News release from the Fort Wayne Community Schools:
North Side unveils Legends logo
(May 23, 2016) – North Side High School unveiled the new logo to go along with the nickname Legends, which will begin being used in the 2016-17 school year. The logo, designed at no cost by Jostens, depicts the historic front entrance of North Side and a phoenix rising from flames. The school’s colors will remain red and white.
The new nickname was announced in December following a four-month selection process led by a committee of students, staff, alumni, parents, a member of the Board of School Trustees and representatives from North Side’s feeder schools. North Side students and staff participated in the final vote to select the name. The logo was selected by the same committee.
“When the nickname Legends was selected, the biggest question we heard was, ‘What does a Legend look like?'” Superintendent Dr. Wendy Robinson said. “This logo represents North Side’s strength as a pillar in our community, as well as the resilience of our students who emerge as leaders. This logo represents the school’s history and will carry it into the future.”
The process to select a new nickname and logo began in late summer when members of the Board of School Trustees asked North Side and district leaders to examine retiring the use of Redskins, which has been in place since the school opened in 1927. At that time, the name was chosen as a source of pride in the area’s rich Native American history. But the name is now perceived as a derogatory term and is inconsistent with the district’s core values, which includes valuing “the diversity and uniqueness of our district and community.”
At the start of the school year, North Side staff and students learned about the traditions and history of Native Americans in the area, particularly related to the Miami Tribe, to gain a better understanding of why the nickname is offensive to many people. Students, staff and alumni were then offered an opportunity to suggest new nicknames. The change in nickname and logo will not lead to an immediate removal of all depictions of the current North Side logo and nickname. Only items that can be removed or changed through routine maintenance, such as painted areas, will be addressed immediately. Other items, such as the stained glass window or terrazzo flooring, will remain in place for the time-being.
In addition, school uniforms are replaced on a three-year rotation. At this point, there is no plan to replace all uniforms simultaneously. Uniforms with the new nickname and logo will be purchased according to the replacement schedule.
About Fort Wayne Community Schools
With nearly 30,000 students, Fort Wayne Community Schools is one of the largest school districts in Indiana. FWCS proudly allows families to choose any of its 51 schools through its successful school-choice program creating diversity in each school, including some with more than 75 languages spoken. FWCS offers seven magnet schools focusing on areas such as science and math, communication, fine arts or Montessori at the elementary and middle school level. In high school, students can choose from the prestigious International Baccalaureate program, Project Lead the Way or New Tech Academy as well as other rigorous academic and specialty training programs.
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