Partnership Principal

Ron Sing

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     Jordan Applied Technical Center—Sandy Campus (JATC) challenges potential students to “jump start your future.” If they bring their curiosity with them, Principal Ron Sing is ready “to stretch them” to prepare for the modern-day world. “Our mission is to empower students to accept responsibility and to learn marketable skills through rigor and relevance experiences, which further their education and career opportunities.”

   “IQ is important, but we feel that curiosity and passion can be more important in our young people,” Sing reports of the 800 juniors and seniors at his school. “Our doors are open to any student who has curiosity, and we look forward to developing their passion for learning.”

   Sing points out that JATC—Sandy is not an alternative school. Rather it is a school of choice that focuses on career and technical skills integrated with core academics of math, science, reading and writing. Students come from the other eight comprehensive high schools in the Jordan district along with surrounding schools, but must apply to the school. (There is one other JATC campus in the Jordan School District.)

   JATC, where Sing has been principal for eight years, draws a diverse cadre of young people. Some Advanced Placement students who have built a 4.0 gpa come because they are looking for something not offered in a comprehensive high school. One recent graduate signed up so he could pursue certifications in a number of technical areas and earned a $65,000 scholarship at a private university upon graduation.

   Others are struggling in their traditional school and are looking to stretch themselves in a new environment. “One of our special education students found his passion here, graduated, built his own construction business locally, and now we bring him and his workers back to help with homes we build as part of our educational program,” Sing recalls.

   “Our philosophy here is to stretch students no matter where they currently are,” he said. “Some are struggling academically; others are looking for new areas to explore. We engage our students with meaningful and relevant instruction and enhance their personal skill development.”

    JATC students can select from a number of course categories, including technology/service where such classes as barbering and cosmetology are offered; technology/industrial where they can study diesel mechanics, welding, or electronics technician; technology/construction with classes such as electrical installation, masonry/tile fitting, and onsite building construction; science/technology where they find emergency medical technician and certified nurse assisting; and technology/agriculture, where classes range from animal care procedures to nursery and landscaping. There is also a National Academy of Information Technology program that offers multi media production, web site design, and software development. College credit may be obtained with concurrent agreements with our local community colleges and universities. A few of our students have received their associates degrees while in high school.

    Other services provided students include an Assessment Center where those new to the school can determine their aptitudes and interests, and a Job Placement Center, where such skills as resume writing and interviewing are taught and practiced. Internships are encouraged and arranged with business, industry and community partners.

     “Many of our students come from a middle class background, and they see the types of work their parents are doing,” Sing said. “But work is changing for middle class families. Many of the traditional jobs are going out of the country, and we have to prepare our students for these changes. They need the skills to be professional managers.”

     One of Sing’s biggest challenges is recruiting for the school’s 18-person teaching staff. JATC is unique; college instructors are also part of this instructional cadre of teachers, hired by the community college and placed here to teach high school students.

     “We have to recruit teachers who not only meet the state requirements but also have an industry and business background. That takes a lot of searching in the business community where the pay is much better. We try to show them why it is worth teaching here. We aim to convince them that the future of our nation relies on teachers that can train our future workers.”

    Involvement in The Principals’ Partnership is helping Sing develop a larger focus as a school leader.

    “With the way society is changing, I can no longer focus just on Sandy, Utah, if I’m to prepare our students for their future. The Partnership allows me to see what people are doing elsewhere and builds my ability to be up on current trends. The networking is invaluable.”    

  Sing can be contacted at ronald.sing@jordan.k12.ut.us, and more information about JATC is available at
http://www.jatc-sandy.org/.

Past Focus Principals:

Focus- Bill Hittman
Focus- Jeanene Sampson
Focus- David Gilligan
Focus - Joy Walton
Focus- William Roberts
Focus- Franklyn Wesley
Focus- Magdalena Gutierrez
Focus- Kent Bergum
Focus- William "Rick" Johnson
Focus- Ken Ball
Focus- Dan Tenuta
Focus- Charlesetta Deason
Focus- Rene Posey
Focus- Stuart Baker
Focus- Paul Smith
Focus- Christie Gestvang
Focus- John A. Butterfield
Focus- Janie Hill Hatton
Focus- Steve Warmack
Focus- Glen Clark
Focus- Kittie D. Weston-Knauer
Focus- William Dunn
Focus - Richard Pemberton
Focus- Dr. Anthony Spivey
Focus - John Weigel