Principal's Compass The log of our journey...

LIVING THE NORTH STAR LOGO - September 2009 - by Nancy Becker

As we enter our seventh year of existence and we welcomed 1838 students to North Star High School this fall.  During our existence, we have witnessed many exceptional students, events and contributions to the culture of North Star High School.  As we embark into a new year, we are reminded to keep our sights on the meaning of the North Star logo.

The logo pictures two arched arrows which shows the arrows in constant forward motion to achieve success.  We believe that is exactly what happens every day at North Star High School.  At North Star, students and staff have the opportunity and are challenged to improve their skills and gain new knowledge while always moving in a positive forward motion.

This year, North Star staff is also taking on the challenge of having courageous conversations.  We want to make sure we take the time to listen, really listen, which is one half of a conversation.   There are times when we will be engaged in the sharing of information that is difficult, especially ones that we need to have that will promote student achievement.  Our staff goal is to decrease the number of student failures.  We can't do the work for our students, but we will do whatever it takes to help them achieve.  As we search for ways to improve, to become better, staff agrees we need to live the logo!  

Booster parents are also living the LNS logo.  The continue to support their child's activities and promote North Star in the Lincoln community.  Hy Vee has partnered with Eclipse printing to develop 'Gator Gear' for all to wear.   We appreciate this community cooperation as we spread the good word.

Over 70 students have joined the North Star Superfan Club.  Anyone student can join, and it is a perfect way to show support for ALL activities at LNS!! 

Explorers depend on the North Star when there are no other landmarks in sight.  The same relationship exists between you and North Star High School.  Moving in the direction and realization of your full potential is living the logo.  It is our hope that ALL NAVIGATORS will be inspired and live the North Star logo.

Sincerely,

Nancy Becker

Welcome to the 2009-2010 School Year! - August 2009 - by Nancy Becker, Ph.D., Principal

Lincoln North Star High School is committed to developing academic excellence, positive relationships, and productive citizens.
-- LNS Mission Statement

We are entering our seventh year of existence. During that time, we have witnessed many exceptional students, events and contributions to the culture of North Star High School. As we embark into a new year, we are reminded to keep our sights on the meaning of the North Star logo. The logo pictures two arched arrows in constant forward motion to achieve success. We believe that is exactly what happens each and every day at North Star High School. At North Star, students and staff have the opportunity and are challenged to improve their skills and gain new knowledge while always moving in a positive forward motion.

Last March the LPS District and all six high schools participated in a national accreditation process. The accreditation process assures that North Star meets national standards for quality schools, North Star engages in continuous improvement, and demonstrates quality assurance through an internal and external review. Parents, students and staff contributed to the process, with some even being interviewed by an external review team. We have received the Quality Assurance Report and are pleased with the results.

Commendations include:

• Risk-taking, openness to change, and acceptance are practiced and nurtured at North Star High School
• The administrative leadership at LNS shares decision-making and leadership opportunities that promote student performance and school effectiveness.
• Building caring relationships between staff and students is at the heart and soul of Lincoln North Star High School. Putting students first is of highest priority.

Recommendations include:

• Implement a systematic continuous improvement planning process at North Star.
• Identify data sources to be used as “dashboard measures” and use these results for trend and comparison analysis.
• Explore new strategies to increase the active involvement of parents and community members in day-to-day activities at North Star.

What are our next steps?

• We need to celebrate our commendations and address our recommendations.
• At North Star we must develop a school-wide data team to work collaboratively with teachers to impact classroom instruction and interventions for all students.
• We need to communicate this information with parents and students.
• We also need to compare the student achievement data from the past five years to determine trends and establish overall target goals.

This year I plan to have an open meeting for parents on the first Monday of each quarter. This will be a time when I can share how we are meeting our goals, what’s new at LNS, and give parents a chance to ask questions. I will also be meeting with groups of students on a monthly basis. Staff will continue to have early release each Tuesday, but we will also meet once a month after school to analyze data. The commendations, recommendations and future steps will support our efforts in meeting our goals to improve student achievement, close the achievement gap and celebrate success for all students.

Sincerely,

Nancy Becker