Principal’s December Message

Dear Norristown Area High School Families,

As we move forward this month, I want to take a moment to recognize the dedication, resilience, and spirit that define our school community. Each day, our students demonstrate growth—academically, socially, and personally—and it is a direct reflection of the hard work of our teachers, staff, and families.

This month brings important opportunities for learning, engagement, and connection. Our teachers continue to provide rigorous instruction aligned to high expectations, and we remain committed to supporting every student with the tools and encouragement they need to succeed. I encourage families to stay connected—whether through parent conferences, school events, or regular communication with teachers—as your partnership is essential to our students’ progress.

As we approach the midpoint of the year, let’s continue to nurture a culture of kindness, accountability, and pride in being part of the Norristown Area High School community. Thank you for your ongoing support and for entrusting us with the growth and development of your students.

Together, we rise.

Dr. Detrick McGriff
Principal, Norristown Area High School

December

December is a short month, but it’s one of the most important at Norristown Area High School. This is our final stretch before winter break, and it’s a key time for students to finish the calendar year strong  by completing major assignments, showing consistent attendance, and locking in the skills needed for a successful second half of the year. 

Important Dates & Academic Info

December 9 : Midmarks for Qtr 2

December 10: Winter Choral Concert

December 18 Winter Instrumental Concert

December 23 Early Dismissal before Winter Break

December 24 - January 2: Schools and Offices Closed

Hello NAHS Students, Families, and Staff,

This month, I want to highlight the power of engagement. When students stay involved in their learning, when parents stay connected to the school, and when teachers continue to build strong relationships in the classroom, our entire community grows stronger.

Engagement is what turns effort into progress and potential into achievement. Whether it’s showing up every day, joining a conversation, reaching out for support, or celebrating small win (every moment of engagement matters).

Thank you for doing your part to make Norristown Area High School a place where everyone can succeed.

Student engagement is one of the biggest factors in your success. When students are tuned in—asking questions, completing classwork, and giving their best on assessments—they’re building the skills and confidence that will carry them beyond high school.

As we work to strengthen our learning environment, we’re also looking at ways to limit distractions so students can stay focused. You’ll hear more soon about updates to our cell phone expectations, all designed to help students stay present and engaged in class.

We believe in you, and we want every student to get the most out of each day. Show up ready, stay involved, and push yourself—you’re capable of great things

Parent engagement plays a powerful role in our scholar’s success. When parents stay connected—whether by checking grades, communicating with teachers, or encouraging strong attendance—students feel supported and stay more focused on their goals.

At Norristown Area High School, we believe that learning is strongest when school and home work together. Your presence, your questions, and your partnership make a real difference in your child’s confidence, performance, and long-term growth.

At NAHS, teacher engagement is at the heart of our students’ success. When teachers bring energy, clarity, and strong relationships into the classroom, students feel seen, supported, and motivated to learn. Engaged teaching turns lessons into meaningful experiences and helps every student find their path forward.

Equally important is our connection with families. When teachers communicate regularly—celebrating progress, sharing concerns, and partnering with parents—students benefit from a united team working toward their growth. Strong school-home relationships help us address challenges early and keep students on track.

Thank you to our dedicated teachers for investing in both instruction and relationships. Your engagement shapes the culture of Norristown Area High School and strengthens every scholar’s journey

At Norristown Area High School, we are expanding Tier 2 interventions to help students get the extra support they need to succeed. Tier 2 supports target students who need a bit more guidance in academics, behavior, or social-emotional skills.

Key Highlights:

Small Group Support: Focused instruction on skills like literacy, math, and organization (Flight Time)

Regular Progress Checks: Students’ growth is monitored to ensure interventions are working.

Data-Driven Strategies: Support is personalized based on assessments and teacher observations.

Family Collaboration: Parents are involved in tracking progress and supporting learning at home.

These efforts are helping students build confidence, improve skills, and stay on track. Together—students, teachers, and families—we’re creating a stronger, more supportive school community.

Huge Thank You to the PFC 

On November 24, our  Parent Faculty Club provided an amazing meal for our teachers and staff just before Parent Conferences.  Your support was extremely appreciated.  The building was busy at this years conferences

Our next PFC meeting will be held Monday, January 12, 2025 beginning Virtually at 7:30 PM .During this meeting we will provide information to guide the conclusion of Semester 1. Additionally, will provide update on our A-CSI Plan and how this will directly impact our young scholars

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89971898480?pwd=dK3cBrboLHNdJRa5JmuEW3MdkP4n2J.1

Norristown Area High School uses Flexible Instructional Days (FIDs) as an alternative to traditional in-person learning during inclement weather or emergencies. FIDs allow students to continue their education remotely, ensuring that learning stays on track without needing to extend the school year.

Here’s how it works:

Notification: Parents and students will be informed in advance when a FID is implemented.

Assignments: Students will complete assignments online or from pre-distributed packets, depending on their classes.

Support: Teachers will be available during regular school hours to assist students via email or other platforms.

These days count as official school days, helping maintain consistency in the academic calendar. For more information or assistance, please visit the district’s website or contact the school office.

Your child's safety is our top priority, and efficient traffic flow is essential to achieving this. We ask for your cooperation in adhering to the school's established traffic plan during morning drop-off.

Designated Drop-Off: All parents and guardians dropping off students before the late bell (7:25 AM) must use the Student Parking Lot and the designated drop-off lane by the Gym entrance.

Restricted Access: The Main Office and Staff Parking Lot should only be used by parents and visitors after the 7:25 AM late bell. This area must be kept clear for staff access and emergency vehicles during peak drop-off time.

Driver Responsibility: We kindly remind all drivers—students, parents, and family members—to strictly observe all posted speed limits and obey the established one-way driving lanes throughout the school property.

Student Drivers: A NAHS parking permit is required in order to drive to school and park on campus. Parking Permits are available in the Main Office. Student cars parked illegally on campus (examples: no parking passes, parked in faculty parking lot or any area outside designated student parking area) run the risk of being towed at the owner's expense.

Thank you for your partnership in making our drop-off and pick-up routines safe and orderly for everyone

Please watch this video (English and Spanish) for important parking lot safety reminders.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT KEYSTONE EXAMS

Students are required by state law to take a Keystone exam at least once in each of the three tested areas by the end of grade 11.

Students are scheduled to test for the first time in a subject at the end of the semester in which they complete the course. They will retest after that if not proficient.

If a student has not yet taken the course, they are not scheduled to take the test in that subject. (example: a 9th grade student who is in Algebra I, Biology and English I would take the Algebra and Biology Keystones this year)

KEYSTONE TESTED SUBJECTS: ALGEBRA I, ENGLISH II (or equivalent), BIOLOGY or WH BIOLOGY.

SPRING 2026 KEYSTONE TESTING DATES:

May 11 & May 12, 2026 - Literature Keystone: 
- All students currently enrolled in English II, WH English II, and AP Seminar
- Any student in grade 11 that has an English course in the current semester and did not score proficient or above on a prior Literature Keystone and has not met the Composite Score pathway for Act 158.

May 13 & May 14, 2026 - Algebra Keystone: 
- All students currently enrolled in Algebra I
- Any student in grade 10 or 11 that has a mathematics course and has not scored proficient or above on a prior Algebra I Keystone and has not met the Composite Score pathway for Act 158. 

May 18 & May 20, 2026 - Biology Keystone: 
- All students currently enrolled in Biology I or WH Biology
- Any student in grade 11 that has a science course and has not scored proficient or above on a prior Biology Keystone and has not met the Composite Score pathway for Act 158.

KEYSTONES AND ACT 158 (GRADUATION PATHWAYS):

Act 158 is the Pennsylvania law that established multiple pathways to graduation. All students at NAHS must pass the 23 required credits and meet one of the five graduation pathways in order to graduate.

Meeting Pathway 1 (Keystone Proficiency) means the student has passed the Keystone courses and has also gained a 1500 Proficient or higher on all three Keystone exams.

Meeting Pathway 2 (Keystone Composite Score) means the student has passed the Keystone courses and has gained proficient on at least one exam, has no below-basic scores, and has a total of all three scores equaling 4452 or higher (2939 if exempted from an exam due to no testing in 2020 only).

For Pathways 3 (Alternate Assessment), 4 (Evidence Based), and 5 (Career and Technical Education), students will meet a pathway through alternate means. Students need to earn their 23 course credits but will not have earned the required scores to meet either Pathways 1 or 2.

For more information about Keystone Exams and Act 158 Graduation Pathways, please reach out to your student's School Counselor. 

Dr. Detrick McGriff has been Principal of the Norristown Area High School since September, 2021.