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Earlier this year, the teachers at Summit Intermediate read the book “50 Strategies to Boost Cognitive Engagement” as part of an effort to revamp building-wide professional development. They met three times to discuss the book, share ideas, and reflect on what they learned. Each teacher then selected a favorite strategy and partnered with colleagues to present on that during the school's Lead and Learn day. The goal of the experience was to encourage teachers to learn from one another while continuing to grow professionally.

Nixa High School students in Advanced Journalism and College Composition classes had the opportunity to work with the Give 5 organization, organized by the United Way, to learn about local non-profits and their missions. They met with the Child Advocacy Center, the Drew Lewis Foundation, Women’s Medical Respite, and the Nixa Education Foundation. The students eventually settled on working with NEF, where they created a video and a brochure highlighting the work they do inside our schools.

Two years ago, the second grade class at JTSD worked on building a pollinator wall to support birds, bees, and butterflies. This year, those same students-now fourth graders-returned alongside current second graders to update the wall and the garden, preparing them for the warm summer months. The project culminated with a ribbon-cutting celebrating the school’s national recognition from the National Wildlife Federation for creating a school-wide habitat.