Building The Foundation

We had the opportunity to spend the past four days with coaches from the New Tech Network and peers from all over the country who are also beginning their journeys.  Our ah ha moments were the depth of the culture of trust, respect, and responsibility.  These three themes emerged over and over, whether it was the sayings on the wall, the conversations with the students, or the student created contracts for project work.

The training took place in two different high schools who have implemented New Tech Academies.  This was a great setting as it allowed us to interact with students and teachers who are living this experience now.  We know that to prepare students for the 21st century workforce they have to be able to collaborate, think critically, and problem solve.   We saw this in abundance in both schools.  This project based learning curriculum and academy environment fostered a belief in the students that they would be ready for the real world once they graduated.  One student said, "We get up everyday and its like going to work.  We have to operate on a professional level." 

We are very excited to get back and start putting together the team that will continue the work of building the culture of the Flagler i3: New Tech Academy.  An informational meeting will be held on Monday at 4:30 in Flagler Palm Coast High School Media Center for any teachers that are interested in learning more about the beliefs, philosophies, and structure of the New Tech schools.

We are also excited to return to the Sunshine State where 8 inches of snow will not fall overnight.  Check out the picture of Ms. Sands teaching Frosty, our first student, how to use the new Hype Hub app that was created by FPC students, so if he ever comes to visit he will have a schedule for all the great events in Palm Coast.