Winter Keystones Are Upon Us
As we begin the month we are at an important part of the school year in which we demonstrate to the state how much students have learned. Keystones Exams are one way to meet the Act 158 expectations for graduation. Both the Keystone Schedule and Act 158 are referenced further in the newsletter.
Keystones are given twice during the school year (Winter & Spring) . The opportunities to take the Keystone coincide with the semester the students took classes that would best prepare them for the assessment. In some case we allow students to retake the Keystones, using the additional attempt to meet proficiency, and achieve Act 158 Graduation expectations.
Norristown Area High School has goals (A-TSI) which states that by the end of each semester of the 23-24 SY, the attendance rate for both high school and online academy students for Keystone Assessments (aligned to the course(s) taken that semester) will be at a rate of at least 90%.
To meet this goal we need everyone in the Norristown Area High School Community to support our scholars, as they demonstrate how much they have learned. Strongly encourage a good nights sleep and have a healthy breakfast the morning. Norristown High School will also provide breakfast during each testing day.
Only students taking their assigned Keystone will be permitted into the building between the hours of 7:15 AM - 10:25 AM. The remainder of the school is scheduled for late bus pick up (delayed 3 hours from normal pick up time)
We look forward to an amazing start to 2024 and strong closure to Semester 1 of the 2023-2024 School Year!
PA Keystone Exam Window
Winter Schedule
Wednesday, January 3, 2024 Literature Keystone Exam Module 1
Thursday, January 4, 2024 Literature Keystone Exam Module 2
Friday, January 5, 2024 Algebra Keystone Exam Module 1
Monday, January 8, 2024 Algebra Keystone Exam Module 2
Tuesday, January 9, 2024 Biology Keystone Exam Module 1
Wednesday, January 10, 2024 Biology Keystone Exam Module 2
Thursday, January 11, 2024 Make-Ups
Friday, January 12, 2024 Make- Ups
Pathways to Graduation
Communication of the Pathways and your child's status in this graduation expectation is a priority. We have communicated in multiple forums to help all stakeholders understand the importance of meeting both the Act 158 Credit Pathways and 23 Credits to be considered a Norristown Area School District Graduate.
Our Gear Up Program has worked with our current Juniors and Seniors to meet the Act 158 Expectations. Through individual counseling, academic support and exposure for college and career readiness experiences, students are moving through the pathways and towards graduation.
Instructional support teachers are preparing our student body for Keystone Exams. Keystone performance gives access to two of the five Act 158 pathways . Students are encouraged to work with their counselors as they navigate all the graduation expectations.
PFC in 2024
As our PFC thrives and grow's we look forward to the remainder of the school year. In 2024 we will continue with patterns of data review and gaining insights as to build school wide plans. Our Calendar will include virtual meetings ( NAHS PFC Website ) and in-person Quarterly meetings will drive our in-person at different locations easily accessible to our community. The next PFC Meeting will be virtual using Zoom on January 8, 2024 at 7:00 PM (NAHS Parent Faculty Club Zoom). The remainder of the school year will feature...
Feb 12th, (Norristown Area High School Campus Hybrid Meeting)
Mar 11th, NAHS Parent Faculty Club Zoom
Apr 8th, (To Be Determined)
May 13th, NAHS Parent Faculty Club Zoom.
Welcome to Interim Assistant Principal Ray Fernandez
Mr. Ray Fernandez
Mr. Ray Fernandez was born and raised in North Philadelphia and graduated from Edison High School. He graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Health & Physical Education from West Chester University in 1983. He earned his Master's Degree in Bilingual & Bicultural Studies from LaSalle University and his Principal Certification from Penn State in Great Valley. He is a former Spanish teacher and varsity soccer coach at the Church Farm School in Paoli, PA. He was also an assistant principal for 21 years at the Kennett High School in Kennett Square, PA. After a 35 years career in
education he retired in June, 2019.
During his many years in education, he was dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of
young people, and he organized an annual conference at Kennett High School to focus on diversity,
multicultural awareness, and the importance of having young people further their overall potential with their education and future. Mr. Fernandez has been invited to present as a keynote speaker and a workshop presenter at many conferences and school functions. In 2018, he presented a workshop titled - (What is Your Why?) at the Norristown High School Diversity Day. In 2019, he once again participated in this most important event as the keynote speaker.
He regularly exercises and enjoys playing sports. He is a former Philadelphia high school wrestling
public league champion, three-time collegiate boxing national champion, and first-place finisher in PA Powerlifting championships. He is still active in playing softball, basketball, and weight lifting exercise.
Mr. Fernandez has many experiences working with young people from various positions as a juvenile detention officer, drug and alcohol counselor, and alternative education teacher. He and his wife, Yvonne, have three children Ray, the 3rd, who graduated from Kutztown University and is currently a member of the ARMY in Augusta, Georgia; Joshua, who graduated from West Chester University and works in sales for a clothing company and Brianna who also graduated from West Chester University and currently works for the same company as a marketing associate. They are also the proud grandparents of 7-year-old Noelle Grace Fernandez.
Finishing the semester strong
Semester 1 of the 2023-2024 School year concludes January 18. Students have a couple of weeks to do the very best they can to earn the grades needed for course completion and accumulate credits for graduation.
When students struggle Norristown Area High School has a host of NAHS Tiered Interventions for support. Even during the testing window, Gear up has extra support for students in need.
Our value of growth remains the foundation of our work. We will reach our individual destinations of success, as we continue to strive for improvement.
Tutor.com A 24 Hour-7 Days a Week Support!
The Norristown Area School District has recently invested in the resource known as tutor.com. This service allows students 24/7 Access to an live tutor online to support their learning and academic growth. Tutor,com will be one of many TIER 1 (available for all students to access) Academic Interventions .
Norristown Area High School
Email: dmcgriff@nasd.k12.pa.us
Website: https://www.nasd.k12.pa.us/NAHS
Phone: (610)630-5090
