Valedictory From Northgate Leader

A valedictory from Northgate Parent Faculty Club President Monica D. Fitzgerald came in an "e-blast" from Northgate High this week.

In it, she commended the collaboration of the school's stakeholders. "The pool that was a distant dream, the much needed additional classrooms — none of this would be on the horizon it wasn't for the courageous vision of everyone involved," Fitzgerald wrote.

After four years as president, Fitzgerald steps aside for Mary Phalon.

The email blast:

Dear Northgate Community,
 
When I was asked in 2008 if I would become president of the PFC, I had much trepidation. It was not a particularly good time at our school, and morale was low for students, faculty, parents, and staff. I also could not cook like Thea Sorcher, and was certainly worried about filling her shoes. Thea is very persuasive, and I agreed to serve because we had this new incoming principal, some guy from Utah named John McMorris.
 
As we approach the end of this school year, and my 4th and last term as president, our school has been transformed. Under Mr. McMorris's leadership, he has been able to build back that strong sense of Bronco pride. Mr. McMorris has an incredible long-term vision, which has lead to the creation of a Strategic Plan to help guide our school. However, what has really impacted the change at Northgate are the teachers, staff, parents and students who took a leap of faith four years ago, and saw in our new leadership the potential to reclaim our school. We became a campus that said "YES" to the possibilities.
 
It has been inspiring to see our teachers collaborating in Focus on Learning, common subject teams, creating new academies, and collaborating across disciplines. Many teachers served on additional committees because they saw the opportunity to create positive change - to address the needs of each child in the classroom. After the first year, one teacher told me, "I am reinvigorated by the possibilities this school has now." During these incredibly stressful financial times when the State of California continues to cut education and devalue teachers, our staff and teachers at Northgate have given even more of their time. In gratitude to them, as parents we can not only support their efforts in the classroom, but fight for education at the ballot.
 
Parents also saw the opportunity for a more inclusive campus that actually valued their time, energy, and creativity.  Each and every day, I am amazed at the sheer dedication our parents have to our school. In the past four years, parents have created Clean up Days, Spring for Education, and helped with the Strategic Plan. Parents rallied to save Athletics, completed an AMAZING sports complex, organized to help pass Measure C, and tirelessly volunteered at countless events and activities.
 
Used to hearing "no, you can't do that," prior to our new administration, students were invigorated by the idea that the school would listen to them and embrace their ideas. Our students have been integral voices for change - and a perfect example is Ms. Georgia Barnes, who created a lasting impact with her senior project to get new girls' lockers. Empowering students to use their creativity not only impacts Northgate, but gives them the confidence and tools to make a difference in the world, long after their Bronco years.
 
 
What has made us most successful however, is the ability of all of these stakeholders to work together. Almost every success we have had and Northgate have been collaborative efforts between administration, teacher, staff, students, and parents. The list of achievements is long, but a perfect example is the recent board approval to sell Measure C bonds to put money into the high schools as soon as possible. Here, our stakeholders worked with Superintendent Steve Lawrence and other parents across the district. Our Superintendent deserves our thanks and appreciation for being an advocate for the schools. The pool that was a distant dream, the much needed additional classrooms - none of this would be on the horizon if this wasn't for the courageous vision of everyone involved.
 
Being a part of this community fills me up and gives me hope that we can create change in this world. It has been a privilege to work with Mr. McMorris and his fabulous administrative team, Ms. Hayes, Mr. Campopiano, and Ms. Farhadi. They all go above and beyond to give our students the support they need.
 
I have the honor of introducing to you (a woman who really needs no introduction) next year's PFC President, Mary Phalon. As many of you know, Mary has been a tireless advocate for our schools for many years. Under her leadership, and with the amazing energy of our entire Bronco community, I know Northgate will continue its momentum to be the best.
 
Thank you for all the work you have done for Northgate. As summer approaches, I hope you all enjoy the break and rest. We will see you in August, when we all need to roll up our sleeves and get back to work. Only by all working together can we make a difference.
 
"Caring can be learned by all human beings, can be worked into the design of every life, meeting an individual need as well as a pervasive need in society." - Mary Catherine Bateson
 
All the best,
Monica D. Fitzgerald
PFC President, 2008-2012