By HOLLY GASKILL
Northern Wells has a new look for back-to-school.
Approved by the school board in May, the four schools in Northern Wells have come together under a new district name, Norwell Community Schools, and colors, navy and gold. In preparation for the first day of school Aug. 9, the schools began rolling out these new elements over the last several weeks.
The aesthetic changes most affect Ossian and Lancaster Central elementary schools, where new building signs now include the district name, colors, and the ‘N’ logo. A Norwell crest has also been added outside each building.
Both elementary schools have retained their respective mascot — Ossian bears and Lancaster bobcats — but both have adopted the new color scheme. Additionally, the revised bobcat logo looks forward instead of facing the right.
The district has also leaned into a new slogan: “Ready for what’s next.” The slogan, Superintendent Mike Springer said, expresses the district’s commitment to improving itself. It has been adopted on many of the district’s logos, signs and promotional material.
“We want to be a school organization that embraces change and develops students who embrace change,” Springer said.
In addition to the signs, the district has updated the schools’ websites to reflect their new colors and logos. Springer noted that they will continue to use the acronym “NWCS,” which is in the website domain.
“Honestly, it is a good reminder that Norwell means Northern Wells,” Springer said. “It is simply the more recognizable and more often referred to name, which is why the change was made.”
These materials have formed a brand guide for the district toward developing future marketing materials, school gear and decor. The school board and administration outlined this brand cohesion as a goal for rebranding efforts, ultimately hoping to better market toward prospective families and create unity between the schools.
Some changes, however, will continue to roll out over time. For example, school buses will continue to display “Northern Wells Community Schools” for the time being.
The school board also discussed adding “Heritage Walls” at the schools to honor the various changes within the district over the years, but Springer stated they do not have a timeline for adding the displays at this time. He expects the anticipated interior renovations at OES will pave the way for these additions.
holly@news-banner.com
