Welcome Back to NHHS

Why PBL?

Our Chickasaw Challenge and introduction to Project Based Learning (PBL) was incredibly successful last April.  NHHS will continue it's journey with PBL by implementing J-Term from January 3-16 and then working on integrating PBL into classrooms throughout the year.

The goal is to implement PBL where students:

• engage in a rigorous, extended process of inquiry focused on complex, authentic questions and problems
• work as independently from the teacher as possible, and have some degree of "voice and choice"
• demonstrate in-depth understanding of academic knowledge and skills
• build 21st century skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, and communication
• create high quality products and performances which are presented to a public audience.

So why PBL and why now? Well-designed and well-implemented PBL can be more effective that traditional instruction in increasing academic achievement and also improves mastery of 21st century skills.  PBL focuses on student motivation and shows retention of knowledge over time. We know there is often a disconnect between what students are taught and tested on and what the world around them is demanding in continuing education, in the workforce and in job training. 

Traditional learning centers around students being told what they need to know, memorizing it, and being assigned a problem to illustrate how to use it.  Alternatively, PBL starts with the problem, requiring the students to identify what they need to know to solve it, and then learning and applying knowledge to solves the problem.  The content is still in the learning and students are driven to get the knowledge in order to solve the problem.

To get started on more information, please see http://www.bie.org/about/why_pbl

Registration Under Way

August is in full swing and we a prepping for students and staff to return.  Registration is open online and face-to-face registration was held August 7 for families needing assistance.  If you need help registering, please call Ms. Karen at 394-2144.

Activities Welcome Back
Fall sports also began on August 7 at the high school. Students involved in cross country, football, volleyball, cheer, and marching band are on-campus and working hard to prepare for fall participation and competition.  These girls were so excited to be back to volleyball that they were still in the parking lot an hour after practice.