Is There Anything New Around Here???

When students are asked about school, they often reply, “It’s always the same thing, year after year.”  However, this year at Middletown High School North, I would challenge that statement. 

There have been curricular revisions in several courses of study.  Science teachers are piloting three different Biology series, and History teachers are looking to adopt a different textbook.  A new course, Civic Leadership, has become a popular elective.

We budgeted for additional inventories of textbooks, paperbacks and timely, innovative resources (DVDs, software, periodicals), more technology (wireless Internet, new computers, Smart Boards, Document Cameras) and extra club stipends (Dance Team and After School Band).  This year we have different advisors for the Yearbook, National Honor Society, Student Council, Mock Trial, Junior and Senior Councils and the Fall play. The FBLA and Social Justice Committee advisors are partnering with a different co-advisor.  In addition, there are new coaches at all levels for some of our sports’ teams.  We are continuing with two initiatives that were successful in the middle school-- LEADS and Connected Math to foster collaborative teaching and learning at the secondary level.  All our students will learn by doing—problem solving both in and out of the classroom.  We also have special services to assist them as the individual need arises. 

The Action Plan for 09-10 is Instruction - Involvement  - Improvement…Our goals include fostering today’s readers for tomorrow’s leaders, celebrating unity in diversity and  building character by thought, choice, courage and determination.

Our Guidance Department has been actively working with Seniors on their postsecondary plans. They have coordinated computer time to use the Naviance software, set up College Fairs and prepared parental sessions on Financial Aid Planning in conjunction with the PFA.  We are working to give every Senior the opportunity to make his/her dream a reality.

In an effort to support school spirit and raise funds for student scholarships, the Booster Club has purchased North apparel and items for the spectators to use at all sporting events. The Band and Drill Team parents are also selling items to encourage fan support for our teams.  The PFA is planning on coordinating special activities and fundraisers to support our program initiatives. This year the Great Race will take place on Saturday, October 24^th at High School North.  Our PFA will receive funding based on the number of registrants.  With 1750 students and 175 staff, we should dominate in the District!!!  Parents, neighbors and friends can register for North.  The applications are in the Main Office.