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Noble Local Curriculum Showcase slated April 8

Members of the Noble Local School District family — students, parents, grandparents and anyone from the community interested in what’s going on inside the hallowed halls of Shenandoah High School and Shenandoah Elementary/Middle School – be sure to circle Thursday, April 8 on your calendar!

That’s when the inaugural Noble Local Curriculum Showcase will take place, with a bevy of activities planned from 5-8 p.m. in both school buildings.

The event is being designed to show everyone exactly what’s going on at Noble Local, according to SES/SMS Guidance Counselor Kristine Schoeppner who is the driving force behind the event.

“The idea had been discussed before, but it didn’t happen last year due to COVID-19 and everything resulting from that,” she said. “We’ve all heard Superintendent (Dan) Leffingwell and Principal (Justin) Denius say again and again ‘People drive past here and they see the same old Shenandoah from the outside, but they don’t have any idea of the massive activity going on inside.’

“With that in mind, we want to give everyone a first-hand look at the activities that our students are doing on a daily basis,” Schoeppner continued. “We want this to be hands-on and interactive, and we plan to have our kids lead some of the activities and demonstrate what they’re learning.”

“We are so excited to showcase the many great opportunities afforded our students right here on our Sarahsville campus,” said Superintendent Leffingwell. “Our staff has worked tirelessly and collaboratively over the years to align our services and preparation to local, regional, state and national employment needs and opportunities.

“I’m so excited for our community to have the opportunity to explore; become familiar with our many offerings and see the many extraordinary things our staff and students do daily,” he added.

In order to adhere to current guidelines and restrictions related to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, everyone attending will be required to wear face coverings at all times and things will be spread out both in times and locations to allow for social distancing, with activities limited to less than 15 minutes in all cases.

At the high school, the gymnasium, media center, cafeteria, auditorium and fitness center will be utilized as well as many of the classrooms. Students who will be “rising” to grades 8, 9 and 11 in the 2021-22 school year are asked to attend between 5-6:30 p.m. while those entering grades 10 and 12 should come between 6:30-8 p.m. Incoming eighth graders will be starting their day next year at the high school for elective courses, and they will have the opportunity to select those the night of the showcase.

At the elementary/middle school, the gymnasium, cafeteria and library will be focal points along with some of the classrooms. Students who will be in grades PreK through 7 will be divided based on the student’s last name, with A through L slated from 5-6:30 p.m. and from M through Z from 6:30-8 p.m. Students in PreK through 4 will be showcasing activities mirroring Literacy Night activities while grades 5-7 will have an opportunity to select their elective courses for next year. Eighth graders, of course, are also welcome to check things out at SES/SMS.

School personnel and members of the Student Advisory Council will be on hand to greet those attending, provide maps of the building and help direct families to their desired locations.

Schoeppner was quick to credit the teachers of the NLSD for buying into the concepts now being utilized and for coming up with the various classroom activities, many of which will be featured at the Showcase.

“We can’t do the amazing things that we’re doing without the teachers being willing to step out of their comfort zone; to try new things with the kids and not be afraid to fail,” she said. “That’s how we’ve been able to continually move forward in providing our students with what they need to become ‘future ready’.

“The community will be able to see what their kids can do because of our teachers and the amazing things happening at Shenandoah,” added Schoeppner.

“It will involve everyone and everything,” she continued. “Our goal is to have 100 percent staff participation front the core subjects to those that are STEM related…the whole gamut.

“We want to focus on the fact that we’re a ‘STEM School’ and a ‘Leader in Me School,'” she added, “and the 5 Cs (collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, citizenship and communication) of 21st century learning will be very apparent.”

In addition to the hands-on activities, emphasis will also be placed on curriculum, clubs and activities, and to showcase the many renovations within the district.

“Things have changed so much in recent years that we want to show everyone what’s being offered,” said SHS Guidance Counselor/Career Pathways Coach Beth Warner who along with Guidance Counselor Emma Marshall will help coordinate activities at the high school.

Schoeppner said the Showcase may not be a first, but that it’s something unique to this area.

“We’re probably not the pioneers of this type of event,” she acknowledged, “but I don’t know of anything in our area similar to this.”

Noble Local’s Food Services (The Nutrition Group) under the leadership of Lorraine Holiday, will also be involved and will offer refreshments at both locations.

“We really encourage all of our students and their families to participate,” said Schoeppner. “We want everyone in the community – even those without students – to see what we have to offer.

“We’re looking forward to a fun and informative evening,” she added, pointing out that families of all past, current and future Zeps are welcome to attend.

Jeff Harrison is communications director for Noble Local School District.

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