Newsroom

Northgate School District is excited to partner with Assemble for a six-week Summer STEAM Camp designed for rising 1st–5th grade students. Campers will participate in hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math activities in a fun, creative, and engaging environment.

Camp Details

Dates: June 29-August 6, 2026
Days: Monday-Thursday
Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Location: Bellevue Elementary School, 435 Lincoln Ave., Bellevue, PA 15202

Limited free and 50% scholarship opportunities are available.

Families can register using the QR code on the flyer or by visiting the registration link here. 

Join us on Saturday, May 23, 2026, for Northgate School District's Kennywood Picnic! For those attending the School Picnic on May 23rd, the Early Bird Offer is available for tickets purchased by May 18th at $32.99 + Fees. After May 18th, the price will be $35.99 + Fees. If you choose to visit on another date before July 12th, you can still purchase a ticket for $37.99 + Fees but be sure to buy by June 30th.

To take advantage of these offers, use the promo codes: northgate for the May 23rd picnic date or northgateflex for any other date of your choice. You can purchase tickets here. We hope to see you there!

 

Northgate families are invited to learn more about an exciting opportunity for students who will be in grades 9-12 next school year to travel to Montreal and Quebec in March 2027.

This educational experience will include visits to iconic destinations such as Mount Royal Park, Château Frontenac, and Montmorency Falls, along with other cultural and historical highlights.

To provide families with full details, Dr. Caroline Johns will host a mandatory informational meeting on Tuesday, May 5th at 5:30 p.m. During this session, attendees will receive important information about the trip itinerary, pricing, safety measures, and available scholarship opportunities.

RSVP is required to attend the meeting and must be completed by May 4th.

Please note that space on this trip is limited, and enrollment will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendance at the informational meeting is required in order to secure a spot on the tour.

This trip promises to be a meaningful and memorable experience for our students, and we are proud to offer them this opportunity to expand their learning beyond the classroom.

For more information and to RSVP, please click here: RSVP HERE

 

The Northgate Chamber Singers brought home top international recognition, winning the Grand Prize at the International Youth Music Competitions this past February.

Competing in the highly competitive Senior Choir category, the ensemble impressed judges with their performance of "O Love" by Elaine Hagenberg. Known for its demanding vocal control, the piece gave the singers an opportunity to showcase both technical precision and emotional artistry.

Led by director Christopher Brewer, the group stood out among choirs from around the world. The International Youth Music Competitions attract talented young musicians across multiple categories, including instrumentalists, solo vocalists, and ensembles, making the Grand Prize a significant achievement at the global level.

Judges evaluate performances based on tone quality, interpretation, balance, and overall musical expression. The Northgate Chamber Singers’ ability to excel across these areas reflects not only their individual talent but also their dedication and discipline as an ensemble.

This accomplishment highlights the strength of Northgate’s music program and the hard work of its student musicians, placing them firmly on the international stage and setting a high standard for future performances.

Dear Northgate Middle School Families,

The Spring Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) Exams are scheduled for the weeks of April 20 and April 27, 2026. As we approach the testing period, we want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of students doing their very best on these assessments. The PSSA is a valuable opportunity for students to demonstrate what they have learned throughout the year in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science (for 8th grade only).

These assessments provide important insights into our students’ academic progress and help us tailor instruction to meet their needs. While we recognize no single test defines a student’s abilities,
performing their best on the PSSAs allows us to celebrate their growth and make informed decisions
about curriculum and support services.

The PSSA exams will be administered on the following dates:

• English Language Arts: Tuesday, April 21, Wednesday, April 22, and Friday, April 24
• Mathematics: Monday, April 27 and Tuesday, April 28
• Science (Grade 8 only): Wednesday, April 29 and Thursday, April 30

Below is a checklist of six key actions we want students to take during testing to help them perform at
their best. Our middle school teachers have discussed and practiced these skills with all students.
Completing all six will earn them a prize ticket on testing day. Daily prizes will be a snack to enjoy in
the classroom, and on Fridays, the prize will be a treat in the cafeteria. Additionally, students’ names
will be entered into a drawing for big prizes.

1. Be on time each day and have materials. Students will be expected to leave their Chromebooks at school and chargers will be available.
2. Take your time and work diligently for at least 50 minutes on the multiple-choice questions,
carefully answering every question and be sure you have answered every question.
3. Write a quality open-ended response.

• On the ELA exam: with an introduction, opening, conclusion, and supporting paragraphs with evidence in between.
• On Math and Science exams: a clear and concise explanation.

4. Use scratch paper. Show your work and solve problems on scratch paper.
5. Use the formula sheet.
6. Use the rubrics. Grade your work using the rubric before turning it in. Feel confident that your
answer has all the characteristics of proficient work.

How Families Can Help
You play an important role in helping your student feel confident and prepared. Here are a few simple
ways to support them:

• Encourage your student to do their best on their daily school work leading up to the test. In particular, use practice problems as an opportunity to reinforce skills and ask questions.
• Ensure Plenty of Rest – A good night’s sleep before each test day helps with focus and stamina.
• Provide a Healthy Breakfast – Nutritious food fuels the brain and helps with concentration. Remember every student has the opportunity for free breakfast at school every day!
• Arrive on Time – Being punctual reduces stress and allows students to start the day calmly.
• Reinforce the Importance of Trying Their Best – Encourage your student to take their time, read carefully, and check their work. Let your student know that a little bit of stress is normal and even healthy. Remind them to use their "Chill" coping strategies to work through it and do their best.

Pennsylvania does not offer a remote option for these tests. Northgate Online Learning Academy
(NOLA) students are expected to come to school on the days of the tests to complete the exams. Our
NOLA students will be assigned to testing groups and will need to report to the secondary building
at 9:45 a.m. on test days. Home-schooled students may also participate. Parents of homeschooled
students must contact the principal by April 9, 2026, to arrange for inclusion in testing.
We appreciate your partnership in making this a successful and stress-free experience for your child.

If you have any questions about the PSSA, please feel free to contact us. Our email addresses are included below. Thank you for your ongoing support!

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Amick 
Principal
michael.amick@northgatesd.net

Dr. Nancy Bowman
Principal
nancy.bowman@northgatesd.net

Mr. Mike Wagstaff
Assistant Principal
mike.wagstaff@northgatesd.net

 

PSSA Parent Letter PDF

Join us for Northgate Baseball Night on June 9th at 6:40 p.m. as the Pittsburgh Pirates take on the Los Angeles Dodgers at PNC Park. This district-wide event invites students, staff, administrators and community members to come together and celebrate the start of summer.

Scan the QR code or click here to purchase tickets. We hope to see you there!

You’re invited to join us for a special evening celebrating the creativity and achievements of our students. The Northgate Student Showcase of Excellence will take place Thursday, May 21, from 4-7 p.m. at Northgate MS/HS.

For more than twenty years, this beloved event has brought our Northgate community together to celebrate student excellence through art, music, and classroom exhibits. Guests will enjoy an inspiring showcase of student work, along with food options provided by our community partners.

We hope you will join us for this evening of creativity, connection, and celebration.

Please register here: https://forms.gle/pdBD4zPU2inutpzF6

We look forward to seeing you there.

Northgate School District is proud to recognize Dr. Nancy Bowman for being named a 2025-2026 National Technical Honor Society Honorary Member, an honor that reflects her outstanding commitment to education and student success.

With 35 years of experience in education, Dr. Bowman has dedicated her career to supporting and empowering students. She currently serves as the Secondary Instructional Principal at Northgate Middle and High School, where she has the unique opportunity to work closely with both middle and high school students. Her passion for leadership and student development continues to shape a positive and supportive learning environment across the school community.

Dr. Bowman began her career as a middle school science teacher, spending a decade in the classroom before transitioning into educational leadership. Over the years, she has served in a variety of roles, including middle school principal, high school principal, and director of curriculum. In each position, she has remained focused on fostering student growth and academic achievement.

Throughout her career, Dr. Bowman has been a strong advocate for career and technical education, particularly through her ongoing partnership with A.W. Beattie Career Center. Her collaboration with the center spans her time in leadership roles within the Pine-Richland School District, North Allegheny School District, and now Northgate School District. She has consistently championed opportunities that prepare students for success beyond graduation, recognizing the value of multiple pathways for student achievement.

Dr. Bowman’s dedication to collaboration and her unwavering support for students have strengthened the broader educational community. Her leadership has helped ensure that students across the region are equipped with the skills and experiences needed for their future endeavors.

Northgate School District congratulates Dr. Nancy Bowman on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates her continued impact on students, schools, and the community.

Highmark Wholecare is proud to announce its Free Farmer’s Market Series, designed to bring fresh produce to local families at no cost. Through a collaboration with AHN Suburban General and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, this initiative connects community members with healthy food options sourced from local farmers and food providers.

These events are open to the public and require no income verification or identification. All events will take place at AHN Suburban, located at 100 S. Jackson Avenue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in Parking Lot B3. The market series will be held on select Fridays throughout the year, including April 17, June 26, August 14, and October 23, with each event running from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Highmark Wholecare remains committed to supporting community health and wellness by addressing food accessibility and nutrition. Community members are encouraged to attend and take advantage of this free resource while supplies last.

Do you already know you're interested in joining Band Front, or are you not sure what it is yet? 

Come check out our Band Front Workshops! Over the course of 3 Workshops, students will learn the fundamentals of dance and flag work in a fun and supportive and supervised environment, hosted by next year's Band Front Juniors and Seniors. 

Workshops are open to any student currently in grades 6 through 11, who are NOT currently a member of Band Front. 

Workshops will be held in the high school gymnasium from 5:30 - 7:45pm on

• Wednesday, March 25th 
• Thursday, April 9th and
• Wednesday, April 22nd

Scannable flyers with information will be available at the band room, around the school and posted above to register to participate. 

If you are curious about Band Front or thinking about joining. These workshops are a great place to start. We hope to see you there. 

The Northgate Middle School and High School musical is right around the corner, and tickets are now on sale for this year’s production of Legally Blonde: The Musical.

Performances will take place April 16, 17, and 18, featuring a talented cast of Northgate students bringing this energetic and entertaining show to life. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens. To reserve your seats, scan the QR code on the flyer above or visit:
https://our.show/northgatesd2026

Be sure to join us for this exciting production and support our students as they take the stage. We hope to see you there!

In the final meet of his high school swimming career, Academic All-American Sam Cavanaugh made sure we won't forget his great accomplishments with Northgate-Avonworth Swim & Dive. Sam took by storm the 2A PIAA Swimming Championships at Bucknell University, March 13-14, where he captured gold medals in both the 200 IM and the 500 Freestyle, as well as sharing silver medals with relay (200 Medley Relay and 400 Free Relay) teammates Greyson McKelvey (10), Nate Parker (11) and Jakob Vranick (12). The four led our boys team to a 4th Place overall finish (out of 66 teams).

“Winning both of my individual events meant a lot," said Cavanaugh, "After finishing second in both last year, I made it a goal to come back and win them this time. My teammates and coaches were so supportive, and it just made it so much fun.”

Adding to the fun was a stellar performance by Sam's fellow "Flame-a-lopes," who battled their way to the podium for eight medals in addition to Cavanaugh's two golds. Grey McKelvey tied his senior teammate in his number of medals won--four--while JoAnn Cook (10) followed Grey with three medals. Addison Hase (10), Parker and Vranick all won two medals, while Kaitlyn Klaum (10) and Bridget Campbell (10) each walked away with one medal.  

Meanwhile, no previous record was sacred as the team set six new team records at States. In fact, three of the fallen records had been set by Class of 2023 standout Matt Purcell, who now swims for Brown University. Cavanaugh toppled two of Purcell's records and McKelvey, one. (Anyone familiar with the Purcell knows he would be tickled to hear of the success of Sam and Grey!) 

One of the many highlights of this meet was Cavanaugh's pure dominance during his 200 IM and 500 Free. He won the first by almost four seconds and the next by over five seconds. Manheim Central's Sam Kieffer was neck and neck with Cavanaugh the first half of the 500 before our Sam put the hammer down and pulled way ahead en route to a new team record. 

Another highlight was the absolute lightning speed of each leg of the record Boys 400 Free Relay team (Cavanaugh/Parker/Vranick/McKelvey), who broke the record they had just set at WPIALS! 

Still another highlight was the impressive collective performance by our young girls team, which took 9th Place (out of 64 teams). Freshman and sophomores made up all but one of this year's squad. The future is bright for our girls team! 

Yet another highlight was the pop music blasted during warmups and between events. One deck official even lightened up and led the packed house in the sing-a-long of Sweet Caroline. It was a perfect break for the loud, rambunctious crowd, full of energy, all dressed in the spiritwear and colors of their respective teams. Fenway Park would have been proud!

It was just one of the many things that made States at Bucknell an unforgettable experience. It was the last such experience for Cavanaugh and Vranick. 

One day after returning from States, Cavanaugh weighed in on his final PIAA Swimming Championship. "I couldn't have asked for a better way to finish my high school career," the future Bucknell Bison said. "Competing against other great athletes was an incredible experience, and I'm really grateful it ended the way it did."

And we are very grateful, Sam and Jake, that we were able to tag along. Thank you for all you have given to Northgate-Avonworth Swim & Dive and our communities. Best of luck at Bucknell and Westminster!

Complete Medals List:

Gold Medal, 200 IM. Sam Cavanaugh (12), 1:49.23 (Team Record) 

Gold Medal, 500 Free. Sam Cavanaugh (12), 4:30.08 (Team Record)

Silver Medal, 200 Medley Relay. McKelvey (10), Cavanaugh (12), Parker (11), Vranick (12). 1:36.81

Silver Medal, 400 Free Relay. Cavanaugh, Parker, Vranick, McKelvey. 3:11.39 (Team Record)

Bronze Medal, 200 Free. Greyson McKelvey (10), 1:42.51 (Team Record)

Bronze Medal, 100 Backstroke. JoAnn Cook (10), 57.37 seconds

5th Place Medal, 200 Free. JoAnn Cook (10), 1:52.92

5th Place Medal, 500 Free. Addison Hase (10), 5:09.30 (Team Record, 5:06.31, in Prelims)

5th Place Medal, 100 Back. Greyson McKelvey (10), 51.51 seconds (Team Record)

7th Place Medal, 400 Free Relay. Kaitlyn Klaum (10), Bridget Campbell (10), Hase (10), Cook (10). 3:40.55

Consolation Finals (9th through 16th place)

12th Place, 200 Free Relay. Rachel Buzzard (11), Grace Caulkins (9), Lila Caulkins (9), Addison Hase (10). 

15th Place, 200 IM. Lila Caulkins (9), 2:15.21

16th Place, 200 Medley Relay. Cook (10), Buzzard (11), Klaum (10), Campbell (10). 1:54.00

Other Finishes

18th Place, Boys Free. Jakob Vranick (12), 49.01 seconds

19th Place, Boys 100 Breast. Nate Parker (11), 1:00.81

21st Place, Boys 200 Free. Jakob Vranick (12), 1:49.00

21st Place, Girls 500 Free. Grace Caulkins (9), 5:24.11

24th Place, 1 Meter Diving. Simon Buzzard (9), 110 Points

26th Place, Girls 200 IM. Kaitlyn Klaum (10), 2:18.52

29th Place, Boys 200 IM. Nate Parker (11), 2:06.26

32nd Place, Girls 200 IM. Rachel Buzzard (11), 2:22.76

Earlier this month, students in Northgate’s VOICES Club attended the Eradicate Hate Student Summit Reconvening, which took place on March 9 at Acrisure Stadium. This school-day event, organized by Eradicate Hate, the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU), the LIGHT Education Initiative, and The Tree of Life, brought together school districts from across southwestern Pennsylvania in collaboration with one another to spotlight student-led initiatives to prevent hate-fueled violence in their schools and communities.

This month’s event built upon last September’s Eradicate Hate Student Summit, which brought together more than 450 participants from 34 high schools and 28 organizations from across Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Butler County, Westmoreland County, and Pasadena, Texas. Following the Summit, schools each received a $1,000 grant thanks to the generous support of the Benedum Foundation and the Grable Foundation to design and deliver impactful programming on their campuses.

With that support, VOICES is helping create a living monument that embodies the work completed at the staff in-service training on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. During this training, staff, students, and community members collectively answered the question “What wishes do we have for our children?" and made commitments to how they will pursue them. In addition to this, VOICES is continuing to educate and learn from others with “Is It Fair?!”, a game designed to cultivate conversations around equity in schools.

The Reconvening provided a platform for students to share their accomplishments to date, as well as connected students to helpful resources and one another to further boost the reach and impact of their work.

"Addressing hate-fueled violence is a shared responsibility, and schools play a key role in that work,” said Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor, who delivered a keynote address at the event. "What stood out to me at the Eradicate Hate Student Summit Reconvening was just how seriously our students are taking this issue. These young people are listening, learning, and actively working together to create real solutions in their schools and neighborhoods."

For school districts interested in bringing this learning experience to their own community or participating in the 2026 Eradicate Hate Student Summit, contact Nick Haberman at nicholas.haberman@aiu3.net.

About the Eradicate Hate Student Summit
The annual Eradicate Hate Student Summit in Pittsburgh is a one-day event that brings together high school students and educators to catalyze youth-led efforts to prevent hate-fueled violence. Coordinated by Eradicate Hate, the Allegheny Intermediate Unit (AIU), the LIGHT Education Initiative, and The Tree of Life, the Student Summit empowers students to eradicate hate in their schools and communities by connecting them with survivors, providing access to youth-serving organizations, and launching student-led, peer-to-peer projects that continue throughout the school year.

The Northgate-Avonworth Swim & Dive team just captured a pot o' gold at WPIALS and now they're aiming for more of the same this week at States. 

The "Flame-a-lopes" not only walked away with the Boys 2A WPIAL Championship title and an impressive 4th Place girls team finish, but they also won a spectacular total of 20 medals, including four golds for senior Sam Cavanaugh, four for sophomore Grey McKelvey, one for sophomore JoAnn Cook, and two for the relay team of Cavanaugh, McKelvey, Nate Parker and Jakob Vranick. The WPIAL squad also shattered three team records. 

The "lucky 13" athletes making up the States Team head east this week, seeking even greater treasure at Bucknell University, home of the 2026 PIAA 2A State Swimming and Diving Championships, March 13-14. The Flame-a-lopes want to top their solid 2025 PIAA performance, where the boys took 6th place out of 57 teams, and the girls finished 17th out of 59. They also have sights set on another trove of medals, including golds. Twelve swimmers and one diver, freshman Simon Buzzard, intend to make that happen. 

Cavanaugh is top seed in both the 200 IM and the 500 Free. Sam is also part of the 200 Medley Relay and the 400 Freestyle Relay, along with Nate Parker, Jakob Vranick and Greyson McKelvey. The foursome is second seed in both of these relays. Another interesting piece in this great story: Cavanaugh will be swimming his last meet as a Flame-a-lope but will be continuing his swimming career this Fall as a Bucknell Bison! 

(Note: No swimmers can compete in more than four events, and none can compete in more than two individual events.)

States Team, in alphabetical order, with each member's events:

Rachel Buzzard, Jr. - 100 Breaststroke, 22nd seed. 200 Medley Relay, 15th seed. 200 IM, 17th seed. 200 Free Relay, 16th seed. 

Simon Buzzard, Fr. - Boys 1 Meter Diving, 22nd seed.

Bridget Campbell, So. - 50 Free, 29th seed. 200 Medley Relay, 15th seed. 400 Medley Relay, 8th seed. 

Grace Caulkins, Fr. - 500 Free, 29th seed. 200 Freestyle Relay, 16th seed. 400 Freestyle Relay, 8th seed

Lila Caulkins, Fr. - 200 IM, 23rd seed. 200 Free Relay, 16th seed.

Sam Cavanaugh, Sr. - 200 IM, top seed. 500 Free, top seed. 200 Medley Relay, 2nd seed. 400 Free Relay, 2nd seed.

JoAnn Cook, So. - 200 Free, 3rd seed. 100 Backstroke, 3rd seed. 200 Medley Relay, 15th seed. 400 Free Relay, 8th seed. 

Addison Hase, So. - 200 Free, 12th seed. 500 Free, 5th seed. 200 Free Relay, 16th seed. 400 Free Relay, 8th seed.

Liam Joyce, Jr. - Alternate for 200 Medley Relay and 400 Free Relay teams

Kaitlyn Klaum, So. - 200 IM, 16th seed. 200 Medley Relay, 15th seed.

Greyson McKelvey, So. - 200 Free, 4th seed. 100 Backstroke, 5th seed. 200 Medley Relay, 2nd seed. 400 Free Relay, 2nd seed.

Nate Parker, Jr. - 200 IM, 23rd seed. Boys 100 Breaststroke, 14th seed. 200 Medley Relay, 2nd seed. 400 Free Relay, 2nd seed.

Jakob Vranick, Sr. - 200 Free, 23rd seed. 100 Free, 23rd seed. 200 Medley Relay, 2nd seed. 400 Free Relay, 2nd seed.

Head Coach: Ashley Vranick, Assistant Coach: Sean Halpate

Good luck at States, Flame-a-lopes!