E-Matters April 2026

Dear North Penn Community,

Recently I had the privilege of participating in our annual “Walk in My Shoes”. This is a prize offered in the NPSD Educational Foundation Online Auction and allows the winner to pick a cabinet member of their choice to help them do their job for a few hours.

In past years, members of our administrative team have had the opportunity to step into classrooms and support staff in different ways: our Director of Human Resources and CFO assisting the reception team at the ESC, and me helping a Family and Consumer Science teacher guide students through a cupcake-making lesson.

This year, I spent time at Oak Park Elementary School alongside a classroom assistant. We began in the lunchroom, where she supports not only the student she works most closely with, but also many of the students in the class, helping to ensure that lunchtime is a positive and inclusive experience for everyone. We then returned to the classroom for some matching games and movement activities.

The experience was truly the highlight of my day, maybe year. The students at Oak Park were a joy to spend time with and very gracious in putting up with my less-than-impressive dance moves during the movement activities. What stood out most was watching classmates support and include one another so naturally. It was a wonderful reminder of the caring culture that exists in our schools and the role our staff play each day in helping students learn the importance of kindness, respect, and belonging.

For those interested, the NPSD Educational Foundation online auction is open from May 5-11 at npef.afrogs.org. Great prizes are available for the community to bid on, including museum passes, amusement park tickets, baskets, and so much more. Proceeds benefit innovative programs in all North Penn schools.

Sincerely,

Todd M. Bauer

In our diverse community, we see every day how much courage and openness it takes for students to move beyond what they learn in class or during recognition months like Women’s History Month. As we enter May and celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we are reminded that these moments are not just about learning facts, they’re about building real relationships. For many of our students, this becomes a living classroom where they connect with peers and families whose backgrounds may be different from their own, guided by curiosity, friendship, and a genuine desire to understand.

We see students joining cultural clubs, celebrating traditions with friends, and showing up for events like Multicultural Night—not because it’s required, but because they want to be part of each other’s experiences. While it would be easy to simply learn about these traditions from a distance, our students choose to engage, ask questions, and participate. In doing so, they discover the shared values that connect us all. These moments are a gift, helping to build a stronger sense of belonging and community for everyone.