Take 5 with Dr. Friedman
Happy Halloween, QCSD Families!
Even though it’s October 31st, we’re already looking ahead to late November — and you won’t want to miss Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, running November 21–23 and brought to life by our incredibly talented High School Drama Club.
As we move into the holiday season, we also want to make sure every Quakertown family has access to the food resources they may need. In this edition of TAKE 5, you’ll find a link to important community partners — please feel free to share it with neighbors or anyone who might benefit.
A heartfelt thank you to all the parents and teachers who joined us for our K–12 Parent Math Night. It was a wonderful opportunity to see our curriculum in action, learn more about assessments, and explore course pathways to help support student success at every grade level.
It’s also not too late to celebrate Principal Appreciation Month! If you haven’t yet sent a note of thanks, please take a moment — our principals work tirelessly to support students, families, and staff, and they deserve our gratitude.
Finally, I encourage you to take a closer look at Career Language Integration (CLI), our K–12 initiative designed to help students explore their interests, strengths, and career pathways while connecting classroom learning to real-world opportunities.
Wishing all our Panthers a safe and happy weekend!
Dr. Matthew Friedman, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
1. Step into the Magic at QCHS
Magical things are happening in Quakertown — and you’re invited to experience them firsthand! The Quakertown Community High School Drama Club proudly presents Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, running November 21st–23rd.
Our incredibly talented cast and crew have been working tirelessly to bring this spellbinding story to life. From elaborate sets and handcrafted props to stunning costumes that capture the spirit of Hogwarts, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to immerse audiences in the wizarding world.
Tickets are on sale now! Online sales will close on Thursday, November 20th at 11:59 p.m., so be sure to reserve your seats early. If tickets remain after online sales end, they will be available for purchase at the door on the day of each performance. Join us for an unforgettable evening of magic, friendship, and courage.
Tickets:
Fri, Nov 21, 2025 at 7:30pm
https://www.msbtickets.com/quakertownseniorhighschool/event/9bs2sy7r
Sat, Nov 22, 2025 at 7:30pm
https://www.msbtickets.com/quakertownseniorhighschool/event/604b2yyj
Sun, Nov 23, 2025 at 2:30pm
https://www.msbtickets.com/quakertownseniorhighschool/event/eazc5fbq
2. Community Food Resources
At Quakertown Community School District, our mission extends far beyond academics. We are a community that cares deeply about the well-being of every student and family. One of our ongoing priorities is making sure that every family knows about the resources and support systems available — both within our schools and across the broader community.
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our dedicated district social workers and school counselors are here to help. They can connect families with important resources — whether it’s referrals to community services, emergency food support, or other local programs designed to help during difficult times.
I also want to remind everyone that all students continue to receive free breakfast and lunch each day at school. We know that access to healthy meals makes a tremendous difference in students’ lives, helping them learn, focus, and grow.
For families who may need additional support outside of school, we’ve a helpful link below with multiple community resources. Please take a moment to review them or share them with anyone who might benefit. Together, we can continue to make Quakertown a place where every child and family feels supported, connected, and cared for.
Click here for more details and please share with our community.
3. October isn’t over yet — and neither is Principal Appreciation Month!
There’s still time to show some love to your favorite QCSD Principal! Our principals work tirelessly to support students, families, and staff — leading with heart, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to our schools. Let’s take a moment to remind them how much they’re valued and appreciated. Just click here: https://tinyurl.com/v5xsmhty
4. K-12 Math Night Recap
The Quakertown Community School District hosted an informative K–12 Math Night — an event designed to help parents and guardians gain a deeper understanding of math instruction across all grade levels.
During the session, QCSD educators and administrators guided families through the district’s math curriculum and demonstrated how each stage of learning builds on the one before it. The evening included several key topics aimed at helping families support their children’s success in mathematics:
Grade-Level Content: Families explored what students are learning in math at each stage of their education, from foundational elementary concepts to advanced high school coursework.
Math Assessments: Presenters explained how assessments are used to guide instruction, measure student understanding, and inform next steps for academic growth.
Math Pathways: Attendees learned about the course sequences available to QCSD students and how placement decisions prepare them for future academic and career opportunities.
The event provided a great opportunity for parents and caregivers to ask questions, connect with educators, and gain practical strategies for supporting math learning at home.
To view the presentation from that evening - click HERE.
5. Career Language Integration: Connecting Learning to Student Futures
Quakertown Community School District (QCSD) is proud to launch Career Language Integration (CLI)—a K–12 initiative designed to help students explore their interests, strengths, and career pathways starting at an early age. Grounded in the RIASEC career exploration model, CLI gives students the tools and vocabulary to talk about their passions and goals while making meaningful connections between classroom learning and real-world opportunities.
The RIASEC framework—developed by psychologist Dr. John Holland—groups career interests into six broad themes:
Realistic: Hands-on, practical problem-solvers
Investigative: Thinkers and researchers who love exploring ideas
Artistic: Creators who value expression and innovation
Social: Helpers who enjoy supporting and teaching others
Enterprising: Persuaders who thrive in leadership and business roles
Conventional: Organizers who excel with details and structure
By learning about RIASEC, students begin to see how their interests align with different career paths, helping them make informed decisions about their futures.
Over the past two years, QCSD has partnered with the Educator’s Cooperative to train teachers, pilot lessons, and introduce students to career conversations and self-discovery activities at every grade level. By the end of the 2025–2026 school year, Career Language Integration will be embedded across the district, empowering students to take ownership of their learning and prepare for a successful future.
Visit our NEW Career Language Integration Webpage HERE.
Third-grade Teacher Dr. Karin Stabilit of Neidig E.S. integrates RIASEC career themes into her classroom activities.
Each student received trading cards of future careers, and swopped back and forth until they had cards that matched their themes.
Career Language Impact – Key Data Points from QCSD Research:
- 80% of students recognized and could describe their RIASEC interest areas by the end of the year—up from just 27% at the start.
- Students who participated in regular career conversations were 2.5 times more likely to take active steps toward their future (e.g., exploring careers, reaching out to mentors, or attending a job fair).
- After participating in CLI, 73% of students reported feeling more confident about making future career or academic decisions.