(The following submission is part of a monthly series of editorials, courtesy of our partnership with North Penn School District and the North Penn Board of School Directors.)
Dear Community,
We are coming to the close of what many would consider the most historic school year of our time. Our students, staff, families and community have been resilient in the face of a multitude of challenges, remaining true to the unifying message of #NorthPennStrong. As a member of the North Penn School District (NPSD) Board of School Directors, I have been inspired by our vibrant community coming together over the last year.
At the forefront of this effort is the pride of our entire community in our students. Repeatedly, our students have engaged with this board and offered thoughtful solutions to some of our biggest challenges, from protecting the environment to increasing cultural understanding. Perhaps it is their ability to quiet the noise - which has been louder than ever over the last year - and focus on developing solutions for the younger students that will follow in their footsteps. Or maybe it is because students often are the ones driving the tough conversations that adults may sometimes be wary of having. Whatever the call, our students are eager to answer, starting with the most important question: “How can we work together to solve this?”
Our students demonstrate the importance of creating something new and inclusive for everyone to be successful in the 21st century world. It feels more fitting than ever that the community moves forward together with reopening of the newly renovated Crawford Stadium complex. This center of the community has brought the home of the Knights up to current Americans with Disabilities Act standards and will provide a modern facility that, for the first time, can be used by all students and community members. No longer a field for just one or two sports, Crawford Stadium can now be used by athletic teams, music groups and more events from across the community and the district. The new stadium reflects the vibrancy of the North Penn community: active all the time, doing great things and coming together. That’s what Crawford Stadium means.
I’m excited that the opening event for Crawford Stadium will occur June 12 as we celebrate a class unlike any other for the Commencement of the North Penn High School (NPHS) Class of 2021. Spending half of their junior year reinventing the system of learning and their entire senior year in a new era of public education, these students have served as pioneers of our “new normal” with a high school experience more unique than most of us will ever see in our lifetime. To the NPHS Class of 2021, as you look back and reflect, you have made it through with a newfound sense of resilience and togetherness. It will undoubtedly serve as a remarkable foundation to your success in the future.
Congratulations to the NPHS Class of 2021 and to the entire district and community for pulling together to create a better, more unified post-pandemic future. We are only #NorthPennStong because you make it possible, it hasn’t been easy, and for that, I honor and thank you.
Signed,
Jonathan Kassa
NPSD Board of School Directors
Term Expiration: 2021
See also:
Editorial: Challenging Times Call For Collaborative Solutions
Editorial: Recognizing The Opportunities Presented By North Montco For Students, Community At Large
Editorial: Dr. Frank Boston A Key Figure In Local Black History
Editorial: North Penn COVID-19 Planning In 2021
Editorial: District Readying For Return Of Students In Hybrid Schedule
