For Whom the Bells Didn't Toll

UPDATE—I took the day off from work and decided to concentrate my efforts in getting to know the Citrus Heights area of my district. I spent some time with Principal Ward Andrus at the New San Juan Unified High School. We talked about the school’s reconstitution and the dedication he and his staff have to providing a state-of-the-art education to his students, especially to those that want to immerse themselves into a possible career path.
The school and its staff are taking a big step into defining what career technical education could be for students who still desire to get a high school diploma while gaining experience toward credentialing themselves in one of several fields of endeavor. Over the next few years they’ll revamp the campus to give it a community feel and so they can direct these young and impressionable minds to a future beyond this weekend.
While we talked, I noticed that something was lacking about the school, but I couldn’t put my finger on just exactly what that was. Then Principal Andrus let me in to their little secret—they no longer ring any class bells. That’s right, students are now responsible to get to school and class on time and all they have to remind them are their watches and the other students busily rushing to wait in line for English or Math or Science class. Apparently, the students have taken the goal of being self-directed learners to heart and are not only more accountable with their attendance, but they also take their school work and other duties more seriously. I think that this is an innovation that will continue to drive this school towards academic excellence.