February 2025
Hello Viking Community,
Dear Northridge Community,
Change is never easy, and this one is especially bittersweet. At the end of the school year, my husband and I will be moving to the West Coast, where I will take on a new role as superintendent of a school district in Washington State. While I’m excited for this next chapter, leaving Northridge—a place filled with heart and a deep commitment to students—is not easy. This community is truly special, and I am grateful for every moment I’ve spent here.
Please know that I remain fully committed to our students, staff, and families through the remainder of the school year. The Board will be announcing a plan for the leadership transition in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, I’m excited to share some great updates from across our schools. From athletic achievements to academic success and beyond, there is so much to be proud of at Northridge!
Thank you for your continued support.
Best,
Dr. Kristine Michael
Superintendent
New Workstation Bikes Keep Students Moving
Students in the 6-12 library now have the opportunity to stay active while they work, thanks to new workstation bicycles funded by a grant from the Mary E. Babcock Foundation. On the first day, two eighth graders logged over seven miles while completing their ELA assignments ahead of schedule.
Innovative opportunities like this highlight the great things happening at Northridge. Keep sharing your stories!
Celebrating Our Viking Senior Athletes
Our Viking athletes have been making memories both on and off the court, lanes, and mats. Recently, the girls' & boys' basketball teams, swim team, bowling team, and wrestling team honored their seniors, celebrating their dedication, hard work, and leadership. These student-athletes have left a lasting impact on their teams and our school community.
Girls Basketball
Thank you to our seniors and congrats to the team on a JV and Varsity win against Zanesville.
Wrestling
Welcome Deputy Michael Collins, Our New SRO
As we approach School Resource Officer Appreciation Day, we’re pleased to introduce Deputy Michael Collins to the Viking community. With 12 years of law enforcement experience—including seven as a Deputy Sheriff in Knox and Licking Counties—he brings valuable expertise to Northridge. He has also served as an SRO in Knox County and is committed to building strong relationships with students and staff.
Outside of work, Deputy Collins enjoys hunting, fishing, and sports. Please join us in welcoming him to Northridge!
Welcoming Kristy Draher to the High School Counseling Team
Kristy Draher is stepping into a new role as a high school counselor after six years at Northridge. She has made a lasting impact at the elementary level, supporting students academically and personally, and she’s eager to continue that work with high school students as they plan for their futures.
Outside of school, Kristy enjoys reading, trying new recipes, and spending time outdoors with her family in Clintonville—including her 8-year-old son and their adventurous dog, Moose.
