The Proud Panther
From the Principal's Office
Dear QCHS Families,
As September comes to a close, I must say how proud I am of the way our students have settled into the new school year. It appears that routines are in place, our extracurricular activities are full of excitement, and our classrooms are busy with learning.
One highlight I want to celebrate is our cell phone policy. When we visit classrooms, we consistently see phones put away and students focused, participating in discussions, working with classmates, and engaged in the learning process. That doesn't happen by accident. It is a result of the expectations our teachers set, the maturity and cooperation of our students, and the support you provide at home. Thank you for reinforcing this message with your child. It's making a real difference in our classrooms.
As we head into October, I know that the pace of the year picks up. Assignments, assessments, activities, and athletics are all in full swing, and the end of the first marking period will be here before we know it. This is a great time to check in with your child about how their classes are going, review grades together, and encourage them to reach out to their teachers early if they're feeling stuck or in need of some additional support. These conversations now can prevent bigger challenges later.
Please know that we are here for you. If you have a question or concern, or if your child is struggling academically, socially, or emotionally, don't hesitate to reach out to their teachers, school counselor, or house principal. I look forward to partnering in your child's success throughout this school year.
In partnership,
Dr. Mattias van 't Hoenderdaal
Building Principal
Quakertown Community High School
Upcoming Dates
October
03 - Homecoming Dance
06 - Underclassmen Picture Retake Day
07 - NHS Induction Ceremony
09 - Shakespeare Day
12 - Schools Closed (Professional Development Day)
14 - QCHS Bands Fall Showcase Concert
14 - Panther Schedule for Pathways
21 - Science NHS Induction Ceremony
28 - Panther Schedule for Assemblies
29 - PSAT Administration
9th Grade
An update from Ms. Conroy, 9th Grade House Principal
Overall, our 9th graders have had a wonderful transition to high school! We encourage them to continue to focus on showing up every day, ready to learn! All students had the opportunity to attend the Club & Sports Fair on Sept. 9th. Please encourage your student to get involved and enrich their high school experience! A few reminders:
- We are in the process of electing our 9th grade Class Officers and Class Council. Please encourage your student to run for one or both if they are interested. It is a great way to get involved and develop their leadership skills!
- Parents and Guardians, we now have a Class of 2030 Instagram Page! Please follow us at qchsclassof2030.
- A friendly reminder that all 9th graders must eat in the cafeteria. The Commons area is reserved for upperclassmen. Thank you for your cooperation!
- Please remind your student to download the SWIPE app on their phone if they haven't already done so. This will make the entry process in the morning go much more smoothly.
10th Grade
An update from Mr. Bolinsky, 10th Grade House Principal
Welcome Back!
Freshman year is a thing of the past, and you are officially starting your second year of high school—an exciting milestone as a Sophomore! Having already laid the foundation of how high school works, this year is your chance to dive deeper into your passions, friendships, and academics. Bring your best effort and stay focused to make this a successful school year.
It’s Time to Get Involved
Stay on top of your coursework while seeking out opportunities to participate in everything QCHS has to offer, including sports, clubs, and extracurriculars. Talk to your teachers to learn more about how to get involved. You can also connect with your Class of 2029 Student Officers (Sloan Bubser, Maeve Bryan, Jesse Karlton-Senaye, and Alexa Reich) and Staff Advisors (Ms. Fuller, Ms. Reed, and Mr. Storm) to help plan 10th-grade events, fundraisers, and class activities.
What’s in Your Future?
Mr. Gozzard, QCHS Future Readiness Coordinator, has shared great opportunities for Sophomores to explore colleges and trade schools. Be sure to check out the Open House List for upcoming events to kickstart your future plans. For additional information, feel free to visit Mr. Gozzard in office D101 or Mrs. Sabol in office B104.
“I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.” –Thomas Jefferson
11th Grade
An update from Dr. Dinney, 11th Grade House Principal
Class of 2028 Update
Juniors, welcome to what many consider the most important year of your high school career! The grades you earn, the courses you take, and the habits you build this year will play a major role in shaping your options after graduation. Colleges, employers, and training programs look closely at junior year, so now is the time to give it your very best effort.
One of the best tools available to you is PRIME time, held every morning from 7:15 to 7:35. Use this time to meet with your teachers, ask questions, get extra help, and make up any missing assignments. A few minutes each morning can make a big difference in your grades, so take advantage of it early and often rather than waiting until the end of the marking period.
Please also remember that participation in school functions such as Homecoming and Prom is a privilege. To remain eligible, students must maintain good attendance and stay in good standing with regard to discipline. Make smart choices now so you don't miss out on the events that make junior year memorable.
Junior Parent Info Night: College Application Process Online Webinar
Tuesday, October 27th, 6:15 PM
Parents and guardians of the Class of 2028 are invited to join us for an informative webinar on the College Application Process. We will cover three key areas:
Timeline: What your student should be doing now, this spring, and heading into senior year.
Testing: An overview of the SAT, ACT, and other assessments, including when and how to register.
Tips: Practical advice to help your family navigate the process with confidence.
Whether your student is planning on a four-year university, community college, or another path, this session will help your family prepare for the road ahead. We look forward to seeing you there!
Go Panthers!
12th Grade
An update from Ms. Lannutti, 12th Grade House Principal
Parents of the Class of 2027,
Here we are–the final year of your student’s high school journey! Our Seniors have been showing off their Class spirit at our Fall sporting events. The Class of 2027 Advisors and Officers are raising funds for their Class with a snack stand at Alumni Field. Please show your support, if you can, at any of the remaining home football games! Be on the lookout for other fundraisers for our Class of 2027 as the year unfolds.
Now that your students are well into their coursework, just a reminder to make use of the parent portals for PowerSchool and Canvas to keep track of your student’s progress in their classes. Linked here is the information from our QCSD website for how to access those resources.
For Families with a Senior Applying to College:
Two important notes to help your Senior have the least stressful college application experience possible.
First, encourage your Senior to check their QCHS email every 1-2 weeks at minimum. This is the way that the Counselors and Secretary are communicating with each Senior about their applications. This is also a valuable life and career skill to build as well!
Secondly, there are a few important things your student must do at the start of each application to ensure our House Secretary, Mrs. Baver, can send your student’s transcript and other required documents to the schools of their choosing.
Complete a College Application Process sheet (CAP Sheet) for each college or trade school they have applied to that requires a transcript, counselor recommendation, or other documents.
Add the college or trade school to your Naviance account under Colleges → Colleges I'm Applying To.
Submit your completed CAP Sheet to Mrs. Baver in B104.
Mrs. Baver cannot send your child’s transcript or other application materials until their CAP Sheet is completed and submitted and the college has been added to Naviance. Not doing this will delay your student’s applications. We appreciate you taking the time to review these steps with your College-bound Senior!
The Academy at Quakertown
An update from Mr. Soto, House Principal at TAQ
QCHS Future Readiness Center
Athletics & Activities
An update from Mr. Laiacona, Director of Athletics and Activities
Ski Club 2026–27: Sign Up Now!
Does your student love skiing or snowboarding, or want to learn? The QCHS Ski Club offers fun, adventure, and time on the slopes with friends at Blue Mountain this winter. Students of all ability levels are welcome!
How to join: Students interested in joining should complete the sign-up form: HS Ski Club 2027. Please sign up early so your student doesn't miss the deadline.
Trip dates and busing fees: Ski Club Letter
Blue Mountain pass prices: Blue Mountain Rates
Purchasing passes with the school discount: Families can buy discounted passes through the Quakertown HS group page for the 2026–27 season: Blue Mountain QHS Group Registration
Group Password: DwPYgZzYAVyF
Questions? Contact Ski Club advisor Amanda Finkle at afinkle@qcsd.org.
Grab your gear and get ready to hit the slopes!
Health Office
An update from the School Nurses
Medication Permissions
Many of our students do not currently have permission on file to receive over-the-counter medications at school. Please note that we are not permitted to accept verbal permission for these medications.
If you are unsure whether you completed your child(ren)’s medication permissions for this school year, please use the Annual Health Update Google Form to provide permission for your child(ren) to receive medication at school.
Please note that allergy and cold medications are not available in the nurse’s office and should be taken at home.
Contact Information & Helpful Links
High School Nurses
Melissa Kelly, MSN, CSN — Certified School Nurse, Grades 9 & 11
215-529-2075 | mkelly@qcsd.org
Gina Waskiewicz, MEd, CSN — Certified School Nurse, Grades 10 & 12
215-529-2190 | gwaskiewicz@qcsd.org
Amy Schwartz, BSN, RN — Manages concussions and sees many of our sick & injury visits
215-529-2082 | aschwartz@qcsd.org
Medical Forms
School medical forms can be found here.
Immunization Requirements
Pennsylvania school vaccine requirements can be found here.
The Nurses
Interventionist Corner
High School MTSS & How to Request Student Support
Welcome back, high school families! This year, we continue using our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to ensure every student receives high-quality instruction alongside targeted support for academics, attendance, and social-emotional well-being. Whether your student needs brief skill brush-ups or more intensive intervention, our MTSS team is here to help. If you notice your teenager struggling or needing extra resources, please reach out. Parents and students can submit a Request for Assistance (RFA) directly through this link Request for Assisance Family to get connected with support early.