Parent Teacher Magazine Rowan-Salisbury Schools March/April 2019 | Page 10

NRHS STUDENTS FIND JOBS AT LOCAL BUSINESSES In a challenging economy, getting a job these days is a big deal. For some students at North Rowan High School, it’s a very big deal. There is a class at NRHS that teaches students life skills, money skills, customer service, and how to fill orders, along with common-core curriculum. The students take field trips to places such as local businesses and warehouses. Several students have recently landed jobs at local businesses, such as fast-food restaurants, service stations, fire departments and museums. All of these students find great support and assistance by the North Rowan staff, including lead teacher Tina Dixon, job coach Bonnie Goodlett Krider, and teacher assistant William Cranford. All three go into the community to meet with business owners who might employ their students. “The driving force behind this program is that the community is willing to give our students opportunities,” Dixon says. “They say it takes a village to raise a child, and it really is our community coming together to help our students out.” Goodlett Krider says she’s had the most success at local fast-food restaurants. She visits business and retail stores in the Spencer-Salisbury area, and some have been very receptive to the program. Cranford has used his personal business connections to help students find jobs. Goodlett Krider said all the students placed so far are doing well. 9th Grade: As part of the diploma program, students complete 150 volunteer hours at school during ninth grade. Options have included the coffee cart and custodial work. The students are also helping with props for the spring musical. 10th Grade: Students must have 225 community-based volunteer hours. Students volunteering in the health care area have the opportunity to pass out ice cups and visit with patients. Goodlett Krider says, “The patients really look forward to seeing our students." The students are also assisting with recreational activities, Dixon says, to give them experience in careers related to this field. 11th & 12th Grades: Students must complete 225 paid employment hours. Students who complete the program receive a diploma versus a certificate. Goodlett Krider says, “That’s why I work so hard to find jobs for these students.” Staff members transport students to sites during the school day and often remain with them in a supervisory capacity. They also take students to job shadowing events. “This gives students exposure in careers that they are truly interested in as life-long careers,” Dixon says. “The community and local business owners are vital to students having these opportunities.” She adds, “Our administration gives us the flexibility to do what’s best for our students. Our students are wonderful workers. They just need the community to believe in them and to give them a chance.” RSS Wins Six State Blue Ribbon Awards For Public Relations Rowan-Salisbury Schools received six (6) NCSPRA (NC School Public Relations Associations) Blue Ribbon Awards at the annual Blue Ribbon Awards Ceremony held recently in Greensboro. This marks the twelfth consecutive year that RSS has been recognized by NCSPRA for achieving excellence in communications, public relations and marketing. The winning categories are as follows: MARKETING 1. RSS Introduction to Becoming a Renewal School System EXCELLENCE IN WRITING 2. “So What is Renewal” ELECTRONIC MEDIA 3. Introduction to Renewal DIGITAL MEDIA ENGAGEMENT 4. RSS District Website 8 • March/April 2019• Parent Teacher Magazine  SPECIAL EVENTS / PROGRAMS 5. 6. Student-Led “Edcamp Rowan” for Teachers ‘Celebrations’ BOE Monthly Meetings