As students entered the halls of Newtown High School on August 29, the NHS administration had already put forth changes for the 2016-2017 school year. The new school year is accompanied by a multitude of additions to NHS programs as well as adjustments to existing policies. A few among many of NHS principal Dr. Lorrie Rodrigue’s hopes for this year include meeting needs, expanding horizons, and supporting students. “This year is a year of consistency, we are just supporting and extending and even enriching a lot of the programs and practices we have had in place for the last year or so. We brought new courses here which are very exciting,” Dr. Rodrigue said.
Art history, engineering and American Studies are among few of the collaborative courses that have been implemented this year. These courses, which Dr. Rodrigue refers to as “pathways” are designed to engage students in various topics that might eventually lead to possible career paths.
“I’m most excited about how we take a traditional high school and look at a variety of new programs, opportunities and pathways for students at NHS. I am excited that teachers now look at collaborative design partnerships,” Rodrigue said.
Opening up opportunities for students to involve themselves in areas of study that differ from the average high school course ultimately provides a richer learning and teaching experience for both students and faculty. Dr. Rodrigue is pleased to have teachers working together within the classroom and educating students in a shared environment.
“It’s not just school and tasks and getting the credit, it’s now looking at ‘what do I really want to do with my life’ and engaging students in things they are really interested in.”
In addition to the improvements made to Newtown High School’s program of studies, a few changes have been made to the student dress code, as well as to the re-institution of traditional rules.
“We have a new revised dress code for the district, so we are making sure that we adhere to that. Another thing we are doing is continuing to let students and parents know that everything is a privilege,” Rodrigue said.
Administration and faculty are adamant about ensuring that the media center remains a quiet space for research, studying, and working with teachers. “Students are really being respectful of the expectations by acknowledging that they are fair, and that if they want to have a privilege, such as a parking space, they have to earn it like anything else” Rodrigue explained, “That creates a positive, safe environment.” This will always be the goal for NHS staff, to create a positive, safe environment.
“Overall, what an outstanding first week, I think students seem happy, teachers came back positively. Students are going out of there way and doing the right thing. It’s been a smooth year and a lot of that is due to staff and students who are really making an effort to make this a great year,” Rodrigue said.
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