Principal’s February Message

Good morning NAHS Families, Staff, and Students,

As we move into February, I want to take a moment to thank our Norristown Area High School community for the continued commitment to learning, growth, and connection that I see every day in our building. February may be a shorter month, but it is filled with meaningful opportunities to celebrate progress, deepen engagement, and strengthen our shared sense of purpose.

Instruction, Engagement, and Focus
Our classrooms continue to reflect strong instruction supported by purposeful engagement strategies. Teachers are implementing frequent checks for understanding, encouraging student voice, and creating environments where learning remains the priority. These practices are especially important as we reinforce our electronics device policy, which is designed to maintain a distraction-free environment for teaching and learning. Students have shared that while they may miss their phones, they understand the why behind the policy—and we appreciate the partnership of families and staff in supporting this work.

Literacy and Classroom Support
Later this month, we will welcome our School Cubed partners back to NAHS for another Literacy Audit. Their presence is supportive, not evaluative, and offers us an opportunity to reflect on instructional practices that promote engagement, comprehension, and critical thinking across content areas. We are grateful for our teachers’ professionalism and openness as we continue strengthening literacy instruction schoolwide.

Celebrating Black History Month
February is Black History Month, a time to honor the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black leaders, scholars, and change-makers—past and present. Throughout the month, students will engage in lessons and activities that highlight history, culture, and voices that have shaped our world. This work aligns with our ongoing commitment to inclusivity, respect, and belonging for all students.

Student Life and Community
NAHS remains a vibrant place beyond the classroom. From athletics and clubs to performances and service opportunities, students continue to show pride in their school and dedication to one another. I encourage students to stay involved, stay connected, and continue supporting one another with kindness and respect.

As always, thank you for your partnership and trust. Together, we will continue to ensure that Norristown Area High School is a place where students feel supported, challenged, and inspired every day.

With appreciation,

Dr. Detrick McGriff
Principal, Norristown Area High School

February at NAHS: Momentum, Meaning, and Moving Forward

February has arrived with cold weather outside, but strong momentum inside Norristown Area High School. Even in the heart of winter, our students and staff continue to show focus, resilience, and pride in their work.

This month brings a special highlight as Presidents Day and Lunar New Year combine for a four-day weekend—a great opportunity for rest, reflection, and time together. We hope families enjoy this well-earned pause before returning refreshed.

Lunar New Year ushers in the Year of the Horse, a powerful symbol of strength, confidence, and forward movement. That spirit reflects where we are as a school—building momentum, staying focused, and moving ahead together with purpose and determination.

At Norristown Area High School, a renewed focus on teaching and learning is taking shape—one classroom at a time. By intentionally limiting cell phone use during the school day, our school community is reclaiming instructional time, strengthening student engagement, and reinforcing what matters most: meaningful learning experiences for every student

Cell phones are a powerful tool in the world outside of school, but inside the classroom, they often compete with instruction for students’ attention. By setting clear, consistent expectations around cell phone use, Norristown Area High School has created learning environments where focus is protected and instructional momentum can thrive. This shift is not about restriction for restriction’s sake, it’s about ensuring students have the opportunity to fully engage with their teachers, their peers, and the learning in front of them.

As distractions decrease, engagement increases. Teachers across content areas are leveraging strong instructional strategies—frequent checks for understanding, purposeful questioning, collaborative learning, and interactive discussions—to keep students actively involved in lessons. With fewer interruptions, classrooms are seeing richer dialogue, stronger participation, and more sustained attention to academic tasks.

Students themselves have shared that while adjusting to limited phone access hasn’t always been easy, they understand the “why.” Many recognize that they are more present in class, better able to concentrate, and more connected to their learning when phones are not competing for their attention

This renewed focus will align with future Pennsylvania legislation supporting school-based cell phone policies and reinforces our shared commitment to high-quality instruction. When instructional time is protected, teachers can teach with greater intentionality, and students can learn with greater depth. The result is not just quieter classrooms—but classrooms alive with discussion, inquiry, and active learning.

Reclaiming focus is a collective effort. It reflects the partnership between students, staff, and families who believe in the power of engaged classrooms and strong instruction. At Norristown Area High School, limiting distractions is helping us create the conditions where learning can flourish—and where every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Together, we are building focused classrooms, engaged learners, and stronger learning outcomes—for today and for the future.

At Norristown Area High School, we use the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to ensure every student gets exactly what they need to thrive. Think of MTSS as a safety net with three distinct layers—as one layer provides a foundation, the others offer more specific, intensive support where necessary.  The Three Tiers of Support

MTSS is designed to be proactive, identifying and addressing academic and behavioral needs early. Here is how the layers work:  

Tier 1: Universal Support (The Foundation) This is the "core" instruction provided to all students. It includes high-quality classroom teaching, clear behavioral expectations, and social-emotional learning. Most students (about 80%) find success with this level of support alone.  

Tier 2: Targeted Intervention (Supplemental) Some students need a little extra help to meet grade-level goals. Tier 2 provides small-group instruction or specialized programs focused on specific skills, like reading comprehension or math facts. This layer is added on top of Tier 1 instruction, not in place of it.  

Tier 3: Intensive Intervention (Individualized) For students who require the most significant support, Tier 3 offers individualized, intensive instruction. This may involve more frequent or longer sessions focused on very specific learning or behavioral gaps.  

Why "Layering" Matters

The goal of MTSS isn't to "label" a student, but to provide a layering of support. A student might receive Tier 1 support for most subjects but then add Tier 2 for a specific subject. As soon as a student shows they’ve mastered a skill, the extra layer of support can be faded out.  However, if a student needs additional support then an additional support lifts a student to TIER 3.

Join Us: February PFC Meeting & Academic Update

Our next PFC meeting will be held Monday, February 9, 2026 beginning Virtually at 7:30 PM .During this meeting we will provide information to frame the second semester. Additionally, will provide update on our A-CSI Plan and how this will directly impact our young scholars.

Additionally, Mary Agnew (High School Curriculum Supervisor) will be sharing opportunities on how parents can take a deeper dive into their students data using NASD resources.

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Families play a powerful role in helping students feel confident and prepared for Keystone Exams and meeting Act 158 graduation requirements. When students know the adults in their lives are working together, they show up more focused, motivated, and ready to do their best.

You can support your student by:

1) Encouraging consistent attendance and strong effort in daily coursework

2) Talking with your student about the importance of doing their personal best, not perfection

3) Helping establish healthy routines—sleep, nutrition, and time for study

4) Offering reassurance and celebrating growth, progress, and persistence

Our school is committed to providing targeted instruction, review opportunities, and support aligned to each student’s pathway. When schools and families stay connected, students are better positioned to succeed—academically and emotionally.

Together, we can ensure every student feels supported, prepared, and confident as they demonstrate what they know and move one step closer to graduation. If you have questions or need guidance, our School Counseling team is always here to help.

We succeed best when we support one another.

Black history is not confined to a single month at Norristown Area High School. Through courses such as World Cultures & Literature, U.S. History, Civics & Government, American Literature, Community Arts, and African American History, students engage year-round in learning that explores the contributions and experiences of Black individuals and communities locally, nationally, and globally. Norristown’s rich history—including its connection to the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection—provides meaningful opportunities for reflection and understanding. NAHS also supports cultural awareness through student organizations such as the Black Student Union and the Politics & Social Justice Club. While this work continues year-round, Black History Month includes additional announcements, guest speakers, and community partnerships highlighting affirming history and the scientific accomplishments of African Americans..

The NAHS College & Career Center offers a wide range of opportunities to support students pursuing both college and workforce pathways after graduation.

For families working on financial aid, FAFSA Completion Night will be held on Tuesday, February 24 from 5:00–7:00 PM in the NAHS Library. This event provides hands-on support for completing the FAFSA and the PHEAA State Grant (available after FAFSA submission), both of which are essential for maximizing financial aid eligibility. Sign up is highly recommended.

Students should also take advantage of Money Grab Monday Scholarship Café, held every Monday we have a full day of school (not available during A or D Lunch). Students can receive scholarship and financial aid assistance and should check Schoology regularly using access code HB2S-DTHP-KQB6H. Highlighted scholarships include the PACAC Scholarship, the Patriot Scholarship ($5,000 renewable), and the NAHS-exclusive STAR Grant.

For students planning to enter the workforce, the Arkema USA Career Exploration Tour on March 10 is a major opportunity. We also have a Resume and Interview Workshop on Tuesday, February 24. Visit the NAHS College & Career website at bit.ly/nahs_cccwebsite to register for and/or view all events.

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