Families Play a Big Part at Northview

valpo-community-schoolsWritten by Loren Hershberger, Principal

Part of the mission statement at Northview Elementary School states that "all students (will) realize their cognitive ... potential."

The school has proved this true in the past and throughout this year by making adequate yearly progress as defined by the state Department of Education, being named a Four Star School, and fielding successful academic competition teams. However, nothing pleases us more than watching our students begin to nurture positive relationships with our families and community, which is another important component of our school's mission.

At Northview, partnering with our families begins in traditional ways like our PTO being so instrumental in bringing fun, educational experiences to our students. Events such as the Laps-4-Learning walk-a-thon help fund various classroom activities and field trip expenses. This month the PTO will be sponsoring Northview University in which exciting programs will be offered after school. We also enjoy the less traditional ways that various families share some of their unique cultural traditions, special gifts, and talents with students.

By exposing students to various holiday traditions, musical talents, or insight into possible careers, students' eyes are opened to a wonderful world that may be a little different from their own. It's not just parents from whom Northview students learn, as was the case in the recent Multicultural Exhibition. Northview students researched specific countries and their cultures then created models or presentations reflecting what they learned.

In addition to viewing their students' work, Northview families also interacted with Valparaiso High students from various foreign language clubs. These high school mentors were inspiring and positively influenced many students toward pursuing a variety of languages in future years.

Staff and parents also are proud of Northview students' efforts to become productive members of our community. Volunteers help develop community-minded students by leading them through the Junior Achievement Program.

Over the course of the year, Northview students have been or will actively participate in food drives, in a unique reading program with the Girl Scouts, or in recycling efforts with the city of Valparaiso as well as various other initiatives.

In March, the students at Northview raised more than $1,800 for Riley Children's Hospital through a week of unique fundraising activities. The relatively new K-Kids Club, sponsored by Sunrise Kiwanis, is currently offering an opportunity to give spare change to help build schools in the Middle East in cooperation with the Pennies for Peace Organization. In the weeks ahead, Northview fifth-graders will team up with Cargill Inc. to plant some trees in Ogden Gardens. Students also have pursued projects in and out of the classroom with the American Red Cross as well as the local police and other emergency response agencies.

We are fortunate in Valparaiso to be part of a community that allows students to broaden their perspectives and experiences. As these interactions take place, our students begin to realize that "school" also exists outside the walls of Northview Elementary.