In our increasingly digitally interfaced world, some students are missing out on essential people skills that they need to thrive in their professional and civic lives after school. That’s why the teachers at Baldwin Middle School are shaking up their approach to career-readiness skills with The Amazing Shake.
Jonathan Peebles and Anthony Barbano have begun a new voluntary program emphasizing manners, discipline, respect, and professional conduct, equipping students with essential skills for success in a professional environment.
Key aspects of the program include:
• Skills Development: Students learn how to develop a proper handshake, master social interactions, and build professional confidence.
• Club Activities: The Amazing Shake club, consisting of select volunteer students and sessions focus on real-world scenarios.
Each activity is assessed using grading rubrics to ensure measurable growth and skill mastery. Ensuring cohesion with the overall curriculum, outcomes are aligned to Baldwin-Whitehall School District’s Journey of a Highlander, which articulates 5 competencies all graduates should have.
The Amazing Shake is inspired by a program at the paradigm-setting school, the Ron Clark Academy. It’s one of the many insights district leaders brought back after visiting Ron Clark Academy, a transformative school which serves 4th–8th grade students from a variety of socio-economic and academic backgrounds across Atlanta, Georgia. “Both Dr. Lutz and I believe this program is a critical addition for our students in Baldwin and are excited to bring it here,” shares Jonathan Peebles, Assistant Principal of Baldwin Middle School.
The initial cohort of 30 students is already excelling. “For the launch of this program, eighth-grade faculty selected a small group of students—roughly 30 in total—who they felt would embrace this initiative, take it seriously, and be eager to participate,” says Peebles. This nucleus will grow in the months to come, as more students take part. Peebles explains, “Our long-term vision includes growing this program so that participating students gain the confidence to become ambassadors. I see incredible potential for these middle school students to share their skills with others, such as younger elementary students or even high schoolers preparing for their senior exit interviews. This peer-to-peer teaching model could have a powerful impact across grade levels.”
See students put their newly acquired skills into action at a recent event at Baldwin High School engaging community senior citizens, showcasing all they’ve learned in a short time.
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