Take 5 with Dr. Friedman
This edition of the Take 5 with Dr. Friedman highlights several exciting updates and opportunities for our QCSD community. Inside, you’ll find details about IXL and how we are using it in the classroom, October’s Portrait of a Graduate focus on “Relationship Builders,” exciting news about our High School Honors Choir, and valuable mental health resources in recognition of Bullying Prevention Month. I'm also extending a personal invitation to you to join me for Coffee & Q—our new, casual Q&A session designed to connect and engage with our community.
Have a great weekend, Panthers!
Dr. Matthew Friedman, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools
1. Spotlight on IXL: A Powerful Tool for Student Growth
We are excited to share with you a key digital assessment and learning tool that we are expanding use of this year to help students grow and succeed: IXL. This online learning platform is designed to personalize learning and help every student reach their full potential.
What is IXL? IXL is one of our grades 2-8 digital tools that provides QCSD students with unlimited practice problems across various subjects. We are using IXL to meet students’ needs in math and language arts. It is adaptive technology, which means questions and problems are adjusted to our students and where they are in their learning. Students will engage in consistent academic challenges as a result.
What We're Doing with IXL - QCSD teachers are using IXL to supplement classroom instruction and provide targeted practice for students. IXL helps to give a clear picture of each student's current proficiency. This data allows teachers to pinpoint specific knowledge gaps and a personalized action plan is created through IXL for every learner. Students can then work on recommended skills, filling in gaps and ultimately accelerating their learning.
Other IXL notes:
Personalized Learning: Every student works at their own pace, on skills suited for them that can be above, below, or on grade level.
Instant Feedback: Students receive immediate feedback and step-by-step explanations, allowing them to learn from and correct misconceptions right away.
Results: We used IXL last year in grades 6, 7, 8, and with our High School Algebra 1 students. When we reviewed those results, we found that our students who regularly used IXL showed stronger academic gains.
We believe that IXL is a tool that empowers our students to take ownership of their learning and build confidence. We are thrilled to see them excel! Click here to learn more about IXL in QCSD.
If you are interested in learning more about IXL, feel free to come or tune in to the next Education Committee meeting on October 6.
2. Portrait of a Graduate - Relationship Builders
This school year marks an important milestone for Quakertown Community School District: our Portrait of a Graduate is officially being implemented in every K-12 classroom across the district. The Portrait of a Graduate is our collective vision for the knowledge, skills, and competencies we want every student to carry with them when they leave the walls of our schools. It reflects not just what students should know, but who they can become—leaders, thinkers, and citizens ready to thrive in a complex world.
Among the key traits is one I believe is foundational to all the others: being a relationship builder.
In the month of October - 4 students from each secondary grade level will be acknowledged for their Portrait of a Graduate "Relationship Building" skills at our upcoming October School Board Meeting. To learn more about "Relationship Building" visit the latest entry to the Panther Journey (my new bi-weekly blog) here!
3. QCHS Choir PEMA Invitation!
The QCHS Honors Choir has achieved an incredible milestone—they have been selected to perform at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) State Conference this April! This honor is one of the highest recognitions a school music ensemble can receive in Pennsylvania. Each year, hundreds of ensembles from across the state submit recordings, which are evaluated through a rigorous blind audition process. Only the very best are chosen, and this year, our Honors Choir has earned that distinction.
This marks the first time in school history that a choir from Quakertown Community High School has been invited to perform at the PMEA Conference, making the achievement even more historic. You may remember that just last year, our QCHS Wind Symphony was selected to perform at the same conference—further proof of the outstanding talent and dedication within our music program.
4. October is Bullying Prevention Month
The Quakertown Community School District is proud to partner with the Cook Center for Human Connection and ParentGuidance.org to provide QCSD families with free monthly mental health resources. Caregivers have access to virtual trainings designed to offer guidance and support on important and often difficult topics such as depression, suicide, and bullying.
Since October is Bullying Prevention Month, the Cook Center is highlighting a wide range of videos and resources to help families navigate this challenging issue and support their children in meaningful ways.
We encourage you to take time to review the sessions available for the remainder of this month and October to take advantage of this great partnership. To learn more about the sessions click HERE.
5. Coffee and a Q is September 30th at the Trolley Barn
Join us for the NEW monthly “Coffee & a Q”—a casual, in-person Q&A session -complete with coffee—with myself, and special guest Ed Hildalgo to answer your Qs about "What is Career Language Integration?" This informal gathering will offer a deeper dive into district initiatives and a welcome "question-asking" environment.
Our first session will be held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Trolley Barn. Free parking is available directly behind the building located at: 116 E Broad St, Quakertown, PA 18951
Did you know that the QCSD has...
304 QCHS Fall Student Athletes
- 176 MIddle School Fall Student Athletes
- 45 QCHS Student Activity Clubs
- 30 QCHS AP Classes offered for 2025-2026 School Year - adding two or one for next year for a total of 32