Weekly Principal's Newsletter

At last week’s school board meeting, our talented 8th-grade violinists from Strayer Middle School stole the show with a fantastic performance. It was a wonderful way to showcase their hard work and musical skill to the community!

At the school board meeting on January 22, we took a moment to celebrate some truly exceptional students from Strayer. This month’s honors focused on a skill that serves students long after they leave the classroom: Problem Solving.

What Makes a Problem Solver?

Our staff nominated students who don’t just find answers, but embody a specific mindset. These individuals were recognized for:

• Resilience: Overcoming obstacles both in and out of school while staying committed to their education.
• Critical Thinking: Contributing thoughtful ideas and asking the "why" behind the "what."
• Adaptability: Showing a willingness to pivot and adjust when things don't go according to plan.
• Community Care: Demonstrating through their actions that they care deeply about the well-being of our school.

Across the board, these students were described as diligent, resourceful, and remarkably steady in the face of challenges. We are incredibly proud of their hard work and the positive example they set for their peers. Congratulations to Helena M., Devan W., Cameron W., Mina S., Korbin S., Danielle G., Isabella P., and Courtney E.!

Mrs. Yannarella is a leader in our Special Education department and a shining example of collaboration and positivity. Throughout the year, she has gone above and beyond to support students with complex learning and health needs, working closely with families and staff to provide the right supports.

Her professionalism, kindness, and dedication ensure that students feel respected and valued, while her detailed communication keeps everyone informed and on the same page. We are grateful for Mrs. Yannarella’s incredible work and the positive impact she has on our school community every day!

• Jan. 26: SNOW DAY!
• Jan. 26: Start of Marking Period 3
• Jan. 28: Rising Freshman Course Selection in ELA class
• Feb. 6: NJHS Activities Night / 6:00-8:00PM (more information to come!)

The Bucks County Bar Foundation is hosting its annual contest for students in grades 4–12. This year's theme is "The Rule of Law and the American Dream"

• Contests: Choose from Poster (Grades 4–12), Essay (Grades 4–12), or Photography (Grades 7–12).

• Deadline: Entries are accepted from January 5 to March 30, 2026.

• Prizes: Winners get a Doylestown Bookshop gift card and a family invite to the Awards Ceremony.

We have been taking a close look at PRIDE to make it a more meaningful and engaging time for our students. By listening to feedback from students, families, and teachers, we’re shaping PRIDE to support curiosity, creativity, and growth in a way that truly meets students’ needs.

Our goal is to provide more student choice, with opportunities in enrichment, STEM, wellness, and leadership. Any adjustments we make will be thoughtful, intentional, and collaborative—and we’ll keep families and students informed every step of the way. We will continue to provide updates in the weekly family newsletter!

The Request for Assistance Form should be completed if you have non-urgent concerns regarding an area of your student’s educational programming that may need attention from the school team. Submission of this form does not trigger immediate intervention, but it will alert the school’s MTSS team to review your student’s data and follow up with you regarding your concern.

Reporting Student Absences: Information on how to report student absences can be found under "Attendance Information" on our website.

Join the QCSD Team and make a difference in the lives of young people! Check-out the QCSD Employment Opportunities. Let’s build a bright future together.

We have lots of information on the community bulletin board. Please click here for the QCSD Community Opportunities.