addition, the early college program allows students to take courses at EMU, earning up to 80 college credits free of charge, beginning in the tenth grade. Lincoln Consolidated was also one of only a few districts in the state to be awarded an SME Prime grant, for advanced manufacturing. With this, the high school will see the introduction of a solar car and 3D printers on site.“It is a very next generational type of opportunity,” Jansen acknowledges. “When we talk to the folks out in the fields in the industry, it seems like we’re going to be preparing our kids, and they will be able to have jobs lined up for them.” AWARD WINNING ARTS PROGRAMS The arts thrive in the district, with award-winning band and choir programs consistently achieving top honors.“We had competitions, this last winter, where both our choir and our music programs, all scored highest marks, and they sounded beautiful. I am very proud of our music programs” remarks Jansen. Fine arts are also celebrated at Lincoln Consolidated Schools, where a recent art exhibit allowed students to showcase their work to the community.“It was a great turnout, where the community came together with parents very proud to see their students work.We have such gifted kids, it was just beautiful to see their artwork,” he adds. On the performing arts side, the students put on annual musicals and plays, which Jansen characterizes as “magnificent.” He continues, “One of our goals here in Lincoln is to have every kid connected to something, whether it be performing arts, some kind of club, a sport, something that they’re interested in.When you look at our band, our choir, the performance arts, it’s like a community for these kids, as they go through these productions, and all the hard work behind the scenes. Those common bonds that come together are so wonderful to see.” LOOKING AHEAD As Lincoln Consolidated Schools continues to support the competencies described in the Portrait of a Graduate, Jansen says the district will remain focused on holistic education, robust partnerships, 391 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07 L INCOLN CONSOL IDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT
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