Take 5 with Dr. Friedman

Happy Friday, Quakertown Families:

This week’s Take 5 is SUPERSIZED! While it’s packed with even more news, events, and highlights than usual, it will still only take five minutes to catch up on the top 9 QCSD updates of the week. From exciting student achievements and upcoming performances to opportunities for families to get involved, this edition is your quick guide to everything happening across our schools. Think of it as your fast-track pass to staying connected, celebrating our students, and knowing what’s going on in the QCSD community—without taking more than a few minutes of your day.

Have a wonderful weekend, Panthers! We’ll see you on Monday!

Dr. Matthew Friedman, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools

The Quakertown Community School District is spreading holiday cheer in a creative way! Students across all grade levels are invited to participate in this year’s QCSD Holiday Card Art Contest.

We’re searching for three original and festive designs — one each from our elementary, middle, and high school students — that capture the warmth, joy, and community spirit of the holiday season in Quakertown.

The winning designs will be featured on the official QCSD Holiday Card, shared with families, staff, and community partners throughout the district. It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their artistic talents and help represent the creativity and pride that make QCSD shine!

Deadline: Friday, November 21st by 5 PM

Click HERE to Enter!

Join the Quakertown Community School District for the next Coffee & a Q event on Monday, November 10th at 6 p.m. at Free Fall Action Park. This month’s conversation will focus on an exciting topic:

“What is QCHS’s Career Pathways Program?”

During this session, families will hear directly from Career Pathways Advisors Mr. Banas and Mrs. Neilson, Pathways Administrator Mr. Magditch, and current Career Pathways students William Bowen and Shayna Williams. Together, they’ll share insights about how this innovative program helps students explore career interests, gain real-world experience, and prepare for success beyond high school.

Whether you’re a 7th, 8th, or 9th grade student or family member, this is a great opportunity to ask questions, learn more about academic and career options, and discover how QCHS supports every student’s journey to the future.

Event Details:
Date: Monday, November 10, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Free Fall Action Park

Come for the coffee—leave inspired by the possibilities that await our students!

The holiday season is a time for connection and community — and the Quakertown Community School District is proud to offer support for families through its upcoming Holiday Resource Night, hosted by the district’s social workers.

Join us on Wednesday, November 12, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Quakertown Community High School Commons Area for an evening dedicated to helping QCSD families access valuable resources and assistance for the holidays and beyond.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Holiday Assistance Program: Learn about local programs available to help families during the holiday season.

• Winter Clothing Drive: Find warm coats, hats, and gloves available for students and families in need.

• Community Connections: Meet representatives from local organizations who will be on hand to share helpful information, answer questions, and connect you with ongoing support.

Vendors:

Access Services

Bucks County Opportunity Council

Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Inc.

Bucks County Grandfamilies Support Group

Buxmont Counseling

Child and Family Focus

The Council of Southeast Pennsylvania, Inc. SAP Counselors

Early Learning Resource Center - Community Services for Children, Inc.

Free Fall Action Park

Lenape Valley Foundation

Lifespan Child Care

NOVA (Network of Victims Assistance)

PA Career Link

Revivals

St. Luke's Penn Foundation

A Woman's Place

This free event is open to all QCSD families, and no registration is required. Come learn, connect, and find ways to make this holiday season a little brighter. We look forward to seeing you there!

The holiday season brings a special kind of magic to Quakertown! Our schools sparkle with excitement and pride as students prepare to showcase their talents in singing, music, and performance. The QCSD Winter Concert Series is a cherished tradition, highlighting months of hard work, practice, and teamwork. These performances offer a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our students’ dedication and creativity while sharing the joy of the season with our community.

Mark your calendars and join us:

Tuesday, 11/18 - QCHS/Strayer/SGC Orchestra Concert at Strayer MS from 6:30pm - 8pm
Wednesday, 11/19 - SGC Band Concert at Strayer MS from 6:30pm - 8pm

Tuesday, 12/2 - QCHS Band Concert at QPAC from 7:30pm - 9pm

Wednesday, 12/3 - SGC Choir Concert at Strayer MS from 6:30pm - 8pm
Wednesday, 12/10 - Strayer Band Winter Concert at Strayer MS from 6:30pm - 8pm

Thursday, 12/11 - QCHS Choir Concert #1 at QPAC from 7pm - 9pm
Saturday, 12/13 - QCHS Choir Concert #2 at QPAC from 7pm - 9pm

Monday, 12/15 - QCHS/Strayer/SGC Orchestra Concert at Strayer MS from 6:30pm - 8pm

Wednesday, 12/17 - Strayer Choir Concert #1 at Strayer MS from 4pm - 5pm

Thursday, 12/18 - Strayer Choir Concert #2 at Strayer MS from 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Quakertown Community School District is building a K–12 Computational Thinking pathway to ensure students gain the problem-solving and critical thinking skills needed in today’s digital world. In partnership with Digital Promise, QCSD is designing learning experiences that help students break down complex problems, analyze data, and develop solutions—skills that go far beyond computer science and apply to every subject area.

Over the past two years, QCSD teachers and the Office for Teaching and Learing have:

• Designed a K–5 Computational Thinking curriculum with hands-on lessons and interdisciplinary projects.

• Completed extensive training with Digital Promise to integrate computational thinking practices into classroom instruction.

• Planned expansion into grades 6–8 and eventually 9–12, with the goal being a fully aligned K–12 pathway by 2027.

The first full implementation in K–5 classrooms began in the 2024–2025 school year with the addition of the special Design Thinking with grades 6–8 launching next. QCSD students will experience a complete, districtwide computational thinking curriculum that helps them grow as creative problem-solvers, innovators, and critical thinkers in an increasingly digital world.

K–5 Design Thinking: Creativity, Challenge, and Computational Thinking Study:

• Over 90% of K–5 students reported a positive experience with the new Design Thinking course, citing coding, building, and creativity as their favorite parts.
• K–2 students showed significant growth, with a 13–19% increase in both enjoyment and confidence in coding interactive stories and games.
• 96% of students in grades 3–5 described the experience as positive, with many highlighting how they developed perseverance, collaboration, and creative problem-solving skills through more complex coding and robotics challenges.

If you or someone you know is in need of additional support outside of school, we’ve put together 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.

Don’t miss your shot to capture the memories! Yearbooks are on sale NOW — and they’re going fast! From spirit days to senior nights, make sure your favorite moments last forever.

Senior ad space is limited, so grab yours before it’s gone! Click here to purchase

This month, we celebrated our secondary students (6-12) who have exhibited the qualities of a “Relationship Builder.” Relationship Builders teach others with empathy and respect, communicate effectively, and work well with others. They contribute positively to their classrooms and school communities and show compassion, inclusion, and leadership in their daily interactions. They build strong connections and help create safe, welcoming spaces for everyone.

You are exceptional leaders. Congratulations Panthers!

In November, we will be celebrating our "Effective Communicators" in grades 3 - 5.

To learn more about Portrait of a Graduate, please click HERE.

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.

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