Incoming 10th Grade Family’s Guide to
North Penn High School
Pennbrook’s H&S Association has put together some information to help families be
more prepared for their child’s 10th grade year at the high school. NPHS has a parents’
orientation typically held on the Wednesday evening prior to the Labor Day weekend.
The sophomores typically have their orientation the following day. This guide is meant
to complement the information that is sent home during the summer and at the
orientations. It is comprised of those little details that are often difficult to get in a large
orientation and some words of wisdom from parents and students who have been through
this process. Please note the grading policy and calculation of GPA section of this
guide. It is important that students and their families are familiar with the grading
system and know that the grades from 9th grade will be included in the calculation
of the GPA.
Students receive a Student/Parent Handbook that explains all school policies and the
discipline code.
The staff at NPHS has been very helpful in getting us this information and can be
contacted at any time if you have questions.
The principal, Mr. Burton Hynes, holds a parent forum once a month. This forum is a
great way to find out current happenings at the high school, and also a chance to speak
with the principal and ask any questions you may have. The dates for the Parent Forum
are given in the Student/Parent Handbook.
Schedules:
Call the high school scheduling office as soon as possible after receiving your June report
card if your course verification sheet has an error on it. All requests for changes have to
be received prior to June 30, so check the verification sheet you received with the final
report card in June. Changes will not be made in July or August so be sure course
choices and levels are accurate in June. You will then receive a copy of your student’s
schedule in late August.
Summer Reading:
Summer reading assignments for English and Social Studies for all students may be
found after June 1st on the NPHS website. A list of other courses that require summer
reading assignments are given in the 2012-2013 Program of Academic Studies. Copies of
summer assignments are available in the K pod reception office at the high school.
Clothing:
Students must follow the district dress code. Flip Flops are allowed. It is recommended
that students dress in layers since the temperature can vary from area to area.
Comfortable shoes are recommended due to the amount of walking the students do
between classes. NPHS is air-conditioned.
Food:
No food is allowed outside of the lunchroom. Students are not permitted to carry food or
drink (even water) around in the hallways or in the classrooms. There are ample water
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fountains in the school. This is enforced due to the number of students with food allergies
as well as for maintenance and safety concern for all students.
IDs/Photos:
IDs and photos are taken at the beginning of the school year. IDs are color coded for
grade level. IDs are required for library use, purchasing lunch, entering dances, late bus
usage, and SAT testing. Students are not required to wear them during the day but are
expected to carry them at all times.
School Supplies:
It is recommended that you wait until school starts before getting school supplies. There
is no list of required binders, etc. from teachers, but most will have their preferences.
Some students have suggested zipper binders because they are constantly in and out of
their backpacks and papers can get easily lost.
Lockers/Backpacks:
Lockers are about the same size as the middle schools, in some cases a little taller. Bulky
winter coats may be a problem. The high school is air-conditioned and tends to be a little
cooler than the middle schools. Students recommend having a sweatshirt stored in their
locker. Backpacks can be carried throughout the day. Because of the size of the school
and distances students travel between classes, most students do carry a backpack during
the day. Advice from students is that it is best to try to get to your locker at least once
during the day. It is very difficult to carry all your books around at the same time. Some
teachers do have classroom sets of books.
Lunches:
Seniors have their own lunch area. Many students buy their lunches because it is not
always easy to get back to their lockers. There is a greater variety of food available at the
high school than in middle school cafeterias. Students who bring their lunches should
use disposable containers so that they are not carrying around more than they have to
after lunch.
Graphing Calculators:
All 6.0 level math students are required to have a graphing calculator for Algebra 2 and
most math courses that they will take after Algebra 2. All level 4.0 and 5.0 students are
required to have a scientific calculator (or graphing calculator if they prefer). Students
are able to use any calculator they choose. Instructors of 6.0 level courses tend to use a
(Texas Instruments) TI-83+ or a TI-84 in their instruction. TI-84 calculators also
correspond to what the instructors are using but do not have the same level of capabilities
that may be needed with future courses. Instructors for level 4.0 and 5.0 classes will be
using TI-34+ calculators. Students have found it easier to learn how to work with the
calculators if they use something comparable to what their instructors are using. The TI84 graphing calculator has some factory installed applications that may be beneficial for
future courses, but these applications are not a requirement for success in those courses.
Students who intend to take AP Statistics while at North Penn may want to consider this
model. The Program of Academic Studies outlines the calculator requirements for each
course. Contact the math department with any questions you may have.
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Dances:
The Winter Ball is open to all students, including sophomores. This semi-formal dance
follows similar dress as that of the 9th grade dance. Students may also be invited to the
junior or senior prom by a student in that class. Many 10th graders will be transported to
the HS dances by their parents. 11th and 12th graders usually drive themselves to dances
or get rides with friends. Attendees need to have cleared all obligations prior to
purchasing a ticket for the Winter ball and the proms. This includes monetary
obligations, detentions, and Saturday school assignments.
X Period:
Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 2:25 until 2:50 all teachers are available to
meet with students for extra help. Students who are struggling with the current
curriculum may be required to attend X period; however, many students take advantage
of this program to help clarify some classroom instruction. Late buses are available on
these days.
Phys. Ed:
All 10th grade students are required to take and pass swimming. The students will receive
details on the structure of the course at the beginning of the school year. All students
receive a written copy of the Aquatics policies. The first swimming class usually starts in
mid September. Swimmers are grouped within their class according to their level of
swimming ability. Girls are required to wear a one- piece bathing suit. Any color is
acceptable and the “cut” of the suit should be in line with standard NP dress code
boundaries. Approximately half of the girls opt for a “Speedo” style suit and half for a
“fashion” style. Boys are required to wear swimming trunks with a mesh liner and
drawstring above the knee. Any color is acceptable. Parents have recommended having a
spare bathing suit available. Bathing caps are not required; however, girls with certain
hair qualities, i.e. frizzes easily, do opt to wear bathing caps. Some students have used
goggles, but they are not required. Pool shoes are allowed (flip flops worn in locker
room only). Students with swimming class late in the day will have to deal with floors
that are wetter than the earlier classes so pool shoes might come in handy. Please note
that the students are responsible for having a towel and transporting a large towel is not
practical so beach towels are not encouraged. Parent recommendations are that students
purchase a few towels because of the tendency of teenagers not to get them home for
frequent washing. Also all students will be carrying their wet suits and towels for some
part of the day. A waterproof carrying bag is recommended. Keep in mind that it should
be light and compact.
Showers are not required after swimming, although many girls and boys take showers to
soap their bodies and wash their hair while wearing their bathing suits.
Not all girls are expected to use tampons, although many do. If the girls have their period,
and do not use tampons, they will be asked to wear shorts and a t-shirt or PE uniform and
walk the bleachers during class so that they get some level of physical fitness during this
time. If a student is sitting out due to medical reasons (with a doctor’s note) they also
need to be in shorts and a t-shirt or their PE uniform, and may also walk the bleachers if
medical issues allow.
If the students miss a class (menstrual period, visit to the health suite, field trip, absence
from school without a doctor’s note, etc.) they have the opportunity to make up their
class during X period on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after school. Students can
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also make up classes during 9th period on Wednesdays and Thursdays. There is a late bus
available on these days. There are approximately 12 – 14 activity classes each marking
period.
Senior Class Trip:
Information regarding the senior class trip is sent home in the first half of the sophomore
year. This is done so that students and families can budget for the trip, which has been to
Walt Disney World for the past few years, and also allows the school to begin organizing
and planning. Students who register for the trip with a deposit will be given the
opportunity to participate in a number of fundraisers the class holds throughout the
following 2 years in order to earn funds towards the cost of their trip. Families can sign
up for a payment plan starting in the sophomore year to cover the cost of the trip.
School Rings:
NPHS class rings are offered to all students starting in the fall of 10th grade. Students are
not required to purchase the rings and can purchase them at other times. For budgeting
purposes, parents should be made aware that this option is available shortly after school
begins in September. Class rings ordered in September are available for delivery prior to
the holidays in December.
Graduation Project:
All students are required by the state of PA to pass the Graduation Project to graduate.
Information on the Graduation project can be found in the NPHS Course Selection guide
and is given to students and parents at the orientations. Students are required to complete
the Graduation Project by either doing an independent study project OR as a project
within a regularly scheduled course at the HS. If a student is planning on doing an
independent study project, parents and school staff have recommended that the student do
so in their sophomore year. Time constraints and activity levels of juniors and seniors are
generally greater than that of sophomores. The NPHS web-site also has a link to the
graduation project.
College Financial Information:
Families of children planning on attending college should be aware that financial aid
packages are based on your financial standing from January 1st of your child’s junior year
until Dec. 31st of their senior year. Any financial decisions you make during this time
frame will most likely affect the amount of aid you may be offered. Sophomore
year/early Junior year is the time to make any financial adjustments that will position you
for the maximum aid packages. There is a financial aid night offered at the HS in the fall
as well as workshops held in various communities and books, such as Princeton Review
Paying for College without Going Broke, which will help you understand this process.
The College and Career Center in K pod is open for students and their families to discuss
college planning and financial aid. It is recommended that parents call ahead to schedule
an appointment.
College Board Testing
All tenth grade students will be expected to take the PSAT in October. Eleventh graders
will be encouraged to take the PSAT in October. Students receive results in December
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and may establish a College Board account that gives them access to a college planning
site called MyRoad.
Extra Curricular Activities:
NPHS offers our students many choices in extracurricular activities. Most clubs will be
showcased for the students at an Activities Fair in mid-September and most are fairly
self-explanatory and decisions can be made after that information is sent home in
September. Students recommend that incoming 10th graders attend the Activities Fair
and find something that interests them. Many of the clubs do not require a talent or
experience. For instance, the Television Club (NPTV) is not just for students who are
looking for a future in TV production. Any student with an interest can join. This club
and others are comprised of a wide range of students and personalities with many
different future goals. Current HS students stress that the best advice they can give to
new students is to find a niche so they have a place where they will feel comfortable.
Student Government:
Student council representatives for sophomores are elected during the spring of the 9th
grade year. Each middle school will have a proportionate amount of members. From
these representatives an election will be held in the fall to elect “officers” to represent
their grade in the “senate” house. More information about student government will be
available in September.
There are three major interest categories at the high school that offer various
opportunities and require a major commitment from students and families that are
above that of the normal clubs. They are Athletics, Music and Theater. To help
families make decisions in these areas, we have detailed information about these
activities.
Athletics: (Note: North Penn practices and games have priority over
community club team schedules.)
All students trying out for any sport must have a physical and the supporting paperwork
in by the first practice/try-out. For fall sports the paperwork must be in by August 13th.
The requirements are the same as that of the middle schools. A physical may be done
after June 1st and must be signed by a physician. Subsequent sports require recertification only. PIAA physical examination forms can be picked up at the HS. Code
of Conduct, insurance forms and information forms can be downloaded from the NPSD
website (www.npenn.org).
Once school starts normally all sports practice from 3:00 to 5:30 every day during their
season. There is no athletic late bus at the HS. The HS activity bus leaves at 4:00 on
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday so members of the athletic teams are not able to use
the late bus.
Fall Sports: The practice schedules listed below (for fall sports) are for August 13th to
the beginning of school.
Begin on August 13, 2012
Girls
Cross Country
Boys
Cross Country
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Field Hockey – V & JV*
Soccer – V & JV*
Tennis- V & JV*
Volleyball- V & JV*
Water Polo- V & JV*
Football- V & JV and sophomores
Golf- V & JV*
Soccer- V & JV*
Water Polo- V & JV*
Sign-ups for fall sports were held in early June at the three middle schools. Cuts will be
made (for those sports* that have cuts) after 3 to 10 days of tryouts. Practice schedules
before the start of school are usually:
Cross Country will practice 5 days a week (B 8-10 a.m./G 6-8:30 p.m.). either in the
morning or evening. There are no cuts from these teams.
Boys’ Soccer will practice 5 days a week both in the morning and in the evening. JV &
V teams usually have 36-40 students after cuts.
Tennis will practice 5 days a week in the morning and some afternoons.
Water Polo will practice 5 days a week in the morning and in the evening. Practice will
be held either in the Nor-Gwyn pool or at the NPHS Natatorium. Boys’ and girls’ teams
will each have a JV & V total of 20 –25 students after cuts.
Volleyball – Monday to Friday - 3:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Field Hockey – Monday to Friday – 8:00 a.m. to noon and 5 to 7 p.m.
Football is an all-day practice 5 days a week plus a scrimmage on Saturday at the end of
the first week of practice. The first varsity game is Friday night of Labor Day weekend
with a JV game on Saturday morning. There is a summer weight training and
conditioning program (May to August 9). Contact Coach Beck for more information
concerning the summer workout program.
Golf’s first day of tryouts is Monday, August 13, 1:00 p.m., will normally practice in the
morning 5 days a week at Pine Crest Country Club. For more information go to
www.northpenngolf.com. There are approximately 16 students on the JV & V teams.
Once the school year starts, students will be bussed to Pine Crest but it is the student’s
responsibility to arrange for transportation from the club.
NOTE: All practice schedules are subject to change.
Cheerleading tryouts were held in May. There are varsity and JV teams. This is a year
round commitment. Practices begin in the middle of July and continue through the
summer. They are held several nights a week and a camp week is mandatory. Varsity
cheers at all home and away football games and home boys’ or girls basketball games.
JV cheers at home JV football and girls basketball games. The cheerleaders also compete
in competitions on weekends. Because of the schedules, cheerleaders are at 24 or more
night games, Saturday games and more if teams make the playoffs. Cheerleading
requires a commitment to making North Penn activities a priority over conflicting
interests.
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The North Penn Ice Hockey Association is recognized as an official club of the North
Penn High School. The North Penn Ice Hockey Parents Association oversees the
program. The teams follow the North Penn High School Athletic Department rules and
regulations and the NPHS regulations. There is a $1200-$1400 non refundable season
fee for each player. The club practices starting in the fall and goes through the winter.
There is a spring league at Ice World in Hatfield. Game times for ice hockey vary
depending on rink availability. Home games are played at Ice World in Hatfield
Township. Since games are not in the afternoon, families are responsible for all travel to
and from the rinks. If there are afternoon practices at Ice World, transportation will be
provided to the rink from the high school. Ice Hockey questions should be directed to the
president of the association, Dan Vaitas (danvaitas@comcast.net).
Winter Sports;
Begin November 16, 2012
Girls
Basketball – V & JV
Bowling- V & JV
Swimming & Diving- V
Winter Track
Boys
Basketball- V & JV
Bowling- V & JV
Swimming & Diving- V
Winter Track
Wrestling – V & JV
There are cuts in all the winter sports except winter track and wrestling. Practices and
games take place during the Thanksgiving and Winter breaks so athletes need to make
this commitment. Bowling athletes will be bussed to and from the bowling facility for
practices and games
Spring Sports:
Begin March 4 , 2013
Girls
Lacrosse– V & JV
Softball- V & JV
Track
Boys
Baseball- V & JV
Lacrosse- V & JV
Tennis- V & JV
Track
Volleyball- V& JV
There are cuts in all spring sports except track. Practices and games are held during
spring break so athletes need to make this commitment. All practices and home games
for spring sports are held at the high school.
Parents Sports Information:
Most parents of students in sports do belong to a booster organization. Football parents
have an organization called Twelfth Knight. Wrestling parents belong to NP Wrestling
Parents; water polo-swim, boys lacrosse parents and other sports have parent support
groups. These organizations help raise funds for meals/snacks, awards ceremonies, extra
tournament fees, and travel expenses and give support to the various teams.
Financially, uniforms are supplied by the NPSD, but students are responsible for their
shoes. Pride packs are available to all athletes but are not mandatory. They include team
sweatshirts, shorts, pants, etc.
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NPHS Dance Team:
Students interested in the dance team will audition in the spring for the upcoming year.
Dance is generally jazz and hip-hop and members are usually studio-trained although this
is not a requirement. Team members are required to attend a 3 day summer camp usually
held in August. The season is from October until the end of basketball in February.
Practices begin in September and are held 2 days a week from 3-5pm except during the
week of a competition when practices are everyday after school. The team will perform
in at least one competition, at boys and girls basketball games, pep rallies and the FCS
fashion show in early March. They may also perform at selected community events.
Families are responsible for the cost of the summer camp and the uniform, which can be
used from year to year. Fundraisers are held to help families with these costs.
NPHS Theatre:
NPHS has a renowned theatre department. Many students from all disciplines can be
involved in the educational and production areas of the department. Students with
interests in acting and singing are joined by students who enjoy marketing, art, writing,
sewing/costuming, make-up, carpentry, production, and staging. When it is possible, the
theatre department is flexible and will work around other commitments students may
have up to three weeks prior to production when all focus must be on the show. Students
who are involved in music, student government and other activities may be able to
participate in the theatre groups. Students involved with athletics will have a difficult
time managing both theatre and a sport. Students who are not thinking about theatre as a
college major or career choice but would like to be involved can find a niche in one or
more of the various theatre productions. Students who are more serious about theatre in
post-high school plans will want to make a bigger commitment to the various
productions. Recent NPHS theatre grads are currently appearing on television and on
Broadway and have or are attending top theatre colleges, universities, and other postgraduate programs.
Education:
Students who are serious about theatre are strongly encouraged to take Intro to Acting as
part of their 10th grade curriculum, which will enable them to continue in any of the other
theatre classes offered. If they maintain a “B”, they may wish to progress to Advanced
Acting (junior year) and/or Drama Major class in their junior or senior year. Students
who do not take Introduction to Acting cannot take Advanced Acting in their junior or
senior year. However, students can audition with the theatre teacher to be in Drama
Major class in 11th and/or 12th grades, even if they did not take any of the minor theatre
classes. However, given the rigor of the 11th grade year, students may not have time in
their schedule for 6 days of Drama Major per cycle. Drama Major class is now offered
on a two-year cycle so that students can schedule the class in both their 11th and 12th
grade years without repeating curriculum. Drama Major includes students interested in
acting and stage design! Students interested in other aspects of the theatre are
encouraged to take Stage Crew and Design Class in 10th, 11th, or 12th grades. Drama
Major class meets everyday of the 6-day cycle; other theatre classes meet 2 days out of
the 6-day cycle. In addition, theatre students are encouraged to take chorus, Solo
Performers and other music classes, depending on their interests. Maintaining good
grades and taking supporting classes are a big part of the theatre experience. Career
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Exploration options are available for senior year within NPHS Theatre or with local
professional theaters that have a relationship with NPHS Theatre.
There is emphasis on the academic eligibility requirement for participation in all theatre
groups. Students must pass all courses. A large number of theatre students maintain a
high GPA, and many are enrolled in honors and AP courses.
NPHS Productions:
There are anywhere from 40 to 100 students involved in each production presented by
NPHS Theatre. NPHS Theatre stages 2 major shows throughout the year, as well as the
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS Variety Show. Students participate in one or all of
the productions. Participation on stage is based on auditioning for the show. Auditions
for the first play will begin the first week of the school year, and in some instances with
notification to the middle schools, in June of the proceeding school year. Students are
encouraged to contact the staff of the department as soon as school starts to get
information on the audition schedules. There is a call board – bulletin board -- located
outside of the Green Room/Theatre classroom (F41) with information on upcoming
productions. The larger roles require the greatest commitment, and these students are
usually not involved in other extra-curricular activities. All participants need to be aware
that rehearsals are Tuesday and Thursdays after school from 3:00 – 5:00 PM
(approximately) and Monday through Thursday evenings from 6:30 – 9 or 9:30 PM.
Saturday rehearsal commitments are usually from 9 AM to 2 or 3 PM. The last three
weeks prior to opening, more rehearsal time will be scheduled and attendance is
mandatory. Students are also encouraged to participate in Stage Crew which meets
several evenings a week and on Saturdays usually until noon. Student Crews help build
and run the technical aspects of the shows. There is minimum $50.00 student activity
fee, which covers a production t-shirt, cast/crew photographs, and food, munchies, etc.
during rehearsals for both cast and crews. Students sign a contractual agreement for the
job/hours to which they commit. There is also an active family support group that
provides meals for students, helps with sewing costumes, finding props, and assisting
with other aspects of the shows. Beginning in the 2009-2010 year, students are required
to help fundraise for the NPHS Theatre through our sponsorship program to help cover
production costs. Participation requires minimal effort and does not need to cost the
student any additional money.
NPHS Thespian Troupe #5464:
The Thespian Troupe is a member of the International Thespian Society. This is a club
for those interested in all aspects of theatre. General membership meetings are held on
the third Tuesday of each month from 2:45 -3:45 PM. Members of the Troupe focus
largely on local community activities, which may include the Hatfield Roctoberfest,
entertaining at convalescent homes, community Halloween programs, etc. The Thespian
Troupe participates in the Reading Is Fundamental production for all district 1st graders
every year. They also are involved with national theatrical causes such as Broadway
Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The Thespian Troupe also sponsors a series of exciting
workshops in theatre and related areas offered by local professional artists and
colleges/universities in January prior to auditions for the spring musical. Time
commitment varies based on the level of activities the student chooses. Some are
involved only a few days a month; others are involved on a daily basis. The Thespian
Troupe is open to students interested in every aspect of theatre, including writers, stage
crew, lighting, carpenter, etc. There is a onetime $27.00 fee to belong to the international
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organization. Students will then be members for life. After the initial induction year,
Thespian dues are $5.00 per year. Members are also required to participate in at least one
fundraising activity each year to help support the group’s activities and senior awards.
Approximately 95% of students involved in theatre are a part of both NPHS Theatre and
the Thespian Troupe. Theatre students possess great time management skills when
involved with the theater department. The theatre department will work around other
schedules for students who want minor roles for the show provided they are willing to
assume and handle their various commitments.
Parent Involvement:
Parental involvement is encouraged with all theater groups. Approximately two-thirds of
parents get involved. There is a need for help with food preparations and munchies
during rehearsals, cast party chaperones, help with sets and costumes.
Music:
Students are provided the opportunity to apply their skills as aides to musical expression,
to appreciate music through participation, and to learn the structures of musical forms.
Locker cages are provided for band and orchestra instruments. Students will need a
combination lock.
Concert Band and Symphonic Band:
Concert and Symphonic bands emphasizes coordination of brass, woodwind, and
percussion instruments into a large ensemble for public performance. In addition to band
class scheduled during the day, students are expected to attend after-school rehearsals and
performances as part of their grade requirements. The course selection book describes
the options to schedule 2, 4, or 6 periods of band per cycle. Concert Band meets 2 times a
cycle whereas Symphonic band meets either 4 or 6 times a cycle.
Dress Attire for Students for Performances
Male & Female: Black and White
Jazz Band:
The Jazz band ensemble is by audition only. An advanced level of instrumental repertoire
is rehearsed and performed. Students are expected to attend all after-school rehearsals
and performances.
Dress Attire for students for performances
Male:
Tux (student pays costs)
Female: Black & White (most wear black formal dress)
Practice is held at North Penn High School as follows:
Twice during the week, once at night and one day after school. Occasionally
there will be a practice on a Saturday morning.
Auditions start: Mid-November
Additional information if any: Competitive schedule starts February through
April. Weekly competitions in the Delaware Valley.
Lab Band:
The Lab Band ensemble is by audition or Band Director recommendation. An advanced
level of instrumental repertoire is rehearsed and performed. Students are expected to
attend all after-school rehearsals and performances.
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Dress Attire for Students for performances
Male:
Tux (student pays costs)
Female: Black & White (most wear black formal dress)
Practice is held at Pennbrook Middle School as follows:
Wednesdays from 6:30pm – 9:00pm
Auditions start: Mid-November
Additional information if any: Competitive season starts February through April.
Weekly competitions in the Delaware Valley.
Wind Ensemble:
Students for this performing group will be selected either by audition or via Band
Director recommendations. In addition to the wind ensemble class scheduled during the
day, students are expected to attend after-school or evening rehearsals and performances
as part of their grade requirements.
Dress Attire for Students for performances:
Male:
Tux (student pays cost)
Female: Black & White
After-school rehearsals held at North Penn High School as follows:
TBD based on school calendar.
Auditions for this ensemble are held:
January of the previous year
Additional information if any: 4-5 concerts a year plus Memorial Day, rain or
shine.
Marching Band:
The North Penn Marching Band known as the Marching Knights began in December
1971. Their goal is to provide every member of the Marching Knights with a sense of
self-discipline, of spirit, of accomplishment and teamwork, and most importantly, with
the understanding that excellence is a goal worth striving for, and the knowledge that it
can be achieved. The Marching Knights perform at ALL of the North Penn football
games including the Labor Day weekend game.
Dress Attire for Students for performances:
Male: Marching Band Uniform – Provided
Marching Band Shoes, socks and gloves– Not provided - approx. $40
Female: Marching Band Uniform – Provided
Marching Band Shoes, socks and gloves – Not provided - approx.$40
Practice is held at North Penn High School as follows:
Summer: One evening practice weekly, from 6:30-9:30 pm. Evening rehearsals are not
mandatory, but requested, if students are in town.
Mini Band Camp – Three days the week following the previous school year
Mini Band Camp – First two weeks in Aug. Schedule varies each week.
Band Camp - Last 2 weeks in Aug. (Mon. through Thurs.) 12-9pm
September through end of October practices (Mon and Thurs 6:30-9pm, Tuesday
sectionals (times vary) and Sat 12-5pm)
(Friday, football game Home & Away)
(Sat night competition)
We recommend having good comfortable sneakers for practices, not
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necessarily new ones. They will eventually be spray-painted.
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Dry-cleaning of marching band uniform when needed is the responsibility of
student. A sturdy garment bag for the uniform, hat, and gloves is
recommended.
Plenty of non-mandatory fundraisers are offered throughout the year to offset
expenses. Account balances carry over to the next year and are transferable to
siblings.
NPSD buses outside district limits; however if chartered buses are used,
students contribute approximately $35.00 per round trip. Major trip occurs
every 3 years – past trips include Florida, Arizona, Texas and Atlanta. Next
major trip is scheduled for the 2012-2013 school year.
http://marchingknights.com is the Marching Knights website. The website
information is for all interested students and their families.
Indoor Percussion:
The Indoor Percussion is an extension of the drum line from the Marching Knights.
Dress Attire for Students for performances:
Male:
Uniform - Student subsidized
Female: Uniform – Student subsidized
Practice is held at North Penn High School as follows:
4 times during the week
Tuesday and Thursday nights 6:30-9:30
Friday 6:00-10:00
Saturday 9-12
Chorus:
Chorus is for students who enjoy singing with a large group. Students are trained in the
techniques of choral singing through exercises and the preparation of choral literature. In
addition to the chorus rehearsals and performances scheduled during the regular school
day, chorus students are expected to attend several after-school rehearsals and
performances as a part of their grade requirements. Only chorus members are eligible for
Chamber Singers, Ambassadors and Concert Choir.
Dress Attire for Students for performances:
Male:
Tuxedo – Provided by School District
Female: Black Gown – Provided by School District
Practice is held at North Penn High School
TBD based on school calendar.
The music teacher provides a detailed brochure for all vocal music students.
Orchestra:
Orchestra membership is open to all instrumental music students (string, wind, brass, and
percussion players) who are interested in an enriching musical experience. Students learn
rehearsal techniques and perform a varied repertoire including standard symphony
orchestra literature. The orchestra performs two concerts each year, one in the winter and
one in the spring. Orchestra students are expected to attend after school dress rehearsals
and performances as part of their grade requirements. Dress rehearsals and concerts are
held at North Penn High School and are scheduled based on the school district calendar.
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Concert Dress Attire for Students:
Male:
Black Suit, White Dress Shirt, Dark Tie, Black Shoes
Female: Black dressy blouse, Black dressy pants or LONG black dressy
skirt, Black Shoes
Chamber Orchestra:
Chamber Orchestra is open to North Penn High School string students only. Membership
in the ensemble is by audition. Rehearsals are on Mondays from 2:45-4:00pm. Rehearsals
are held once per week after school. This ensemble performs at various school district
events as well as events throughout the North Penn community. Auditions will be held
during the 2nd week of school.
Color Guard:
Dress Attire for Students for performances:
Uniforms – Student subsidized
Practice is held at North Penn High School as follows:
Monday and Wednesday 6:30-9:30
Friday 6:00-10:00
Saturday 9-12.
Try-Outs: Mid November
Competitive season – February through April
North Penn Music Aides:
President – John and Carole Stroller
The Grading Policy and GPA Calculation
Teachers distribute a grading policy specific to their course.
Inclusion of 9th grade courses as part of each student’s Grade Point Average (GPA)
A student’s GPA is based on grades from 9 – 12. Ninth grade courses are considered as
part of the course requirements for high school graduation; the listing of the 9th grade
courses in the high school Program of Academic Studies reflects that approach. Including
9th grade courses as part of the Grade Point Average (GPA) calculation acknowledges the
work accomplished during that year.
The Course Weighting Table for Grade Point Average
Course weighting encourages more students to enroll in higher level courses. The
table below indicates the weights assigned to each course level and grade earned.
Grade
Earned
Numeric Range
Course Wt.
4.0
Course Wt.
5.0
Course Wt.
6.0
Course Wt.
AP
A+
97 – 100
4.3
5.3
6.3
6.8
A
90 – 96
4.0
5.0
6.0
6.5
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B+
87 – 89
3.3
4.3
5.3
6.3
B
80 – 86
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
C+
77 – 79
2.3
3.3
4.3
5.3
C
70 – 76
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
D
65 – 69
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
Below 65
(marking period
grades only)
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
E/F
The minimum percent for earning a “D” grade is 65%.
Final Course Grades: E: 50-64%, F: Below 50% (Note: E is used only for a final course
grade.)
Calculation of grades to the nearest whole percent (rounded).
For consistency across departments and schools, all marking period grades will be
calculated to one decimal place and rounded to the nearest whole percent.
Final Exam Calculation
The value of the comprehensive final exam is 16% of students’ final grade. The value
assigned to the final exam is based on the expectation that students will maintain their
understanding of the essential content of each course over the long term as a result of
successful implementation of cumulative testing throughout the year. Thus, each marking
period grade is worth 21% of the final grade.
Cumulative Testing
Teachers incorporate “cumulative testing” in their on-going tests.
Tests are cumulative if they are structured to include both newly developed and
previously taught concepts. This practice gives students the opportunity and obligation to
demonstrate their understanding of topics which are the essential outcomes of the course.
This step is based on the commitment to have course-based exams be cumulative in
nature. By constantly revisiting the essential content of each course, students will have
established a better understanding of these concepts throughout the course.
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