Entry #8: In building business partnerships,
the personal touch makes all the difference
Taunton, MA -- "May I get a drink from the bubbler?"
asked one of the cross country runners from Martin Middle School. Since
I had never heard of such a thing, I paused for a moment until I realized
that must be what I know of as a "drinking fountain." Being volunteer
assistant coach for the team has allowed me to get to know a lot of students
as well as some of the linguistic differences.
In addition, my sons inform me that while those of us from Seattle say "pop"
for carbonated beverage, in New England its "soda" and their "pop"
is our "popsicle."
While our travels have exposed us to various cultural differences, some
things remain constant. From Minnesota to Massachusetts, the business community
has the resources and hopefully the incentive to become closer partners
with our local schools.
Here in Taunton, Project B.E.S.T. (Building Educational Success Together)
may first involve parents, but it certainly doesn't leave out the importance
of the private sector. Beginning in 1993, several local businesses have
partnered with individual schools in order to promote the idea that education
is a shared responsibility. Morton Hospital and Medical Center, Bristol
County Savings, GTE and DePuy Inc,. a division of Johnson & Johnson,
are some of the companies that have been involved since the outset.
Agreement to partner includes designating a liaison within the business
to coordinate the relationship, hosting an event for students of the partnering
school, providing space at the business site for a bulletin board in order
to inform employees of activities involving the school, and allocating $5
per student in support. This money is to be used towards the improvement
of student achievement through increasing family and community support.
In talking with Buck Brougham, a human resource employee of DePuy Inc.(they
partner with Martin Middle School), the company is always "looking
for opportunities to be involved in meaningful ways." Project B.E.S.T.
fulfills this credo wonderfully. While they are able to provide awards,
food, and a presence on campus for special events, the company benefits
include a holiday music program performed on site for the employees.
It seems the key to the success of this program was the invitation to partner
extended by the Superintendent and Mayor of Taunton. The same words were
echoed by parents as they participate on various committees in the district.
There are many potential partners out there, but unless they're approached
individually, they may not surface. (We all want to be needed and will often
respond to a personal invitation.)
Then, the second key is to keep the involvement so simple that in the words
of Kathy Callahan, District Community Liaison, "they can't say no."
While collaborative efforts like the "Saving Make 'Cents'" program
initiated by local banks and Junior Achievement are found in many communities,
the involvement needs to be more direct and extended over longer periods
of time. Buck Brougham would like to see more employees working at schools
and in the classrooms. In order for this to become a reality, educators
and businesses will need to spend more time together in communication, understanding
how this can work to support the school and assist the company with being
a true member of the community.
Our family is learning that differences in culture can be easily overcome
through spending time together. The business and education "cultures"
are no exception.
Whether saying "bubbler" or "drinking fountain",we will
all be talking about water.
Til next week,
Darrell
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Excerpt from Corrine Lee's diary:
Well, we have yet to make a friend here, but the positive is that we can
still wear our sunglasses most of the time. Part of the reason I wanted
to come here was for leaves and I have seen them now. I am disappointed
in our stay though and don't need to come back. I did love the leaves.
As I am finishing this there is a knock on the door and these two gruff
men ask who the owner of the trailer is? I looked at them dumbfounded and
pointed to Darrell. In short, they have told us that since we're not Elk
members we have to vacate the spot in two days. They really don't care that
we are only staying five more days. So I guess it's KOA here we come. Yuk!
You know how Seattle is gaga over Starbucks? Well, here it's Dunkin' Donuts.
They have one on every street corner AND you can drive through. But I have
yet to find a good cup of coffee!
'Til next time, rake some leaves for me.
Note from a Martin Middle School student:
Hi my name is Matt and I was on the cross country team for 8th grade boys
this year with Tyler and Ian. I think that the ladie that commented on the
page about Taunton doesn't know what she is talking about. No offense but
Martin school is a great school you have fun and learn at the same time.
I have been a bad kid for a long time but when I came to this school my
badness died down. As the grades would pass I would be nicer and not get
in trouble. This ladie should go to Martin school before she comments on
it. The teachers are very helpful and they give their time. They stay after
for you they stay up all night grading papers for you. They put a lot of
effort into it. They send home letters, newsletters, monthly calender of
what is going on, and a lot of other stuff. The teachers here are very informative
to the parents.
One teacher, Mrs. Thomas my science teacher calls other peoples houses if
they didn't get certain things signed and she lives a couple cities over.
She spends her money just to call our moms and dads just to tell them how
we are doing and what needs to be signed. Well maybe it is just me maybe
or maybe you have to go to the school for a long time but I know that Taunton
is a
nice place with nice schools and nice teachers
Matt