J-Term
If you've been following our social media or talking to our high school students you are likely aware that J-Term is going on now at the high school. This is our second year for this at the high school. It gives our students and instructors an opportunity to go deeper into an area of interest to them. We have groups out exploring careers by visiting a variety of businesses, industries, and colleges to see what's available to them. We have 24 seniors who are out doing extended internships to really get a feel for what they may be thinking of doing after they graduate this spring. Of course, we have students creating their own clothing, making marble roller coasters, working on robotics, exploring history, exploring the outdoors and a whole lot of other opportunities for them. The extended internships are something I find very exciting. We've always done job shadows and will continue to do them, but they are usually fairly short and only give our students a taste of what a career may have to offer. By allowing our students the opportunity to explore a career for an extended time, they can really see what the career is about. We have students out in a variety of fields and want to send a huge shout out to the businesses and entities that are providing these opportunities for our students. We couldn't make it work without the support and cooperation of each one of them.
Another opportunity I want to take a minute to discuss is "Cruising Careers". Last year this was known as Cruising Colleges, but our instructors changed it to reflect all of the opportunities our students have when they graduate that may reflect varying levels of education. These students have been visiting a variety of colleges and also a variety of industries and businesses so our students can learn about what's available. I think some students have been surprised at the opportunities that exist that don't require a four year degree. We frequently discuss the importance of making sure our students understand that not everyone needs a four year degree (and the debt that goes with it) and more importantly they understand what's out there and what it pays. "Cruising Careers" does exactly that. If someone wants to attend a four year college, we will make sure they have what they need to be successful. If someone wants to pursue another avenue, we are making sure they know what that is and what it takes to be successful there.
This also gives our students a chance to explore some Project Based Learning and dig in and do some hands on work with their peers in ways they may not have done before. They practice collaboration, problem solving, creativity, and a host of other skills they've acquired over the years.
In addition, the students get to apply what they've been learning throughout their school careers. It's a lot of fun to see the excitement and enthusiasm in both our students and staff members. If you want to see more, be sure to plan to attend our showcase next Wednesday, January 16th from 4 to 6 in the gym area at the high school. Stay tuned as we will be doing Mid-Mester with our middle school students in late February.
Building Project Update
Progress is moving ahead rapidly on the new building. Yesterday, I counted 27 work trucks on site related to the project. The contractors have been doing an awesome job of keeping everything moving. Below are a couple of pictures. The stairway between the two levels is nearly complete and the drywall and interior wall finishes are moving along in the main lobby areas.
Every time I go through the space I see new things that have been completed. It's really an exciting time in the process. Drywall is going up, finish brick is being applied inside the building and they are currently putting the final roof on the Ag/Industrial Tech building. It sounds like they are expecting the windows to start arriving next week so they can get those in and get the plastic out of the way. They have the heaters running in the gym and locker area and the ground is thawed so they are running underground utilities in those areas as they prepare to pour the cement there next. Keep checking our Facebook page for updates as we will continue to post there as well.
