Archive for month: October, 2019

Come election day, students grouse about the lack of work their class officers complete,and when asked most comments are negative. However, students who do not attend the meetings do not know the inner-workings or behind the scene information. Many are unaware of how much time and work go into any event or fundraiser. 

The process begins with an idea, which is brought to the table at a meeting with advisors and as many officers as possible. This, however, is difficult to arrange. Working with twenty different people, with ages and obligations varying so much, is not a simple task. 

Once the meeting is held after many emails and texts have been exchanged, the idea is then put to paper on an activity sheet. The sheet asks for information regarding chaperones, dates, times, overviews of activities, and approval from Officer Potter and administration.Once filled out completely, the activity sheet is brought to Ms. Wheet, who is given the task of reviewing and approving/disapproving the activity.

The sheet is quickly out of her hands, however, because she will need to run the idea by any faculty members it may involve, “For instance, if any athletic fields or either of the two gyms would be used, Mr. Skidds needs to check his sports schedules and sign off that those facilities are free.  Then, Mr. Evans will receive the sheet next, so he knows which buildings or classrooms will either need a custodian present, or will have to be cleaned after the event is complete,” Wheet says. After this, the sheet is taken to Headmaster Smith, where they sit down and discuss any issues that could arise from the event. If all plans seem smooth and without potential problems,  Headmaster will give the final stamp of approval.

Because of the lengthy process, the activity sheets need to be turned in at least two weeks before the date of the event, or Ms. Wheet may not be able to return the sheet in time. “It can be a week or so before everyone gets around to replying to me, so that is why it’s no fun to get last-minute, urgent activity sheets. I prefer those who plan ahead!” Wheet says regarding receiving activity sheets. This means the student government has to begin early when planning events for the beginning of the school year, keeping in touch and holding planning meetings during the summer to come up with ideas and begin the process before entering the school. 

Not every sheet is approved, and when a group of officers is faced with a sheet that is lacking the stamp of approval, they are forced to scrap the idea quickly and begin brainstorming an alternative. The process is then repeated until a viable idea is made.

After the activity is approved, that is when the planning begins. Kathleen the vice president of the senior class has been apart of student government for two years. She explains that, “So much work goes into an event and most students are unaware. Communication about said events are shared, but forms of communication could be improved.”A survey was presented to the student body and 66.7% of the people who filled it out were unaware that they were able to attend the meetings. More communication about the meetings could potentially bring student body members, where they could then share ideas or thoughts. 

In all, much of the student body is unaware of the amount of effort and planning that goes into successfully executing a class event. If the students are interested in learning more about the process and what goes into it, they are encouraged to attend student government meetings. They should seek out their class officers to find out specifics on meeting times. 

Coe-Brown Northwood Academy students may soon have  not just one coffee shop, but two on their route to school. 

Four months ago Mike Sullivan proposed the idea of the coffee franchise, Aroma Joe’s, being built on his property along Route Four. Sullivan and his wife Christine have been living along Route Four for two years. His dedication to the project is seen through the traffic studies and many proposals he has created for the town of Northwood’s planning board. 

Students and members of the Northwood community would be affected in many ways if this new coffee franchise was added. Many think the Aroma Joes will cause even more traffic congestion resulting in accidents on Route Four. There have been four fatal car accidents on Route Four since 2016, and many members of Northwood are questioning whether or not this business will actually benefit the town. In a letter addressed to the Northwood planning board, Marcia Severance of Northwood said, “It would seem that putting an Aroma Joe;s would certainly not be in keeping with the historical and rural character of this property,” her statement is similar to many other residents of Northwood who believe the Aroma Joe’s would not suit the town. 

Melanie Hamilton of  Northwood said “Northwood residents like to view the town as unique, as having a special character, with small businesses such as the antique dealers, Susty’s, Cooper Hill, and Umami lining Route Four.” The risk of losing the small business-feel of Northwood is a fear many have.

    Others such as Martine Canfield, a resident of Northwood, have suggested that extreme changes to Route Four need to be made such as, “…. a traffic signal needs to be in place at the intersection with Bow Lake Road first, before the coffee shop opens for business.” A common fear of those who do not agree with the coffee shop being built is the traffic congestion that would worsen. 

While there are residents of Northwood who oppose the idea of the Aroma Joes, the new coffee shop would be a dream for most students to have such as Kate Hocevar, a junior at Coe Brown, who says, “Having a new place to go get coffee in the morning and a new selection for students to get different drinks will make my mornings better.” 

There is a Dunkin’ Donuts attached to the Mobil gas station that has been very successful in employing Coe-Brown students, as well as giving students and members of the community a quick and easy food or beverage option. Sullivan thinks the Aroma Joes will do the same and is “pro business.”

The town is divided over the proposal of the new Aroma Joes as the Northwood planning board works through the adjustments and reasoning that are involved with this possible new addition to Northwood’s unique community. 

– Jesse Davis