Thornton Academy Postscripts Alumni Magazine Fall 2013 | Page 2

21st century curriculum to career initiative
One component of
TA’s 21st Century
Curriculum to Career
initiative converted
a lecture hall into a
hands-on laboratory for
Science-TechnologyEngineeringMathematics
Instruction.

Maine Senate President Justin Alfond visits with Headmaster
Menard when Thornton Academy announced its new partnership
with the University of Maine College of Engineering at a press
conference, and then offered tours of the new STEM lab.

shadow experiences. Community involvement becomes
Maine experiences significant challenges in inspiring
essential, and our business partners support career
youth to remain in the state and pursue the many
exploration by hosting CAP students. A companion
occupations that our communities require. From lawyers
element of the initiative also challenges students to reach
and engineers to teachers and bakers, from athletic
for “diploma endorsements.” A ground-breaking
trainers and welders to public safety officers and marine
partnership with the University of Maine’s College of
scientists (see p. 4-6), Maine needs them all. Thornton
Engineering is the
Academy’s new
“21st Century
“From lawyers and engineers to teachers and bakers, from first (see p. 9) of
Curriculum to
athletic trainers and welders to public safety officers and several planned
endorsement
Career” initiative
marine scientists, Maine needs them all…and Thornton
options; qualified
helps prepare high
Academy helps prepare them for the working world.”
students will be able
school students for
to accomplish a UM
the working world,
engineering degree in just three years. Thornton Academy
enabling them to “imagine themselves” here in Maine.
is, characteristically, in the forefront of education in Maine,
Encouraging students to pursue an in-state career of their
providing opportunities that address the economic and
choice not only helps grow our economy, but also
stimulates motivation in school. In partnership with dozens social challenges of our state. Our 21st Century
Curriculum to Career initiative reflects significant research,
of local businesses (see the story on Arundel Machine, p.
input from leaders in business, government, and higher
7), Thornton Academy is pursuing its mission “to prepare
students for a changing world” by offering the new Career education. Yet, we continue to strive. As always, Thornton
Awareness Program (CAP) that helps transition students
Academy will lead the field in preparing students for our
changing world.
into the working world. Our guidance and career
counselors generate in-depth, future-oriented discussions
Rene M. Menard ‘88,
with students, and facilitate career observation and job
Headmaster

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