Letter #1 Regarding Name Change

December 7, 2011

Dear ARTech Community,

            Many of you may have heard murmurings about a potential name change for the school.  It seems that this idea has been bouncing around in conversations between staff, parents and students for a while.

            The idea of a name change is not new to the staff at ARTech.  The topic has periodically come up with them during staff meetings and at different, less official times as they’ve reflected on the school’s identity, mission, and vision. Anne Klawiter, a teacher and newly-elected school board member, approached the board this fall with the suggestion that we officially consider the idea of changing the school’s name.  The board charged her with meeting with the staff, and she reported that they are supportive of a thoughtful, deliberate process to explore finding a new name for the school.

            Over time, parents and staff have expressed concerns that the name does not accurately describe who we are.  We are not an art school or a conservatory; nor do we have the resources to fully be a technology school.  Staff hopes that a new name would communicate to the greater population the wonderful things ARTech does to build and encourage a learning community. 

            The School Board agreed at the November meeting to change the name of the school and to set up a committee that will outline a careful, thorough process that engages the whole ARTech community.  Annie Klawiter has agreed to put this group together.  As soon as the committee has determined a process, it will communicate its plan with the families and students so that they can be involved, too.

            The school is well-poised to transition to a new name that better describes itself.  Next year will be our 10^th year in operation.  In the last few years, we have grown and become established in our identity and mission; we have developed a successful hybrid of a project-based model of education.  With a new director, two new classrooms, and a 10- year lease, we want to continue to make progress and move forward. 

           

            We will contact our ARTech community as soon as we have more to share.  Until then, feel free to contact Annie Klawiter (aklawiter@artech.k12.mn.us) or Tammy Prichard (tamprichard@hotmail.com) if you have questions, comments or ideas.  In a community-minded school like ours, the process is as valuable as the end product.

                                                                                   

Sincerely,

Tammy Prichard & Annie Klawiter

 Northfield School of Arts and Technology