October 2024 District Dispatch

Hello Viking Community,

I hope everyone had a safe and wonderful Halloween! As we concluded the first quarter, fall sports also wrapped up. We’re excited to celebrate our athletes and the incredible experiences made possible by our new athletic stadium. This addition has truly transformed how we enjoy our Viking events together!

One significant focus this fall has been our strategic planning process. The Strategic Planning Committee has been working hard to capture the values, priorities, and goals that will guide Northridge for the next five years. November will be a key time, as we’ll hold focus groups with stakeholders across the community to gather feedback. We’re looking forward to sharing the completed plan early in 2025, as it will be a roadmap for our budget, curriculum, and vision.

Another exciting area this fall has been STEAM! We’re seeing innovation and inspiration in every classroom, and our new STEAM classroom at the elementary school is already making a difference in students’ learning experiences. Highlights from STEAM initiatives this fall are featured in the newsletter below – I hope you enjoy reading about our progress as much as we enjoy bringing it to life for our students.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support.

Warm regards,
Dr. Kristine Michael
Superintendent, Northridge Local Schools

Building a Future in STEM

At Northridge, we’re committed to sparking curiosity and innovation through hands-on STEM experiences that empower students to explore, create, and achieve. Our new dedicated K-5 STEAM classroom, now part of the specials rotation, offers all students weekly opportunities to build teamwork, collaboration, and creativity as they engage in various science activities.

Water-Powered Cars Challenge for Future Engineers!

Mr. Heffelfinger’s engineering students were tasked with a unique challenge: designing cars powered solely by water. This hands-on project allowed students to dive into engineering principles and problem-solving as they explored how alternative energy sources can be harnessed for motion. Their creativity and ingenuity brought incredible designs to life, proving they have the power to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

Earthquake-Resistant Designs in Action with 8th Grade Scientists

NMS 8th graders took on the critical challenge of understanding earthquakes and the impact they have on structures. The project required students to design earthquake-resistant buildings, pushing them to apply engineering concepts to real-world scenarios.

Quarter-End Gallery Walks: Newton’s Laws and Constellations

NHS science students showcased their research and understanding of Newton’s laws and constellations in a quarter-end gallery walk. The projects ranged from hands-on demonstrations to creative presentations, all rooted in foundational scientific principles. Students voted for their favorite projects, making it a collaborative and interactive experience. Through gallery walks, our students are learning to present and discuss scientific concepts, building communication skills that are essential in the STEM fields.

Lights, Camera, STEM! Launching the “STEM-Infused Video Production Program”

Exciting news! Laura Roberts, along with her middle and high school students, is pioneering the "STEM-Infused Video Production Program," a groundbreaking initiative funded by the OSLN STEM Classroom Grant Program and Battelle. This program blends technical training with creative expression, providing students with skills in video production while deepening their understanding of STEM concepts. It’s more than just learning to produce media; our #NRVikings are mastering the science and technology behind the camera, learning real-world applications of STEM in digital storytelling.

Bringing STEM to Life: 4th & 5th Graders Explore Watts Farm

Northridge 4th & 5th graders had an outstanding hands-on learning experience at Watts Farm where they explored the origins of everyday products and gained a behind-the-scenes look at farm animal veterinary care. This visit brought STEM concepts to life, blending curiosity and real-world applications in a memorable day of learning. Our thanks to the many community partners who made this learning experience for our students!

Congratulations to Northridge Teacher Danielle Koker!

Congratulations to Northridge teacher Danielle Koker who has been selected as a recipient of the distinguished Licking County Retired Teachers Grant. This award is a testament to her dedication and passion for education, recognizing her exceptional commitment to her students and the Northridge community. Congratulations, Danielle, on this well-deserved honor! Thank you for all you do to inspire and educate our Northridge Vikings.

Northridge Marching Band Shines at Ohio State Halftime Show

The Northridge Marching Band recently took the field at The Ohio State University, delivering an incredible halftime show that highlighted the talent and dedication of our music community. We’re immensely proud of these talented musicians, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to all the parents and supporters who make events like this possible.

Strategic Planning Focus Groups

We want to hear from you! If you are willing to participate in a Focus Group, we would love to have you. Sessions are scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 7 & Friday, Nov. 8. Each group will last approximately 40 minutes. Scan the QR Code or click the image to fill out the Google Form letting us know your availability.

For details on any of these events and to see the full calendar of district events, visit the district calendar.