ARCANUM – The junior class of Arcanum-Butler Schools took a day to earn the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification under the direction of Roger McEldowney and Matt Grote.
“When we are preparing kids for life after high school, problem solving is going to be relevant whether they are going to college or going straight to the workforce or they are going to the military,” said Arcanum-Butler Superintendent John Stephens. “It can be challenging when you do something for several years, as we have with the Real Life Wednesdays, to keep it fresh and engaging, and I applaud our high school staff and Mr. Cates for doing that.”
Lean Six Sigma is a beginner-level credential that teaches how to apply Lean Six Sigma methodologies to improve processes. It’s a foundation program that can help people work more effectively in teams, reduce errors, and improve customer satisfaction.
“It’s problem solving,” said McEldowney. “We teach them some tools and some of the important aspects of Lean Six Sigma. We take them through a case study, which is a lot easier if they are looking at an actual business or case study that exists. We can take them through the process instead of creating one that doesn’t exist.”
Mr. McEldowney and Mr. Grote attended several training sessions to present the class throughout the summer and school year.
“We felt like it was something that we could give to our kids that they weren’t currently getting, that they are going to be able to take away problem solving skills and leadership skills,” McEldowney stated. “It is something we hadn’t done before, but we think those skills are important.”
“This program benefits any student, from the ones that are going to college to the ones going into the workforce,” Grote said. “It helps them learn how to work with a team, to be a productive employee and to understand how management works in solving problems.”
“I enjoy these Real Life Wednesdays,” said High School Principal Ty Cates. “We get the comment, what do high school kids learn that they can take with them when they graduate. “We want a well-rounded education. This is an opportunity to get life skills they can use outside of high school, allow kids to learn different things and skill sets, and maybe open their eyes to different careers and opportunities when they graduate.”
“I appreciate Mr. McEldowney and Mr. Grote taking the time to attend the training,” Cates added. “I appreciate our Superintendent for being willing to back us on this to get the curriculum and the training for our staff. They are taking the extra time to do those things, and we appreciate their willingness to do that. “
