Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/22108
George Melendez. The made-over Needles High School aired in the Nov. 12 episode and showed off new landscaping, a fresh coat of paint on the outside of every building, new carpeting in every classroom, and an outdoor mural of mustangs, the school’s mascot. Microsoft contributed money for 40 computers to go in the school’s new traveling computer lab. A student lounge was created with a big screen TV and study areas, providing a col- lege-style atmosphere. The Regional Occu- pational Program (ROP) buildings were completely redone and now house a wood shop, a metal shop and an auto shop with state-of-the-art equipment, including a new Chevy Camaro with diagnostic equipment for students to use. Even the “snack shack” got a facelift. The school’s poor outward appearance detracted from many of the positive things happening inside the campus, say NTA members. As a Quality Education Investment Act (QEIA) school, Needles High School receives extra funding from the CTA-sponsored legislation, which has enabled it to reduce class sizes, in- crease professional development for teachers, and use data and benchmarks to improve academic achievement. ABOVE: The enthusiasm was infectious as different generations helped make over Needles High School. English teacher Tracy Hanline says, “What we did here was make the outside of the school match the inside of the school and the way we feel about our school.” WWW Watch CTA members lend a hand as Needles High School gets a makeover at nbc.com/school- pride/video. DECEMBER 2010 • JANUARY 2011 | www.cta.org 17 Photo by Marlene Karas/NBC