Winterset Junior High recently held its inaugural Authentic Learning Showcase, an exciting event where 7th and 8th grade students had the opportunity to present their projects to members of the community and their parents. The showcase highlighted the hard work, creativity, and problem-solving skills of students as they shared their year-long projects across a variety of subjects.
The idea behind the showcase was to teach real-world skills that students may need or use in their future careers and lives, with one of the key skills being public speaking. To help students prepare, a public speaking workshop was held prior to the event, where they learned valuable techniques to confidently present their work in front of an audience. This preparation helped students feel more at ease while presenting, allowing them to communicate their ideas more effectively.
The event was a great success, drawing a large crowd of parents, community members, and school staff who were eager to see the students' accomplishments. Each presentation demonstrated the students' engagement with real-world concepts and their ability to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to tangible, meaningful projects. From science experiments to social studies presentations, students showcased their ability to think critically, collaborate with peers, and communicate effectively.
This Authentic Learning Showcase was designed to allow students to explore subjects in a hands-on, interdisciplinary way, offering them a deeper understanding of their coursework while also fostering connections with their community. The event was not only a celebration of student achievements but also an opportunity for Winterset Junior High to strengthen its ties with local families and community leaders.
“I’m incredibly proud of how our students rose to the challenge and presented their projects with such enthusiasm,” said Principal Mr. Josh Sussman. “This event really allowed them to demonstrate their talents and show how much they have learned. It’s a perfect example of how we can make education more engaging and relevant to their lives.”
The showcase marks a new chapter for Winterset Junior High, with hopes for this event to become an annual tradition that continues to highlight the talents and hard work of students while encouraging further community involvement.