Here’s something I haven’t heard of before.

Robert Lee, the youngest one running for the Carpentersville District 300
school board proposes a new recognition possibility for students.

Read about his idea for a “Certified Diploma” below:

ROBERT LEE PROPOSES DISTRICT 300 CREATE A CERTIFIED DIPLOMA PROGRAM

EAST DUNDEE – Robert Lee proposed the creation of a Certified Diploma Program, highlighting its emphasis on a community based education that includes academics, community service, and social development.

“Our communities center themselves around schools. Having three high schools in District 300, with roughly 6,000 students combined, offers us an opportunity to both prepare them for future success after District 300, as well as prepare younger students for their success in District 300,” Lee said.

“Schools and communities are inseparable. We should develop an education which expands the scope of learning to accommodate that reality.”

Lee said the Certified Diploma Program would be an option students can use to receive a higher tier diploma from District 300 by focusing on four components.

Students who

• average a 3.0 GPA,
• complete ten hours of community service during each academic year of high school attendance,
• provide a personal statement of their educational experience, and
• receive two letters of recommendation from mentors in the community

will be eligible for a Certified Diploma.

“Schools cannot expect to educate students in an environment completely separated from that which exists outside the school.

“This Certified Diploma Program will not only teach students the important academic lessons they must learn, but also the cognitive and social abilities necessary to put academic learning to good use.

“Academic and professional studies show how community based learning is integral in today’s modern world.”

Lee emphasized the benefits of collaborating with multiple community entities to help implement this program. Further, he pointed out the emphasis on the student’s responsibility in completing the requirements will take minimal resources and not distract from the classroom environment.

“Over time, this program will become self perpetuating. As older students interact with younger ones in various activities, they help to build an ethic of community the younger students take with them as they grow. In the long run, this program will build a better community within our schools and in the surrounding neighborhoods.

“Everyone in our community has a reason to care about District 300. It’s time District 300 start to help build communities that believe that.”