Plymouth School of Inquiry Community/Business/Investor Packet
CONTENTS Letter From PCSC Superintendent Daniel Tyree Letter from Indiana Governor Mitchell Daniels Letter from Marshall County Economic Development Foundation Plymouth School of Inquiry/Plymouth University FAQ Plymouth School of Inquiry/Plymouth University Sponsor Card
Plymouth High School
PLYMOUTH COMMUNITY SCHOOL CORPORATION Office of the Superintendent
TELEPHONE 574-936-3115 FAX 574-936-3160 Administration Office 611 Berkley Street Plymouth, IN 46563
May 4, 2011
Community Leaders, Several years ago a group of nearly 75 teachers, parents, administrators, board members, business and industry leaders spent nine months studying the future direction of Plymouth Community School Corporation. Three areas that stood out were: the need to give parents a choice in the learning styles of their children by providing project based learning experiences; to use technology as a learning tool; and, to give students the opportunity to earn college credit while in high school. Today we are proud to provide a transformation in high school education, by announcing a two-schools-withina-school concept called The School of Inquiry and Plymouth University. These new schools will provide students experience in the following: • • • • •
21st Century Skills The use of Educational Technology Use of Collaboration and Communication An Opportunity for Authentic Learning including Internships The Opportunity to Graduate from High School with an Associate's Degree
The School of Inquiry and Plymouth University are built around the partnerships established between the community, the local colleges and universities, and the Plymouth Schools. These partnerships are integral to the success of the school. The first way community members can be involved is through our donor program. Hopefully, you will want part of your legacy to be permanently displayed at the school by sponsoring one of the following: • • • • • • •
Laboratories Robotics Lab Agriculture Lab and Shop New-age Classrooms Presentation Rooms The Commons Area The Wall of Distinction
We are taking five year pledges on a first-come-first-serve basis. The School of Inquiry Ambassador calling on you today would like to reserve your spot as a partner to ensure that we transform our educational offerings. Sincerely,
Daniel Tyree, Superintendent Plymouth Comm. School Corp.
Ken Olson, Director School of Inquiry
James Condon, Principal Plymouth High School
FAQ: New Tech School of Inquiry Q: Why do we need the New Tech School of Inquiry? A: Currently, Plymouth High School provides education in a One-Size-Fits All (OSFA) package with a few small exceptions. The OFSA style is very traditional and very similar to the same type of delivery system used in the 1950’s through 2010 as a result of the Industrial Revolution. Our students are entering a future that will require a different set of skills and our goal is to prepare them to not only survive, but thrive in the 21st century job market. Q: Why do students need choice? A: There are two reasons. (1) The educational need throughout the United States have changed a great deal since 1950. We are no longer in the industrial age. We are in the informational age. New Tech: The School of Inquiry encourages students to think, use technology, research, problem solve, and work in a collaborative setting. (2) Our graduation rate is low because students get bored sitting in rows 7 hours a day, 5 days a week, 180 days a year for 13 years. Without a diploma, students will not be able to obtain employment, let alone support their family. Q: Why New Tech? Is it expensive? Is there a cheaper model? A: There were other models but they did not sustain themselves. Yes, New Tech is expensive, but you are paying for 4.5 years of sustained professional development, a software package specific to Project-Based Learning, and a network of over 85 schools in the country, 18 of which are in Indiana. Indiana is the state leader for New Tech implementation. Q: Why New Tech? Is it expensive? Is there a cheaper model? A: There were other models but they did not sustain themselves. Yes, New Tech is expensive, but you are paying for 4.5 years of sustained professional development, a software package specific to Project-Based Learning, and a network of over 85 schools in the country, 18 of which are in Indiana. Indiana is the state leader for New Tech implementation. Q: Why are you going to get rid of the pool? A: The pool was one of three choices we have projected for location. The other two locations include the area between the Industrial Technology area and the Agriculture area and where the old gym is located. The pool area was chosen as a possible area because it is 35 year old and on its last leg. When the pool is gone, we will no longer be able to support a pool in the school because of the tax caps that were put in the constitution. Q: Why New Tech? Is it expensive? Is there a cheaper model? A: There were other models but they did not sustain themselves. Yes, New Tech is expensive, but you are paying for 4.5 years of sustained professional development, a software package specific to Project-Based Learning, and a network of over 85 schools in the country, 18 of which are in Indiana. Indiana is the state leader for New Tech implementation. Q: What other benefits does New Tech provide? A: The biggest benefit is that New Tech increases instructional space in an area that is now not used for instructional space. That will free up classrooms to bring in local colleges and universities. It is our hope that students can earn up to a two-year degree by taking advantage of the dual credit college classes. Q: How will students be chosen for New Tech? A: They will apply. If more students apply than there is space, then we will run a stratified lottery to select the students to be involved with New Tech. Q: How does New Tech benefit our students? A: New Tech teaches responsibility, respect, work ethic, collaboration, critical thinking, in addition to the academic and technical skills that are needed. It prepares students for post high school work or additional schooling. Q: How does New Tech benefit our businesses? A: The course offerings will be designed with the local job base in mind. Plymouth and the surrounding areas have excellent jobs for students with the right skills. New Tech also requires the collaboration of local business and industry leaders. This initiative will connect our students with great job opportunities. Q: How does New Tech benefit the city of Plymouth? A: New Tech and Plymouth University will bring a small branch of Ivy Tech to Plymouth. Right now, that is important to business and industry for job market training. New Tech students make good employees. Prospective industrial jobs are looking for a trained work force. Q: Why should I be involved? A: The New Tech model requires partnerships between the work force and the students. Make sure that your legacy is embedded in the future of education in Plymouth
Plymouth University
The School of Inquiry Sponsor Card
I would like my legacy to be displayed as the sponsor of _____________________________. The total amount of the pledge is ________________ and will be paid in five (5) installments starting July 1, 2012. I would like the following words to be displayed for my sponsorship in 50 or fewer characters or spaces:
This sponsorship is executed on _____________________________.
Sponsor’s Signature
Ambassador’s Signature
Sponsor’s Name
Ambassador’s Name
Trust
Respect
Responsibility
Plymouth High School #1 Big Red Drive Plymouth, IN 46563 574.936.2178
Plymouth High School