Superintendent

Dear Northern Lehigh Community,

As we approach the start of another school year, I am filled with anticipation and excitement for what lies ahead. Our staff has been diligently preparing over the summer, and I am immensely proud of the collective efforts that make Northern Lehigh a vibrant learning community.

New Beginnings and Continued Traditions

This year, we are thrilled to welcome a group of talented new teachers and support staff to our district. Their addition promises to enrich the Northern Lehigh experience, and I encourage everyone to extend a warm welcome to these new faces in our schools. Please share with them what it means to have the heart and soul of a bulldog!

Before the school year has even begun, we've launched several promising initiatives. One highlight is our inaugural KinderQuest program at Peters Elementary School, which welcomed over 75 incoming kindergarten students for early learning experiences. This program not only gives our youngest learners a head start but also allows our educators to better prepare personalized learning experiences from day one.

Curricular Innovations and Technological Advancements

Our commitment to academic excellence continues with the introduction of the Amplify CKLA language arts curriculum at Peters and Slatington Elementary Schools, rooted in the Science of Reading framework. This initiative will support our students in becoming proficient readers and writers.

At Northern Lehigh Middle School, we are excited to launch a new astronomy program, complete with state-of-the-art telescopes that integrate with student Chromebooks. This is part of our broader strategy to enhance STEM education and provide engaging learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom setting.

Additionally, our middle school is now home to an officially registered weather station, broadening our students' learning horizons and providing real-world data for various educational projects.

Safety, Security, and Well-Being

The safety and well-being of our students and employees remain paramount. This summer, Chief Jones led the implementation of the Navigate360® EMS app, enhancing our ability to communicate swiftly and silently during emergencies. This tool is part of our comprehensive approach to maintain a secure and responsive learning environment.

We also continue to enhance our mental health supports, collaborating with local organizations to provide resources directly in our schools. This year, we are expanding these efforts to include support for families, partnering with the Cook Center for Human Connection to offer free and unlimited family coaching and other valuable resources starting in October.

Also in October, we will also launch our partnership with BusPatrol in conjunction with our transportation company, Krise Transportation. As part of the program, all school buses that transport Northern Lehigh students will be outfitted with safety technology to make the ride to and from school safer for all. This technology includes photo enforcement cameras to detect vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses while the stop sign is deployed and red lights are flashing. Every incident is reviewed by our district police department before a violation notice and fine is issued to the offender.

Infrastructure and Community Engagement

Our maintenance and custodial teams have worked tirelessly to ensure our facilities are ready and welcoming. While we eagerly anticipate the renovation of our softball/baseball complex, we remain committed to providing top-notch facilities for all our athletic and extracurricular activities.

Looking forward, we are also investing in our arts programs, recognizing the importance of arts education in developing well-rounded individuals. This includes significant enhancements to our music and theater departments, ensuring that our students have every opportunity to explore and excel in their creative pursuits.

Looking Ahead

Students return on August 26th, with our staff having kicked off the year a few days earlier on August 20th. We’ve planned a series of welcome events, including a staff appreciation picnic on August 22nd and a welcome-back breakfast on August 21st.

The start of a new school year is always a time of renewal and excitement. I am confident that with our dedicated staff, supportive community, and exceptional students, this year will be another outstanding chapter in the story of Northern Lehigh. Please join me in making this year one of growth, achievement, and community spirit.

Welcome back, Northern Lehigh! Let’s make this year remarkable!

Sincerely,

Dr. Matthew J. Link
Superintendent