What began as a class project in teacher Maria Wolbert’s Web Design I class at Oxford High School not only gained recognition at Oxford’s Board of Education in May, but ultimately helped grant a request made by a local company for a ‘proclamation for Manners Matters Day? on September 18 by Governor Jennifer Granholm for the State of Michigan.
The objective was for students to develop an extensive professional website to launch a new local business, Etiquettes Edge.
In doing so, they gained valuable experience in learning how a business is built from scratch. They were given specific information to be included by Executive Director Pamela Barc, but then used the skills and creativity taught by Wolbert to create a finished project, including effective navigation and uniform page layout and design.
Students were learning class material as they implemented what they were learning’no easy task that came with many challenges and obstacles.
Webmasters Aaron James, B.J. Neef, and Tony Weed, along with Concept Designer Sara Fisk, were primary contributors to the project.
‘This opportunity gave me the experience to design a website for a real-world business,? said B.J. Neef, Web Designer.
Mrs. Wolbert agreed the students learned far more than textbook knowledge, and experienced just how challenging, yet rewarding, it can be when goals are defined and accomplished.
‘To meet the client’s website needs, the students had to have an understanding of Etiquettes Edge’s services and business objectives in order to manufacture a site that fit with the image Mrs. Barc desired to project for her company,? said Wolbert.
Students learning website design at all levels is part of Oxford’s high standard curriculum that prepares students for a competitive business world.
‘These four students exceeded my expectations in professionalism, dedication, and skill in designing a website that is successfully launching our company objectives,? said Barc.
‘This is direct proof of education excellence in the Oxford School District.?
Concept Designer, Sara Fisk said she never thought she’d have a chance to help develop and cause a business to grow.
‘It was exciting to be part of a company who, like me, wants to see youth and adults express themselves in a polite manner. Too many of my peers think ‘me? instead of ‘us,? she said. To preview the Etiquettes Edge site, visit www.etiquettesedge.com.