Founded in Napa, California, in 1996, New Tech Network works nationwide with districts to develop innovative high schools. They help schools fundamentally rethink teaching and learning.  Students are empowered to become the creators, leaders, and producers of tomorrow. Teachers are empowered to become facilitators of learning as they focus on interdisciplinary approaches to coursework, integrating technology with authentic projects. This project based learning replicates today’s working world.

As many of the Lakeland High School staff, school board members and Superintendent Risa Herber, visited various New Tech High Schools over a yearlong period, it became clear to all involved that the model had great potential. Student engagement, enthusiasm, and eloquence were noted at every visit, impressing everyone involved. Because of this, Lakeland High School incorporated one completely project based learning course during the 2009-2010 school year.   It has been amazing to see the level of work that we can expect from freshmen. Both myself and our teachers are extremely excited about beginning a full program of study for freshmen and sophomores during the 2010-2011 school year and continuing through to a full school conversion.

School and community enthusiasm for this conversion is being bolstered by the large amount of funding needed to make this a reality. As part of a network of 12 Indiana schools, Lakeland High School is receiving a $450,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne to pay for the startup fee to link to the New Tech Network. The Community Foundation is administering money from the Lilly Endowment to schools looking to begin the New Tech model.   Additionally, as part of this new LaGrange County digital highway, $1.7 million of the school’s infrastructure is being supported by the LaGrange County Commissioners and Council through Major Moves funding.  Eventual partnerships with Prairie Heights High School and Westview High School are possible because of this funding. The obvious economic development potential of investing in our students’ futures is being embraced by local and state business partners.

Rejuvenating teaching and learning, with the support of the Lakeland community, is what each and every one of our students deserves. Students will be challenged intellectually and interpersonally. They will have opportunities to explore career interests through internships and will earn at least 12 college credits while in high school. When students leave Lakeland High School, diploma in hand, they will be confident that they will enter an ever-evolving future with the problem solving and human relations skills that will make them successful in any post-secondary or workplace environment. The future of education is happening now at Lakeland High School.

Mrs. Eva Merkel
Principal
Lakeland High School