Dr. Jorgensen's April Highland Highlights
April 1, 2021
Highland Highlights
Highland can be described as a small, rural school district in Iowa. However, the district is gaining notoriety and stature in being a leader in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) programming. The Agriculture program has received numerous STEM related grants to help grow and extend programming. Congratulations to Mrs. Trower on continued growth of opportunities for students. What is even more impressive has been the statewide leadership the district has taken in the Engineering field.
Highland High School is the first district in the state of Iowa who has adopted a 4 Year Curriculum in Aerospace Engineering. This has led to a partnership with Collins Engineering, which has opened the door to even more opportunities. Highland High School had 12 Girls participate recently in “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day” with Collins Engineering. The district believes in removing barriers to female students to encourage becoming involved with Engineering programming. This is an increase from 5 girls participating a year ago. The purpose of this day with Collins Engineering is giving even more exposure to the various engineering fields to female students. The day provides several hands on activities to encourage and support interest in engineering education and careers.
It is hard to talk about STEM and engineering at Highland without mention of the Robotics teams, which are recognized as teams that frequently qualifies for the World Robotics Competition. Students are prepared for the Robotics program by being a part of Lego League on the middle school level. We have many parents who have and continue to volunteer their time for these students. Tim Surine oversees both the Robotics and Aerospace Engineering programs at the High School. He has committed to training in South Carolina and at Auburn University in the past few summers to implement the Aerospace program. He works in coordination with Derick Ball, secondary guidance counselor, to open up doors and opportunities for all students who want to pursue coursework in STEM related programming. Needless to say, Highland is being identified statewide as a leader in this area. A lot of credit is due those who have committed to make these opportunities possible.
Highland Board and administration also wants to give a shout out of thanks to the patrons of the community for the passage of the PPEL vote. What was most impressive about the vote was not the fact that it passed the 50% majority that it needed, but that it passed by a 78% margin. We appreciate the continued vote of approval and support that we are seeing from our patrons. The recent bond issue approval followed by this voter PPEL continuation are evidence that the community approves of the direction the district is heading. That support is very much appreciated and we will work hard to continue to earn that trust in the future.
