On Friday morning, NPHS had the opportunity to host the Conejo Valley Leadership day in conjunction with the Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce. Members of the Chamber were brought in to hear how schools are changing, what career pathway opportunities our students have, and assist in creating a stronger relationship with our schools. As Principal, I saw the importance of using students to explain their world, and how creative hands-on experiences can inspire students.
The morning began with a presentation from 4th and 5th graders from Westlake Elementary about their new Makerspace. A Makerspace is an open area on campus where students explore, build, and create on their own gadgets. Robotic, engineering, and computer science principles are applied by these students in their Makerspace. Members of the Chamber expressed the excitement they felt from these students and the strong presentation skills. These 4th and 5th graders created their own robot(s) and build and create each day. Students want creative license and experience which align with the technological world.
Next, high school students from Westlake, Thousand Oaks, and Newbury Park High(s) hosted round table discussions related to career pathways and job embedded opportunities. Thousand Oaks High students in the ETHOS academy and students in Westlake High Information Technology Academy discussed internships, job shadows, and coordinated career electives which have guided them to college and career choices. Students shared finding their passion and creating relationships in various industry sectors.
One ETHOS student had the title of CEO for the Academy. What a cool concept! Rather than Club President, how about Academy CEO? That sounds like a leadership opportunity and career-ready option for a student.
From NPHS, Steven and Hayley represented our Video Production and Food Service/Hospitality pathways. Each student discussed choosing an elective as a freshman which sounded interesting and friends were also taking. Now as a junior and senior, respectively, they have found their life passion. The insight these students have and passion for their programs, as well as respect for their teacher/advisors, demonstrated the skills and talents our students and teachers have.
Steven and Hayley used the language of their industry and discussed the roles they have played in the community. Hayley is the CA State FHA-Hero President and presides over meetings throughout the State of California. She and her classmates have catered district and school events over the past 7-8 years. Steven is working on creating a promo video for a local non-profit, as part of class project. He has introduced himself to a local non-profit organization and is working with the business partner to create the video.
Now.... are these options you had in HS and elementary school? We need these options for all students. Our students are telling us what we need... just listen.
One of the Commerce members made a statement (which I will paraphrase) that summed up this process: find great teachers with a passion, listen to students interests and give them options within their interest, build partnerships with businesses, and find funding to make it all work. I responded, "Basically, that is my job!"
As a school this is what we want:
1. Listen to students
2. Find and support great teachers
3. Provide the necessary time and tools for creativity to happen
Thanks to all the students who participated in Friday's Leadership Day. I left inspired to be a better Principal and excited for what is to come.
