Students bring dreams to life
Typical amusement parks aren’t always the most welcoming places for young people using wheelchairs or other adaptive equipment, or those with sensory issues. But that could change in the future, thanks to several innovative designers at Oak-Land Middle School.
A group of six 7th and 8th grade special education students and their general education peers worked together to imagine, design and build an interactive model of what an inclusive and adapted park could look like. Cathleen Costello, Camryn Handberg, Anella Rosckes, Adele Majeski, Izzy Doliver Schmidt, and Abi Kowalski chose a Fairy garden theme for their amusement park concept. They used reclaimed materials to build the model, which features twinkling lights, flowers, and several colorful fairies. They built three rides and 1 carnival-style game that utilize buttons and switches so people of all ability levels can play and participate in the fun.
The students had hoped to showcase their park idea during DaVinci Fest, the district’s arts and science festival. But when DaVinci was canceled due to COVID concerns, the students held their own open house instead. Students, teachers and families visited their classroom and the theme park creators showed off all of the special features of their unique park.
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In Other News
As the district looks to improve for the future, the school board is considering a change to the high school schedule.
The Class of 2023 will be graduating on Saturday, June 10.
He is one of 8 high school principals from across the state to be recognized with this honor.
In accordance, Stillwater Area Public Schools will not hold any summer classes, activities, or Community Education programs on Monday, June 19.
The seniors were presented with a special eagle feather or a medicine bag to recognize their educational achievements.
The Facilities Planning Team is recommending the school board hold a bond referendum this fall to replace two elementary schools, add on to Oak-Land Middle and make security improvements across the district.
After many years of learning within kid-sized classrooms and using kid-sized facilities, young adults in the district’s Bridge Transition 18 to 21-year-old program have their own space within the Oak Park Building.
If your student needs bus service to the high school next year you must register for transportation