Weekly Newsletter - 11/14/26

Thank you to the many students who took the time to meet with me and participate in focus groups last spring. I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from students in grades 6–12 about their experiences, ideas, and hopes for QCSD. These conversations are important, and I want to continue creating opportunities for students to have a voice in shaping our schools.

This year, I am inviting students in grades 3–12 to apply to participate in the Superintendent Student Roundtable. The purpose of the roundtable is to bring students together regularly to share their perspectives, discuss what is working well, identify opportunities for growth, and offer ideas that can help inform district decisions. Most importantly, it is an opportunity for students to have a meaningful voice in conversations about their educational experience and the future of QCSD.

Are you interested in being part of the conversation? Students in grades 3–12 are encouraged to apply! If you have ideas to share, want to make a difference, or simply want to help make our schools even better, I hope you will consider applying. Complete the application here. Applications are due by November 30. I look forward to hearing from you!

Proud to Be QCSD,

Dr. Lisa Hoffman
Superintendent of Schools

*If you have any questions or ideas for content, please email us at communications@qcsd.org

This week, we honored local veterans at Richland Elementary, Neidig Elementary, and Quakertown Community High School, with each school hosting a special event to express its gratitude.

At Richland Elementary, veterans were welcomed to the school's 4th Annual Veterans Day Assembly. Students greeted veterans with ties to the Richland community with warm smiles and enthusiasm as they escorted them to the multipurpose room. The entire school cheered as they entered!

During the assembly, each veteran had the opportunity to share stories about their military service, the roles they held, and how their experiences shaped their lives.

At Neidig Elementary, veterans toured the "Veterans Hall of Honor," where students proudly displayed heartfelt tributes dedicated to their veteran family members.

Student leaders also shared meaningful words of gratitude, recognizing each veteran for their courage, dedication, and service to our country.

The morning concluded with a schoolwide Veterans Day Parade! Students lined the hallways, proudly waving American flags and cheering as our heroes made their way through the building. It was a wonderful send-off and a special way for the entire school community to show its appreciation.

And at Quakertown Community High School, students and the school community proudly honored local veterans during the 38th Annual Veterans Day Assembly, hosted this year by QCHS. It was a meaningful morning filled with gratitude, recognition, and appreciation for the brave men and women who have served our country.

The assembly featured a wonderful lineup of musical tributes and special guests, including performances by the Sixth Grade Center Choir, singers Mary Beth Clymer and Donna Lee Ramsey, pianist Paul S. Daniels, bugler Susan Halteman, and trumpeter Larry Gruver. We were also honored to hear remarks from Retired Admiral Linda Wackerman and State Representative Craig Staats.

Following the assembly, our veterans were treated to a delicious lunch prepared and served by our amazing Chef Polk and his talented culinary students. Thank you for helping make the day even more special!

We are incredibly grateful to all the veterans who joined us and to every man and woman who has served our country. Thank you for your courage, your sacrifices, and your unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms. We are proud to honor you today and every day!

On the evening of Wednesday, November 11, 2026, the Quakertown Community High School held the inaugural induction for the Tri-M Music Honor Society.

The Tri-M Music Honor Society is an international honor society for junior and senior high school music students who exemplify academic success, character, leadership, and service.

Director of Choral Activities, Ms. Erin Camburn, and Director of Bands, Dr. Rachael Urquhart, hosted the evening’s festivities, along with chapter officers, Elena Ritter, Dean Morrison, Aiden Myers, and Israel Ekpe (unable to attend).

What does “Tri-M” mean? It stands for Modern Music Masters. Modern for emphasizing the importance of new ideas, Music to describe the category of art, and Masters for recognizing that these individuals have achieved a high degree of proficiency within this art form.

Students received their certificate of acceptance into the society, as well as a Quakertown Community High School Music Department pin. The department emblem’s fire and instrument design represents students’ passion for musical excellence.

Both Ms. Camburn and Dr. Urquhart shared their excitement about establishing the Tri-M Music Honor Society at Quakertown Community High School. The organization provides students with opportunities to demonstrate their leadership, passion for music, and appreciation for one another. This first class of inductees is a particularly special group because they are establishing the foundation and traditions for future Tri-M members at QCHS.

Congratulations to Quakertown Community High School’s Tri-M Chapter 104533!

Juniors:

Adriana Cerezo

Steven Dao

Joshuah Johnson

Kasey Mushrush

Alex Orrison

Katelyn Oshinski

Jace Walsh

Caitlin Waninger

Seniors:

Edward A Baniak IV

Marley Chaddha

Israel Ekpe

Rachel Gass

Misha Meer

Nicholas Mitchell

Aiden Myers

Dean Orrison

Samantha Pribbernow

Elena Ritter

Eric Rotzell

Abigail L Sears

It's time to take a peek in your pantry and help us BEAT PENNRIDGE!

The annual Thanksgiving Food Drive is happening now at Quakertown Community High School - and we need your help. All QCSD Schools are participating—be sure to check your school newsletter for details!

Each class is competing for the most donations, with one ultimate goal: DONATE MORE THAN PENNRIDGE!

Let's do good and feel good by coming together to support our neighbors in need. Start gathering your donations and help us make this food drive a success!

Donations are being collected at QCHS now through Monday, November 23rd! Please check with your individual school for their specific dates and drop-off locations.

Let's show our community what Panther Pride is all about!

Mark your calendars and celebrate the joy of the season with us. Below are our November concert and QCHS theater dates:

• SGC Band Concert | 11.17.26 at 6:30pm at Strayer Middle School
  
• QCHS Fall Orchestra Concert | 11.18.26 at 7pm at Strayer Middle School
  
• SGC Band Concert Snow Date | 11.19.26 at 6:30pm at Strayer Middle School
  
• QCHS Theater Presents, “Something Wicked This Way Comes” | 11.20.26 at 7:30pm at QPAC
  
• QCHS Theater Presents, “Something Wicked This Way Comes” | 11.21.26 at 7:30pm at QPAC
  
• QCHS Theater Presents, “Something Wicked This Way Comes” | 11.22.26 at 2:30pm at QPAC
  
• QCHS Fall Orchestra Concert Snow Date | 11.24.26 at 7pm at QPAC

Below are our December concert dates:

• QCHS Band Concert | 12.1.26 at 7pm at QPAC
  
• QCHS Band Concert Snow Date | 12.2.26 at 7pm at QPAC
  
• SGC Winter Choral Concert | 12.7.26 at 6:30pm at Strayer Middle School
  
• Strayer & SGC Orchestra Concert | 12.8.26 at 6:30pm at Strayer Middle School
  
• Strayer & SGC Orchestra Concert Snow Date | 12.9.26 at 6:30pm at Strayer Middle School
  
• SGC Winter Choral Concert Snow Date | 12.10.26 at 6:30pm at Strayer Middle School
  
• QCHS Choir Concert #1 | 12.10.26 at 7pm at QPAC
  
• QCHS Choir Concert #2 | 12.12.26 at 7pm at QPAC
  
• SMS Winter Choir Concert #1 | 12.15.26 at 6:30pm at Strayer Middle School
  
• SMS Winter Choir Concert #2 | 12.16.26 at 4pm at Strayer Middle School
  
• SMS Band Concert #1 | 12.17.26 at 6:30pm at Strayer Middle School
  
• SMS Band Concert Snow Date | 12.18.26 at 6:30pm at Strayer Middle School

We hope you can join us for this festive time of the year!

Mark your calendars and get involved! We welcome members of the community to attend all our upcoming meetings in person at 100 Commerce Drive, Quakertown, PA, 18951, or join us online at our YouTube channel by clicking here!

Upcoming Meetings:

• Wednesday, November 18, 2026 – School Board Meeting at 7pm
• Thursday, December 3, 2026 - School Board Reorganization Meeting at 7pm
• Wednesday, December 9, 2026 – QCEF Bi-Monthly Meeting at 7:30am
• Wednesday, December 9, 2026 – Policy Committee Meeting at 5:15pm
• Thursday, December 10, 2026 - Facilities & Finance Committee Meetings at 5:15pm
• Monday, December 14, 2026 – Education Committee Meeting at 5:15pm
  
  

The Quakertown Community School District is proud to partner with the Cook Center for Human Connection and ParentGuidance.org to provide families with FREE monthly parenting and mental health resources, including a FREE Virtual "Ask a Therapist" session, monthly newsletters, and online webinars to review.

We encourage you to take the time to review these resources and take advantage of this great partnership. Click the links below to learn:

• QCSD Mental Health Resources Webpage
  
  
• November Newsletter - Gratitude & Mental Health
  
  
• November 17th - Ask a Therapist LIVE Webinar
  
  
• Free Library of Webinars

Elementary Students and Parents are invited to help shape our school menus!

Meeting Details:

- Date: November 17, 2026

- Time: 5:30 PM

- Location: QCSD Administration Building – Community Room

- Who: Elementary Students & Parents

Whitsons will explain the state and federal guidance that governs the National School Lunch Program—and how those requirements help guide the meals served at school. Be among the first to sample new menu items! Attendees can share feedback and ideas to help inform future menu planning.

We look forward to hearing from our school community.

RSVP Deadline: Friday, November 13, 2026

There are so many amazing things happening in Quakertown. Check out and share our community page to learn about local opportunities, like the Quakertown Community Education Foundation's Dine & Donate night at TGIFridays on November 19th! Click below to learn more, and be sure to email us your community opportunity to be a part of this great page:

For many years, Alumni Field has been one of the places that defines Quakertown. It is named for our alumni, and it will stay that way. It is where our seniors graduate and where Friday night football brings the community together. For many of us, it is the heart of this town and a place that holds our shared history.

Through the Quakertown Community Education Foundation, we are raising funds for the repairs and improvements the field needs, so it can continue to serve our community for years to come. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made by clicking the link below.