A Word from the Superintendent
Dr. Lorna R. Lewis

One of the best parts of my job happens to be greeting our students on Opening Day.  Nothing inspires me more than seeing the enthusiastic faces as they eagerly jump off the school bus and charge towards their new classrooms.  Let me introduce you to my newest friend, Carly, our new Kindergartener who gave me the warmest of greeting and proclaimed “ I can’t wait to start a new school”! Her confidence astounded me, so I decided to check up on her in her classroom.  I was not disappointed.  Within the first few minutes she had put away her supplies and begun working on her first assignment.  Two desks down from her, Julianna had proudly written her name on her assignment sheet and told me that she could spell her name with her eyes closed…and she did.  I walked away from that classroom confident that the class of 2023 was ready for learning. My task is to make sure that they remain challenged, engaged and always loving to learn.

I also like to connect with the criers each year, those with all the apprehension of exploring new territory.  This year it was not the new Kindergarteners that I had to worry about, but the parents who were sending their first or last student to a North Side Kindergarten classroom.  It serves as a gentle reminder to me of how much we have to do to assure you that you have made the right investment in choosing our classrooms for your little ones. 

The district’s theme for this school year, “Going the Extra Mile,” speaks to our recognition that great school districts remain so by constantly challenging all learners to bring out their personal best.  We can only remain a district of distinction by providing a climate that nurtures and sustains our students’ passion and inspiration for learning. There is a certain level of achievement that we can take no credit for statistically, as our students come from caring and nurturing environments that make education a priority.  This year we intend to out do ourselves in the educational experiences we have planned for our students. Our “Going the Extra Mile” will provide value added achievements in the classroom, on our stages, and on the ball fields.  Be sure to be a part of each of these celebrations.

On September 24^th we will be hosting our First Homecoming of this century as we bring Wheatley football back to its home field.  There will be a host of activities for children of all ages so please mark your calendar for a fun filled day.  We would also like to see you at our annual Walkathon and at all of our events.  Senior citizens attend all of our performances without charge and the children adore seeing you enjoy their efforts. 

If you are a district resident for twenty-five or more years, we need your assistance as we begin to chronicle the history of our district in a formal way.  We are looking for artifacts, pictures and stories of “the good ole days”. North Side will be celebrating its 100 year anniversary in 2017 and we hope to have a book ready for the ceremonies.  Please call my office at 333-3758 and let me know of your interest in this project. Dr. Paul Van Wie, our Curriculum Associate for Social Studies and our own local historian, will be spearheading this effort.

So fasten your seat belts and travel with me on the extra mile this year.  I hear there are seldom traffic jams out there, so we will have every opportunity to have an astounding journey.

Lorna R. Lewis, Ed.D. 
09/07/10