Holland, Mich.-- In 2010, the Holland Public Schools joined a growing national network of schools by opening Holland New Tech High School. As more and more students enroll, they each continue to discover how this school is different from a traditional high school environment.
"We take responsibility for our learning and we all have potential for academic success," says eighth grader Celine Chiaverini. "Here at New Tech, we work as a team in a project-based environment that has flexible, 21st century learning. Most importantly, it's an environment of trust, responsibility, and respect. Here you will build strong bonds with your teachers and peers."
Celine goes on to say that New Tech is separated from other schools in that you have to depend on others-not just yourself, like you would in a traditional learning environment.
"It gets you used to working with people. That is important because you will always have to work with people in your future, whether you like them or not," she says. "Most schools don't have that as their primary focus. Typical schools would say they want students to grow and gain knowledge [solely on an individual level]. New Tech on the other hand, believes they can take that and add more to it."
New Tech is striving to be known as a school based on the core of "Retrustibility," which is a fusion of the words "respect," "trust," and "responsibility."
Celine describes "Retrustibility" as "respecting the people and environment around you and trusting the students to do what's right."
She believes responsibility is the most important part of the trio. She says, "If you don't do your homework, don't listen to your teachers, don't follow the process, and aren't willing to grow, New Tech isn't for you. You are expected to be responsible for all of that."
But does New Tech prepare you for the future? To Celine, yes, and then some.
"New Tech benefits you in the future by helping you understand teamwork, improving academic performances, identifying and solving predicaments, and just boosting your confidence."
