Title I representation at the parent meetings included the Schoolwide Parent Leaders, Parent Center Coordinator, Building Coordinator, and Schoolwide Program Coordinator. Each meeting included reports to update parents about Title I activities and opportunities for parents to share ideas for future North Division planning. In addition, during the second semester of 1995-96, more parents attended the Monday schoolwide meetings, even taking off from work to do so. A steering committee and many design teams met regularly to develop and plan the implementation of the unique program for the New North Division. The block schedule was implemented in the 1996-97 school year.
Students are able to finish three courses each trimester.
The daily activity period is unique. It is a time during which students can meet with teachers, mentors, and other students with similar interests or needs. The trimester plan gives students a fresh start three times a year rather than once each year as was the case with the traditional schedule. The result is that students have more opportunities to take electives and advanced courses and to accelerate their learning by making up missed courses immediately rather than waiting until the next school year. Energy and resources at North are directed to activities that support student achievement, attendance, student behavior and discipline, and provide staff with the tools necessary to implement these activities.