September 2024 District Dispatch
As we settle into the rhythm of this school year, I’m proud of the progress our district has made, and I’m thrilled to share that Northridge Local Schools received 4.5 stars on the Ohio State Report Card—an improvement from last year’s 4 stars. This achievement is a direct result of our amazing staff, dedicated teachers, and the hard work of our incredible students. Together, we’re making strides, and it’s something we can all be proud of.
While we celebrate these successes, I also want to acknowledge the unprecedented challenges we face as a country when it comes to school safety. School threats have become all too common, and I want to reassure our families that Northridge Local Schools remains committed to providing a safe environment where our students can learn and thrive. We have strong safety systems in place, including a full-time School Resource Officer from the Licking County Sheriff’s Department, and we take every precaution to ensure our schools are both physically and emotionally secure learning spaces for all.
Last weekend, our Viking community came together for Homecoming, and it was wonderful to see so many of you celebrating with us. Events like these remind us how special it is to be part of this community.
Lastly, looking ahead, there’s so much to be excited about. This year is all about growth and progress, as we continue to move forward together. I’m proud to be on this journey with you, and I’m proud to be a Viking!
Warm regards,
Dr. Kristine Michael
Superintendent, Northridge Local Schools
Ohio State Report Card: A Community Achievement
Northridge Local Schools is proud to celebrate our improved Ohio State Report Card rating of 4.5 stars out of 5—up from 4 stars last year! This achievement places us among only 169 districts statewide to earn a 4.5 or 5-star rating.
Northridge saw tremendous gains across multiple areas, including an increase in our Performance Index ranking from 338th to 304th. Our graduation rate earned a perfect 5 stars, and we saw significant growth in literacy, jumping from 32.1% to 51.8%.
Additionally, our Progress rating improved to 4 stars, a distinction achieved by only 32% of districts. Our 5-star rating in Gap Closing highlights our success in meeting challenging targets, making us one of only 29% of districts statewide to earn this distinction. We also made strides in chronic absenteeism, reducing it from 19.9% to 14.5%. Northridge continues to demonstrate excellence, with graduates earning 12+ semester hours ranking 66th best in the state. We’re proud of the dedication and hard work of our students, staff, and community that made these accomplishments possible!
The Viking Voyage: Charting the Path Ahead
This month, Dr. Michael proudly released the Viking Voyage, her plan for the new school year, outlining several initiatives designed to foster open communication and engagement within our community. As part of this plan, she will be hosting coffee meetings throughout the year to provide opportunities for open discussions, listening to your thoughts, and sharing ideas.
In addition, surveys will be issued to gather valuable feedback, and our strategic planning process is well underway, setting the course for continued growth and success. Dr. Michael is committed to listening, learning, and leading with the best interests of our students, staff, and community in mind. Together, we’re on a journey to make Northridge even stronger.
