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Academies presentation highlights graduation gains, SchoolLinks adoption and teacher externships
Summary
Shakopee High School leaders reported steady graduation-rate improvements since the academy model and described plans to adopt SchoolLinks for college and career tracking, a United Way‑funded teacher externship this summer, steering‑committee goals and stronger employer partnerships.
Chet Policki, principal of Shakopee High School, and student ambassador Javier summarized the Academies of Shakopee program on June 9, highlighting longer‑term graduation‑rate gains, employer partnerships and next steps to expand college‑and‑career tracking tools.
Policki said the academy model—now fully implemented—correlates with an upward trend in the four‑year graduation rate compared with pre‑academy years. He described a range of student connection strategies (ambassadors, career expos, industry tours, internships and mentoring) and said the district hosts regular steering‑committee meetings that include business partners, academy champions and district leaders to set SMART goals such as improving graduation trends.
Planned and recent initiatives announced during the presentation: - SchoolLinks adoption: Policki said the district will implement SchoolLinks to support portfolios, college‑and‑career readiness tracking and longitudinal alumni follow‑up so the district can better measure post‑graduation outcomes. - Teacher externship: An externally funded, United Way‑supported four‑day teacher externship will place teachers at local businesses (Sand Creek, Canterbury Mystic, other industry partners) to deepen classroom‑to‑work connections. - Engage event and academy steering‑committee work: The academies will continue twice‑yearly steering‑committee meetings, update SMART goals and expand employer engagement to support authentic learning experiences.
Student ambassador Javier described student opportunities such as FCCLA competitive events and noted the academies’ role in providing internships and certifications through partnerships with the foundation. Trustees asked about alumni feedback and student surveys; Policki said the district has run "thought exchange" sessions with recent graduates and plans to broaden longitudinal feedback with SchoolLinks.
Ending: Policki said the academies aim to “provide students with authentic experiences that cater to each and every student,” and trustees applauded the program’s outreach and external partnerships.
