Spring is a great time for students to focus on both academic growth and social development. Here are some ways they can achieve this:

Join Clubs or Extracurricular Activities: Students should participate in clubs or extracurricular activities that align with their interests activities and clubs . This not only allows them to pursue their passions but also helps them connect with like-minded peers and develop teamwork and leadership skills. Spring sports are just under way. Additionally, there are a large number of clubs and activities to participate.

Attend Social Events: Encourage students to attend social events such as school dances, sporting events, or community festivals. These events provide opportunities for students to socialize, make new friends, and build a sense of belonging. This month we have a host of events including String Performance starting at 6:30 on 3/12. We also have Mr. Norristown 7 PM on 3/21.

Practice Mindfulness and Self-Care: Help students prioritize their mental and emotional well-being by teaching them mindfulness techniques and self-care practices. Activities such as meditation, journaling, and exercise can help reduce stress and improve focus. Did you know that March is National Nutrition Month?

On Saturday Norristown Area High School's Robotics Club hosted in a state level competition. More impressive is that we had a team win and Qualify for World Competition that evening. Just when you thought that was enough, many of our high school Robotics team got up on Sunday to support the NASD Middle School Robotics program.

Nearly 40 % of NAHS Robotics Club are female participants. As we explore Women's Herstory Month, having young women participate in the sciences is notable. Historically, women have made significant contributions to various scientific fields despite facing numerous obstacles and systemic barriers. Efforts to promote gender diversity and inclusion in STEM are essential for building a more equitable and prosperous society.

Communication of the Pathways and your child's status in this graduation expectation is slated to happen very soon. Our next communication will be an email to families of students who have yet to meet the Act 158 expectation. More importantly, as we near graduation date of June 6, parents can meet with teachers on March 21 or March 22 Act 158 to identify additional supports students may need for graduation.

In the past I have mentioned how our Gear Up Program has worked with our current Juniors and Seniors to meet the Act 158 Expectations. However, NAHS has embedded strategies and opportunities in it's daily coursework of our Sophomores as well. For instance, in certain courses, students can earn certifications that can be considered partial evidence for meeting Act 158 expectations. Furthermore, there have been a number of opportunities to earn volunteer hours in our school and community.

Instructional Support Teachers are preparing our student body for Keystone Exams and detailing the scores needed to achieve success for Pathways 1 or 2. Students are encouraged to work with their counselors as they navigate all the graduation expectations.

Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday March 11, 2024 at 7 PM. The meeting will be virtual and target discussion on upcoming Parent Conferences and Spring Activities.

Recently we have made a change to our Interim Assistant Principal Team. Mr. Ray Fernandez, who served the Norristown Community for several months will be replaced by Dr. Wayne Wallace for the remainder of the school year. this transition will ensure that Norristown Area High School has veteran support for the remainder of the school year. On Friday, I was able to share a moment with the veteran leaders. Dr. Wallace is a pivotal member as he attended West Chester University with Mr. Fernandez, and mentored also mentored Dr. McGriff at West Chester University as well.

Parking stickers are registered by our School Resource Officer (Corporal Sheppard). Passes have been available since the fall. but are now in limited supply. Parking illegally in either student or teacher parking lots may result vehicles being towed. We use a local towing agency Hassan Qawasmy, 229 W. Germantown Pike, Norristown, PA, 19401 (610-277-0895). Vehicles can be recovered after paying the cash only tow and storage fee at the address above ( N-Book, pp 55-56).

The Spring Parent Teacher Conferences will be held

• March 21 from 12:15 PM - 2:45 PM
• March 22 from 12:15 PM - 2:45 PM

Please be on the lookout for invitation postcards, Social Media messages and email messages sharing details to register and attend.

The Norristown Area School District has recently invested in the resource known as tutor.com. This service allows students 24/7 Access to an live tutor online to support their learning and academic growth. Tutor.com will be one of many TIER 1 (available for all students to access) Academic Interventions .

NASD’s Community Bulletin Board: A place to promote community events, programs and activities in Norristown, West Norriton, and East Norriton that may be of interest to the greater NASD community. Stay involved!

Email: dmcgriff@nasd.k12.pa.us
Website: https://www.nasd.k12.pa.us/NAHS
Phone: (610)630-5090