As the 2023-24 school year starts up, a few changes have arrived to Hellgate.
One of the bigger changes is entrances and exits. We have many new faces around the school. We have two new counselors: Aine Franczyk, Tri Pham. As for new teachers we have Abby Nordstrom and Stafan Olson in English. Four new math teachers, Nathan Ryan (also teaching Business), Tyler Cherry, Sarah Smith, Joshua Johnson and Jessica Hurd. Hannah Pepper is teaching Science, Natalie Hymes and Kim Woodbridge in Social Studies and lastly Ingrid Davis in World Languages. A few of our old faces have moved around the building to different positions, Britt Hanford and Michelle Beatty are now our Assistant Principals and Mr. Lind has moved to welding.
The big gate at the front of the school will no longer be used as an entrance, nor will the side doors. In addition, students are not allowed to let anyone into the school through either of those entrances. Our schedule has also been changed. On Monday, Tuesday and Friday, school starts at 8:50, and lunch is 12:25 to 1:15. Then on Wednesdays, school starts at 8:55 and lunch is 12:00 to 12:50. Lastly, on Thursdays, school starts at 9:40 and lunch is again at 12:00 to 12:50.
Other than physical changes, there are also a few policy changes. The student handbook was altered this year to include clear definitions, expectations and possible consequences for some of the additions. The Handbook now has an updated policy on recording, making it known that it will not be tolerated. Additionally, Due to the rise of Artificial intelligence, the school is going to be more attentive to AI use in school work. There is now an Academic Honesty policy that contains a portion on AI, highlighting how all work done by students has to be their own. Hellgate Principal, Judson Miller, shares his reasoning for the addition, “There are many viable uses for cell phones,” said Miller. “It’s more about teaching our student body about responsible use.”
From AI use to new schedules, the changes that have arrived at Hellgate this year are all pretty minor, but they can be confusing if you’ve been around for a while.
