Twenty-five students in the Northwest Catholic High School freshman class are from West Hartford.

Submitted by Director of Communications Kimberly Sanders Spira

Northwest Catholic welcomed the members of the Class of 2018 on Sept. 2, 2014. The students in the freshman class come from 27 towns across Connecticut, with the most coming from West Hartford (25), Hartford (17) and Bloomfield (11). One international student is part of the class, as well. Members of the Class of 2018 were helped on their first day by 100 Freshman Contacts, members of the Class of 2015 who volunteered their time to lead orientation activities for the freshmen and help them find their way around the school.

The members of the Freshman Contact program, who helped the Class of 2018 adjust to high school. Submitted photo.

Nearly two dozen students transferred in to grades 10, 11 and 12, including eight international students. Northwest Catholic now has a total of 19 international students, coming from China, India, Germany and Spain.

iPads have been purchased for all teachers, as part of ongoing efforts to increase the use of technology in the classroom. The iPad program will allow teachers to take advantage of the school’s wireless network and enable them to incorporate a variety of apps, websites and other multimedia sources into lessons. It will also benefit teachers who work in multiple classrooms, allowing them to use one device rather than logging into a different computer for each class. The iPad program is expected to be expanded to students for the 2015-2016 school year.

This summer, the school converted its heating system from oil to natural gas, removing two large boilers and a massive oil tank from the back of the school. The school also finished replacing the exterior windows with new, more energy efficient windows. Both projects are expected to save the school on long-term energy costs.

A section of hallways was renovated to become the Rev. Henry C. Frascadore Hall of Achievement, in honor of the former school president. The new area features flat screen televisions that will be used to highlight NWC achievement in academics, athletics and the performing arts, as well as the achievement of NWC alumni. There will also be a display in tribute to South Catholic High School.

Air conditioning has been installed in the Richard Rice Auditorium and new lighting bollards were installed in the front parking lot to improve visibility. The bollards are a gift from the parents of the Class of 2014.

Several new faculty members have joined the Northwest Catholic community this year. Keith Blum is the new Assistant to the Athletic Director. Dr. Margaret Colvin is a new French teacher and William Lorusso will be teaching both English and Civics. Linda Crawford and Mark Tripputi joins the school as Mathematics teachers, while Chanisa Bottali joins Northwest Catholic as a Mathematics and Science teacher. Michael Catanese joins the Science Department as a part-time teacher.

In addition, several NWC faculty and staff members have taken on added responsibilities. Mrs. Beth Oates and Mrs. Jennifer Montoney will serving as joint Deans of Students for the 2014-2015 school year. Mrs. Oates will serve as the 9^th and 10^th grade Dean, and Mrs. Montoney will serve as the 11^th and 12^th grade Dean. They will oversee all the activities, discipline, and communication with these grades.

Since 1961, Northwest Catholic’s mission has been to educate the whole person: mind, body, spirit, and soul. Enrollment for the Class of ’19 is now under way, and prospective students are invited to the Open House at Northwest Catholic on November 9, 2014. For more information, contact Andrew Selig (860-236-4221, x140 or [email protected]).