Marblehead High principal eyes new programs

MARBLEHEAD – Marblehead High’s John Ziergiebel has concluded his first year at the helm – and he’s already keeping one eye on the future.His Marblehead High School Improvement Plan includes two academic items that will affect the Class of 2011 four years from now.Members of the Class of 2011 will have to pass an MCAS exam in U.S. History to graduate. Ziergiebel has asked curriculum directors and teachers to consider introducing American History classes in Grades 9 or 10, to give students an additional year or two to get up to speed.In a report to the School Committee, the principal said he is exploring the possibility of offering a non-European language, such as Cantonese or Mandarin Chinese or Japanese, to students in the 2010-2011 school year.”Our world is changing and we need to prepare our students for the world they’re going into,” Ziergiebel told the committee. However, he admitted that introducing such a program is “a long process” and he expects to take four to five years.World Language Coordinator Michael Hanna has already begun introducing Mandarin Chinese classes to Marblehead Village School students (Grades 4-6), one hour a week, a process Ziergiebel calls “growing the program from the bottom up.”Next year he plans to offer a Marine Technology program, converting the school auto shop to a place where students can learn boat engine repair; an alternative program for behaviorally-challenged students; improve recruiting for clubs and student government.He also plans to clear up some curriculum shortcomings and improve school recycling practices.New Assistant Principal Kathleen Duff has her priorities set for next year as well: consistent discipline and follow-through on class-cutting, respect and tardiness.Ziergiebel said she has “tremendous energy.”He said discipline is about “teaching kids manners.”