Northtown is getting a makeover. We will be getting a total of six TVs, new lights in Gym II, and a new outdoor school sign.

“There will be two 42-inch LED TVs that will be placed near the auditorium. One will show the history of Northtown dating back to its opening to now. Pictures of what Northtown was like – the students, and what they dressed like – to what it is today. The other TVs will be showing announcements during the day, and highlights of events at night,” Assistant Principal Bart Bates said.

“The four other TVs: one inside and one outside of the Student Service Center, one next to the Field House gym, and one in Norclay, will also be showing announcements during the day, and highlights of events during the night,” Bates said.

These TVs may seem awesome, but why are we getting them in the first place?

“The reason that we have the TVs is to celebrate Northtown’s history and inform students of important stuff coming up,” Bates said.

Northtown students have a wide range of opinions about the new TVs.

“I have not seen them, but it’s better than cafe TVs,” senior Jeremy Bain said.

“It’s good that we are finally getting new technology around our school,” freshman Randy Rice said.

Junior Kristin Regan disagreed.

“The school needs to use the money on better stuff. Why don’t they use the money on something useful? I can watch TV at home,” she said.

“We need more tubas and trombones; we don’t need flat screen TVs,” an anonymous junior said.

Mixed feelings from students about our new additions. Exactly how is Northtown able to get the TVs?

“Two of the six TVs – the two near the auditorium – were paid for by the selling of the bricks which former assistant Principal Bob Hiatt organized,” Bates said. “The other four were paid by a Title 1 fund.”

Why did we get a new school sign and new lighting in Gym II?

“The school sign is a communication between the school, community, and parents. It will show more events on what’s happening and celebrations,” Assistant Principal and Activities Director Dr. Chad Evans said.

“We have a lot of activities in Gym II, and the lights had the help of sunlight. Now that the gym is enclosed, we need new lighting,” Evans added.

A combination of school district money and donations funded the gym and sign updates.

“The school district is providing the money for the lighting in Gym II, and the school sign was funded by the alumni association, and it was a gift from the class of 2011,” Evans said.

Northtown may be old, but it is keeping pace with technology.