Louisville students are growing in the fields of communication, problem solving, leadership and more. Jobs for America’s Graduates, or J.A.G., is a brand new program at Louisville Middle School and is geared towards the 7th and 8th graders. Run by Mrs. Nikki Biesterfeld, J.A.G. is developing students so they are ready for their future after high school.
Students may not be getting all the necessary qualifications for after high school. J.A.G. is designed to address this issue and prepares students in these areas. Life skills, leadership, and communication skills are all the main topics covered in this program.
“We do a lot of project based learning, including projects and educational games,” said Mrs. Biesterfeld.
Doing mostly everything hands on is one of the key components behind the class. Students rarely use their computers, since leadership involves the interactions and motivation behind group projects and teamwork. The educational games are meant to teach the students how to problem solve and work together to solve an issue. Supported by the program, the projects and games are aimed to be fun, while teaching skills. Whether it is Teaching the Teacher, Charades, Campfire Stories, or building an obstacle course, the students are always having a blast.
“[We are] trying to accomplish having kids become leaders and know what to do and expect in the real world when you get out of high school,” J.A.G. Student President Brooklyn Petersen said.
Being the president, Brooklyn is able to go field trips to compete against other schools. Fellow student officers include Vice President, Chaeli Barry and Secretary, Jordan Trent. These three middle schoolers were voted on by the class and will represent the school in leadership events.
Preparing students is very important, as they are the people who will become the future. Giving them support and the tools for success is all these students need to grow into future leaders.