Welcome 2019-2020 School Year

This summer Perry Central had the unique opportunity to hire 30 students to work in Commodore Manufacturing.  Students worked 6 weeks producing product for Jasper Engines and Waupaca Foundry.  Through this experience they learned how to work together to develop a safe and productive work environment.  It was amazing to see many different types of students, with different personalities and aspirations, come together as a family and work hard to find success.  Dakota Sommer gave me chills as he approached the time clock for the last time (on the last day), saying, "I don't know whether to be excited that we get to have some time off or sad!"  His statement was evidence of the respect each student had for each other; he enjoyed his time with the Commodore Manufacturing family and hated to see it go! 

With the leadership of Josh Craney, our students have not only learned advanced manufacturing skills, such as welding or using the CNC plasma cutter, but they more importantly they have learned life skills that will transfer with them throughout their lives.  Here are a few things I have learned from our students:

* Develop Relationships First! Treat each person with dignity and respect as everyone has a purpose on our team (students and adults).  We are a family!
* Safety is important!  Make safety a priority as we move throughout the school year with consistent and caring protocols that ensure student success.
* Help each other be accountable!  When CM students were not being safe, they called each other out on it - to the point of retraining.  Helping all of us be accountable for ensuring a safe and rigorous learning environment will only make us stronger!
*Never Stop Learning New Skills!   Always be willing to learn something new!
* Work Hard but Take Care of Yourself!  CM students made sure they were working hard but had breaks throughout their day.  Taking care of yourself mentally and physically is important!
* Have Fun!  Surprise and Delight. . . show others how you enjoy teaching and learning.

As we embark on the 2019-2020 school year, I think these are great reminders to take with us.  I hope all of you have a great first week of school!

Important Information: 

Accountability Panel - I have had the unique opportunity to sit on a 15 member panel to help determine the new accountability model for the state of Indiana!  It is a very big task as we try to determine what skills/outcomes we can measure accurately for a fair and rigorous system that will ensure our state and students are successful in the future!   I will be asking you for your input by August 8th.  We are basically looking at outcomes or skills that would define what we think a successful high school student looks like.  Some of the items thrown around at the meeting were:  Students are able to work as a team, communication, reading comprehension, math skills, etc.  What do we want our students to know and be able to do?  How would we define that?

Be thinking about your answers and send me your thoughts!

Scheduling Notes:  Just to help you help students on Tuesday, here are a few notes that may be helpful:
   * Criminal Justice classes will be held in Hilarie Hahus's old classroom 7th period.
   * Renate Warner will be joining our teaching team this first semester as our dual credit speech teacher.  She will meet with students 4th period in Hilarie Hahus's room as well.  She will only come three days a week - the days she is not here, students will report to Flex.
   * Ruth Ory will be teaching Driver's Education for us during periods 5,6,7.  Her classes are one semester courses and can be found in Mr. Linne's classroom.
   * Brandi Hess will be teaching Graphic Design for us again this school year.  She will meet with students on Fridays in a face-to-face manner, but will be available via email and other outlets throughout the school year.  We are excited to bring her level of skills to our students!
 

Surprise and Delight:  We are excited to bring Luke Hilgenhold to Perry Central on the first day of school during 7th period for a short concert/celebration of the first day of school!  It will be a great treat for students in grades 9-12.  We will also be holding our "choosing" ceremony for students in grades 7 & 8.  Should be a great first day at Perry Central!

College Connection Coach:  We would like to welcome Carly Lynch to Perry Central as our new College Connection Coach.  She is the wife to Tell City's Basketball Coach, Matt Lynch.  She has already had her first visit and we look forward to working with her this school year!

Dual Credit Chemistry:  Congratulations to Vanessa Johnson for completing her 18 hours of Master Level Chemistry classes!  She is now able to offer Dual Credit Chemistry II.  We are excited about expanding our options for students.   Mary Jo Hagedorn was also approved for Spanish III and IV as well.  Students could earn up to 12 college credits in Spanish if they choose.  Thank you for your commitment to our students!

Also, Jill Little received her certificate as she just finished her Bachelor Degree in nursing.  She also is qualified to be one of the few people in our region that can train Qualified Medical Assistants.  We plan to further strengthen our partnership with Trilogy.



Important Dates:  Reminder that all athletic events can be found at Event Link.  You can find a link to this by going to the school website and hovering over the Sports button at the top of the page and then click on the link.  It is a great place to find all of the athletic events all in one place!

First Faculty Meeting - Tuesday, August 20th  7:20 a.m./ High School Library