Weekly Newsletter - April 21 - 25

Stay up-to-date on the games and practices, so you can enjoy all our Panther Athletes have to offer! Visit their schedule HERE to get in the game this Spring!

Our 3rd-8th grade students begin PSSA testing on April 22nd. Here is this year's PSSA Testing Schedule:

English, Language Arts Testing:
Tuesday, 4/22
Wednesday, 4/23
Friday, 4/25

Math Testing:
Monday, 4/28
Tuesday, 4/29

Science Testing (Grades 5 & 8 only)
Wednesday, 4/30
Thursday, 5/1

Preparing Your Student:

Test Prep - take a practice test to help relieve stress and familiarize your student with the questions here. (Click PSSA)

FAQ Sheet - PSSA FAQ / La Versión en Español

Chromebooks & Chargers - Please make sure your child has their Chromebook AND charger each day. Students take the assessment on their school issued Chromebook.

Cellphones - The Pennsylvania Department of Education has strict rules and guidelines for this assessment. Students may not have a phone, smart watch, or other device in their possession during the assessment.

Be on Time - Testing begins first thing each morning. Please make sure your student is on time.

Charged Device: Please ensure your child’s laptop or tablet is fully charged and ready for use each morning of testing.

Healthy Breakfast: A nutritious breakfast helps students stay focused and energized—either at home or through our school’s breakfast program.

Plenty of Rest: Encourage your child to get a good night’s sleep before each testing day to help them do their very best.

Offer Encouragement: A simple pep talk, a positive note, or a few kind words in the morning can make a big difference in how your child feels heading into the test.

Keep it Low-Stress: Remind your child that the goal is to try their best. We’re proud of their hard work, and we know every student is growing at their own pace. The PSSA tests represent an opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning. This collaborative message from teachers and families helps students understand that the PSSAs are an opportunity to show themselves how much they have learned. We want them to be proud of their effort and achievement. We appreciate your help with this message!

Tech Enhanced Questions - This year, technology-enhanced questions will appear on all assessments this spring. This item types allow students to utilize features such as click-to-respond, drag and drop, and text highlighting to interact with test content. All TE questions are field test questions from 2025 and do not contribute to a student's score. Online tools can be found HERE.

Review the Code of Conduct - Please review the Code of Conduct for test takers with your student prior to the start of the testing window.

Finishing Early - Students who finish early will be able to read, only (no drawing, writing, etc.). Testing classrooms must remain silent until the testing period has ended for the building.

Opt Out Procedures - If you feel the PSSA conflicts with your religious beliefs, you can follow the procedures to opt your child out of the assessments. You must schedule a meeting with your school principal, review a copy of the assessment to confirm it conflicts with your religious beliefs, sign a confidentiality agreement, and notify the Superintendent in writing that the assessment conflicts with your religious beliefs. If you plan to follow these procedures, please contact your principal as soon as possible. For more information about opting out click HERE.

Pfaff Elementary 2nd Grade Families! Please join us Wednesday, April 23rd for the 2nd grade musical, 'I am a Great Musician." The program begins at 6:30pm at Pfaff Elementary in the Gym/Cafeteria. Our students are excited to share music with their families!

We invite you to join us at 7pm for our monthly school board meeting. The meeting will take place in the Community Room of the QCSD Administrative Building, located at

100 Commerce Drive, Quakertown, PA 18951

Join us online at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@qcsdboard4511

Join our students this Saturday, April 26th from 8am - 12pm at Quakertown Community Pool & Memorial Park for the Quakertown Spring Clean Up. Our students will be there, volunteering their time and earning their hours for graduation. Come help our Panthers make our town Shine!

The Quakertown High School Theater is proud to present Disney's Mary Poppins! Show opens Friday, May 9th at 7:30pm, and will continue into the weekend:

Friday, May 9th at 7:30pm
Saturday, May 10th at 7:30pm
Sunday, May 11th at 2pm

Price:
$15.00/ Adult Ticket
$10.00/Student Ticket
Gold Card Ticket Options also available online (Gold Card MUST be presented upon Event Entry)

Ticket sales available online:
https://www.msbtickets.com/quakertownseniorhighschool/schoolevents