E-Matters May 2026
NPSD E-Matters
Dear North Penn Community Members,
You may have recently learned through the news or district communication that our pharmaceutical neighbor, Merck, filed an assessment appeal on two parcels within the district. I want to stress that we remain engaged in productive conversations with Merck as we work toward a fair and equitable resolution for both the company and our community. Merck has long been a valued partner to North Penn, and we appreciate their continued commitment to our schools and students.
North Penn has always been a community built on collaboration, resilience, and a shared dedication to supporting one another. I believe that the strongest partnerships are those that are mutually beneficial. NPSD schools, staff, and students are deeply committed to giving back to our community through food drives, environmental initiatives, community service projects, and countless other efforts that make a meaningful difference every day. The North Penn community is stronger because of the shared commitment of our students, staff, families, businesses, and community partners working together.
One wonderful example of that spirit of collaboration is the annual Memorial Day service organized by the NPHS Key Club. This meaningful event was held recently on May 25 in the Memorial Garden at Penndale Middle School, located at the corner of Penn Street and Church Road in Lansdale. This special ceremony honors and remembers fallen NPHS graduates while bringing our community together in reflection and gratitude.
Moments like these remind us that North Penn is more than a school district. We are a community that cares deeply for one another. By continuing to work together with respect, partnership, and a shared focus on students and families, we will continue to keep North Penn strong, connected, and thriving for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Todd M. Bauer
Upcoming Events
- June 11, NPHS graduation
- June 12, early dismissal and last day of school
The full NPSD calendar, including school-specific events can be found here.
On Friday, May 8th, North Penn School District proudly participated in the Special Olympics held at Spring Ford Area High School. The event brought together 126 athletes from North Penn High School, all three middle schools, and 12 elementary schools for a day focused on teamwork, encouragement, and celebration.
Students competed in a variety of events, including the 25- and 50-meter runs, wheelchair races and slalom, standing long jump, softball throw, and modified softball throw. Each athlete selected three events and spent time in the weeks leading up to the competition practicing and preparing for the big day.
One of the most meaningful parts of the event was the incredible support shown by students from Unified PE and other student volunteers who helped run activities, cheered on participants, and celebrated every accomplishment throughout the day. Families were also there to support and encourage the athletes, helping create an atmosphere filled with positivity, excitement, and school pride.
The Special Olympics is about so much more than competition. Its mission is to provide opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to build confidence, experience joy, develop friendships, and feel connected through sports and inclusive experiences.
Events like this reflect North Penn’s commitment to inclusion in authentic and meaningful ways. Bringing students, staff, volunteers, and families together creates opportunities for connection and belonging while reinforcing the importance of supporting and celebrating all students.
Fun fact: North Penn School District brings more athletes and student helpers to the event than any other participating district!
Penndale and Gwynedd Square Students Partner for Monster Project
Students from Penndale Middle School and Gwynedd Square Elementary teamed up to bring monsters to life! First grade students at Gwynedd Square Elementary drew and designed their own monsters, using their artistic creativity to make these unique drawings. Ninth grade students at Penndale Middle School received these designs and, as part of their Family and Consumer Sciences class, used that pattern to create felt monsters matching the first grade creations. Students used their sewing skills taught in class to create these monsters and bring them to life. Students from Penndale traveled to Gwynedd Square Elementary to meet their monster counterparts and deliver the finished product to first graders. This project is supported through a grant from the NPSD Educational Foundation and has been completed at other schools in the North Penn District as well.
Walton Farm Holds Mall Day
York Ave Students Visit Manna on Main Street
NPSD Students Show Work in "Knight of the Arts"
The annual Knight of the Arts was held on May 20 and 21, a K-12 art show displaying works of students across the entire district. The event is a wonderful display of student talent across many forms of art, including painting, sculpting, digital art, and more. The piece pictured here is an interactive work, and community members attending the show were invited to add "leaves" and "branches" to a willow tree that was hand carved and painted by the student artist. Yarn was used to crochet, braid, knot, or drape, creating the branches. The coils surrounding the tree were also a collaborative endeavor by many students in Art 1 and Design and Illustration.