A Parent's Perspective

Photo by Krissy.Venosdale

I was quite nervous about my son entering high school until I attended the Weidner School of Inquiry parent orientation.  The facilities and technology are impressive, and it’s exciting to see the changes in the logistics of the classroom.  To be honest, I was more impressed with the staff and the presentation of information to the parents.  I think there are misconceptions about project based learning, and the facilitators did an excellent job in taking the parents through a fact finding exercise to help us gain insight, answers, and clarification to concerns and questions.  The use of sticky notes, whiteboards, presentations, and small group discussion were all tools and key factors used to help the parents discover answers and solutions to help our children be successful.  It demonstrated one technique of how the facilitators will lead and teach in the classroom.   I see these concepts used in our senior management meetings to generate ideas, talk through issues and concerns, and then find possible routes to resolve the issues.  One item that was stressed was teaching the students to think and problem solve.  This is a critical skill that they will use the rest of their lives no matter what path of life they choose. 

The other item that was so impressive to me was the “why” statement.   What is my purpose?  Many people take the “why” question for granted.  I appreciate the hours of collaboration and candid dialogue it took to reach that statement.  It is evident the passion these facilitators have for these students to be life-long learners and solution based thinkers.  Defender Direct, an Indy based company, stresses how businesses don’t grow…People Grow!  I look forward to seeing my child’s development and growth.  These students will be engaged and challenged to work with others that they may not normally associate with due to their extra-curricular activities after school.   It will show them the importance of teamwork, collaboration, influence, and respect.   I know there will be struggles ahead, but there will also be the satisfaction of overcoming those struggles and breaking through to solutions and success.   

I am truly thankful for the vision of Plymouth Schools, donations and community involvement in helping this program get started.  WSOI is developing leaders and thinkers who will make a difference in this world.  Thank you for giving my child the option and opportunity to take advantage of this program. 

Blog Contributor: Kathy Bacon
{WSOI Parent, Community Member, Controller - Wiers International}