Important News – School Name Change Info

Dear Wolf Pack Family,

 

It is with deep frustration and sadness that I find myself sharing some unfortunate news

with you. I recently learned that a California-based network of charter schools called “High

Tech High” has alleged that our school name is infringing its trademark portfolio, and

demanded that we cease and desist all use of “High Tech” in our school name. Sadly, due to

the California charter network’s federal trademark rights and use of “High Tech” in

association with its schools and education services and materials since 1999, this is not

something we are able to fight. We will therefore need to rename our school before the end

of the school year. This is impacting High Tech Elementary in Stapleton as well.

 

For the last several years, we have brought this school to life and turned this campus into a

family. I am disappointed that we are now being forced to change our school name after we

chose “High Tech Early College” with such intentionality from the very beginning. We were

the first Early College in the Far Northeast area, and one of the only tech-focused schools in

the city – our name is part of our identity and our story.

 

However, it is in moments of adversity and challenge that we find the greatest

opportunities. Our Wolfpack will persevere, as we always do, and perseverance is one of our

P.A.C.K. values! The silver lining is that our school is already going through some very

exciting changes. Our campus is currently undergoing a $13 million renovation project that

will bring our very own athletic field, as well as state-of-the-art improvements to hallways

and classrooms. We are also unveiling a brand-new pathway next school year, called

Environmental Sustainability and Green Energy Careers. Furthermore, additional electives,

including art, band and music launch next Fall. If ever there were a good time to reinvent

ourselves, it is now!

 

The renaming process starts with community input. We will be holding focus groups with

students, parents, staff, and other community members. We want to know your opinion on

what makes our school special and unique, and give you an opportunity to share ideas for

our new school name. Focus groups will take place on March 12 from 10:30 a.m.-1:25 p.m.

and 3:30-6:30 p.m. as well as March 14 from 10:30 a.m.-1:25 p.m. If you’d like to

participate, please let me know, by calling the main office. Our new school name will be

announced in mid-April. We’ll then take the next few months to update all of our signage

and marketing materials, with a goal of having everything ready by the time building

renovations are complete, and before the new school year begins.

 

I truly believe that we will come out of this situation even stronger and more united than

before. Thank you for your continued support! Hoooowwwwl!

 

Sincerely,

Stacy D. Parrish

Principal