Principal's message

Principal’s Message Dear Families, In the Detroit Free Press on Sunday, November 16, 2015 in the MiBestLife section, there were several outstanding articles on the “The College Chase.” They shared vital information and advice on some of the most pressing needs and concerns of senior students and their parents as they get ready for this next chapter in their lives. In addition to practical matters such as getting a game plan started early, how to avoid college debt, getting ready for dorm life, etc. they talked about overarching characteristics that will serve students well and help then succeed in this new setting. As I reflected on what they shared, I asked a question of myself: At Allen Park High School how are we, as a school, preparing our youth for postsecondary education and the world beyond? The traits and habits described of those making a successful transition to college are certainly challenging and ones that I note below.As parents, your question could be,“How am I also supporting my child in acquiring these important attributes?”

1. Thinking critically:As we have been actively reviewing and updating our curriculum and instructional practices at APHS over the past ten years, I believe we have elevated the level of critical thinking we expect in our classrooms. The infusion of Common Core State Standards, for all the anti-political rhetoric, has been a positive addition - with an emphasis on problem-solving, evidence-based argument, integration of ideas and knowledge across disciplines, and independent discovery. One has only to look at the “modeling instruction,” now embraced by the biology and chemistry teachers at APHS, to see this “discovery” learning in action.

2. Getting involved: There could not be a school in Wayne County with any more clubs, organizations and athletic teams than Allen Park High School, something that could attract any young person. If there is an interest and a sponsor, we are willing to support any idea. Opportunities exist in the more traditional clubs or organizations such as Student Council, National Honor Society, and Interact, or the more recently added such as the Peace Club, Chess Club, Bowling Club, Robotics, Anime Club, etc. In addition to participating in athletics and extra-curricular activities, the college advisors encouraged having students join those clubs that are most related to a potential future career. For example, the student who is interested in politics may seek a leadership role in Student Council or the student who is interested in accounting may seek a position as treasurer of an organization. Finding clubs and organizations to align with career aspirations is another angle for a young person to consider while in high school to help prepare for the future.

3. Resiliency and Independent Problem-solving: In a Jag Wire newsletter I wrote last year, I spoke about a current theory of successful youth and adults related to perseverance, resiliency and “grit.” To be able to handle disappointments and challenges with skill and independence will be critical in a demanding world that is without the immediate support of family nearby. As an example, one advisor from the University of Michigan, in the article, “Beyond books: Students’ college readiness isn’t purely academic,” said it’s important for parents to talk with their son and daughter about experiencing failure themselves and how they handled it. This was in the context of students at U of M who were used to being top in their class while in high school, yet now facing a much more competitive field of all high achievers at the

university level. Receiving a letter grade C for the first time could potentially be devastating, and,without the proper coping skills, could result in a defeatist attitude, dramatically altering mood, attitude and achievement. Another facet of resiliency and independent problem-solving is to let students learn to solve their own problems and not assume the role of “helicopter parent.” While it is hard as parents to let go at any age, high school is the time when we should start to encourage our young people to develop their independence. Instead of swooping in to “fix” a problem with a class, encourage them to schedule an appointment with their teacher or counselor to work through the situation on their own and help them develop selfesteem and confidence. Being able to think and act independently with great resourcefulness will serve our youth well in the world of college, where the safety net of home is gone.

4. A Good Sense of Self-Assessment: Terrence Frazier, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at MSU, said that students who thrive at their university are the ones who have a good sense of selfassessment, who can determine what they need to succeed, and who go after the resources to accomplish the goal. Self- assessment aligns with resiliency and independent problem-solving and it reminds me of the changes we have made at Allen Park High School to support developing this quality.

Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences is one example of a conscious effort we made to change conferences from something done in isolation from the student to one in which the student leads the discussion about his/her learning, progress, and areas for improvement.The ability to acknowledge shortcomings, while also accurately describing strengths and abilities, is a critical one for advancing in any of life’s pathways, whether it is in a career, college program or family life.

If these ideas are intriguing to you, I would urge you to think about reading one of their recommended books, How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Over-parenting Trap and Prepare your Kid for Success

by Julie Lythcott-Haims. In it, the author talks about all of the above noted characteristics of successful students and how parents and schools can help us achieve this. While it is easier said than done, for we naturally want to protect our youth, letting go and not over-controlling their lives is critical for a successful future. Our hope atAllen Park High School is that we can join you, as parents, in a meaningful partnership to continue creating experiences that increase these competencies in our youth.

Janet P. Wasko wasko@appublicschools.com https://www.dropbox.com/home/Natalie%20M./Dec%2020152016%20Content?preview=Principal%27s+Message.docx