Newspaper Page Text
Page 4 - Wednesday, September 20, 2023
The Jenkins County Times
jenkinscountytimes.com
By Joe Brady, Editor
for
The Times
John Paul Hearn, Superintendant
Jenkins County School System
I have said many times that the Jenkins County School System is going from Good to
Great. That is a process. That also means that things must change. You see, good is the enemy
of great. Many times, we don’t become great because good feels, well it feels good. And it
feels comfortable. One of the initiatives that we have invested in at JCSS is the addition of
a STEM class at the elementary school. We applied for and received a technology grant to
outfit a classroom with the latest technology to expose our students to new ideas.
STEM education stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics education.
It is an approach to learning and teaching that focuses on these four disciplines, integrating
them into various educational activities and real-life applications. STEM education aims
to prepare students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in today's rapidly
advancing technological world. By promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity,
and collaboration, it encourages students to explore, question, and engage in hands-on
activities related to these fields. The goal is to inspire a passion for STEM subjects and
equip students with the skills they need to pursue careers in these areas.
Elementary STEM education focuses on introducing young students to the foundational
concepts and skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It aims to inspire
curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities from an early age. In elementary
STEM education, students engage in hands-on activities, experiments, and projects that
encourage them to explore and discover the principles and applications of these subjects.
The focus is not only on teaching specific content but also on developing essential skills
such as observation, communication, teamwork, and creativity. Students are encouraged
to ask questions, make predictions, conduct experiments, and analyze data. They leam to
think logically, develop hypotheses, and find solutions to real-world problems. Elementary
STEM education often incorporates interactive technologies, educational games, and age-
appropriate tools to make learning more engaging and enjoyable. It helps students develop
a strong foundation in STEM subjects, fostering a lifelong interest and potentially preparing
them for more advanced studies and careers in these fields.
Some may ask why this is important. First, STEM education helps develop critical
thinking and problem-solving skills. It encourages students to approach challenges with
creativity and innovation, fostering their ability to find solutions to real-world problems.
Next, STEM fields are at the forefront of innovation and technological advancements.
By engaging in STEM education, individuals gain the knowledge and skills necessary
to understand and contribute to these advancements. This is cmcial for the progress and
development of our society. Furthemiore, STEM careers are in high demand and offer a
wide range of opportunities. With the rapid advancement of technology, there is a growing
need for professionals in STEM fields. By pursuing STEM education, individuals open
doors to exciting career paths that can make a positive impact on the world. Finally, STEM
education promotes curiosity, exploration, and a lifelong love for learning. It encourages
individuals to question the world around them and seek answers through scientific inquiry
and experimentation. This curiosity-driven approach fosters a continuous desire to leam
and grow, both personally and professionally. Overall, STEM is important because it equips
individuals with the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to navigate the challenges and
opportunities of the modem world, while also fostering creativity and a passion for lifelong
learning.
Over the last few months, the JCSS has partnered with the chamber of commerce to
begin taking our faculty and staff on monthly business tours. Much like the tour that they
take prospective businesses on when they visit Jenkins County. One thing the teachers have
learned is that we do have opportunities in Jenkins County. We also have good-paying jobs
that skilled students can earn a good living at. The addition of the STEM class will give
students another advantage in competing for jobs once they graduate from high school or
college. I am excited about the future of the Jenkins County School System. I hope you are
too.
REALTOR®
Jessica Herrmann
C: 912-536-6149
it] 0: 912-489-0067
\4 jessica@greatgarealty.com
986 GRIMM AVENUE, MILLEN, GA
So, in my ten years of business, I have seen a lot of employees come and go. Each one
has left an indelible memory. Some good, some not. But, as I have dealt with staff and the
subsequent problems that carries I am amazed at their actions.
Now, I have been lucky to have some really good work partners. Some, I wish I could
clone, others, I don’t. I had one several years ago who felt the need to tell me if she did
anything besides clerk the auction. “I cleaned your bathroom,” or “I thought you should
know I changed the paper towels”. Now, since everyone uses the restroom, I just naturally
assumed it was ours. I’m so glad she replaced the paper towels since she was trying to dry
her hands. But what used to really shock me was whenever she worked well she felt the
need to ask for a raise. “I swept and mopped the floor, don’t you think it’s time for a raise?”
I used to explain, “Well, I continued to pay you all those times you didn’t work as hard so
I figure it’s a wash.”
The funniest was when an auction clerk complained about the bank messing up her
deposit. After the auction, I noticed several mistakes she made. When I said something her
response was, “I’m not perfect! Everybody makes mistakes!” Ok.
I have learned a lot from former and present employees. I had one that informed me, “I’m
being respectful by letting you know I’m taking the day off, I didn’t have to do that.” Yep,
you’re right. But sonny, you’ll have a lot jobs in your career but chances are you won’t keep
them long with that attitude.
I often wonder why I have never had an employee quit because they weren’t doing their
jobs well enough to stay on. I would like to have one say, “you know, I don’t want to
continue to take your money each week and not do a great job, so I’m just gonna quit.”
It has been my experience that there are three stages in the life of an employee. When
they are first hired, they love the boss, you gave them a job, and oh how they needed one.
They are grateful for the hourly wage that you offered. That changes to, “you don’t pay me
enough. I’m worth more than this.” And then they begin to think they are the reason your
business is successfiil and they’re doing you a favor by working there.
I had two employees one time that honestly thought I would hang the closed sign just as
soon as they walked out the door. Guess what, nobody remembers them. The other day a
customer asked, “what ever happened to that guy who cussed a lot?”
Now, don’t get me wrong. I have a great group of work partners that I couldn’t do without
and they deserve mentioning. My right arm, Becky, is the Cracker Jack Cafe. Then there is
Debbie, Tal, Tony, the list goes on. Being responsible for managing others is a rewarding
and challenging experience. I enjoy seeing former employees go on to lead successful lives.
Just knowing I was their first employer means a lot. Others, not so much. That’s all for now,
take care!
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.Jenkins County Times
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