Quakertown Elementary, located at 123 South 7th Street, Quakertown, PA 18951.
Superintendent Search Community Survey
A successful superintendent search depends on finding the right “fit” between the district and its next superintendent. This requires a clear understanding of the district’s needs and challenges, as well as a well-defined set of desired qualifications.
The Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) refers to these qualifications and characteristics as the Leadership Profile. This survey was designed to gather representative input from district stakeholders to help shape that profile.
The purpose of the survey is to collect confidential feedback from members of the school community. The summarized results will be shared with the school board and used to guide the selection of the district’s next superintendent.