Letter #2 Regarding Name Change

January 19, 2012

Dear ARTech Community -- Parents, students, staff, and alumni,

                Many of you may remember, or have heard of, a letter that was sent out last December regarding the idea of a potential name change for the school.  As the earlier letter mentioned, the idea of a name change is not new to the staff at ARTech.  The topic had periodically come up with them as they 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.  Both the board and staff were 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.  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.  Many have expressed a hope that a new name would communicate to the greater population the wonderful things ARTech does to build and encourage a learning community.

               

                The “Name Change Committee,” (for lack of a better name) has set out a process for inviting input and communicating with our community.  Below is our plan:

·         January 19 – Annie Klawiter and Ryan Krominga met with High School and Middle School advisories to discuss the reasoning behind the name change and to field questions and concerns;

·         February 7 at 7:00 – Community meeting for the entire ARTech community to discuss “who we are” as a school.  We’ll look at what we feel are the most important aspects of the school or what we value the most.  We’ll also brainstorm adjectives that describe the school.  For those who can’t attend the meeting, we’ll open a Survey Monkey in order to get responses to these same talking points.  The Survey Monkey will close on February 14.

·         The responses will be gathered and communicated back to the ARTech community by February 28.  At this time we’ll be inviting name suggestions that reflect some of the ideas discussed and submitted. 

·         Name suggestions will be collected via e-mail, Survey Monkey, or at the school until March 13.

·         The list of names will be sent out to the community on March 16 in the form of an interest survey in order to help narrow the list.  This survey will stay open until March 30.

·         Between April 2 – 11, interested staff and board members will meet to decide using a consensus format the new name of the school.

·         This name will be presented at the April 12 School Board meeting in the form of a policy.

·         A second reading of the policy will be held at the May 10 meeting.  At this time, the new name will be adopted and announced by the School Board

                As we all think about the school and its unique characteristics, we thought it would be helpful to remind ourselves of the school’s mission:

It is the mission of the Northfield School of Arts and Technology to prepare our students to transition intellectually, emotionally, and ethically to higher education and future employment.

               

Northfield School of Arts and Technology envisions a learning community that encourages and assists students to:

·       Express themselves artistically

·       Use technology responsibly, creatively, and with innovation

·       Develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills

·       Construct knowledge and meaning for themselves

·       Understand and strive for wellness of their whole person

·       Recognize and act upon their responsibilities as local citizens within our global context

·         Achieve proficiency in project-based learning

We hope you all can join us for our Community Meeting on February 7 at 7:00!  We look forward to hearing your perspectives and great ideas!

Sincerely,

Tammy Prichard

Board Chair