Throughout the past year and a half, I’ve observed students here at the high school have a burning hatred or have contentment with the district. I can’t speak for others, but it seems as most would lean towards the hatred view, as they see many things wrong with how it functions.
But after becoming more involved in the “behind the scenes” and attending multiple years here at the district, I personally disagree for multiple reasons.
Classes/class opportunities-
While I believe we do not excel in a variety of foriegn language classes and the push towards art classes, which at least gives us room to improve, the amount of classes Northview has to offer can surprise many.
The range can differ between computer-science, fashion design, communications, mythology, and jazz band. Even with the typical English and Math classes, the district also provides AP (Advanced Placement) and/or Accelerated basic credits, along with additional English and math classes provided as electives.
It seems inconsiderate to not recognize the difficulty in picking classes due to the stress of meeting all graduation requirements. Although, due to personal experience, by sophomore year, I already had open spaces to fill, alongside multiple other classmates.
Northview also provides alternate opportunities for pursuing your individual career. This includes Dual Enrollment, Kent Career Technical Center (KCTC), work release and the LaunchU program. As students may overlook these opportunities and not go out of their way to develop knowledge on the possible outcomes they may provide, Northview provides these class alternatives to prepare students for getting ahead in their career.
That’s pretty snazzy.
Teachers-
Students will always find a teacher or staff member known for constant grumpiness. As I go through the list of teachers, I notice that most don’t fit that category.
I have made personal and long-lasting connections and what I consider to be friendships with teachers. These staff members, who have gone out of their way to get to know me as a student, have made a huge impact on my daily school life, making it a part of my social routine to stop in and talk whether I’m late to class or not.
Showing these genuine relationships is a great example of how teachers and staff members care for their students. Not only in their social life, but it shows in their teaching habits as well.
Two out of my three years, my English teachers have set aside 10-15 minutes on Mondays to meditate, also known as “Meditation Monday”. Taking away their time to teach for students to meditate shows that there is genuine care placed between them and their students’ well-being.
Environment-
As human beings, we cannot keep every speck of dirt and dust out of our way, nor can we provide anything under the category “perfect.” Out of three years of observation, I can see that Northview has done a great job of maintaining the upkeep of the facilities.
Alongside the upkeep of the basics, in 2011/2012, Northview made an enormous move towards a new and modern building design to more than half the school. To my benefit, all my years at the high school have been provided with a new and impressive facility.
That decision not only provided students with a pleasurable learning environment, but it provided a new gym, pool, improved fitness center, a new cafeteria, as well as a whole new wing provided for English and math classes.
As for those who did not have any experience with the old building, these newer additions add a cleaner and better view for students and provide easier access from point A to point B.
Mental health resources-
It is well-known that most students struggle with mental health and the courage to research into getting the help they need.
After sitting down with the high school’s social worker, Stephine Hoekwater, I developed a better view of how Northview has genuine care for their students’ mental health and provides a variety of different services to fit every need. Please read the following article linked, for more information covering mental health resources throughout the district.
Unity and kindness-
As every student may not fit the category, in my opinion, most do. As you walk through the hallways, I do not see a student I could not have a conversation with. Even with the many differences each one of us hold, most will stick up for one another, whether they talk everyday or have never even spoken a word to.
Personally, everyday I walk into school behind another student, they will hold the door. When being the only two in the bathroom or hallway, there’s always a smile exchange.
Additionally, there’s an overall unity between all students, no matter the clique and/or social group they belong to. At the end of the day, it’s important to recognize that we can easily all come together as a student body.
Something for everyone-
Once again, many students carry multiple differences with them. However, Northview provides students with many different opportunities to fit their desire. Including sports, lunches, extracurricular activities and classes.
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As I look back on how these factors were able to happen, It needs to be recognized that who I am as a person has definitely helped shape my view of the district.
Adding on, I believe the level of comfortness you create around your school environment, also will play a big factor in how you view the district. In other words, your school environment is what you personally make of it.
And if you struggle to find your place, know you will always have one here.
