Ark Valley News - Hornet Connection

Hornet Connection
By Jamie Lewis
Last Updated: March 23, 2017

Personalized instruction is a priority

Kansans Can is a statewide initiative that focuses on the demand for higher standards in academic skills as well as employability and citizenship skills. It calls for a more student-focused system that provides support and resources for individual success through collaborative partnerships between schools and communities. As such, preparing students to be "College and Career Ready" in an ever-changing society upon graduating from high school is a critical endeavor at both the local and state levels, as well as from a global perspective. It involves mastering unique competencies, developing necessary skills, enhancing an array of dispositions, and exposing our students to countless educational experiences whereby they may identify and then in turn explore potential career interests.

The following objectives are a priority, and will continue to ramp up here at Valley Center High School as we strive to further personalize instruction around individual needs and interests:

•Identifying needs and interests (academic, technical, social-emotional) of each individual student.

•Designing and implementing appropriate 1:1 support systems specific to identified needs.

•Enhancing various 21st century skills and dispositions.

•Forming additional partnerships with area businesses and organizations to serve as advisory boards.

•Expanding upon our current internship program.

•Establishing foundational job shadow and work experience programs.

•Developing and offering a multitude of relevant and applicable college and career exploration opportunities.

Collectively, we have experienced firsthand a vast array of significant accomplishments and successes throughout the school year as a direct result of the dedication, determination and daily drive for excellence among our students and staff. Their efforts are to be commended by all.

Further, I applaud the parents and community members who have spent countless hours displaying their unending support for the educational opportunities provided here at VCHS. A high degree of positive parental involvement has a direct impact on student learning, and as such I say thank you for being involved in your child's education. You (parents and community members) fill a critical role in individual student success as well as our success holistically as a total school program.

As such, I invite you to contact cody.lee@usd262.net or Jamie.lewis@usd262.net if you feel your personal expertise and/or career experience may benefit our efforts to fully enact and attain the aforementioned objectives. Together, we can!

Jamie Lewis is principal at Valley Center High School.