Parent e-News Archives September 2008
YEARBOOK ADVERTISING
Judy Turley 09/29/08
Parents,
I will be working with students to produce the 2008-2009 yearbook. We have been brainstorming ways to raise money this year. On Wednesday (October 1st), yearbook staff will be out in Prescott asking business owners to "sponsor a page." Anyone donating $25.00 or more will be given a space about the size of a business card to advertise their business. With that in mind, I wanted to offer this opportunity to you as parents first. If you would like to sponsor a page for $25.00 and advertise your business as well, please send a business card and a check for $25.00 to the school. Checks should be payable to Northpoint. If you don't have a business card, please send in information about your business with your check.
Thank you for all you do to make the "high school experience" for the students at NELA amazing.
Judy Turley
judyinprescott@yahoo.com
NELA SOCCER -- PLEASE JOIN US FOR ATHLETICS
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/29/08
NELA Soccer
Hello NELA Soccer Families:
The NELA soccer team will hold practice this week. Practices will serve as an easy-going introduction to the game. Please send your students with proof of insurance (a very affordable plan can also be purchased through NELA) appropriate athletic attire, a soccer ball, and shin-guards.
Please note we will not be practicing over Fall Break, however, practices this week will focus on independent training exercises that can be practiced almost anywhere.
If you are interested in helping out with practices or fund-raising events, please contact me.
Location: Prescott Mile High Football Field (with the exception of 10/2)
Coach: Brendan Haggerty Email: Brendan.haggerty@prescottschools.com
Attendance Policy: Students who are participating in either AYSO or AYSA must attend at least one NELA practice every week. Exceptions can be made for extenuating circumstances, however they will require a written excuse by parents.
Students must provide medical insurance to Mr. Haggerty in order to attend.
Practice Dates:
4:00-5:00 Tuesday Sept. 30th
4:00-5:00 Thursday Oct. 2nd (AT GRANITE CREEK PARK)
4:00-Tuesday Oct. 14th (tentative due to 9th grade trip)
4:00-Thursday Oct. 16th (tentative due to 9th grade trip)
4:00-Tuesday Oct. 21st
4:00-Thursday Oct. 23rd (No parking will be available for at Mile High, please park in the parking garage)
Other Practices TBA
Fundraising Events
Thanksgiving Bake Sale Orders will we taken between September 25th and October 20th
NELA RAVENS Car Wash Sunday October 5th at 10-2 at K-Mart
BAKE SALE (CUSTOM ORDERS)
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/25/08
BAKE SALE
NELA SOCCER TEAM FUNDRAISER
Be prepared to place your orders with members of the soccer team at the Parent’s Meeting Thurs Sept 25th.
SIGN UP AND PREPAY (donation)FOR BAKED GOODS THAT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PICK UP ON TUESDAY. NOV 25TH.
Just in time for the holidays.
Thanks for your help to purchase league fees, travel, equipment and cool uniforms.
NELA DRESS DOWN DAY, $2.00
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/25/08
Students who choose not to pay the $2.00 fee MUST WEAR NORTHPOINT ATTIRE. This event is a fundraiser for the Outdoor Adventure Team. Geneva
Sick of the Northpoint shirts already? Here's your chance to dress how you feel (although staying within the PUSD dress code, of course).
Friday (tomorrow!) is Dress-Down Day at NELA. As you come in the front door in the morning you can pay $2.00 for your permission to dress how you want for the day! This is a fund-raising project for the Outdoor Adventure Team to help pay for future events such as Rock Climbing, canoeing and snowboarding/skiing.
PARENT MEETING ATTENDANCE
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/24/08
PARENT INFORMATION SESSION
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2008
5:30 PM START TIME
3 TOPICS
3 SESSIONS
3 HOURS OR LESS!!!
EAT DINNER WITH US!
PIZZA WILL BE SOLD BY A GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS
ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TOWARDS THE NELA SCHOLARSHIP FUND TO HELP STUDENTS WHO NEED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Session A: Laptop computer use: The care and feeding of a laptop computer, the computer user agreement and basic information about the MacBook. How can a parent remain involved with the computer?
Session B: Honors program opportunities at Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy. The opportunity to earn an Honors denotation on your transcripts will be offered to 10th and 11th graders this year. How will Honors be implemented at NELA?
Session C: Grading and Assessment at NELA. What do report cards look like? How can I learn about my child’s progress? What does an I or an A mean? What is InTouch and how do I get it?
5:30: Session A= Cafeteria
Session B= Room 109
Session C= Room 111
6:15: Session A= Cafeteria
Session B= Room 109
Session C= Room 111
7:00: Session A= Cafeteria
Session B= Room 109
Session C= Room 111
Please bring your child’s laptop computer (with password), your child’s academic planner and a pen/pencil. Bringing your child along is optional!!
NORTHPOINT SITE COUNCIL
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/23/08
Hello:
I am writing to ask you to consider an appointment to the Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy Site Council. This is a group of persons who support NELA and determine focus issues at the school. The Site Council is created by Arizona Law and upheld through School Board Policy. I have information that explains all of that at our office.
We attempt to have a well-balanced, representative cross section of folks on the council. Currently that includes parents, students, staff and community members. We have an opening for a new community member to participate. You are invited to fill that role.
We meet once a month, with occasional committees meeting in between. Occasionally we may report the a board meeting, or invite board members or other distinguished guests to join us. Meetings typically last about 1.0 to 1.5 hours. See the attached calendar.
If you accept this invitation, please let me know and plan to attend the next meeting. If you need more information, let me know. If you decline, please just say so….as I know that all the quality folks of the world (such as yourself) are very busy!
Thanks for considering this opportunity.
REFUNDS...
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/23/08
No refunds (of fees, kits, etc) will be issued after September 30.
The only funds that can possibly be returned is a $50.00 insurance refund if the system is returned in good condition and all other fees were paid in full. If not paid in full the refund will be applied to other fees.
As students withdraw, if folks don't want to keep their case, charger, shirts, etc we would gladly accept them as donations for families in need!!
PARENT INFO - THURSDAY AT 5:30 PM
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/23/08
PARENT INFORMATION SESSION
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2008
5:30 PM START TIME
3 TOPICS
3 SESSIONS
3 HOURS OR LESS!!!
EAT DINNER WITH US!
PIZZA WILL BE SOLD BY A GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS
ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TOWARDS THE NELA SCHOLARSHIP FUND
TO HELP STUDENTS WHO NEED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Session A: Laptop computer use: The care and feeding of a laptop computer, the computer user agreement and basic information about the MacBook. How can a parent remain involved with the computer?
Session B: Honors program opportunities at Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy. The opportunity to earn an Honors denotation on your transcripts will be offered to 10th and 11th graders this year. How will Honors be implemented at NELA?
Session C: Grading and Assessment at NELA. What do report cards look like? How can I learn about my child’s progress? What does an I or an A mean? What is InTouch and how do I get it?
5:30: Session A= Cafeteria
Session B= Room 109
Session C= Room 111
6:15: Session A= Cafeteria
Session B= Room 109
Session C= Room 111
7:00: Session A= Cafeteria
Session B= Room 109
Session C= Room 111
Please bring your child’s laptop computer (with password), your child’s academic planner and a pen/pencil. Bringing your child along is optional!!
FREE/REDUCED LUNCHES AT NELA
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/23/08
The Food Service department will begin the National School Lunch Program on Oct 13th (right after Fall break). This means that students can apply for free and reduced lunches and they will be able to participate in the program if they qualify.
Application forms will be available on Thursday night at the Parent Info Meeting (Thursday Sept 25 at 5:30) or are available for download on our district web site at www.prescottschools.com/fs_free_and_reduced.htm.
Qualified students will have to either show their ID card or enter their student ID onto the key pad. We will offer the same food choices as we have done in the past with alternative choices on given days. We are excited to give this opportunity to the students at Northpoint.
ROCKING CLIMBING CLASS
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/22/08
NELA OAT is sponsoring Rock Climbing Classes at Granite Mountain Friday, Oct. 24th. Leaving NELA at 11:30 a.m., returning around 5:00 p.m.
Classes will be taught and lead by Rubicon Outdoors, a locally run Outdoor Adventure program (www.rubiconoutdoors.com).
Cost of class is $35/student.
There will be scholarship money to help defray the expense for students who need assistance.
Get application forms from Mr. Haggerty.
Space is limited to 10 students, so the first 10 to get completed application and payment will have their space reserved. Turn in applications and money to Mr. Haggerty. Make checks out to Rubicon Outdoors.
TARGET SENT US $35.00
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/22/08
Thanks to parents, grandparents, family members and friends of Northpoint…Target sent us a check for $35.00. This will be put in our scholarship fund to help students who cannot afford the fees at NELA.
If everyone in our large, extended family could register for the Target info at www.target.com/tcoe and other similar cards through www.escrip.com we could receive even more benefits such as this. Thanks to those who have already done this. We appreciate the "pennies" that help us out.
We are also looking for a volunteer (stay at home mom, disability, part-time, etc) who could help us explore writing some grants for funding. There is much money out there to support high quality educational programs such as ours. We just need your support in preparing the documents. If you would be interested in trying grant writing to support your child's school, please let me know.
Thanks for your continued efforts at helping us make Northpoint an amazing place to attend high school.
DRIVERS ED - ONLY ONCE PER YEAR!!
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/22/08
I just received the following note from the Drivers Ed School that may be offering this service on our campus.
Please contact them directly if interested.
-----Original Message-----
From: a1drivng@northlink.com [mailto:a1drivng@northlink.com]
Sent: Monday, September 22, 2008 1:07 PM
To: Geneva Saint-Amour
Subject: D-Ed enrollment status
Geneva,
We have only received 5 driver-ed registrations as of today.
It wouldn't hurt that a follow up email be sent out to parents reminding them that we need a total of 15 students and we must have their registration forms in our office by this Friday September 26th. The first class is scheduled for Wednesday Oct 1st.
Thanks,
Joe
NELA DRESS-DOWN DAY - OUTDOOR CLUB FUNDRAISER
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/22/08
Sick of the Northpoint shirts already? Here's your chance to dress how you feel (although staying within the PUSD dress code, of course).
Friday Sept. 26th is Dress-Down Day at NELA.
As you come in the front door in the morning you can pay $2.00 for your permission to dress how you want for the day!
This is a fund-raising project for the Outdoor Adventure Team to help pay for future events such as Rock Climbing, canoeing and snowboarding/skiing.
LOOKING FOR WORK?
Geneva Saint-Amour
ACADEMIC INFORMATION FROM NELA
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/18/08
I hope you can open and review the attached documents. These include Expedition descriptions and course syllabi for the classes the 9th graders are enrolled in this semester. Please contact crew leaders if you have questions.
I hope you can open and review the attached documents. These include Expedition descriptions and course syllabi for the classes the 9th graders are enrolled in this semester. Please contact crew leaders if you have questions.
EARTH SCIENCE GRADE 9 FALL SEMESTER 
LANGUAGE ARTS GRADE 9 FALL SEMESTER
ACCEPTABLE USE AGREEMENT
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/18/08
You may have already signed and returned this to the office. I just want to be sure you have the information to review with your child before the computer is issued on Monday September 15. Thank you.
WONDERFUL THINGS HAPPENING AT NELA
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/18/08
Hello parents:
I am excited to report some of the wonderful things happening at NELA right now! What an terrific place to be receiving an education. Please contact me, or Crew Leader if you have questions about any of these opportunities!
AIMS scores are set for public release soon. In the meantime, rest assured that NELA scores are as high, or higher than the Yavapai County and state average. Our students scored VERY well on AIMS tests last year and we are proud of their efforts! The Expeditionary Learning model DOES prepare students for standardized testing!! Learn more about AIMS scores around Arizona at http://www.ade.az.gov/AIMS/default.asp
Accreditation is officially underway. We hosted our first site visit in August. The visitors were excited about the programs they saw in place at NELA. They wrote a VERY favorable report and we will now complete a little more paperwork. The entire process could be wrapped up as early as January. Learn more about this procedure at http://www.ncacasi.org/
Chemistry at Northpoint is now underway. Our course is using a college textbook and being instructed by a college (Embry-Riddle) professor. The chemistry lab remodel was supported by the school board and should be completed in about 2 weeks. All science classes will be able to utilize this new lab facility thanks to funding from the PUSD school board. Reach school board members at this website http://www.prescottschools.com/gov_bd.htm Please thank them for their continued support of the innovation and excitement that NELA has offered.
Laptop computers are now fully imaged with new software and internet access. Students can use the district server for saving and submitting assignments. And with the new systems they will be able to work from home or other locations, including internet access. The laptops will be distributed on Monday, with a parent info night on Thursday at 5:30. See you there.
HONORS COURSES are also ready!! That is right, it took a few years to examine the other Expeditionary Learning models and determine a plan that would fit with Prescott, but we are ready. Thursday night at 5:30 we will introduce the opportunity for your child to have an HONORS designation on their coursework from Northpoint. For those students who want and need the extra challenge, the staff is ready to offer it!
College pre-testing, college essays, college applications, college research, college scholarships, college fairs, career expo's and much more….these are the activities our new guidance counselor is working on. Some of this begins VERY soon….is your child registered for the PSAT?? Write to her at ramie.liddle@prescottschools.com for more info!
Intensives and travel opportunities this year include possibilities for Caborca Mexico, Guatemala, Germany as well as numerous locations in the Southwest. We have some exciting Intensives planned for January and May, as well as improvements in the credit recovery program.
High school courses get tougher, homework may increase, teachers expect more and time must be devoted to success. All of these issues were discussed during your interview. If you are feeling that some of these needs are not being met, please talk to the teacher or the Crew leader. This school is built on your dedication to your child, continue that investment by letting us know your thoughts. Northpoint offers opportunities for success that no other school can replicate. Please support us in that offering!
Thanks for reading about the wonderful things. See you soon for the parent info night! -- Thursday at 5:30PM.
NELA PARENT MEETING
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/17/08
PARENT INFORMATION SESSION
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH ~ 5:30 PM
NORTHPOINT CAFETERIA
TOPICS:
COMPUTER USE AND SAFETY
HONORS AND ASSESSMENT
GRADING AND CREDIT INFORMATION
PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ANY OF THESE TOPICS.
AFTER-SCHOOL FUN FOR YOUR TEEN!
Nancy Reid-McKee 09/16/08
NELA Outdoor Adventure Club meeting
Thursday, Sept. 18th
3:10 in Mr. Haggerty's room
Come learn about fund-raisers and our next trips!
Nancy Reid-McKee [nreidmckee@cableone.net]
WILDFLOWER TONIGHT!
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/16/008
Don't forgot to come to Wildflower Bread Co. tonight for dinner.
Join us from 5-8:00 p.m. and Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy will be given 10% of the profits, as well as all the tips.
This is a fun time to hang out with each other and get to know other NELA families, so see you there!
DON'T FORGET TO BRING YOUR FLYER, WHICH WILDFLOWER USES TO COUNT HOW MUCH TO GIVE TO NELA.
TWO ELEMENTS OF GRADING AT NELA
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/16/08
Hello parents of NELA students: Thank you for continuing to send us a wonderful bunch of students each day! Things are moving along well here this year and I appreciate your input, comments and interest in your child's success at school.
I am writing to remind you that there are two elements to grading and granting of credit to students at Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy. We offer our students a grade for their Habits of Work (HOW grade) and also for their Academics. These two items are never intermingled in grading, yet a student could lose credit and/or fail a course due to either one or the other.
With the two being separated, we can use the form attached for providing feedback to a student about their HOW progress. Students can also use this form to rate themselves.
However, the Academic grade would never reflect non-academic items (such as points off for late work, or participation points for asking questions in class) We want to be sure that our college-prep message is loud and clear.....ACADEMICS ARE THE FOCUS.
Please review the attachment, and be sure to contact your child's crew leader if you have specific questions.
ps- how is the homework time going....each of our students should have homework nearly every night now. Watch for updates on InTouch, coming soon!!
HALLOWEEN DANCE
Nancy Reid-McKee 09/16/08
We are having a NELA Dance on Halloween, Oct. 31st!
In order to make this happen we need both parent and student volunteers. I need volunteers’ names before Sept. 30th, please.
If you can help, please reply to Nancy Reid-McKee at nreidmckee@cableone.net (do not reply to this e-mail as your reply goes back to NELA!).
Students:
Decorating Committee
Music committee
Ticket Sales and advertising
Parent Volunteers:
Food sales
Decorating
Set-up
Chaperone
Clean-up group
Information:
We will need to have the dance advertised and sell tickets for 7 days before the dance.
We need total music set-up, that means arranging for the music system, picking the tunes and playing them during the dance.
Decorating can start after lunch on Friday. The committee needs to pick a ‘theme’ and purchase everything about 2 weeks before the dance.
Food table- someone needs to plan what to sell, purchase this and then arrange to have the food table staffed during the dance.
Set-up we need about 5 people to come help make the area safe so students can’t wander out of chaperone supervision.
Chaperones- we will need 2 people to sell tickets and staff the front door, two in the dance area and one in the back ‘cooling off’ area.
Clean-up- we need 6 people to show up at the end to rip down decorations, sweep, put chairs and tables back.
GREAT OPPORTUNITY THIS WEDNESDAY COLLEGE FAIR
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/15/08
Please take a look at the attached opportunities. Bradshaw Mountain High School has invited us to this college fair.
Questions can go to ramie.liddle@prescottschools.com (Northpoint's guidance counselor).
NEW GUIDE FOR WRITING
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/13/08
I am sure the information below will interest you. Remember that we are emphasizing writing across the curriculum. Please seek VALID ways within your material to ask students to write according to the Arizona Department of Education methodology shown below!
From: Heidi Atkinson
Sent: Fri 9/12/2008 3:00 PM
To: Principals
Cc: Kevin Kapp
Subject: New Guide for Writing
Dear Principals:
As I promised at the September 2nd DLT, I have looked into the State’s Writing Program and processes. This link http://www.ade.az.gov/standards/aims/aimswriting/ will take you to NEW information on the following writing topics.
· Writing rubric/scoring guide
· Scoring for range-finding
· Scoring AIMS Writing
· Writing modes
· Coding
· Released Writing prompts
· Student Guides
· Sample tests
Please share this information with your teachers. I hope that many of their questions can be answered through this link. I will continue to work on this and I am investigating professional development possibilities in this area.
Have a good weekend.
Heidi Atkinson, Curriculum Coordinator | heidi.atkinson@prescottschools.com
NORTHPOINT FUNDRAISER - JOIN US FOR DINNER!
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/11/08
JOIN US FOR DINNER!
Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy eats at
Wildflower Bread Company!
Tuesday, September 16th ~ 5:00-8:00 pm
Bring this coupon and Wildflower will donate 10% of your purchases back to NELA! Support our school & have a great meal too! (And remember, all tips will go to NELA too!)
Wildflower Bread Company is located in the Village Shops at the Prescott Mall. See you there!
Thank you for your support. Please forward this to your friends and family!
PRINT THE COUPON: http://prescottschools.com/northpoint/wildflower_fundraiser_09-16-08.pdf
Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy is a magnet, college preparatory high school and a part of the Prescott Unified School District—“The Smart Choice.”
DRESS CODE
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/11/08
Dress Code
Because of the high expectations we have for all students, the involvement with the community and our focus on quality work, we have adopted a selection of approved school shirts that all students will be required to wear. These must be worn when students arrive on campus and remain on until students leave (not just in classrooms, but at all times in the building and as required on school trips). Exceptions to this may apply on a case by case basis (as in camping trips or work projects).
The shirt styles are polo shirts, crew and v-neck t- shirts that include the school logo. Long sleeved shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters and coats will be available during cold weather.
Additional styles can be ordered online at www.companycasuals.com/northpoint or 632-0124. Students can select their own bottom wear, provided that it meets the following guidelines.
Keep in mind the following:
--School shirts should not be altered in any way- this includes but is not limited to markers, paint, knots, glitter, adornments, alterations, tears, holes. If you are not sure, ask at the office before you enter the main building.
--Shorts must have an inseam longer than two inches (dollar bill height).
--Pants must not be excessively baggy or sagging; underwear and skin must be covered.
--Skirts or dresses must not be more than six inches from the top of the kneecap (dollar bill length).
--Shoes must be worn at all times (not slippers, not socks) with exceptions made by office staff or crew leader as needed.
--Clothing, packs and materials with obscene words, slogans or other disrespectful appearance is not allowed.
--Clothing, packs or materials which may be interpreted as gang affiliation is not allowed.
--Appropriate head coverings (including caps, bandanas, etc) are allowed, but must be removed inside the building.
--Clothing which causes damage or is a safety concern is not allowed
--Clothing should be selected which is appropriate for daily events; this could include walking shoes and attire for outside activities. Be prepared for many activities including weather.
NORTHPOINT ATTIRE MUST BE THE OUTSIDE LAYER OF CLOTHING
NORTHPOINT ATTIRE MUST BE WORN UNDER ALL OPEN FRONT SHIRTS
(i.e.-zippered/button even if they are NELA)
Simply stated- don’t show up with anything but Northpoint on top.
JOB OPENINGS WITHIN PUSD
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/10/08
If you or someone you know are looking for employment or additional hours, check these out. All jobs are filled through the district office (445-5400). All applicants must pass fingerprint clearance and background check. No teaching certificate, no degree required for classified positions.
Pass it along Subject: Classified posting for 9/10/08
SUPPORT NORTHPOINT
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/10/08
JOIN US FOR DINNER!
Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy eats at Wildflower Bread Company!
Tuesday, September 16th ~ 5:00-8:00 pm
Bring the attached coupon and Wildflower will donate 10% of your purchases back to NELA!
Support our school & have a great meal too!
(And remember, all tips will go to NELA too!) Wildflower Bread Company is located in the Village Shops at the Prescott Mall.
See you there!
Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy is a magnet, college preparatory high school and a part of the Prescott Unified School District—"The Smart Choice."
Thank you for your support.
NELA OFFERING AN "ON CAMPUS" DRIVER-ED PROGRAM
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/10/08
NELA Parents & Students:
Due to last year's response to this special "on-campus" program, we are offering it again this school year.
By clicking on this link: www.a1driving.net/NorthPoint.htm you will go directly to A-1 Driving School's Northpoint webpage setup exclusively for NELA parents & students. There you can:
1.) download an enrollment packet or
2.) view the flyer online if you experience difficulty opening the file attachment to this email and
3.) monitor the status of seating availablity
Important Notice - If you need to speak with Joe or Terry at A-1 Driving School, please call them at 772-1009 starting Monday, Sept. 15th. The enrollment period for this program ends Friday, Sept. 26th.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY FROM GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/09/08
Note from guidance counselor:
Hello!
Please follow the link below to learn about a leadership and potential scholarship opportunity through the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA).
Ramie Liddle
Guidance Counselor
Ramie.liddle@prescottschools.com
928-717-3272 x106
TELEPHONE TROUBLES TODAY
Shannon Porto 09/08/08
NELA is having problems with our phones this morning. We are unable to receive in-coming calls. Geneva has put in a request to have the phone company come out and look at the problem. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Shannon L. Porto
Northpoint Secretary
NORTHPOINT KICKS OFF CONSTRUCTION WITH A BANG (OR A BUZZER)!!!
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/08/08
PRESS RELEASE:
Construction officially started today at the former Dexter Elementary School (551 First Street) on the remodel of a classroom. The project is designed to transform room 120 into a beautiful new Chemistry Lab for the students of Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy. This remodel will offer an indoor lab facility to the students of this college-prep, magnet school sponsored by Prescott Unified School District. Previously students have fulfilled the Design Principles of an Expeditionary Learning school and the Arizona science standards by using the great outdoors as a lab and recreating other lab experiences in a classroom. While equipment was purchased a few years ago with the support of an SRP grant, and science tables and stools through other funds, the room still looked like a classroom. Even as such, Northpoint students performed higher than the state and county average on their AIMS science test in Spring 2008. The new science lab will certainly be useful as staff implements the remaining science standards and challenges the students with even higher level material and expectations.
Of course, no construction project would be complete without a bit of hoopla and celebration and this was no exception. At about 7:55 AM the construction dust triggered the emergency system in the facility. The alarm company notified the Prescott Fire Department of a possible smoke alarm detection and fire personnel were dispatched. Staff acted quickly on site to secure and vacate the facility during a difficult time of day; student drop-off. Yet even with the challenges of arriving parents, students, staff and construction workers the staff was able to empty the building and account for everyone within 4 minutes. This prompt and organized response of staff allowed the safety personnel to do their jobs more effectively. Students returned to classes and regular schedule by 8:20 AM and the construction crew scrambled to locate equipment to prevent further such alarms.
Thank you to Prescott Unified School District Governing Board for allocating funds for this remodel project. Also thanks to the students, parents and staff of Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy for their patience as we work through another phase of our growth. Northpoint is a college-prep, magnet school that currently serves grades 9, 10 and 11. Students must apply and interview for admission and families must be willing to support the basic principles and practices of the school. More information can be found on the school website at www.prescottschools.com/northpoint or by visiting the school for an informational tour.
NCAT ANNOUNCEMENT
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/07/08
Calling all parents!
Our next NCAT meeting (Northpoint Community Action Team, which is our parent support group for NELA) is this coming
Monday, Sept. 8th, 7:00 p.m., at NELA
Please come and get involved in how to support our school!
MONEY AND RECOGNITION FOR SERVICE
Ramie Liddle 09/04/08
Is your son or daughter participating in community service? Are they offering their time and energy to any group in our community? There are many awards and scholarship opportunities for our students who take their service seriously. I will bring them to your attention as I am aware.
Today I became aware of the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards that could yield $1000 a trip to Washington, DC, and other good stuff. If a student or two really stand out to you, please encourage them to look into this award. There are two websites: www.prudential.com/spirit or www.principals.org/prudential.
There is more information on the bulletin board in the career center out side of my office.
Thanks.
ramie.liddle@prescottschools.com Guidance Counselor
STUDENT WAIT STAFF
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/03/08
A volunteer opportunity from Nancy Reid-McKee at nreidmckee@cableone.net or call 541-1056
We will need 10 students to help at the dinner at Wildflower Bread Co. on Sept. 16th.
The two shifts are from 5-6:30, and 6:30-8:00. We will need 5 students per shift. This time is to be used as wait-staff. Students are expected to work the entire 1 1/2 hours, and eat before or after their shift, please.
Students need to be 15 minutes early to fill out the waiver forms.
Wait-staff need to wear a NELA shirt and have their hair back neatly in a ponytail or up in a hat.
Why volunteer?
First, because this is part of the NELA spirit and community, as we all work together making things happen!
Second, money from this fundraiser will be used for scholarships for students' intensive activities such as horseback riding, rafting or traveling out of the country. This year we are tracking volunteer hours for students and their families. Scholarships will be partly based on the amount of hours volunteered.
If you plan to volunteer, please contact Nancy Reid-McKee at nreidmckee@cableone.net or call 541-1056
REMINDER AND DATES FROM THE GUIDANCE COUNSELOR
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/03/08
Introduction of our new Guidance Counselor and also registration info for PSAT (taken by grades 10 and 11) We will facilitate registration through our Crews. Watch for more information!! ~ Geneva
Hello NELA Parents:
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as Northpoint’s new guidance counselor. I am extremely excited and honored to be a part of this amazing school. Although only a half-time employee, I am absolutely committed to supporting your students in their academic, personal, and post-secondary development.
I will be working hard toward NELA’s goal of preparing all our students for college. That means paying attention to lots of deadlines for testing, applications, scholarship opportunities, and sorting through the financial process.
As you probably know, the crew leaders are your first point of contact at Northpoint regarding specific student needs. With that said, I will be sending you information throughout the year that is directly related to guidance counseling, as well as some wonderful opportunities for you and your students. Please feel free to contact me with any questions and ideas throughout the year.
All the best,
Ramie Liddle | Ramie.liddle@prescottschools.com
VOTE FOR A NELA LOGO OR DESIGN A NEW ONE!!
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/02/08
NORTHPOINT EXPEDITIONARY LEARNING ACADEMY
LOGO
During the 2007/08 school year the students of Northpoint thoughtfully selected the raven as the school mascot. They also voted on the colors green, black and white as the school colors. Now for the next step!
It is time to incorporate that into a logo for shirts, letterhead, signage and more. Please consider this decision carefully before you begin. This is the image that the public will see as they view your school.
Below are some of the ideas created by the District Office. Please consider these options.
Then consider taking some time to submit a drawing or design of your own.
This could be in pencil, color or printed from computer.
CRITERIA:
Must include the full wording shown on samples below
Must be in colors green, black and white.
Must be simple enough to reproduce on shirts, posters, letterhead.
Must project an image of NELA that is complimentary and respectable.
Cannot violate any copyright laws.
DUE DATE:
All designs must be submitted to the NELA office by September 10, 2008.
DECISIONS OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WILL BE FINAL.
JOIN US FOR DINNER
Geneva Saint-Amour 09/02/08
Join us for dinner!
Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy eats at Wildflower Bread Co.
Tuesday, September 16th ~ 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Bring this coupon and Wildflower will donate 10% of your purchases back to NELA.
Support your school, and have a great meal too!
And remember, all tips will go to NELA as well.