August 26 marked the first day of attendance for the 2013-2014 school year. Unlike previous years, all students at the Winnetka Campus had to attend all of their classes. This was just one of the many changes students found as the school year swung into motion.

For the new first day schedule, it turned out that New Trier had to meet the minimum number of days, or more specifically, minutes, of student attendance. While freshmen and sophomores were going to attend all their classes anyway, upperclassmen were disappointed with this change.

Senior Matt Lecinski found it unfair as “previous upperclassmen did not have to stay the whole day.” He later added that sophomores should have the day to themselves to get a hang of the school.

In addition to a new first day, a majority of students are now participating in the Mobile Learning Initiative, or more commonly called, the iPad Program. Approximately 2400 students have an iPad for one or more classes this year. Their reception has been hit or miss with some students finding it distracting during class and other praising its collaborative potential.

Senior Tariq Khan used an iPad last year for debate. “It was really helpful to have all the information at your fingertips,” said Khan.

A more subtle difference this year deals with the teacher’s association and school board. According to the Chicago Tribune, teachers at New Trier started the school year without a contract with the school board. Negotiations have been ongoing for multiple months and in July, a mediator was brought in to help move along discussion.

Both the School Board and the Teacher’s association have kept quiet about current negotiations. Despite both sides keeping mum, teachers have come together to bring awareness to the negotiations by wearing association buttons and t-shirts.

Another change brings a new face to the second floor. The new principal, Denise Hibbard, started her first day on July 1. While that may have been her first day with a new title, the day she was looking forward to most was August 26.

“The first day of school was a fresh start,” said Hibbard. “It’s wonderful to see everyone come together.” 

It was a sad farewell for the student body when Dr. Tim Dohrer left New Trier, but Hibbard has already begun interacting with the student body and already attending extracurricular events from football to field hockey. Additionally, Hibbard will also act as a liaison for the student body to the administration through Student Alliance.

As for greeting the staff, Hibbard said, “All the faculty is highly qualified and have been very welcoming.” Hibbard looks forward to learning and living New Trier’s tradition through the staff and student body.