“It really expands our capabilities as far as our Internet,” Stake explained. “The WAN will enhance the curriculum offerings. It will include virtual field trips, sharing educational experiences with other schools; provide research opportunities as well as course offerings.”

“It affords schools a nice tool and will all be part of the wide area network,” continued Stake. “That’s exciting and will take place this summer. The IU (Riverview Intermediate Unit) is to be commended for its work in getting this up and running and putting the consortium together.”

Although High School Principal Steve Young adds, there are no other programs in the mix for the high school at this time; the students will continue to shine.

At the elementary level Principal Robert Collett added that full day kindergarten will be implemented for the 2008-09 school year.

Collett said, “Elementary students at North Clarion will return to a school year highlighted by continued education technological advancements.”

Among the web-based programs are an advanced accelerated reader program, study island, accelerated math, DANAs, grade quick along with “School Reach,” which is a way to keep parents and students informed of any changes or events at North Clarion School District.

These advancements allow the school to prepare students for the current trends in testing and software. The school has also enhanced communication with parents on a regular basis.

Stake said, “North Clarion has a dedicated staff, supportive school board, great parental involvement and students who are willing to learn.”

Joining the North Clarion squad for the 2008-09 school year include Diana M. Rhoads, kindergarten teacher; Amanda S. Karg, sixth grade teacher; Rachel A. Losego, computer and gifted student teacher and Erika K. Larson, high school guidance counselor.

Karg will replace Linda M. McCloskey’s position as sixth-grade teacher. McCloskey has retired after 36 years of teaching. Timothy A. McCloskey, elementary computer teacher also left the district after 37 years. The two plan to spend their time traveling, golfing and with their granddaughter, Lauren.

After 16 years, French and Spanish teacher Carolyn S. Thomas has also retired.

According to Young, “The community of North Clarion School District will continue to offer quality educational and extra-curricular experiences along with a wide variety of support services to help prepare them for the local and global marketplace.”

These services include: during and after school tutoring opportunities, student centered instructional strategies, virtual field trips via the new Polycom system and a plethora of curriculum related software.

 The district earned its annual AYP goals for the last five years by fulfilling PSSA requirements with above average scores. The standard is set by the state and No Child Left Behind.

“Our school is special because of the cooperative and collaborative efforts of the school board, administration, employees, parents and students. With everyone’s cooperation we can make your children education successful and memorable,” said Elementary Principal Robert Collett.

Young also wishes to welcome everyone back for another exciting year.

North Clarion schools are adjacent to each other along at 10439 Route 36 Tionesta in Farmington Township .

There are 56 full-time teachers in the school district providing instruction to a projected 657 students in kindergarten through 12. Students live in Farmington , Knox and Washington townships.

In addition to Stake, administrators include Steve Young, high school principal; Mike Moore, assistant principal and Bob Collett as elementary school principal.

Business manager for North Clarion is Barbara Beveridge. William Strong acts as the legal council for the district.

Guidance counselor for the high school is Erika Larsen and Frank “Bud” Bifano for the elementary school.

All students will receive a student-parent handbook the first week of school. All parents and guardians are encouraged to read the handbook with their children.

When registering a child at North Clarion, parents/guardians need to bring the following information; birth certificate, social security card, student records. The high school and elementary office is open from 7:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

The elementary school day begins at 9 a.m. and is dismissed by 3:50 p.m. The secondary school day begins at 7:55 a.m. and is dismissed at 2:38 p.m.

Breakfast at the elementary and high school costs $1. Elementary lunches are $1.75 and high school lunches are $1.85. Milk costs 50 cents.

The reduced cost for breakfast is 30 cents and lunch is 40 cents at both schools.

North Clarion County School District employs six secretaries, eight custodians and 13 support staff.

Members of the district’s school board are Scott Daum, president; Jeffrey Barron, vice-president; Kimberly Borland, Larry Heasley, Eugene Hoover, Raymond Judy, George Karg, Nancy Keen and Joseph Vogelbacher.

The district’s website address is www.northclarion.org.