New Tech High School opens doors to 121 new students

Thursday, 06 September 2012 by Deborah Wilber

New students participate in trust building games during New Tech High School’s Freshman Focus on Friday, Aug. 25. There are currently 484 students enrolled at New Tech High. In the second year since its inception, New Tech High school has opened the door to more than 484 kids looking for an education in alternative learning.

Enrollment based on first come first serve, determined parents in support of their children waited in line for a long time for the chance, some waiting up to 48 hours.

Perseverance paid off for 121 kids now enrolled at the up and coming alternate to standard classroom teaching. Excited teachers, staff and children came together last Friday morning to have a meet and greet, also known as Freshman Focus.

Fifteen-year-old, Josh Jaden, was among the 36 sophomores who volunteered to greet incoming freshman on Friday. "It helps kids connect and form relationships," said Jaden.

Principle Dr. Deanna Lovesmith explained how bringing the freshman in prior to their first day really helps them feel comfortable and confident about future experiences.

Unlike most freshman focus assemblies, NTHS conducts a host of interactive activities to help form bonds and trust.

"We live by trust, respect and responsibility," said Lovesmith.

The cow patty game, designed to build trust among the students by being blind folded and guided through a field was played on Friday. Upon enrollment every student is issued a trust card allowing for independence during free time, while holding them responsible to be where they need to be.

NTHS is very similar to a college-like environment.

"We have no bell system, and students sometimes have periods of free time between classes," said Lovesmith.

One might predict the kids to be a little nervous at the level of trust and responsibility given to them, but this is not the case, 15-year-old Sophmore Maddie Thompson said, "It prepares us for the real world."

Thompson and her fellow peers are not the only ones who appreciate the program in which NTHS has to offer.

Teacher Melissa Tydlacka had been teaching for 12 years in Huntsville until looking for something different from the traditional classroom setting.

"NTHS develops kids with a need to know, instead of telling them what they need to know, and that allows educators to let go of control and put kids in the driver seat," Tydlacka said.

The challenging, active environment is thought provoking for teachers and students alike.

Tydlacka has been at NTHS since it opened in 2010, and said, "It's the hardest I have ever worked in my life, but it inspires me to be creative."

For more information on New Tech High School and the benefits of freshman focus please call: (254) 215-2500.

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