This year, some big changes are taking place at Bishop Noll.
Beginning with the new final exam schedule, Noll will be entering a transition away from traditional class formations. The goal, according to principal Mrs. McCoy-Cejka, is to “deliver an education that goes beyond state requirements but also integrates more purposefully[…] 21st century skills that will take our students further in college and career.”
Although the prospect of the new finals schedule may seem daunting to some, the administration is confident that students will be able to adapt. In effect, the new format will prepare students for high-stakes testing that occurs within standardized testing,university finals, and examinations for professional/career positions.
After the well-deserved winter break, classrooms will also experience some alterations. Instead of being scattered throughout the building, each department will become part of a “cluster”. These clusters will contain, in addition to classrooms, collective department offices where students and faculty will be able to collaborate, communicate, and work.
Some extensive changes have already taken place at Noll over the past few years; with the implementation of PRTs and the rotating schedule, students were introduced to the shifting and sometimes-stressful pulse of higher education. Through research and observation of higher learning intuitions as well as the Bishop Noll community itself, the board and administration are constantly developing innovations that will effectively propel its students to a better standard of education.
“One of the most outstanding qualities of this generation of students is their ability to adapt quickly,” says Mrs. McCoy-Cejka. “Whatever changes may come, they will make it work and reap the benefits quickly.” As these changes occur, students are encouraged to keep an open, active mind.