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The Northgate School District would like to confirm with families and staff that we anticipate a traditional school day with normal operations on Monday, April 8, 2024.

Our instructional staff will be facilitating various lessons and activities regarding the anticipated solar eclipse from now through April 8 to ensure students have an understanding of the significance of this very rare event.  We are encouraging staff and families to use trusted sources when planning lessons and/or facilitating family conversations about the solar eclipse, such as but not limited to: 

As a district, we will support without penalty each family's decision regarding their child's full-day attendance on April 8. Should a family choose to keep home a child and/or request an early dismissal, we ask that you follow all established procedures. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.

A.W. Beattie Career Center

AM Session – The A.W. Beattie Career Center will operate a normal schedule during the morning session on April 8.

Michael Wagstaff

The Northgate School District has selected Michael Wagstaff to serve as interim Middle School Principal for the remainder of the school year.

The district’s Board of School Directors approved the position during its meeting Monday night. Mr. Wagstaff will be replacing R.J. Long, who has served as middle school principal since 2021.

Mr. Wagstaff said he was thankful for the opportunity and credited his faith for leading him to a career in education. He added he was excited to take on the new role with the school district.

“I want to thank Dr. Caroline Johns, Dr. Nancy Hines, Dr. Jeff Evancho, and the remainder of the administrative team for providing me with this tremendous opportunity to serve as the interim principal at Northgate Middle School,” Mr. Wagstaff said. “I am also grateful to work with Dr. Nicole Smith and her vast amount of knowledge and experience leading at the high school level.”

Mr. Wagstaff has been working with the Northgate School District for the past four years. He previously served as an intern principal at Bellevue Elementary. More recently, he has been working as an intern principal at Avalon Elementary for the past two school years under the guidance of Dr. Joseph Peacock.

“During my time at Northgate, I have been provided numerous opportunities to learn the dynamics of becoming a school administrator,” Mr. Wagstaff said. “I’m now looking forward to working with the middle school students and staff. This is a unique opportunity and I hope to continue enhancing my skillsets and experience as a school leader.”

Mr. Wagstaff will be job shadowing Mr. Long until his anticipated final day on April 19. At that time, Mr. Wagstaff will take over the full responsibilities of the position until June 10.

Mr. Long said it was a privilege to serve at Northgate as both the middle school principal and federal programs director, and he thanked the entire community for its support.

“I appreciate the opportunity to have served the middle school students, teachers, and families of our district,” Mr. Long said. “The support, trust, and kindness that the Northgate students, teachers, families, board members, and administration have given me over the past three years have been simply amazing. I am a better person and a better leader for having worked at Northgate and I hope that my time in the district has made a positive impact on our students, teachers, and middle school culture. My experiences here in Bellevue and Avalon will be carried in my heart and my head as I move forward in the next chapter of my life.”

Students and an adivsory pose with a trophy

Bellevue Elementary School's 4th grade team won 1st place in its division in the balsa wood structure problem at the Western PA Odyssey of the Mind Regional Tournament. They are now heading to PA State Finals alongside the Avalon Elementary School 6th grade Division II balsa wood structure team and the 7th & 8th grade Northgate Middle School team, which solved the vehicle problem.

Photo of Dr Smith and MVP logo

Congratulations to Dr. Nicole Smith, principal of Northgate High School, for being selected as one of the 2024 Pittsburgh Penguins Most Valuable Principals!

Presented by the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, the Allegheny Intermediate Unit and the Grable Foundation, the Most Valuable Principal (MVP) program honors 15 principals in Allegheny County who demonstrate an innovative approach to learning, a continuous drive for excellence, and a passion for creating successful systems for their students to thrive and grow.

Dr. Smith will be recognized at the March 17 Penguins game, where she will receive a customized Penguins jersey and a $1,000 donation to the high school.

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