from drama to visual arts, providing students with creative outlets and the chance to showcase their talents. “We put on drama productions that are open to the community, and our students perform in plays that everyone can attend,” Dr.Tymensen notes. These experiences are more than just extracurricular activities—they are pathways to future opportunities. “We’re linking these experiences to potential careers,” he adds, ensuring that students see the arts as a viable option for their futures, whether through scholarships or post-secondary programs. LOOKING AHEAD: ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND MENTAL HEALTH As Horizon School Division plans for the future, its priorities are clear: bolstering academic success through targeted interventions and addressing students’ growing mental health needs. Over the next 18 months, Horizon will continue to sharpen its focus on helping students overcome obstacles. “We’re committed to making sure kids are successful academically,” Dr. Tymensen says. The division’s strategy revolves around supporting students who may be struggling, ensuring that no one falls through the cracks.“We’ll continue to focus on interventions for those who need them,” he adds, explaining how the division allocates budget and resources to provide this critical support. The division is also paying close attention to the rising levels of emotional issues among students—a trend that has intensified in recent years. “There seems to be a higher level of stress and anxiety for kids,” Dr. Tymensen observes. Horizon is responding with increased access to counseling and peer mentorship programs. “We’re really trying to focus on building resiliency skills,” he says, pointing out that emotional strength and perseverance are just as vital to students’ development as their academic progress. A key element of this strategy involves reshaping how students and their families think about adversity. “What parents are doing is trying to shield their children from difficulties because it brings about anxiety,” he explains. “But all that does is create a bigger wall and a bigger fear.” For Dr. Tymensen and the team at Horizon, it’s important that students learn 349 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11 HORIZON SCHOOL DIVISION
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