Extended Learning Prepares for the Year

By Sydney Shain

As one of the behind-the-scenes groups at EHS, Extended Learning’s full reach goes unnoticed by most. However, it is one of the most diverse groups of students, while also being one of the smallest. For example, students in EL each have their own Individualized Education Plans, which include goals for each quarter.

When asked about goals each year for her students, the EL director Mrs. Hartwell replies, “I have the same goals every year for my students – choose something that you enjoy and do it well. My seniors are focused on their post high school years; they need to meet application deadlines and apply for as many scholarships as they can. My juniors are focused on their ACT scores and narrowing down their college lists, as well as performing well in the classroom. My sophomores and freshmen are still trying to narrow down their career paths and build their resumes by getting involved in as many opportunities as they possibly can academically and in activities at school and outside of the school.”

On top of goals including studying French, researching engineering, and furthering political education, students in the class are expected to take part in various competitions and challenges each year. The most recent competition, held at The University of Kansas’ School of Engineering, tested the students’ ability to design a rover craft and launcher to endure various tests and obstacles. Looking into the future, the students are already preparing themselves to compete in another competition at KU with a wider range of opportunity and challenges.

“During these projects, success is following through on a design and producing a functional product to compete with.” Mrs. Hartwell adds, “I am happy when I see my students choose a topic and then work through the design process to create, modify, and redevelop their product before the competition.” The topics chosen, including trebuchets, concrete boat sails, and chemical cars, challenge students’ ability to work with the engineering aspects of each project to create something successful.

Even though the next competition isn’t scheduled until late February, Extended Learning students are constantly striving to further explore the fields of engineering and mathematics, each of which will be involved with the projects they decide to compete with. Each student is constantly working not only on their individual goals, but team projects that further their education on top of everything else that high school students take part in. To hear about their success at the KU Engineering Expo, keep your eyes on The Cardinal Online for updates.