State of NH: A mid year progress check

It’s that time of year again when second quarter report cards are sent out and midterm exams are given to assess student performance. But this is also a time for the administration to take time to evaluate the highs and lows of the school year so far.

According to students and staff, the school year has been filled with sold out theatre shows, solid school spirit, as well as impressive athletic and academic achievements. Ineligibility numbers have decreased, and the honor roll has increased according to administration, who is pleased with how the school year is progressing so far.

“The school year has been going by so quickly. From now until April, it’ll drag along but I’m excited to see what the rest of the year has in store for us,” said assistant principal Mark Truszkowski.

One school production was Footloose which premiered November 14th and was directed by drama teacher Nancy Green. This year, the opening night show sold out.

“I took my grandchildren to see Footloose and it was an amazing production,” said administrator Jonise Stallings. “The music, singing, acting, and choreography were all so well done. I see some of the students around the school and it’s like, ‘Hey Reverend!’”

“It was fabulous, well done, and entertaining. All of our students and staff are so talented. Kudos to Mrs. Green, Mrs. Jones, and Madame Marist for putting it together. Mr. Green built all of the sets and even art had a part. It takes a team to put something together like that,” said principal Ed Herbold.

One of the most noticeable changes this year has been the addition of 11 new teachers and additional long term subs to fill in for the many teachers who have been out on paternity and maternity leave.
“One of the most important jobs as an administrator is hiring people who we can put in front of students and have them teach effectively,” said Truszkowski. “We kind of pat ourselves on the back because we have been very fortunate to find good people to put in the right places.”

Veteran teachers, like math teachers Ken Procell and Jacqueline Velcenbach, have had to step in as well to offer assistance to long term subs who are teaching content areas that are highly demanding like AP statistics and other advanced math classes.

As the school year approaches March, the staff has been working vigorously to prepare teachers and students for the new and upcoming PARCC tests. The goal is to have nine days of successful testing with blocks that have minimal effect on the schedule. This year, three PARCC tests will be administered.

“With common core, HSA wasn’t a valid way of testing students’ knowledge of the curriculum. The PARCC is a better way of assessing the students and the teachers,” said Truszkowski.

A change to be expected next year is the number of each test given. Six PARCC tests and the government and biology HSAs will be given.

Events the administration look forward to include the annual Talent Show, Mr. North Harford, and Hawkstock, which all showcase student talents.

“We have so many talented kids at this school, I don’t know why they wouldn’t want to participate,” said Herbold. “Hawkstock is a great production and I’m especially looking forward to all the laughing in Mr. North Harford.

With graduation in five months, administration is anticipating the exciting senior activities. Whether it is the senior picnic or trip to Hershey Park, these events are memorable ones that teachers and staff enjoy seeing students enjoy.

“All of the students keep us young, that’s for sure. They’re all great, even if it takes us a while to see it,” said Stallings.

Graduation will be held at Harford Community College this year on June 3rd. There will be speeches from several county politicians, students, and administrators.

“Graduation day is all about the students. Let them have their day so they can just get their diploma, take pictures, and be with their family,” said Herbold.

This year, it isn’t just the class of 2015 that is leaving. Herbold announced his retirement from principal and will also be leaving with the graduating class.

“You come to realize that it’s time. After retirement, I’d love to do something with my music, or at least something with not a lot of responsibility,” said Herbold. “I might even move to the beach or work in my brother’s woodshop.”

With the end of the school year just months away, he wants to do as much as he can to make sure he leaves North Harford a better place.

“I love this school. I spent the majority of my career here. I am a part of the community as well and I want to make it better.”

With the first semester ending on January 23rd, the last day of school is expected to be June 8 or 9. Until then, the administration is excited to see what the rest of the year brings.