Since I am pretty open that I am a proud member of the Springfield High School Class of 1990, most can do the math and determine that I am not the youngest principal in the district. However, my aging is not what is responsible for my “re-use” of titles for many of my columns. Rather, like today, it is my pride in the many ways that our teachers and mentors work to help students prepare for their future success that motivates my writing. Whether the emphasis is on academics or life skills, I have the cat-bird’s seat to watch and report on our collective efforts to provide students with relevant and engaging lessons that evoke fond memories and become difference-makers in their pursuit of excellence for their todays, tomorrows and many years after.
On January 12, students from Bonita Adams’ business foundations class were challenged to conduct role playing scenarios featuring two business owners interviewing two possible job candidates. The setting for these interviews was over a business lunch. Prior to the culminating events, Mrs. Adams had taught her students business etiquette and interviewing skills, then supported each to create his/her own skits to demonstrate their grasp of these important skills. Students also were required to create their own franchise, originate a flyer to market/summarize their unique franchise, design a business card and craft his or her professional resume.
To add further relevance, Mrs. Adams also invited area professionals, including Ashley Navarre, human resource manager at Glass City Federal Credit Union, to observe the students and provide feedback. While Mrs. Adams admits that this project is one she has featured in her class curriculum for many years, she shared that unique this year was that Ms. Navarre is, “… a former student of mine who participated in this very assignment over 10 years ago. One difference, however, is that rather than traveling to Olive Garden as she remembered doing in the early 2010’s, the business lunches took place in the school’s on-site café lab–an area that did not exist when Ashley attended the school. She told the current students that she remembered fondly doing this school project while at SHS and that it was a great help as she transitioned from the status of student to professional.”
We’d like to thank Mrs. Adams, all the business partners who assisted with the sessions, and Jerry Bell for helping prepare our students for success.
