Wolfpack Pride
November 4th, 2022
Principal's Update
Hello Wolfpack!
This morning was the best! We sent our cross-country runners off to state with a send off celebration in the commons. After the celebration, we serenaded them with the NC Fight Song and then danced to the Waka Waka. We continue to dance the Waka Waka since this was our staff half-time dance that began our Groovy Shoes six-peat streak. Encourage your student to participate and learn the dances. This weekly routine builds community around shared experiences for the entire student body.
I have two additional items to share with you this week: NCHS School Improvement Plan (SIP) and the NCHS Communication Plan.
North Central School Improvement Plan (SIP)
We began working on our SIP last spring in our Family Advisory Committee. The parents analyzed data on our key performance indicators and provided guidance on next steps. The information was then shared with teacher leaders and student leaders. Over the summer, administration worked on a final draft that has been submitted to the SPS Board of Directors for approval. More information will be available on our website.
Four Focus Areas:
- Freshman Success: NC goal is to have our freshman successful in their classes and participating in school activities.
- Post-Secondary Opportunity: NC goal is to ensure that students leave NC with a personalized success plan to reach their goals.
- Inclusive Practice: NC goal is to have every student believe that they belong in every class and every space at NCHS.
- Instructional Excellence: NC goal is to ensure we meet the unique needs of each student through implementation of common practices and using Universal Design for Learning guiding principles.
North Central High School Communication Plan
The goal of the communication plan is to promote a school culture focused on teaching and learning. By having clear communication, staff can focus on the needs in their classrooms, students are informed about their school community, and families have a clear communication vehicle and reciprocity in communication.
Communication Plan Components include:
- Family and Community Communication –
- Weekly Newsletter – sent out on Friday afternoon. Information includes school programs, classroom activities, or community events.
- Peach Jar – sent out as needed. School and community partners are communicated through this vehicle.
- Student Agency –
- Student Advisory Council will meet with the principal, Tami McCracken, monthly on a rotating class basis. This committee will help admin understand the student perspective and provide input on addressing solutions.
- Student Leadership meets regularly with assistant principal, MaryO Gustafson, to communicate upcoming events and intentionally work on school spirit and community building.
- Student Servant Leadership meets regularly with assistant principal, Jessica Everman, to discuss ways to promote the social and emotional wellbeing of our student body.
- Student Communication –
- NCNN – the return of our amazing NCNN. Thank you, Amy Sinisterra and class.
- Daily Bulletin – read each morning by ASB students. Teachers can send announcements in by 3PM the day before. They are read and posted in Teams.
If you have any feedback on how we can improve our work, please reach out to me. I am grateful to serve the North Central community.
The strength of the wolf is in the pack.
Tami McCracken
This Week's Events
Saturday, November 5th
- Cross Country State Championships, Pasco
- Girls at 1 boys at 2:30
Tuesday, November 8th
- Quarter 1 Ends
- Winter Sports Parents Meeting, 5:30 PM, Main Gym
Wednesday, November 9th
- Blacklight Volleyball
Thursday, November 10th
- Veterans Day Con, AM Con Bell Schedule
- Native American Beading Activity, 2:30 PM
Friday, November 11th
- No School - Veterans Day Holiday
Saturday, November 12th
- Cheer Team Fundraiser at D'Lish, 11 AM - 7 PM
Community Celebrations
Cross Country State Runners
Congrats to NCXC's Kendall and Micaiah for qualifying for the state championship, which will be this Saturday in Pasco. We celebrated them on Friday as they left for this important meet. Best of luck to you!
Kendall Carter is a senior and this is her third trip to state. She placed 4th in the district 8 championships to qualify in a time of 19:02. She will represent North Central with class, strength, and speed. She is prepared to race with the top girls in the state and place well.
Micaiah Aden is a junior and two-time state participant. Last year he finished 86th as an individual on NC’s fourth-place team. He finished in 19th place last weekend at the district meet to earn an individual berth to state this year. He has finished in the top ten in every GSL meet this season.
Ms. Shannon's 3rd Period Jury
Ms. Shannon and her students were inspired by Mr. Tapp’s class and their Mock Trial of the Lifeboat Case. In our own class, we took on the roles of prosecuting and defense attorneys, witnesses, and jury members to practice our skills of argument and speaking & listening. Our jury worked hard in deliberation to charge and sentence the accused. Ms. Shannon is very proud of how hard these students worked in their preparation and execution of this Mock Trial. Great job!
Candy Corn Contest Winner
Announcements and Events
Food Drive Closes Monday!
The NC Fall Food and Necessities Drive is continuing as we work to support our community. NC students will be out this weekend from 9-5 at the Grocery Outlet on 3rd and the one on Division collecting items from the community. All items will be shared with the NC Food Pantry and the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery.
NC Step Team Returns!
North Central’s Step team is back! All students are welcome to join the step community on Mondays from 3:00pm to 4:00pm in the Skylight. If you have any questions, please stop by to see Ms. Shamerica in room 123C (in the library).
Parking Reminders
Please be mindful of where you are parking or stopping your vehicle if you regularly use the neighborhood near NC. We have been receiving complaints from our neighbors regarding driveways and alleys being blocked and parking in parking lots of neighboring business. The only parking lot students should park in is the student lot. If the lot is full and you have to park in the neighborhood, please park legally. Our neighbors have been told to contact Spokane Parking Enforcement when there is an issue which will result in vehicles being towed at owner's expense.
Cheer Fundraiser at D'Lish
Come dine in at D'Lish Saturday November 12th from 11am-7pm to support our North Central Cheer Squad! We are raising funds to go to state for competitive cheer! D'Lish will be donating 10% of both dine in and drive through proceeds from 11am-7pm to our cheer squad! We appreciate your support.
-Coach Hare
Wolfpack Spirit Wear for the Holidays
Hey NC Fans! Find something for everyone on your list now when you shop our '22 Holiday Gift Guide. From apparel to accessories, Sideline Store has this season's top picks for moms, dads, kids and more. Hurry over to your NORTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL Sideline Store to explore our holiday assortment. Better hustle—orders must be received by Nov. 28 to ensure delivery by Dec. 25. Go NORTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL!
Student ID Badges
All students should have received their 2022-2023 student ID card on picture day. If a student did not receive their ID, they can request one to be printed in the Student Office. Students who have lost their ID card will need to go to the Business Office and request a replacement. The first replacement card will be free of charge. After the first replacement, any additional replacement cards will be $5. This fee will be charged to the student’s account in the Business Office and can be paid later. Thank you for your help with ensuring every student has an ID card this school year!
College Counseling Corner
Students need to verify to ensure teachers are assigned in SchooLinks to complete any required and/or optional Teacher Evaluations. In SchooLinks, on the left click Colleges, then click College Applications. Once you see your list of colleges, click the PENCIL icon. In the bottom center of the screen, you will see how many teacher recommendations are optional or required (pay close attention to this).
Please be courteous and give Counselor and Teachers 2 weeks to submit letters of recommendation. There is an onslaught of requests this time of year. ** If using Common App, this is also done through SchooLinks.
For teachers to write a robust letter, it is helpful if they have multiple speaking points. Please communicate as much of the below areas as possible to the counselor/teacher writing the recommendation.
- Employment (place, how long)
- Extracurricular/Academic Activities
- Academic/extracurricular Awards
- Weighted/unweighted GPA
- How many Honors/AP classes
- Areas of future study
- Sports
- Clubs
- Interests
And remember….. a FAFSA username/password, FAFSA and college application are 3 COMPLETELY DIFFERENT THINGS. 😊
Blacklight Volleyball Coming Soon!
Hey NC! Wanna have a crazy fun time with your friends? Wanna smash the competition on the volleyball courts?
Register as a team of 6-8 players for our upcoming Blacklight Volleyball tournament on November 9th! Fill out the paperwork located in the business office, $55 a team, and come ready with some neon outfits! Make sure to turn your paperwork in by November 8th at 3pm to the business office! The tournament will be located in the big gym from 5:30 to 8:30pm so bring your A-game!! Can't wait to see you there!
*Middle school students are welcome to participate, but must bring their team packet to Ms. Hayes for approval before submitting it to the Business Office
Community Resources & Events
Growing Artists Event
The Growing Neighbors Family puts on a Growing Artists Event as a benefit for Growing Neighbors and Summer Art Camp scholarships for students. They are actively recruiting student artists (K-college) to present performing and visual art pieces based on the theme “Peace, A Gift to Share.”
A few dates/details to keep in mind include:
- 11/6 - Artists’ interest/idea submission priority deadline (link to online form)
- 11/7 - Free Art Workshop at Shadle Library from 3:30-5 p.m. Including a variety of performing arts and visual arts using repurposed materials
- 12/6 - Free Dinner at 5:30 and Show preview/rehearsal from 6:30-8
- 12/9 - Growing Artists Show, featuring dinner by Island Style Food Truck
Please reach out to us with any questions or ideas. We’d love to work with you on this opportunity to encourage young artists, grow healthy relationships, and share beautiful artwork!