Quitter Economy

This week I started listening to the Modern Learner’s Podcast, led by Will Richardson.  (You can follow this group on Facebook or on the podcast series.  Their mission is to be change agents in education and help schools meet the needs of our new economy.  It is really interesting for geeks like me who love to learn about economic development and education!)

The Quitter Economy may not be the notion many of you are thinking about.  Individuals who live and work in this economy will QUIT their way to better jobs!  Sounds odd, right?  Not really.  In this economy, individuals will use their experiences and skills gained at work to improve their resumes and quitting to gain better positions or higher paying jobs at other companies.  What young people are finding is that the only way to find value in their own skills and in themselves is to move to greener grass, instead of waiting to be recognized by their current employers. 

As educators, I think we all find the value of being a lifelong learner, but in this new economy, this notion is even more important.  The economy is becoming more and more about what you know and what you are able to DO.  Our students (and own children) will not be getting jobs for life.  They will be continually adapting and changing so they can capitalize on their own strengths. 

Even though we can always get better, I believe that Perry Central is well on their way to preparing our youth for the new world we live in.  We strive to help our students be successful by helping them grow their own network of connections and help them find ways to personalize their own learning and interest.  Our current programs such as internships, dual credits, on-line learning options and even experiences out of the classroom help provide students with confidence to make their own decisions and be autonomous learners.  All of these skills are necessary in our new world. 

Our economy and the world of education are changing.  Sometimes, it is difficult for us to live in both worlds as we strive to meet the needs of the federal and state government testing when we really want to strive for the opportunities we know will help students be successful.  But, we must continue to find ways to be flexible, open minded and innovative in order to help students achieve their own personal success. 

If you want to learn more – load the podcast app on your phone and search for Modern Learners.  I promise it will be an interesting conversation! 

School Notes:

Manufacturing Night – Josh Craney’s class and robotic teams are gearing up for Manufacturing Night on October 25^th at the Ivy Tech in Tell City.  This event is sponsored by the College Success Coalition and is a celebration of modern advanced manufacturing.  Over 17 companies in our region will be participating and students have worked closely to develop relationships and a network of experts to help them prepare for the event.  Many prizes will be given and it is a great opportunity for a free fun night for young and old.  Hope you can make it!!  The program is 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., but you can come and go as you please. 

Junior Achievement – Juniors will be participating in Junior Achievement Career Success day on Wednesday, October 20^th .  A schedule of the day will be posted soon. 

Sadie Hawkin's Dance – The PC Student Council is hosting the Sadie Hawkin's Dance this Saturday evening in the high school cafeteria.  Looking forward to a great event!

Pep Session – We will be having a pep session for boys varsity football on Friday, October 20^th.  Details will be coming soon.  For this pep session, we will be going outside to the track.  The band is going to perform along with us cheering on our boys.  Should be a great afternoon.  We may release a little earlier than normal – we will keep you posted. 

Meeting Changes – This week, we are going to cancel our faculty meeting that was scheduled for Tuesday morning.  We will be meeting after school for our PLC meeting on Wednesday, October 18^th.  Please make arrangements to be able to meet with your teams in the high school library from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Convocation – Students in grades 9-12 will be participating in a program on Friday October 20^th from 10:00 – 11:00 in the high school gym.  Students will be watching a video on Thursday called “Hit from Hell”, which is a documentary made by the prosecutor in Harrison County about the drug issues facing our community.  Then on Friday, the Harrison County prosecutor will be facilitating a panel discussion with our own prosecutor, judge and sheriff.  We will email more details early in the week.  I think it will be a great event.  Thank you to Jackie Collucci for arranging the program. 

Important Dates:

Wednesday, October 18^th – After School PLC Meeting 3:00 – 4:00 p.m./ Grades are due at Midnight/ Junior Achievement Event for juniors

Thursday, October 19^th – Great American Shake Out

Friday, October 20^th – Student Convocation 10:00 – 11:00/ Pep Session/ Opening round of sectional play @ Perry Central – starting at 6:30 p.m./ Report Cards come out/ SLOs due in the SFS system

Saturday, October 21^st – Sadie Hawkin’s Dance