(The following submission is part of a monthly series of editorials, courtesy of our partnership with the North Penn School District and the North Penn School Board.)
Dear Community,
What a year it’s been!
As we enter the final weeks of the school year, it feels bittersweet to reflect on the last nine months. As a fellow educator and parent of North Penn School District (NPSD) students, one of whom is a member of the North Penn High School (NPHS) Class of 2020, I can say with certainty that this has been a year of patience and growth for all of us.
As parents, we have been challenged to support our children in a role that is foreign to many. As professionals, we’ve adopted a “new normal” in our everyday tasks — whether that means working from our kitchen table, working on the frontlines or finding ourselves out of work altogether. As neighbors and friends, we’ve learned how to support one another from a distance, in a time when we need each other now more than ever.
Just when I think I can’t be more proud of the community that I am a part of and serve, we raise the bar and exceed even our own expectations. Through these uncertain times, one thing that has remained constant is the resilience of our students, families, staff and school community. On behalf of the NPSD Board of School Directors, I want to thank each and every one of you for your perseverance, flexibility and devotion to North Penn. Despite the ever-changing world over the last three months, our main focus has always been the success of our students. Through partnership, patience and compassion among all of our stakeholders, this has remained our top priority.
I’d like to also take a moment to acknowledge the NPHS Class of 2020. We are so proud of all that you’ve accomplished, endured and overcome. In a time when many students begin to wind down and “senioritis” is a commonly used term, you sprung into action. When presented with new challenges, you chose to advocate for yourselves and actively participate in the conversation regarding your future. Instead of focusing on what was lost, you looked forward to what could be. Through hundreds of emails and helpful feedback during a community forum, our seniors reminded us one last time just how strong, innovative and independent they have grown to be. Overcoming these challenging circumstances will only further develop these skills and help guide you on your journey ahead. We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what the future holds for the NPHS Class of 2020.
And speaking of “the future,” what a different meaning that phrase now holds. While there’s no way to know what’s ahead, we do know that we have amazing teachers, staff, and resources and will be working hard over the summer to plan for the upcoming school year. On behalf of the North Penn School Board, we promise to keep our community informed as we continue to navigate this uncharted territory. And as always, we welcome your feedback and input. Please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].
We may be apart, but we will remain united. Together, we are #NorthPennStrong!
Sincerely,
Elisha K. Gee
NPSD Board of School Directors
See also:
Editorial: A Formative Moment In Our Children's Lives
Editorial: Safe2Say Something, Redistricting And Community Survey Results
Editorial: State Educational Mandates And Their Relationship With Property Taxes
Editorial: It’s Time To Discuss A Ninth Grade Center At North Penn High School
Editorial: Partnerships Key To Success Of North Penn School District
