But this year there are fewer discipline problems at North Hill than there have been in past years, Van de Streek said. At the beginning of the year, school counselors talked with each class about the rules they think should be set for the school. The kids were each asked to sign a contract saying what kind of school they wanted. The kids seem to be taking it to heart, Van de Streek said. She also thinks today's kids learn more than they did years ago.
Education is much more hands-on and interactive.
Desks are moved around, not nailed down in rows as they were a quarter century ago. Today's kids learn it because they understand it. She said it's the kids who put a smile on her face every day. The Van de Streeks like to say the dog, inherited from their son, Tristan, is like a grandchild. Tristan and his sister, Hilary, are both away at school.