PHS Academy builds student interests

PERKINS TWP. — A new program allows Perkins High School students to guide their own learning.The PHS Academy, being piloted this school year, is an opportunity available to upperclassmen wanting to explore topics of interest while earning credit. Right now, about 10 students are involved. "We're trying to allow students to pick topics they're passionate about that also relate to Ohio learning standards," Perkins High School principal Jeff Harbal said.Added academy advisor Tim Obergefell: "We figure we're graduating unique students, so we want to give them unique opportunities to learn."In the program, students submit written project proposals, which must include a purpose, learning standards to be met, activities and resources and assessments needed. The proposal is submitted to a panel of four educators, who decide whether or not it's worthy to pursue. If the project is accepted, students use Canvas, a learning management website, to upload photos, notes and any important information needed for their project and have a teacher who advises them during the project.At the project's end, students present about their project's process and what they've learned."The end goal is they are taught something themselves," Obergefell said.Two of the program's first participants, seniors McClain Farley and Isaac Grude, already have project plans. Farley, who wants to be a civil engineer, has an internship lined up at the Erie County Engineer's Office, where he'll rub shoulders with professionals about once a week.Meanwhile, Grude will intern at his father's franchise at Express Employment Professionals in Huron, helping with sales calls. He wants to study business in college. Grude is also interested in learning about investing and is taking online classes through the University of Cincinnati. Additionally, Grude will get credit for attending a business leadership conference in New York City he attended this past summer."I've learned to pay attention to details and network to build relationships," he said.Another great aspect of the program: Students and teachers create a collaborative environment."It's building positive relationships between staff and students," Harbal said.With area businesses seeking employees, the academy is another way to funnel students into potential area jobs."We want to train our kids and connect them to the community," Obergefell said.Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com, follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood and on Facebook.com/CaitliNearhoodIsaac and McClain are among about ten Perkins High School students participating in the school's pilot Perkins Academy program, where they choose a topic to learn about.