Press Releases

October 9, 2007
A Very Busy Start of School Year for New Tech Foundation!

21st Century schools have begun impacting the lives of students all across the country as this year began with the addition of 11 new New Tech High Schools . This brings the NTHS Network total to 35. And, it all began right here in Napa, CA , with Napa New Tech High.

This year's new crop of start-up New Techs range from a small charter school in Oregon to the Algiers Technology Academy in New Orleans . Algiers Technology Academy replaces in part the New Orleans New Tech High that was blown away by Katrina and was located in the Algiers community, serving many 9th ward students.

Tech Valley High School in Troy , New York is a new 9-12 educational program open to students in the 48 component school districts of Questar III and Capital Region BOCES. It is a joint venture of Questar III and Capital Region BOCES. This year the school began with 9th grade only.

STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) focus has been implemented in three North Carolina New Techs including Anson, Warrenton and Durham, bringing the North Carolina Network of NTHS to a total of 9 New Techs.

Probably the most exciting development this year is the launching of the New Tech High Indiana Network. This is a unique partnership of community, higher education and business organizations that have come together to support Indiana's current and potential New Tech High Schools including New Tech School of IDEAS in Decatur, New Tech High Academy @ Arsenal Tech in Indianapolis,and a complete high school conversion to a New Tech in the small, rural community of Rochester. All 3 opened this Fall and and will become full 4 year small schools over the next 2 years, serving up to 400 students each.

Math Engineering Technology Science Academy (METSA) in Carrollton Farmers Branch outside of Dallas and Manor New Tech High opening in Manor, join Akins New Tech to form a cluster of 3 schools in Texas.

Back at the place where it all started, Napa New Tech had its Back to School Night which brought with it a great start to the annual fund campaign. Although the official appeal will not begin until mid-October, staff members got an early start by showing their support in front of parents and students alike. Each and every staff member of
Napa 's New Technology High School 's staff handed over their Annual Fund contribution to MonicaTipton as they were introduced to parents and students. Their 100% participation shows their dedication and strong belief in their students and the mission. Contributions to the Annual Fund are an essential source of program income that supports the schools' unique learning program. Funds are used for the purchase of computers and the unique staff development known only to schools in the NTF network of schools. Their tremendous support provides a strong foundation to the 2007-2008 campaign and is deeply appreciated.

As part of the on-going support New Technology Foundation provides to the national NTHS Network, the second annual National Directors Dialogue conference was held at the Napa Valley School District offices (September 20-21). The National Directors' Dialogue conference supports professional development for the principals of the growing network of New Tech schools. Directors/Principals representing 17 schools and 6 states attended. This year workshops led by NTF coaches were added to the conference agenda. Directors come to learn from each other, to share best practice and, through a meeting protocol called Open Space, are able to establish the agenda based on what they 'need to know' about the NTHS model. ' It is professional development at its finest', said Susan Schilling.

As the School Year continues, additional professional development is provided for all NTHS Network teachers and principals to assure they make a successful transition to a 21 st century School .

# # #

New Technology Foundation, www.newtechfoundation.org, is a school development organization that supports the start-up and implementation of 21st century high schools based on the Napa New Technology High School Model.  The National Network of New Technology High School currently comprises (2007) 35 schools across the country, including 9 in North Carolina, 3 in Indiana, 3 in Texas, 4 in Los Angeles, 7 in Northern California, 3 in Greater New Orleans, 3 in Oregon, and 1 each in Colorado, Illinois, and New York State. For more information, visit the website, or phone (707) 253-6951.

Contact:
Susan Schilling, CEO | (707) 253-4287