GED Graduation Celebration 2009

Twenty-one students of all ages accepted their GED certificates Tuesday night marking the first annual graduation ceremony of the Plymouth Adult Basic Education & GED Program.

The General Educational Development, or GED, certificate is an alternative to a high school diploma and requires the student to complete five academic tests to prove he or she has high school-level academic skills.

Offering classes at the Work One Center in Plymouth, the GED program is open to anyone in the community. To take the GED test, however, a student must be at least 17. A student must register at the Adult Education office, and has to fulfill hourly requirements as well as meet
test measurement goals, in order to successfully prepare for taking the official GED exam.

Deb Sherwood, GED coordinator in Marshall County, said the program sees all kinds of students ranging from older adults who didn't finish high school to young students who find high school is not right for them. Students also consist of adults who have been out of school for several
years that realize that they need a high school diploma or a GED to get a better job or go on to college or a trade school.

Mayor Mark Senter offered an encouraging speech, recognizing some famous celebrities that have obtained their GED's. Though some say that GED’s have a negative stereotype, the certificate actually opens doors to higher education and employment.

Students come to this program in hopes of a brighter future. They usually have a plan and stick to it. Those with a GED can move onto community colleges, join the military, find a job and even attend some four-year universities.

Life is full of choices. Sometimes things go differently as planned, but this program offers opportunity. Enjoy the pictures of our celebration honoring those who made a choice to working hard for their GED.

Congratulations students!!!

ESL Classes - Work Ready Skills

During the 2009 program year, Plymouth Adult Basic Education, offered a unique class for our community members that do not speak fluent English. The program recognized that any language barrier can hinder chances of finding work, communicating with school teachers, etc.

Support your local Adult Education Program

Please send a letter about why an education like GED preparation, classes in the workplace, English as a Second
Language class, and/or a Transition to College class is important to you.

The convenience of having local programs, free to our community, and instructed by local community members, is not something to take for granted. Please help our state leaders know the importance it holds for you.

Take the time to contact them today:

Senator Ed Charbonneau
200 W. Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-232-9400
800-382-9467
Email a senator: http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_republicans/5315.htm

Senator Richard Lugar
175 West Lincolnway
Suite G-1
Valparaiso, Indiana 46383
Phone: (219) 548-8035
Fax: (219) 548-7506
http://lugar.senate.gov/contact/contactform.cfm

Congressman Joe Donnelly
207 West Colfax Avenue
South Bend, IN 46601
Phone: 574.288.2780
Fax: 574.288.2825
http://donnelly.house.gov/contact/email.shtml

State Rep. Nancy Dembowski
Indiana House of Representatives
200 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2786
Phone: 1-800-382-9842
Email: h17@in.gov

Dr. Tony Bennett, State Superintendent
Indiana Department of Education
151 West Ohio Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Phone: 317.232.6610
Fax: 317.232.8004
webmaster@doe.in.gov

Hehr International develops employee skills through work with Plymouth Adult Basic Education.

When Hehr International needed to train their employees on running reports, operating computer programs, language and communication, the Plymouth Adult Basic Education was ready to meet the challenge.

“Part of what we do is go in and listen to what a business really needs for its employees and then quickly custom-design a plan to make it happen,” Lora Janssen, Workforce Development Facilitator said.

General Manager of HEHR Industries, George Aboukhaled said “It’s vital to enhance our knowledge on a consistent basis. This program will allow individuals to grow in our community & this program will certainly assist in this regard. HEHR was fortunate to participate in the program.”

"Phil Scott made learning interesting and exciting. I was impressed with how easy it was for me to catch on. Microsoft, Excel, and Powerpoint will definitely benefit me at my job and also down the road. Many thanks", shared student, Sherry Vaca, employee from HEHR.

Janssen said representatives from Plymouth Adult Basic Education are always ready to meet with businesses, listen to what they are seeking in the area of basic skills development, and find the means to make it happen.

“Whether your employees need to brush up on their reading and writing skills, or just improve their interpersonal communication in the workplace, we’re always here to help,” Janssen said. “Just give us a call and we’ll be happy to come out and meet with you and develop a program that fits your time schedule and your budget.”

If your company would benefit by sending your employees to our Adult Education program, or if you would like flyers, please contact Deb Sherwood at the Service Center, 701 Berkley St., Plymouth at 574-936-7268 or email dsherwood@plymouth.k12.in.us.

Video from Channel 22

Plymouth Adult Basic Education on Channel 22

Click here to read about our program on Channel 22, or watch the video http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/41929282.html.