Background

The Educational Excellence Campaign is Newton North PTSO’s major fundraiser and is targeted specifically at enriching North’s educational experience.

The Campaign was launched in 2007, in recognition of the need for supplementary funds to meet the ever-changing requirements of a modern high school.

Each year, Principal Jennifer Price and North’s faculty identify the Campaign’s target projects, optimizing the effect of the Campaign on the provision of an up-to-date, diverse and stimulating curriculum for every student at North.

Achievements

In the last two years, the North community has donated $46,897 to the Educational Excellence Campaign. Combining this sum with money from the school budget and various educational funds has maximized its use to provide the following:

see a video on the achievements from the 2006-2007 campaign

Computers

$22,406 was used to equip three new state-of-the-art computer labs, supporting the use of computer technology in all areas of the curriculum.

‘The new computer equipment has helped to change the way students can learn at Newton North.'
Phil Golando, Technology Specialist
‘The computer labs provide an environment that is truly student-focused, allowing collaborative work among the students with the teacher serving as guide and coach.’
Katharine Duderstadt, Science Teacher
‘The computer labs significantly impact the quality of my students’ writing’
David Turcotte, English Teacher
‘The computer lab has made it possible for me to customize material to different learning styles…and the students love it – self-directed learning really works!’
Betsey Scharlack, History Teacher

 

Interactive White Boards

$8,491 was used to install interactive white boards in selected classrooms, making delivery of the curriculum more exciting and relevant.

This exciting new classroom technology with a large touch screen allows students to explore a website, give a science presentation or take a virtual field trip, as part of the classroom experience.
 

Resources for the Library

$16,000 was used to purchase nearly 700 books and print-reference materials for the library, enhancing literacy and supporting classroom teaching.

These additional library resources are well-used by teachers as they seek to ensure that all students are proficient readers, that relevant and up-to-date material is available to support the curriculum, and that students are able to effectively use print-reference materials and online databases.

‘Having funds readily available throughout the year allows the librarians to quickly respond to students’ reading needs as they arise, and to create a balanced and up-to-date book collection. The steady flow of new materials throughout the year inspires and intrigues readers.’

Annette Tate, Library Dept. Head

‘There is no question in my mind that my students read more, understand more, and enjoy more because of the Educational Excellence Campaign.’

Lyn Montague, English teacher

‘I am delighted with the recent science book purchases by the NNHS library. The books address a spectrum of learners and make it easy to engage students in researching topics.’

Barbara Gibson, Science  & Oceanography teacher