Northside staff spent the summer of 2011 preparing for the new year. The custodians began the day after school ended and have cleaned every inch of the building. As usual, they have done a fabulous job. Summer is also a time to accomplish large projects. One obvious improvement is the brand new track to the north of the building. I have a feeling that the new surface will help our athletes rewrite the record book. Our incoming 7th and 8th grade class of 2011 - 2012 has almost 800 students that come from 11 BCSC elementary schools, parochial elementary schools and out-of-district transfers. These 800 students are on six academic teams. The team concept allows Northside students to have the advantages of a big school but the feel of a small school. Northside had a strong academic showing last year. Out of the 189 students that took Algebra I for high school credit, 188 passed the End of Course Assessment (Core 40 exam). We piloted Biology I for high school credit in 2010-2011. In just our first year, 93% (54/58) passed the Biology I Core 40 exam. Students also earned high school credit in Spanish, French and Geometry. Northside students compete every year in the Indiana Association of School Principals Academic Competition (IASP). Teams answer questions in English, math, social studies and science. For the last three years, the IASP has awarded schools that total in the Top Ten in the state. Northside has been Top Ten for all three years. In athletics, Northside won the Tri-County All Sports trophy for the 9th time in the 17 years it has been awarded. The trophy recognizes the team from the tri-county that won the most championships throughout the year. Northside won girls cross country, boys cross country, 7th grade football, 8th grade volleyball, 7th grade boys basketball, 7th grade boys track and 8th grade girls track. The tri-county competitions are between Northside, Central, Jennings County and Seymour. Go Spartans! We look forward to another great year. If I can be of any assistance, do not hesitate to call me at 376-4403. Amy Dixon Northside Middle School Principal | 
