Take 5 with Dr. Friedman
This week’s Take 5 is filled with news, celebrations, and opportunities to come together as a community.
First, I want to highlight a meaningful collaboration between one of our elementary schools and Quakertown Community High School. This partnership is a wonderful example of student voice, creativity, and engagement in action. It is always inspiring to see our school leaders come together to create enriching experiences that help our students thrive.
Looking ahead, please mark your calendars for a few exciting upcoming events in March:
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PMEA District 11 Elementary Band Festival - Tuesday, March 24
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Upper Bucks Transition Fair – Thursday, March 12
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Alumni Bingo – Sunday, March 8
Finally, I’d like to congratulate Quakertown Community High School artist Sydney Clark, whose piece “At a Snail’s Pace” has been selected for recognition at the 2026 Bucks IU Student Art Gallery Reception. Sydney’s talent and dedication are wonderful examples of the creativity thriving throughout our schools.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Dr. Matthew Friedman, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
1. Collaboration to Amplify Student Voice
This week, we were privileged to host Dr. Steve Regur and Mr. Ed Hidalgo of Educators Cooperative, who visited classrooms to observe how teachers are integrating career language and engaging students in high-level learning activities.
Their visit coincided with a cross-grade collaboration between Dr. Nick Hood, high school teacher in the Teacher Preparation program, and Dr. Jennifer Bubser of Quakertown Elementary. Together, they designed an experience that connected district priorities—Portrait of a Graduate, Career Language Integration (CLI), and PBIS (QE PRIDE)—while providing authentic learning opportunities for both elementary and high school students.
As part of this initiative, Dr. Hood’s students planned a “field trip” for the QE Student Leadership Squad to visit the high school. The high school students coordinated logistics, led discussions around RIASEC connections, coursework, and career goals, guided small groups through classrooms highlighting career connections, and facilitated a session with the high school career pathways team.
Dr. Regur and Mr. Hidalgo joined the visit and observed students collaborating, leading, and learning from one another. It was a powerful example of student voice, connection, and cross-campus collaboration in action.
To learn more about Career Language Integration and how you can start conversations at home with your students, click HERE.
2. SGC Students head to PMEA
The Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) is a statewide organization dedicated to promoting excellence in music education and musical growth for students across the state of Pennsylvania.
Through events such as the Elementary Band Festival and Elementary Song Fest, PMEA honors outstanding young musicians and provides enrichment and performance opportunities. This year, the QCSD is thrilled to have students from our Sixth Grade Center attend and rehearse with guest conductors alongside peers from Bucks and Montgomery Counties.
Please mark your calendars and join us as we celebrate our Musical Panthers:
The PMEA District 11 Elementary Band Festival
New Hope-Solebury High School
Tuesday March 24th
7PM
PMEA District 11 Elementary & Jr. High Song Festival
Upper Perkiomen Middle School
Tuesday April 8th
7PM
3. Upper Bucks Transition Fair - March 12th
The Upper Bucks Transition Fair is scheduled for Thursday, March 12th at Pennridge High School from 5:30pm - 7pm. In collaboration with Pennridge and Palisades School Districts, the QCSD proudly presents the Upper Bucks Transition Fair. This transition fair provides an opportunity for parents and students with disabilities to explore local community agencies that can support planning for life after high school graduation.
We hope to see you there!
4. Alumni Bingo - March 8th
The Quakertown High School Alumni Association invites the community to join them for a Gift Card & Designer Bag Bingo on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Benner Hall. This fun-filled afternoon includes 15 bingo games, door prizes, raffles, and food, with all proceeds benefiting the Quakertown High School Alumni Scholarship Fund. It’s a great way to support local students while enjoying an exciting event with friends and family.
5. Congratulations to QCHS Student, Sydney Clark
Quakertown Community High School is proud to celebrate student artist Sydney Clark, whose piece, "At a Snail’s Pace," has been selected for recognition by the 2026 Bucks IU Student Art Gallery Reception.
Sydney will be formally honored at the Student Art Gallery Reception on Thursday, March 26, 2026. This prestigious recognition showcases not only Sydney’s artistic talent but also the creativity, dedication, and hard work of student artists across the county.
Her achievement is a wonderful reminder of the vibrant arts community within our schools, and we can’t wait to see where her artistic journey takes her next!
Please join us in congratulating Sydney on this well-deserved honor!
REMINDERS:
A. Daddy Daughter Dance - February 8th
Dads (or special adult guests), it’s time to dance the day away with your daughter(s) at our Daddy Daughter Dance 2026!
Where: Quakertown Community High School
When: February 8
Time: 12:30–2:30 PM
Tickets:
• $25 online (adult & child)
• $30 cash at the door (adult & child)
• $10 for each additional child
Dad +1: Click here for tickets!
Dad + 2: Click here for tickets!
Dad + 3: Click here for tickets!
Parking & Entry:
Parking available in the front lot on Park Ave. Ticket holders enter through the front doors. Paying at the door? Please enter at 5th Street. Doors open at 12:00 PM.
Questions? Email sfrisch@qcsd.org
B. The Harlem Wizards are back - February 27th
The Harlem Wizards will bring their high-energy, family-friendly basketball show to Quakertown Community High School on February 27, 2026, for an evening of fun, humor, and audience interaction for all ages. Known for their exciting blend of basketball skills and entertainment, the Wizards promise a memorable community event for students, families, and fans alike.
Tickets are on sale NOW! Click HERE to purchase!
The event is proudly sponsored by the Pfaff PTO.