recently expanded their STEM classes to include kindergarteners, so that the programs are now offered from Kindergarten through Grade 5. This includes having STEM teachers in every building, giving students wide exposure to hands-on learning and projects. Businesses in the community also come in and work with students, giving them a chance to explore creativity in a real-life setting. McDonald comments, “If you give a project to a kindergartner and you give a project to an adult, the kindergartner will come up with a hundred more ideas.” For this reason, McDonald sees implementing this type of hands-on curriculum and opportunities as essential in the early grades. SETTING STUDENTS UP FOR SUCCESS Lakeville also has a unique approach to one of the biggest educational effects of the pandemic: technology. Lakeville already had online learning pre-pandemic. COVID confirmed what they already knew; different kids excel with different learning strategies. Lakeville offers fully online or part-time online options for students who need flexibility. Dr McDonald explains that they always want to see students “placed in the environment where they can be most successful” and try to offer a wide range of opportunities for every student. The opportunities at Lakeville include STEM classes and community partnerships as well. Lakeville 284 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 03
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