Written by Ben Cox – With a new school year not only knocking on the door, but begging to come in, lets take a look at what back to school looks like from a unique perspective. In this series of articles, we will visit with each of Brownwood ISD’s principals to see what they think about returning to school for a new term.
Continuing with Elementary education, we now head to Northwest Elementary to visit with their principal, Christine Young. Starting her 22nd year in education in Texas and 28th overall, Ms Young is no stranger to the classroom.
In her fourth year as principal for Northwest, Ms Young is eager to start a new year and is looking forward to seeing the students when they return, as well as the teachers. “It’s been exciting two weeks getting the teachers back in here, it’s been fun to watch some of the things they’re doing. It’s exciting to see what they have planned for their kids.”
As you would expect of any principal, Young is proud of her teachers and the dedication they have to their students. “I have awesome teachers here. I have one teacher who is starting her 37th year here.”
Young is ready to see the kids on their first day, and see their reaction to new decorations with that will give them positive affirmations throughout the day. “I’m looking forward to the kids, this is gonna be a great year!”
Like most campuses this year, Northwest is not without new faces to go along with the new term. A new counselor, and new Pre-K teacher, and two new 2nd grade teachers along with some new T.A.’s.
Young spent a portion of her summer in Lubbock, observing programs and practices used by other districts in the state and has plans to make use of the ideas inspired by that visit. “We are going to start with our third grade math teachers and if we see success then we will continue throughout the rest of the building.”
Young says her staff has also been integral in preparing for the school year. “I’ve got fantastic office staff that just jump right in and offer whatever services parents might need.”
Young says she can’t wait for the students to see all the preparations that have been going on to make this year a good one for learning and growth. “We’re excited, the teachers have been working very hard, and the classrooms are all very warm and inviting.”
Young says that any new student or parent who is not sure what to expect from a new school can rest at eased expect a friendly and inviting atmosphere at Northwest. “We are very family oriented here, we consider ourselves an extended family and we want our kids to be part of that.”
Meet the Teacher is the 20th, from 4 to 6 p.m. School starts at 7:45 and releases at 3:15, the details on the four lanes in the parking lot and what they are for, as well as other information, can be found on the school’s website.
