Still in School...

A few weeks ago my youngest child asked how come I still have to go to school...even with no students, much is happening over the summer months.

At North we have a wide variety of summer construction projects, including: asbestos abatement, window replacement, locker replacement, facade work, and ceiling and lighting replacement. Some have asked how we are able to afford these projects at a time of budget cuts. The district has what is called a sinking fund, approved by voters, that is money to be used for specific purposes that are primarily "bricks and mortar". In other words, this fund pays for ongoing repairs and replacements that are necessary maintenance to the district's buildings. Visitors to North will see that the majority of "B" building is under construction.

In addition to construction, we have interviewed and hired a new teacher of Chinese - Alethea Gurabhardi comes to us from Farmington Harrison High School, and will take over the Chinese program at North, South and Parcells. She formerly lived in Taiwan, but is a native English speaker with a wealth of experience. We're very excited about her addition to our staff.

The summer months give principals an opportunity to review achievement data, further develop implementation plans for school improvement, and prepare staff development activities for the fall. We are working on a very tight timeline for the installation of technology including SMART boards, projectors, sound systems, and a variety of hardware and software pieces. There will be a necessary training schedule associated with this work that has to be planned.

If you have questions regarding grades, schedules, enrollment / registration, or anything related to North, we are here in the office all summer to assist! As I told my youngest in response to her question - school's never out for the principals...