To ensure our high school students are well-prepared for the challenges of both standardized testing and the ever-changing workforce, last week Monroe High School provided a practice ACT testing session for our 9-11 grade students along with a Soft Skills development day for our seniors.
MHS is fostering student growth by empowering them to succeed academically and professionally. We hope that these initiatives will leave a lasting positive impact on Monroe students as they transition into the next phase of their lives, well-prepared and confident in their abilities.
Standardized Test Preparation
In order to create a more authentic testing environment that better equips our freshmen, sophomores, and juniors for the State-required ACT and Pre-ACT exams, last week all students in grades 9 through 11 completed the ACT practice test in a single session (about 3.5 hours). Results of the testing will allow the school to track student progress throughout the school year, pinpoint areas where additional support or improvement is necessary, and identify potential enhancements that can be implemented by our dedicated staff.
The primary objective in introducing this “realistic” practice testing experience several times a year is to build endurance and alleviate anxiety. Through repetition, students become more confident in their abilities and better prepared to perform well on official assessments.
Soft Skills Development for Seniors
While students in grades 9 through 11 engaged in the practice ACT, our senior class embarked on activity-based teambuilding experiences. This unique day was tailored to address a pressing need identified by local employers: the cultivation of “Soft Skills.” These skills include attributes such as self-motivation, communication, problem-solving abilities, teamwork, punctuality, and more, which are vital for success in the workforce.
More than just fostering camaraderie and fun, teambuilding activities offer tangible workforce benefits that will set MHS students on a path to success in their future careers.
Enhanced Communication Skills
One of the most crucial skills for success in the workforce is effective communication. Our teambuilding activities challenged the seniors to communicate clearly and collaborate with each other to achieve common goals. Whether it’s navigating a maze, solving intricate puzzles, or building a huge stack of crates, these activities required students to share ideas, delegate tasks and listen actively. “Sometimes people who don’t say anything know the answer,” noted a student. These experiences lay the groundwork for better communication in the workplace, an essential skill in any profession.
Conflict Resolution and Collaboration
Our teambuilding activities presented challenges that required participants to overcome differences and resolve conflicts. “Just yelling at each other doesn’t work,” one student remarked. Learning to navigate disagreements and find common ground is necessary in the workplace, where diverse teams are intentional. Seniors who have honed these skills through teambuilding activities are better equipped to work together in professional settings, leading to more productive and harmonious work environments.
Leadership Development
Many of our teambuilding activities allowed students to take on leadership roles, which can be instrumental in developing their leadership abilities. Leading a team, making decisions, and guiding others are all experiences that translate directly to leadership roles in future careers. “You have to listen to the right voices, and have the right people around you that you can trust,” said another student. The confidence and skills gained through leading a team during these activities can set MHS students apart as emerging leaders in the workforce.
Problem-Solving and Creativity
In today’s rapidly changing job landscape, problem-solving and creativity are highly prized skills. Every one of our teambuilding activities presented participants with unique challenges that required creative thinking and innovative problem-solving. Seniors who engaged in these activities are more likely to approach workplace challenges with a creative and solution-oriented mindset, making them valuable assets to their employers.
Resilience and Adaptability
Our teambuilding activities were carefully designed to push participants outside their comfort zones, teaching them to adapt to new situations and persevere in the face of adversity. These experiences help build resilience and adaptability, qualities that are essential in a dynamic and ever-evolving workforce. Students who have learned to embrace challenges and setbacks with a positive attitude are better prepared to handle the demands of their future careers.
The benefits of teambuilding activities extend far beyond the immediate enjoyment and camaraderie they provided to our seniors. These activities equip students with essential skills and qualities that are highly sought after in the workforce. The experiences and lessons gained from these activities can serve as a competitive advantage, helping our students thrive in their chosen professions.
— Cara Carper is the School District of Monroe Student Occupation and Academic Readiness (SOAR) Coordinator. She can be reached at caracarper@monroe.k12.wi.us.
