The energy of the upcoming 2018-2019 school year can already be felt around campus. In the past few days students have been on campus for debate, cheer, musical, volleyball, and football, as well as painting parking spots and serving together to improve and renovate our cafeteria. Our teachers are already in the classrooms, preparing to welcome your children back to our campus. Looking at the parking lot one often would not know that school doesn't start until Wednesday, August 15th. You may have seen from earlier communications that our campus focus is "
Where Excellence is Expected." This focus fits our scripture verse of the year from Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart for the LORD." We believe that we have the right faculty and staff in place, committed parents and families who will partner with us, and a great group of students who will make the most of their experiences at Northland.
Last year was a highly successful year for our school. Members of Northland's debate team won a national title. Our robotics teams placed well enough to participate in global invitational competitions. Many of our athletics programs experienced victory, and our student athletes received special distinctions and state honors. Our fine arts programs showcased well against other local schools, and entertained our community. Our graduating class of 2018 received acceptances to West Point, Southwestern, Trinity, Virginia Tech, Penn State, Baylor, Texas, Texas A&M, and many other quality schools.
Even more important than academic and extracurricular success, though, is the spiritual development of your children. One focus for our academic classes this school year is to integrate scripture and Biblical lessons where they naturally fit in the curriculum. We welcome you to join us for chapel throughout the school year on Wednesday mornings, and that you would join us in a community wide prayer time next Tuesday morning, August 14th to start our 2018-19 school year.
Joining the Northland faculty and staff are Rachel Ciampichini, teaching Chinese and working with our international program, Keith McDaniel, teaching drumline, Rene' Mouton, principal's assistant in the Building 7 office and Christina Bowden, Director of Community and Foundation Relations. New Roles for faculty & staff include Cliff Kraner as Director of Student Activities and Alumni Affairs, Tony Puccio as Director of Maintenance, and myself as Secondary Principal.
I believe that Northland is a special place where students can develop academically, socially, physically, and spiritually. A place where students are safe to try new things and serve and learn together. A place where our dedicated faculty join with parents to challenge, inspire, and mentor each student through a spirit of love, service and caring.
Thank you again for partnering with the Northland faculty in growing your most valuable investment - your children.
In Him,
Eric Wietstruck
Secondary Principal
