NAHS February Newsletter

We stormed through January and are at February very quickly. We are several months away from the end of the school year. However, there is much work and learning to do.

The second semester in a high school with block scheduling is crucial as it allows students to delve deeper into subjects, focus on fewer classes at a time, and have extended class periods that can permit earning the credits needed for matriculation. The second semester in many ways feels like a totally new school year.

Second Semester of this year will be more active than usual. We are still celebrating the 50th year anniversary of the building. Our hope is to have a memorable close and celebration to the Golden Anniversary..

We look forward to an amazing start to the second semester of the 2023-2024 School Year!

Communication of the Pathways and your child's status in this graduation expectation is a priority. We have communicated in multiple forums to help all stakeholders understand the importance of meeting both the Act 158 Credit Pathways and 23 Credits to be considered a Norristown Area School District Graduate.

Our Gear Up Program has worked with our current Juniors and Seniors to meet the Act 158 Expectations. Through individual counseling, academic support and exposure for college and career readiness experiences, students are moving through the pathways and towards graduation.

Instructional support teachers are preparing our student body for Keystone Exams. Keystone performance gives access to two of the five Act 158 pathways . Students are encouraged to work with their counselors as they navigate all the graduation expectations.

The next PFC Meeting will be February 12, 2024 at 7:00 PM. The meeting will be HYBRID (in-person Norristown Area High School Library and using the NAHS Parent Faculty Club Zoom). The meeting will feature a review of the first semester student data data, as well as planning for Semester 2

Norristown Area High School and the district have been taking a hard look at our school parking lot and the safety of all the vehicles which use the space. Even though there have been multiple messages, signs and school announcements, the school parking lots remain areas of concern.

A big concern are students parking in spaces they are not supposed to. We have several instances where students are parking in our teacher or student parking lot without their vehicles having a parking sticker registered by our School Resource Officer (Corporal Sheppard). Passes have been available since the fall. but are now in limited supply. Parking illegally in either student or teacher parking lots may result vehicles being towed. We use a local towing agency Hassan Qawasmy, 229 W. Germantown Pike, Norristown, PA, 19401 (610-277-0895). Vehicles can be recovered after paying the cash only tow and storage fee at the address above ( N-Book, pp 55-56).

Secondly, we are respectfully asking that students be picked up and dropped off by the gymnasium by accessing the student parking lot. Our goal is to provide, safety for all of our students, staff and families.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a powerful framework that has the potential to transform the culture of high schools. By promoting positive behaviors, teaching essential social skills, and providing consistent support, PBIS fosters a community where students thrive academically and personally. As high schools continue to prioritize the well-being of their students, the implementation of PBIS emerges as a cornerstone for creating a positive and inclusive educational experience.

In Norristown Area High School, PBIS also has provides guidance and counseling where students can check in with PBIS counselors during the day. Rewards and Awards (Positive in nature) also has longstanding activities such as Honor Roll Awards, Student of the Month Awards, Teacher of the Month Awards to name a few. We recognize the power of people feeling connected to Norristown Area High school. More importantly, healthy climates can be fostered by opportunities to encourage belonging.

Belonging and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) are interconnected in a profound way, as PBIS actively contributes to the development of a sense of belonging within a school community. The connection between these two concepts lies in the fundamental principles of PBIS, which aim to create a positive and inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and supported.

We have consistently provided incentives and rewards to support positive behaviors. Recognition reinforces the behaviors that our building desires to see. As we raise the behavioral expectations of our building, individuals begin to gain mastery of themselves and those around them. we will continue to shift the culture of our high school with the emphasis on frameworks such as PBIS and Belonging.

Semester 2 of the 2023-2024 School year began January 19. Since then, students have had a unique opportunity to reflect and adjust to the second semester. New teachers and courses, allow students to have a fresh start. Spring sports officially begin Monday March 4, 2024. Please listen for announcements to prepare for the season. Finally, Norristown Area High School has a long list of activities and clubs students can get participate in immediately. Take the time to get involved!

Norristown Area High School also has a host of NAHS Tiered Interventions for support. It's very important for students to take advantage of various resources, and be responsive to their individual academic needs.

The Norristown Area School District has recently invested in the resource known as tutor.com. This service allows students 24/7 Access to an live tutor online to support their learning and academic growth. Tutor.com will be one of many TIER 1 (available for all students to access) Academic Interventions .

We curate monthly subscriptions of gently used books. We also offer individual books, tote bags, t-shirts, candles, bookmarks and stickers. Recycle Read Repeat was founded by Kate & Ang, two former educators and book club buddies. Their passion for books and sustainability bloomed into the idea for a small business that pairs readers up with their perfect used book, packaged with love in all-upcycled materials

NASD’s Community Bulletin Board: A place to promote community events, programs and activities in Norristown, West Norriton, and East Norriton that may be of interest to the greater NASD community. Stay involved!

Email: dmcgriff@nasd.k12.pa.us
Website: https://www.nasd.k12.pa.us/NAHS
Phone: (610)630-5090