Innovation in Action

On April 9, 15 teams of high school students from several different high school EMS training programs participated in the 35^th annual State Youth EMS competition at Spring Lake Park High School.

Students interacted with more than 100 organizations across a multitude of industry pathways at a Career Fair on April 6 at Spring Lake Park High School.

Dreary weather didn’t dampen the energy in the room that included something for every interest.

What do you know about yourself at age six? Seven? Twelve? Eighteen? Learner profiles document who a student is and how they learn best to support them in becoming powerful, independent and curious learners who can navigate anything.

Over the past seven years, Spring Lake Park Schools has made it a priority to provide high school students with various opportunities and paths to earn college credits while in high school. With the many paths available, students are realizing an important goal at SLP by earning 12 (or more) college credits by the end of 12th grade. It’s a goal known to Panthers as 12 by 12.

From new apps to new products, students in the Business and Entrepreneurship Pathway pitched their ideas and business plans to local business leaders. Everyone won with real-world feedback, insights and learning.

The high school years are a countdown toward students making their own way in the world, and finding fulfillment. The chance to apply often abstract concepts to real life situations leads to deeper learning and helps students test out potential career and college paths.

Through experiences that make learning more relevant for each learner in terms of who they are, how they learn, and where they want to go, students are finding purpose in learning that connects to real life by answering the question, “Why am I learning this?”

Students test drove an excavator, practiced automotive repair and worked with small machines as they explored the high-tech side of careers in transportation all inside a career exploration trailer parked at the high school.

When our seniors graduate next spring, each will have had opportunities to engage in hands-on experience as they explore potential career paths through our Career and College Pathways courses. Each will have had an opportunity to earn 12 or more college credits by the end of the 12th grade without leaving the support of their high school environment. Through these experiences and more, it's our goal to ensure our graduates are set to soar.