PBHS hosts its first student PD day

 

Zumba, beekeeping, college life, dog training, improv and Magic the Gathering were just a sampling of the various subjects and activities secondary education students were exposed to last week.

 

Poplar Bluff High School held its first student personal development day in collaboration with the Technical Career Center on Friday, May 11, at the Tom Hoover Way campus.

 

“The idea was to give kids an opportunity to learn what you wouldn’t get in a typical school day,” explained Instructional Coach Stephanie Kuper, the event organizer. “We had information about different careers, everyday things that people need to know about, and some fun sessions.”

 

Community partners, faculty and even high schoolers led the breakout sessions, which students got to select via a survey. Last year Junior High successfully introduced student PD day to the district, and Kuper credited the leadership there for providing a model she can go off of. The concept originally came from the Orchard Farm School District.

 

“When kids are engaged in what they’re learning about, classroom management tends to take care of itself,” Kuper said. “You gotta keep giving them reason to come, because you can’t teach unless they’re here.”

 

Pictured: Barbie Hon of the Technical Career Center displays the teeth of her horse Cricket during an equine care session.

Photo and article submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District