Thornton Fractional School District 215

As principal of Thornton Fractional North High School, I am proud of the traditions that we have established over the last 60 years. Our students, teachers, and building exemplify the character of those who have walked through our doors. We have a strong history of accomplishments in academics, the arts, and athletics. Many of our nation's professionals, in the fields of medicine, business, engineering, law, and education have graced the halls and walls of TF North. Several of our alumni have lived up to our school's creed, which is to become a model for educational excellence. I intend to see that North provides a safe and secure environment for our students and to ensure that our graduates achieve economic viability, become good citizens, and learn to be at home in the world. While they are with us, they will be treated as unique individuals and appreciated as such. In fact, we are presently revamping our curriculum so that it focuses on diversity, education, and making good life choices through the development of strong value systems. High academic standards are our first priority. We attempt to develop the many facets of students so that we create well-rounded individuals. I believe that every child can learn, every child is different, and learns in different ways. To address these differences, we offer advanced placement courses, and our Center for Academics and Technology offers basic automotive maintenance, computer-aided design, collision repair, computer technology, and medical skills classes. Our business cooperative, Inter-Cooperative Education Work Program, Community Based High School and ECHO's DHH Program are also available to aid our students with differing learning styles and needs. We are well prepared for the 21st Century with our state of the art technology. Through the use of these technologies, our students are trained so that they have the skills to enter the job force in an ever increasing technological world. In addition to academics, we model and encourage good behavior, morals, sportsmanship, values, and giving back to the community. We also continue to build our athletic programs and extra-curricular activities. We maintain that "performance excellence is made possible only through personal excellence." Through our sports teams and clubs, we provide a fun, instructive, and positive environment where students learn the power of hard work, goal setting, positive thinking, and team playing, as well as other important life and social skills. By working together, they help each other accomplish great things and meet their goals. I personally see education as a life-long quest, valuable, and attainable by all.