It's Back to School for North Hills Teachers

More than 350 teachers and staff members kicked off the 2012-13 school year today at North Hills Junior High School during the district’s annual "Opening Day" event.

Superintendent Dr. Patrick J. Mannarino welcomed back returning teachers and staff and introduced six new teachers and three new administrators including: 

• Elizabeth Gasior – North Hills Junior High – Social Studies
• Abigail Linn – Ross Elementary – Gifted
• Alicia Rittle – North Hills Senior High – Learning Support
• Michelle Ruggieri – Highcliff Elementary – Gifted
• Allison Tiangco – All Elementary Schools – Music (Strings)
• Renee Ward – North Hills Junior High – Music
• Nicole Bezila – Director of Pupil Services
• Amanda Hartle – Communications Coordinator
• Eileen Watkins – Director of Food Services.

Dr. Mannarino shared an inspiring message with teachers and staff focusing on the school year’s theme of “Keep Moving Forward.”

“From new cyber charter schools to funding cuts, we are facing unprecedented challenges in public education,” said Dr. Mannarino.

 “At North Hills, we are embracing these obstacles and intend to keep moving forward toward our goal of providing the best education possible for each and every student," he added.

“We will continue to provide high-quality learning opportunities to all North Hills students through curriculum additions and new initiatives in all buildings, while also creating new blended and online options through the Online Academy @ North Hills.”

Launched in 2008, the Online Academy @ North Hills is unique in the area and offers 105 courses for secondary students and, now for the first time, elementary students.  Academy students can choose from either fully online coursework or a combination of online and traditional courses for a blended option.

Also new this year, North Hills Senior High students will have the opportunity to enroll in one of six new academic "academies" to better prepare them for college and the global workplace. In all elementary schools, students in kindergarten through second grade will utilize a new math curriculum that employs a highly visual and topic-intensive approach to teach math concepts.

“Our students and their families have countless choices for their educational needs. This year, and every year going forward, we will address the needs of all Ross and West View students as we strive to make our district the best choice for our North Hills families," said Dr. Mannarino. 

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