Today marks the start of a new journey for many young learners in Bibb County. Pre-Kindergarten registration for the 2012-2013 school year begins today and continues through the rest of the month. Parents will be able to register their children in our new Welcome Center, which has been designed to meet parents’ needs as they prepare their children for their educational experience in Bibb County.
Pre-K registration serves as a reminder of what we are working toward in Bibb County. It is difficult to look at each of these young children registering now and think that more than half of them will not graduate from high school. We cannot allow this to happen. The Strategic Plan proposes ways to ensure from the start of their academic careers that all students in Bibb County receive a quality education that will lead them to a successful graduation. Through goals and action steps, the Strategic Plan calls for all students to be proficient in literacy and numeracy by the time they finish the third grade. Community partnerships designed to give students more academic opportunities, a year-round calendar that will lessen summer learning loss, wrap-around services that will meet the needs of all children, and each of the other initiatives of the proposed Strategic Plan will promote the success of every child in Bibb County. This way, the next time we look at young students registering for Pre-K, we will know that each one has a better chance to graduate, and that each one has the potential to achieve success in a 21st century multi-ethnic global society.
What if the IDA surveyed local industries asking what type of skills they are looking for in new hires? What an interesting list this might be. Welders, machinists, robotics repair, truck drivers, construction workers, computer technicians, chefs, child care providers and auto mechanics make a great living! Career and Technical Education keeps many students engaged in school while teaching the skills they need to be hired locally.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to comment.
ReplyDeleteI've never stated that students shouldn't take interest in or avoid said occupations. I simply want our students to be college "ready". Whether they choose not to attend a college or university, it is their choice, and we wish them much success.
ReplyDeleteThank your for your time!