Newport High School (Bellevue, Washington)

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Newport Senior High School
Location
Bellevue, Washington, USA
Information
School district Bellevue School District
Principal Bethany Spinler
Students approx. 1600[1]
Faculty approx. 70[2]
Type Public secondary school
Mascot Knight
Color(s) Scarlet and gold
Homepage

Newport High School (NHS) is a public secondary school in Bellevue, WA. It serves students in grades 9-12 in the southern part of the Bellevue School District, including the neighborhoods of Factoria, Newport Shores, Newport Hills, Somerset, Eastgate, and Sunset. The principal is Bethany Spinler (acting), and the assistant principals include James Peterson. The mascot is the Knight, and the school colors are scarlet and gold[1].

Contents

[edit] Demographics

In 20062007 school year, the total student population was 1570. 55% were white, 35% were Asian, 3% were Hispanic, 1% were African American, and 6% were multi-ethnic. 24% of students speak a first language other than English, and 9% qualify for free or reduced lunches[1].

[edit] Building

In the summer of 2005, construction began on a major renovation of the entire school campus in order to accommodate the growing student population[citation needed]. The renovation included a new academic building, performing arts center, library, offices, and student commons. Components of the old complex that were retained for renovation included gymnasiums, and locker rooms. As of February 26, 2007, all classes have been moved into a new building. The old academic building has since been demolished, and has been replaced with new softball fields. The new academic hall has three floors, with two elevators for disabled/handicapped students[citation needed].

[edit] Achievements

Due to its extensive Advanced Placement course offering, Newport High School has consistently been ranked in the Top 50 List of Best High Schools by Newsweek Magazine as measured by the number of AP tests taken divided by the number of seniors in the school, ranking 37th as of 2006[3]. Newport was also selected as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 2003 by the U.S. Department of Education[4]. In 2005 Newport High School's World History program was recognized as exemplary in the College Board's Report To The Nation based on its top-ranking pass rate on the national AP World History exam.[5]

[edit] Technology

During the 2004-2005 school year, the Bellevue School District made a push to buy "Smartboards" for all classrooms, which are conveniently accompanied by high-tech Dell projectors which are mounted into the ceiling.[citation needed]. NHS has a library with around 25-35 computers in it explicitly for school-related use.[citation needed]. Some of the technology related courses include the NHS Cisco academy, including CCNP classes, and Advanced Placement Computer Science[1]. Additionally all rooms are fitted with Dolby 5.1 surround sound, DVD, and video cassette players[citation needed].

[edit] Students

Newport High School hosts a variety of clubs, including language/culture clubs in Spanish, French, and Chinese, as well as a branch of the National Honor Society, Gay-Straight Alliance, Debate, Junior Statesmen of America, DECA (Organization), Key Club, a community-service organization called ACE, a snowboarding club called Snow Riders, a sports debating club called Sports Debate Club,a Jewish club, break dancing club, and anime club.

Multiple classes are designed to teach students to perform at their personal best, including ASPEN, AVID, leadership and link-crew. Link-crew is a semester-long class for Juniors and Seniors, where everyone is assigned a group of freshmen, and these students help the freshmen adjust to high school life. Leadership is either semester- or year-long, and in this class students (Sophomore standing or above) learn various leadership techniques which they put to use in projects such as Adopt-a-Family, which raises money for local needy families during the holiday season. ASPEN is Newport's advanced health class, in which students learn extensively about HIV/AIDS, and then teach other students about STDs, HIV/AIDS, and safe sex practices. This year they raised over $54,000 for Lifelong AIDS Alliance, making them the second biggest contributors only behind Microsoft. AVID (advancement via individual determination) is designed for students who are taking courses the students feel are challenging. This class teaches study skills, and students practice college entrance examinations and essays. Newport students take part in many 'Spirit' activities, especially during Homecoming Week. The Knights pride themselves on wearing as much Scarlet and Gold clothing as possible during Red & Gold days, and usually on Friday's, or the end of a school week, if there is no school on Friday.


[edit] Music

The Newport jazz program is successful, following a trip to New York City by the Newport Jazz Ensemble I. The trip was due in part to the band's acceptance into the prestigious Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival and Competition[6]. in 2006. The band also places consistently at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival[citation needed].

The Newport Orchestra program has also had a great deal of success, consistently placing at the Northwest Orchestra Festival in Gresham, OR[7]. The program features a select chamber orchestra for top orchestral instrumentalists.

[edit] History

Newport High School was built in the 1963 and opened in the fall of 1964 to accommodate Bellevue's growing population[citation needed]. Prior to construction, students in the Eastgate, Somerset and Newport Hills neighborhoods went to Sammamish High School and Bellevue High School. The first graduating class was of 1966.[citation needed]

[edit] Notable Alumni

[edit] References

[edit] External links