Wolfpack Pride
January 13th, 2023
Principal's Update
Hello Wolfpack!
I want to give a shout out to our Shades Club and advisor, Shamerica Nakamura. The planning and effort they put for to ensure our celebration of the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was exceptional. This week during advisory, student planned lessons educated classmates about the struggles and continued efforts for equity. This learning culminated in convocation this morning honoring students of diverse and varied backgrounds. Students heard musical performances, saw dance routines, and an amazing guest speaker. Mama Beans called on our students to dream big and hold on to their dreams. I left feeling hopeful.
Positive childhood experiences are essential for the emotional wellbeing of our young people. The goal of One Pack Day, which will be on February 9, is to create positive connections and experiences between different groups of students across the school. Talking opening and feeling heard creates acceptance and support. Our goal is for every student every day to have a champion here at school.
The strength of the wolf is in the pack.
Tami McCracken
This Week's Events
Saturday, January 14th
- Dance Team Competition, Rogers High School, 12 PM
Sunday, January 15th
- Final Deadline for Senior Salutes for Yearbook - No late orders accepted
Monday, January 16th
- No School, MLK Day
- Offices Closed
Tuesday, January 17th
- Girls Wrestling at Mead, 5:00 PM
- Boys Basketball at CV, 5:30 PM
- Gymnastics at Mead Gymnastics Center, 6:00 PM
- Girls Basketball at CV, 7:00 PM
Wednesday, January 18th
- Senior All-Nighter Fundraiser at Panda Express on Wellesley, All Day
- Boys Wrestling vs. Gonzaga Prep, 7:00 PM
Thursday, January 19th
- North Central's Got Talent Karaoke Night, 5:30 PM
- Boys Wrestling at Lewis and Clark, 7:00 PM
Friday, January 20th
- Girls Basketball at Mt. Spokane, 5:30 PM
- Boys Basketball at Mt. Spokane, 7:00 PM
- Groovy Shoes Hallway Decorating Begins, continuing through Sunday
Save the Date
- Thursday, January 26th - 8th Grade Parent Night
- Wednesday, February 1st - Groovy Shoes
- Thursday, February 2nd - Last Day of First Semester
Community Celebrations
Martin Luther King, Jr Convocation
Today, North Central’s Shades Club presented the Martin Luther King Jr. Con. There were many wonderful performances by students and our guest speaker.
Some of the students we had preforming or speaking were the NC Band, NC Choir, MecKenzie Wiley-Bunting, Savannah Gordon, Kaylinn Compogno, Samantha Naganga, Shalene Ervin, Caitlynn Forech, Yvanny Nyiramahirae, Hildah Muguaneza, Auda Muneza, Nia Alee-Zedkeia, Mary Maegan Esteria, Fatma Alrifai, Sonia Mbarushimana, Syesha James, Mae Esteria, Dreamer White, Jelena Bolkeim, Tasha Jonathan, Glorying Alden, Laney Hansen, and Simon Gabriel-Morales. Thanks to all of you for sharing your talents.
We also had an amazing performance from a group of students from Stevens Elementary, performing a song called Ekwanongoma. Our guest speaker, Stephy Noble-Beans, AKA Mama Beans, had an extremely powerful and moving speech about MLK’s Dream and mission. She challenged us all to believe in ourselves and be the change we want to see in the world. We hope you take his dream and continue his mission for equality, equity and justice. Thank you to our Shades Club and sponsor Shamerica Nakamura for all of their work to make this Con happen!
Shamerica Nakamura Honored as 2023 Young Woman of Achievement
This week the YWCA announced its prestigious 2023 Women of Achievement Award Honorees, including North Central's own Shamerica Nakamura. They write that "At just 34 years old, Shamerica has been a steadfast advocate for youth. Shamerica is a visionary and collaborator, always thinking, looking, and connecting resources to serve the diverse needs of her students."
Selected honorees embody YWCA Spokane’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Each demonstrates leadership through their professional work or service to the community and give generously of themselves to make Spokane a better place for all citizens.
To learn more about the accomplishments and community impact of the 2023 award honorees, visit ywcaspokane.org/2023-woa-honorees.
I know I speak for everyone at NC when I saw that this award could not go to a more deserving human, and one more representative of the NC spirit of family and looking out for each other. It's fitting we are announcing this award the same day as the incredible MLK Assembly, which brought together diverse voices and student leaders to celebrate our community and call us to fight for what we believe in. Thank you for your contributions to our school community and looking out for all of the Wolfpack. We are so proud to celebrate this accomplishment with you!
If you haven't had the chance to meet this incredible woman, consider watching the video below, filmed about a year ago, which highlights her work in our school community.
Wrestling Wins the Stinky Singlet
Announcements and Events
Groovy Shoes Events
Hallway Decorating
Hallway decorations will be on January 20th, 21st, and 22nd. Decorate your hallway with your class under the theme Disney/Pixar. The best hallway, according to staff, will receive class points. Can't wait to see you there!
Times:
- Friday: 3 PM - 8 PM; IST: 3-5 PM
- Saturday 9 AM - 8 PM; IST: 9 AM - 12 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM - 5 PM
I'm including some photos from last year decorated with a Board Games theme for inspiration.
North Central's Got Talent Karaoke Night
On Thursday, January 19th, we are hosting a Karaoke Night at 5:30 PM in the Theater. It's $5 to enter and paperwork must be submitted to the Business Office. All proceeds and donations will go to buy Groovy Shoes shirts for students that don't have the means to buy one.
Groovy Shoes Shirts and Tickets
Starting this Tuesday, January 17th, Groovy Shoes shirts will be on sale in the Business Office for $10! Groovy Shoes t-shirts are required to sit in the student section at the Arena. If you need help buying shirts, please let your counselor or a teacher know!
To get into the student section, students will need both their official T-shirt and a ticket. Tickets must be purchased at the door and the prices are:
- Adult tickets are $10 (without a GSL pass)
- Student tickets are $5 (without an ASB card)
- Senior tickets are $5 (without a senior pass)
IST Enrollment Open for Next Fall
Upcoming Mixer Guidelines
Our next mixer is on February 10th, and student ticket sales will be based on our updated dance guidelines. The following students are not eligible to attend the dance:
- Students from other schools, guests, or students not in grades 9-12
- Students with multiple failing grades for first semester
- Students who have had out-of-school suspensions during first semester
- Students whose attendance rate is below 70% for the semester
School administration may review individual students on a case-by-case basis. We encourage everyone to continue attending class, following school rules, and completing work to ensure you're able to participate in this event. The Junior class is hard at work preparing to make it a fun and engaging night for all of us.
Running Start Information Night
Current 10th and 11th graders – if you are interested in learning more about participating in Running Start next school year, please plan to attend our Running Start Information Night with our college partners from SFCC, SCC, and EWU. This meeting will be hosted online at 6 pm on Monday, February 6. We will share the Zoom link in the weekly newsletter and on the NC website as the date gets closer. Thank you!
Native Students - WSU Sports Summit
Financial Aid Workshops
Now is a great time to start thinking about post-high school options for your students, and there are upcoming opportunities to learn about the FAFSA and the WASFA financial aid processes. Financial aid dollars can be used for apprenticeships, two-year colleges and four-year colleges.
The College Success Foundation will host virtual workshops in January and February, and will partner with STCU to host in-person FAFSA assistance events, to support any student and their family
Virtual Workshops:
- Tuesday, January 17 6:00-8:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, January 18 6:00-8:00 p.m.
- Wednesday January 25 6:00-8:00 p.m.
- Thursday, January 26 6:00-8:00 p.m.
- Thursday, February 9 6:00-8:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, February 15 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Find more information, as well as what to have ready for the virtual workshops, here.
In-Person FAFSA Assistance Events at STCU:
Thursday, Jan. 19
- Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
- Location: STCU Northtown Square Branch / 4747 N. Division St., Suite 105 / Spokane, WA 99207
Tuesday, Feb. 7
- Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
- Location: STCU North Spokane Branch / 207 E. Hastings Road / Spokane, WA 99218
Thursday, Feb. 16
- Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
- Location: STCU Spokane Valley Branch / 13501 E. Sprague Ave. / Spokane Valley, WA 99216
- STCU also offers a FAFSA assistance web page with more information.
Thank you!
- Spokane Public Schools
Magazine Donations Needed
Feed the Pack
Molina Healthcare has graciously agreed to match every dollar donated by our community, up to $5000 total. We would love your support, and right now your donation dollar will be doubled by Molina. Families can donate online on our payment portal or through the Business Office.
We are also accepting food donations such as granola bars, fresh fruit and vegetables, Gatorade powder, trail mix, beef jerky, and more! Check out our wishlist for more details. Items can be donated at NC.
Any questions? Please reach out to Shamerica Nakamura at 509-354-6219 or shamerican@spokaneschools.org.
Spokesman-Review Writing Contest
More details can be found on the Spokesman-Review page and the writing prompts and directions are on this Competition Details Flyer. The deadline for submissions is February 1st, 2023.
Groovy Shoes Coming Soon!
French Club Board Games and Movie
This week in French club we finished watching Coraline in French and ended our evening with a quick round of Monopoly. We enjoyed the French version of Monopoly as we remembered how to play. Next week we are going to explore what "creole" languages there are around the world as well as the one we have close to home, Louisiana Creole. Don't forget to check out French Club on Tuesdays! À la prochaine ! (See you next time)