November 6, 2023 Edition
New Wellness Center to Open in Spring
The Fight Against School Fights
Two New Faculty Welcomed to NAHS
Ms. Proctor began her journey in school counseling because she knew she wasn’t going to retire from teaching any time soon, but she knew her heart wasn’t set on going into administration. She wanted to work with kids and felt like counseling would be the quintessential job to accomplish that. She loves that NAHS is a small school and that the community and environment feels very personal. Proctor feels that the most important reason for becoming a counselor is helping students see their potential and help give them the tools they need to be
relate to them on is essential, along with letting them know you care and that you’re there for them. She feels that if you don’t know that she cares about you as a person, you’re not going to
listen to her. Being genuine and letting them know that they matter is key. She loves sports; when she’s not at work, she’s a soccer and basketball mom. In addition, she is a bookworm and she is very happy to be a part of the Puma family.
Say hola and cómo estás to our new Spanish teacher, Ms. Sandra Flores. Ms. Flores was supposed to join the NAHS family last year however she was stopped when LAUSD froze the jobs, not letting anyone transfer or quit. Better late than never. Flores joins the Puma familia from Miguel Contreras Learning Complex. Flores says that her mother influenced her to become a teacher; she always tells her students that her mother is illiterate—she cannot read or write in either Spanish or English. Growing up, she had to help her mom when it came to reading and writing. Much like Ms. Proctor, Flores likes that NAHS is a small school and from what she’s seen, she thinks that it is a tight knit community. Theres a parent involvement program (Friends of NAHS [aka FONAHS]) and she feels that the kids are seen as special. The students are very kind and helpful and the teachers work together, resulting in a sense of unity. Her son also attends NAHS so she loves that she can have her son here with her. She claims that her most important reason for becoming a teacher is her mother, as mentioned earlier. Her mother was a great inspiration and being able to see her navigate the world in her lenses, she realized the importance of education. Through her mother, she understood the significance of being educated. Ms. Flores helps sustain her organization by planners and compartmentalizing her life. At school, she’s a teacher and when she’s at home, she gives herself a bit of me-time to ground herself. She runs and walks and then she becomes a mom and a wife, and then it’s back to work. Ms. Flores believes that developing a positive relationship with students in individual teaching comes naturally. She has to listen to what her students say and ask questions; that’s how we get to know
people. Answering their questions about who she is as a person—she believes that’s how you
build worthwhile communication. She is happy to be here.
Four Seniors Admitted to SAC and RNSSAC in Board District 3
The SAC, a pivotal platform in Board District 3, operates under the guidance of Board Member Scott Schmerelson. Its primary purpose is to provide students with a voice in shaping educational policies and experiences. Serving as a direct liaison between students and district decision-makers, the SAC wields substantial influence.
In contrast, the Region North Student Advisory Council (RNSSAC) is administered by Superintendent Dr. Baca and boasts a broader regional perspective. Composed of representatives from across the region, RNSSAC is tasked with advocating for students' interests and offering insights into regional educational policies.
Principal Castro, who leads the school community, expressed her immense pride in the accomplishments of these exceptional students. "I couldn't be prouder of our Puma babies," she said with a beaming smile. "Their dedication and commitment to their education and their peers have been exemplary. Their inclusion in these councils speaks volumes about their leadership qualities and their potential to effect positive change."
This achievement underscores the exceptional talent and dedication found within the student body of Board District 3. These four seniors have demonstrated not only their academic prowess but also their commitment to shaping the future of education in the region. Their contributions to both SAC and RNSSAC promise to be invaluable in ensuring that student voices are heard in the ongoing dialogue about educational policies and practices.
2023 Northridge Academy Girls Volleyball Season In Review
Fall Club Rush Generates 7 New Clubs and Groups
NAHS has a traditional Club Rush every year in the fall. This year brought six new clubs to Pumas: Cinema/Film Club, Model UN, Cinematography, STEM Club, Puma Podcast, Ti Coding Club, and Skills USA . News Crew also is a new leadership group which support Puma Press (what you are reading now). We are waiting for a faculty member to step us as a sponsor for the Class of 27 leadership group.
Reminder to all new clubs, get your constitutions/by-laws to Mr.Stewart.
Check out the full list of clubs and groups for this year here:
NAHS Bathroom Pass Policy Evolving
The former policy mandated students to carry clipboards into the restrooms to prevent vandalism and misconduct. While well-intentioned, this practice was perceived as inconvenient and unsanitary by a number of students, staff, and parents.
Ms. Goodman, a teacher at the school, recognized the need for a practical solution and introduced a new lanyard system. Under this system, students wear lanyards that serve as restroom passes. This innovative approach is designed to mitigate the inconveniences associated with the previous policy and enhance hygiene.
The use of lanyards, a straightforward and sanitary alternative, has been welcomed by students and staff. It eliminates the need for students to carry clipboards into the restroom, thereby streamlining the process and improving overall cleanliness.
The introduction of the lanyard system is a factual reflection of the school’s efforts to address security concerns while improving the restroom experience for students. Future adjustments to the policy are anticipated to maintain a safe and efficient restroom protocol. As the system continues to evolve, students and stakeholders can expect continued enhancements in restroom access at Northridge Academy High School.
In a most recent interview with the administration, the assistant principal Mr. Oh comments on the subject. “The lines at lunch are only long for a brief moment. And we have as many bathrooms open as we can.” This means we can expect to see as many bathrooms open as possible from now on.