The Class of 2026 is getting a fresh look in the yearbook. Instead of sharing space, each senior will have a dedicated page anchored by a large portrait and supported by candid and baby photos. Art teacher and yearbook advisor Mrs. Ingrid Van Slyke says the vision came from students revisiting the school archives. “It is not necessarily my vision, but the vision of the students in my classroom that is most important, because it is their yearbook,” she said. “The class has decided to make senior pages different. They are going to make each senior have their own page. The idea came from looking back at older yearbooks, where senior pages were a full-page spread.”

With portraits running larger, technical choices matter more. Van Slyke’s biggest emphasis is simple: submit high-quality files and label everything clearly. “The most common upload mistake is that people forget to label their photos,” she said. “Sometimes parents and students have different last names, and files are uploaded under the wrong name. It gets confusing. Make sure you label your photos.”

Photos by Ms. Ingrid Van Slyke.

Candid photos are required, too, and they should reflect what matters to each senior. “Variety is a good thing to think about for candid photos,” she said. “It is what is important to you. Family pictures, vacation photos, and sports. When you look back twenty years from now, what do you want to see from this time in your life?”

For the big portrait, focus on light and simple color choices. “Lighting is really important,” Van Slyke said. “You do not want someone standing in dark shade or in bright sunlight. The fall colors are a beautiful backdrop. If you are taking your photo by orange trees, maybe wear something blue or white, something that contrasts with the background,” she added. Students who prefer an on-campus option may book a session with Northwood student photographer Jacob Slagel by contacting Mrs. Van Slyke.

All photos are due Friday, November 1. The yearbook operates on early production deadlines, so staying on time matters. “They start printing now,” she said. “We have to keep our deadlines.” There is limited flexibility. “There is a grace period if a professional photographer needs a couple of days to deliver files, or for international families who need clarification,” she said. “Other than that, photos are expected on November 1.”

The New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS) mission statement reads “NYSAIS promotes the independence, well-being and public understanding of, and respect for, New York independent schools and serves as an accrediting body chartered by the New York State Board of Regents.”

The NYSAIS accreditation process confirms that a school meets the highest standards through a rigorous, year-long process centered on a comprehensive self-study that examines every aspect of school life in relation to its mission. Following this, a committee of peer experts visits the school and reports to the NYSAIS Commission for Accreditation, which recommends accreditation terms to the NYSAIS Board of Trustees. All full NYSAIS member schools are required to be accredited by this body, which is authorized by the New York State Board of Regents. The re-accreditation cycle is continuous and happens every ten years, and it is a tenuous process of self-study.

Over the last school year, this summer, and continuing until now, Ms. Jill Walker, Mr. Stephen Reed, Mr. Gino Riffle, Mr. Tom Broderick, and ten other veteran Northwood faculty members worked on the document and process.

“I was chosen because I ran the same process 10 years ago and have good organizational skills,” said Ms. Walker. She also said, “The most difficult part has been trying to coordinate all the different people that have to take part in the different sections and find time for them to do the work necessary to create the document.”

First-year Headmaster Gino Riffle said, “Ms. Walker and Mr. Reed drove the re-accreditation process with the help of appointed heads of different steering committees. These individuals organized smaller groups of faculty and staff to address specific questions set by NYSAIS and culminated in a document presented to the visiting committee. I was brought in to consult in certain areas, but the work was really done by Ms. Walker and Mr. Reed.”

“The process allows us to give ourselves the credentials to continue teaching. For me, it provides a roadmap for approaching a vision and strategic plan for the next five years, working with colleagues and board members to continue the growth of our school. It also allowed us to reflect on what we do well and areas we can improve,” said Mr. Riffle about how this re-accreditation process makes Northwood a better place for students and faculty.

This tenuous re-accreditation process should prove worth it in the long run, as it will allow Northwood to continue to operate at its high standards and uphold its core values.

Coach Tommy Spero. Photo: Manhattanville University Athletics.

Mr. Tommy Spero, a new faculty member of the Northwood community, stepped up and created the school’s newest tradition: the Halloween costume contest. When Tommy shared his inspiration for the contest, he fondly mentioned his past experiences in high school, explaining that everyone got involved and that it made Halloween a blast.

“When I was in high school, we had a costume contest, and it was a blast,” Spero said. “Everyone got involved, and it made Halloween so much fun. When I arrived, I asked what we do for Halloween, and I was told that we don’t really do anything. So, I had to start something to elevate Halloween at Northwood. It’s fun to bring the Community together and do something different. Also, it is a chance to grow closer together with group costumes,” Spero added.

Tommy says he’d like to make this an annual tradition. “Throughout the day, everyone will be watching, and everyone gathers in an area, then the faculty will do a silent vote. Group picture, faculty opinion, and just overall, throughout the day, seeing everyone’s costumes.” Prizes are still being decided. “We’ll figure it out, depending on whether it is a group costume or a single person. Maybe for a group, we can get them a couple of pizzas,” Spero said. Students are encouraged to get their costumes as soon as possible!

Northwood has always been a school known for its boundless college opportunities and for sending students to top colleges around the world. That being said, last week, the college office raised the bar; they brought in five of the top schools in the nation in every aspect, to speak to students, tour the school’s campus and facilities, and recruit its students.

Whether it’s academics, sports, social life, or just about anything else that you’re looking for, these schools have it. The list includes St. Lawrence, Cornell, Hobart and William Smith, Colgate, and Queens University (Ontario). These historic universities made their way from the depths of New England to as far as Kingston, Ontario, all for the benefit of Northwoods’ very own student body. The representatives from each school were given a tour of Northwood as well as the surrounding Lake Placid area, with which they are sure to fall in love. They also gave a presentation to Northwood students interested in their schools, in a Q&A format, allowing any questions or concerns students may have before applying to be addressed.

This was the first time in Northwood’s history that the school held this kind of event, and frankly, there isn’t a better group to do it. It was a beneficial experience, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the schools see a bump in applications from Northwood students in the spring of 2026.

“The program that we’ve got coming up, called the Peak at Northwood, is good for the school because it allows schools to come in and become more familiar with and update their understanding of Northwood as a school, as well as gives them the opportunity to engage our community,” Director of College Counseling Mr. David McCauley said. “The schools will engage both the students who will be on the front line of these schools with their applications, and then the teachers and administrators who put the infrastructure in place for our education here. It’s a great opportunity for us to advance the school and its value in the minds of those college admission officers, and they’re excited about it. We’ve got a couple of schools who’re going to spend a couple of nights here in Placid. We’ll show well, and this will be a great event for us,” McCauley added.

It’s safe to say this upcoming period will be filled with action on the college front, and it should be a great help for both students looking to take the next steps in their education and college admissions programs seeking to learn what Northwood is all about. With everything that Northwood has set up for these schools, and that these schools have set up for Northwood, it is sure to be the beginning of a lasting partnership that will help many Huskies find the right school for them.