Schools

Dunedin Principal Means Business When Preparing Students For Jobs

Although schools are not required to begin the new standards of learning until the 2014-2015 academic year, Principal Reuben Hepburn is setting them in motion as soon as possible.

Dunedin High students will be held to a new set of learning standards when the academic year begins Aug. 19.

Although schools are not required to begin the new standards until the 2014-2015 academic year, Principal Reuben Hepburn is setting them in motion as soon as possible. 

"We're raising the bar across the board, across the country," Hepburn said during a luncheon meeting to members of the Rotary Club of Dunedin. "We're starting a year early at Dunedin High School."

The national initiative seeks to create a universal set of learning standards called the Common Core State Standards.

As part of the initiative, Hepburn says Dunedin High created two new technical academies that give students real world experience and skills. The academies stress basic business etiquette, including the value of dressing for success and a firm handshake, and also provide industry certification exams. 

"So when they come running to you for that job, they can say, 'hey, I'm certified in Microsoft Office Suites, or I'm certified in Adobe Operations of Photoshop Operations'." Hepburn said. "But they have hard skills and they've passed a Florida certification exam that ... validates they're qualified to walk into your job and perform the skills you're asking them to perform."

The academies — The Academy of Business, Art & Technology and The Academy of Architectural Design & Building Technology — also strive to foster an ongoing partnership with Dunedin business leaders for mentors, volunteers and support, whether through donations of time or internships.

"We want to make sure they know that at age 18, they need to be held responsible for not only what they do in the business world in the classroom, but even outside the classroom..." Hepburn said. 

Dunedin business leaders interested in mentoring or volunteering may contact Joanne Gauzens, Dunedin High communications and volunteer coordinator, at 727-469-4100, Ext. 2023 or gauzensj@pcsb.org.

Forms are available from the school's front office or on the Pinellas County Schools website. 


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