October 9, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 11 Principal considers Waldwick High at 50 Kevin Carroll, principal of Waldwick High School, recently spent some time con- sidering the state of his school, which is cel- ebrating its Golden Anniversary this year. Carroll’s first observation is that Waldwick High is a community school and the community is always involved. He said the school benefits from great spirit, and added that many people who have graduated from Waldwick High have had such positive experiences in Waldwick that they make an effort to return to the borough when it’s time to raise their own families. The student body now totals 460 teens in grades nine through 12. Carroll, who joined the district about a decade ago, says Waldwick has kept up with the times in terms of educational opportu- nities, including technology, while continu- ing to further educational standards. The district makes use of social media, including Twitter and Facebook, and now has its own YouTube channel to spread the district’s positive messages. “We have our own branding,” Carroll said. The educator added that Waldwick High has been moving up according to New Jersey Monthly, a magazine that rates local school districts. In 2008, the district was number 93 in the state, and moved up to number 68 in 2010, and to 54 in 2012. The district has also been recognized for the scores its Advanced Placement program students receive. Carroll expressed his gratitude for the community’s overall support for the board of education, the district’s leadership, and the teaching staff. Calling the district’s educators “amaz- ing,” Carroll added that there are now 60 staff members that serve the high school and middle school, both of which are housed within the high school facility on Wyckoff Avenue. “We have a strong, dedicated, commit- ted staff; that has been consistently positive over the years,” he said. “I am proud of our ranking – our students are accepted into top notch colleges - and of the commitment of the students, parents, and community and am grateful for their involvement and sup- port.” During Carroll’s decade at Waldwick High School, the facility’s boilers have been replaced and there were upgrades to the media center for grades six through eight and to the Little Theater. “We are utilizing our space differently,” the principal said. “The auto shop has been converted into a computer area and a draft- ing lab. The classrooms all have overhead projectors and SmartBoards, and WiFi is provided for students and staff members who bring their own devices into the build- ing.” Carroll added that the artificial turf field at the high school has been a large attraction for the students and for the community. He said the district has had its share of successful sports teams over the years. “We’re not focused on sports, but they add a positive aspect,” he noted, adding that the district has had girls’ and boys’ teams play in sectional and state tournaments. Over the years, the school has added new sports programs including golf and lacrosse for girls and boys. The school had experienced a decline in enrollment in recent years, but is now on the rise, Carroll added.