Bay City Central High School Redesign Plan: A Path to College and Career

It has been a privilege to work with the Bay City Central High School Principal and team on their redesign effort. As a proud graduate of Central High School, I am humbled to see the positive changes being made to benefit students, and I am excited to see the positive outcomes that will follow.

The redesign plan includes three key components:

1. A Freshman Focus program provides dedicated space, staff, and resources to address the academic and social-emotional needs of 9th graders.

2. A Deeper Learning instructional model, in partnership with the New Tech Network, helps develop students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills through real-world applications.

3. A 5-year program of study transforms Central High School into a full-school Early Middle College, offering up to 60 college credits or apprenticeship programs before graduation.

The video is fantastic as it not only tells the story of what's to come for the students in the Bay City Central community but it also highlights the commitment of those involved in ensuring the success of the plan.

I am honored to have been part of this team, working towards leading Central students towards a brighter future.

Transforming Middle School with Essential Outcomes at Handy Middle School

As a teacher, I had my first encounter with the New Tech Network in the spring of 2010 at Bloomington New Tech in Indiana. It was there, under the leadership of Alan Veach, that I was introduced to project-based learning and the intentional teaching of essential skills. I was fortunate enough to later serve as principal for two New Tech high schools and am now working with my district team and a talented group of school leaders and teachers to bring this innovative approach to Handy Middle School.

This video highlights the exciting work happening at Handy Middle School as they implement the New Tech Network's essential learning outcomes. These outcomes, which include agency, collaboration, knowledge and thinking, and written & oral communication, go beyond traditional content standards and equip students with the skills they need to succeed in the future.