This week, I ran across an article on Twitter that talked about the importance of soft skills (also known as professional skills or work ethic skills) in our schools.  The article was very interesting as it talked about how soft skills have been shown to have more of an impact on graduation rates than test scores, help students have a larger chance of graduating college, provide long-term economic benefits, and decrease arrest for men.  (Click here for a copy of the article.)

I think most of us are aware of the importance of these skills and work hard to incorporate them into our classrooms everyday.  Not only are you asking students to work in groups,  provide opportunities for problem-based learning, and reporting out a soft skill score every 9 weeks, but we are also bringing these skills to light with the Governor's Work Ethic Certification and encouraging students to get involved with extra-curricular activities.  The College Success Coalition has also launched a county-wide campaign to help promote these skills with monthly themes, because they understand the importance of these skills for our students and our economy.  (This month is ATTITUDE!)

I think this article, while not life changing, was just a good reminder of why we must always be looking for opportunities to teach these skills in and out of the classroom.  One of the biggest challenges of our jobs is finding ways of providing our students with a well-rounded education; one that is not only focused on academics, but also focused on the life skills that are needed to be successful in this world.  It may require us to make some changes and step outside of our comfort zone to provide these opportunities, but they are necessary.

As a reflection for the week - what are some ways you incorporate soft skills into your curriculum?  Is there a way you can use the theme for this month, Attitude, in your March lessons?

I hope you have a great week!!


School Notes:

* Congratulations to the Varsity Boys Basketball Team on a great season!

* Career Day is this Friday, March 10th.  It is our goal for classroom assignment lists to come out on Wednesday.  Career Day will only be for students in grades 8,9 and 10 during 3rd and 4th periods.  We will do our very best not to interrupt the rest of anyone's day.  More details to follow this week.

* National Honor Society Induction is Monday, March 6th at 6:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to come and support our students.  Thank you to Stephanie and Vanessa for leading this group of young leaders.

* Reminder that Domain 1 & 3 are due April 7th.  This year, we are doing something different.  You need to resubmit your 1 & 3 this year, but after this year, they will be good for three years.  You will not need to update them every year.  Please see Jody for questions.


Important Dates:

Monday, March 6:  National Honor Society  6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, March 7: Commodore Pride Meeting  7:20 a.m. - Vanessa Johnson's Room (Anyone is invited to attend.)/ Purdue Trip leaving at 1:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 9: Lilly Planning Grant Meeting  9:00 a.m.

Friday, March 10:  Career Day!/ End of Testing Window for ISTEP

Monday, March 13:  School Board Meeting 6:30 p.m.

April 7th: Domain 1 and 3 Due!

ISTEP for Math/Science/Social Studies (please see shared schedule for more information)