Dear NHS students and families,

It is with great excitement that I welcome you to a new school year at Northampton High School. I am honored to serve as your principal and look forward to partnering with our students, families, staff, and community as we continue our commitment to excellence.  For many of you, this is not our first time working together. Over the past several years, I have had the privilege of serving as Principal of Northampton Middle School, where I had the opportunity to work with three of our current grade levels. Those experiences allowed me to build relationships with many of our students and families, and I am excited to continue that journey as you enter this next chapter of your educational career. Joining me in this role as Assistant Principals are Ms. Courtney Kreft and Mr. Vernon Woodard. Their genuine care for students and commitment to our school make them wonderful additions to the NHS community.

As we begin the year, I ask for your patience and flexibility as construction continues on campus. In September, we anticipate there will be changes to how we move throughout the building as renovation projects progress. While these adjustments may create temporary inconveniences, they are investments in the future of our schools, and we will do everything possible to ensure a safe and smooth transition.

Since Northampton High School and Northampton Middle School share one campus, one of our goals this year is to ensure that we both operate with the same expectations regarding Northampton County Public Schools policies. Whether it involves cell phone expectations, dress code, student behavior, or other school procedures, we want students and families to experience consistency across our shared campus. Clear expectations help create a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment for everyone.

To the many students who had me as Principal at Northampton Middle School, you already know I believe in high expectations. Those expectations for academics, behavior, and personal responsibility will continue here. The difference is that you are now young adults. With greater independence comes greater responsibility, and you will be expected to own your choices and the outcomes that follow. Your high school experience will ultimately be what you make it.

My commitment to every student is simple: when you walk across the graduation stage, I want you to be prepared for one of three paths—Employment, Enrollment, or Enlistment. Wherever your future leads, our responsibility is to ensure that you leave Northampton High School prepared to succeed. Everything we do should move you one step closer to that goal.

To the parents and families who supported me during my time at Northampton Middle School, thank you. Your partnership has meant a great deal, and I appreciate the trust you placed in me. To those who may not always agree with my decisions or leadership style, I want you to know that I genuinely look forward to working together. While we may not always agree, I believe we all share the same goal — to provide the very best educational experience possible for our students. I welcome open communication, mutual respect, and collaboration as we continue our journey together.

Finally, I want you to know that Northampton County is more than just the place where I work—it is home. Since arriving here as a teacher in 2012, this community has invested in me, supported my family, and allowed me to grow as an educator and leader. Because of that, I am fully invested in the success of every student who walks through our doors.

I am excited about what lies ahead for Yellow Jacket Nation. Together—with our students, families, staff, and community—we will build upon our traditions, embrace new opportunities, and continue moving Northampton High School forward.

Thank you for your trust and support. I look forward to an outstanding school year and all that we will accomplish together.

Let’s Go Jackets!

Mr. Justin Wheeler
Principal
Northampton High School

OUR VISION

Educating All Students For Lifelong Success

OUR MISSION

Northampton County Public Schools Inspiring Learners for Life through achievement and success! Every Child, Every Day.

STUDENT PLEDGE

We are strong. We are bold. We are the mighty blue and gold. Today we will soar to success in our home hive because, as Northampton students, we have Yellow Jacket Pride.

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General Information:

Each special education case manager is responsible for transition planning and coordination

Parents, if you have any questions about your student's special education transition planning and coordination please see your student's case manager:

Shavonne Ruffin: sruffin@ncpsk12.com

Lisa Canton: lcanton@ncpsk12.com

Carmelita Jurado: cjurado@ncpsk12.com

Marina Bell: mbell@ncpsk12.com