A new school year brings fresh opportunities for students and teachers alike, and some districts are focusing on how to better support students facing learning challenges.
At North Cross, Kit Prillaman has been celebrated for her innovative program catering to students with dyslexia and dysgraphia.
This initiative has gained recognition as part of the school’s educational offerings, allowing nearly 10 percent of their students to thrive.
Prillaman, who has been at North Cross for twelve years, got involved after her son was diagnosed with dyslexia.
She stated, “I went and did specialized training to be able to teach these students, and I’ve been here ever since.”
Under her direction, the CrossWalk program aims to help students navigate the challenges associated with language-based learning disabilities.
This program was born out of necessity, evolving from Prillaman's personal experience and professional expertise.
With support from Blue Eagle Credit Union, both Prillaman and North Cross received financial aid, reinforcing the impact of specialized support systems.
"She has put her heart and soul to this program; it’s all about the students," noted Armistead Lemon, head of North Cross.
Meanwhile, schools across the country are ramping up their efforts to incorporate career and technical education, or CTE, to better prepare students for life after graduation.
Mitchell School District recently hosted teachers for business tours to highlight the relevance of CTE courses, which 70% of high school students take.
These tours included stops at local businesses where teachers could see first-hand how CTE programs benefit both the students and the workforce.
Sarah Timmer, the district’s curriculum director, elaborated on the initiative, saying they aimed to provide educators with insights on local career opportunities.
"Teachers are thinking about what the end goal is if we want to keep these students in Mitchell," she explained.
The approach emphasizes equipping students with practical skills desired by employers, such as adaptability and job-specific abilities.
Shane Thill, the director for Mitchell's Career & Technical Education Academy, stated these collaborations help teachers understand necessary skill sets students will need.
The tours allowed teachers to familiarize themselves with various CTE disciplines, from welding to culinary arts, reinforcing how core subjects relate to real-world applications.
The goal is to make learning relevant and exciting for students, encouraging them to see the value of academic subjects.
This initiative showcases how local educators are stepping up to make learning opportunities more accessible and engaging for all students.
Heightened security measures are also on the minds of educators and parents, especially as new school years commence.
Many districts have started implementing enhanced protocols to safeguard students and provide peace of mind for families.
To address these challenges, educators are engaging with community members to create supportive environments for students facing all manner of obstacles.
By fostering connections between schools and local organizations, districts can better address the diverse learning challenges students may face.
These initiatives highlight schools' commitment to inclusivity, striving to create educational settings where every student can flourish.
Overall, as the 2024-25 school year approaches, education leaders continue to seek innovative ways to support student needs.
Whether through specialized programs for learning disabilities or broader CTE initiatives, the focus remains on providing quality educational experiences.
With dedicated individuals like Kit Prillaman and collaborative efforts from districts like Mitchell, students are being prepared for successful futures, whatever path they choose.
The convergence of community support and educational initiatives sets the stage for transformative experiences within school settings.
