Lynnbrook highlights Coursera micro-credentials, LinkedIn networking and student trips at May 7 meeting
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Summary
District officials and students described expanded micro-credentialing for high-school classes, a LinkedIn-based alumni/business networking effort, STEAM night and a spring-break Italy trip. Students said the international trip and credential programs offered concrete "real-life" skills and networking opportunities.
District curriculum staff and students at the May 7 Lynnbrook Board of Education meeting described several programs aimed at career readiness and student engagement: Coursera micro-credentials for high-school classes, an expanding district LinkedIn network for students and alumni, district STEAM events and an international student trip.
In a curriculum update, staff member Dr. Balekas said high-school students in the advertising and marketing class are on track to earn Adobe Content Creator professional certificates through a four-course Coursera series; 38 students were identified as on track. Separately, 51 students in Virtual Enterprise 1 and 2 were on track to earn IBM Business Analyst professional certificates through a seven-course series. "These students are learning job-ready skills needed for a career as a business analyst," the update said.
Why it matters: the district framed these credentials and networking activities as part of its "profile of the OWL" initiative — a set of priorities that include career-readiness and real-life skills. Administrators said micro-credentialing helps students build résumés and online portfolios and can produce direct visibility for students with district and external professional networks.
LinkedIn and local networking Board members and administrators described a district-run LinkedIn business networking site that students, graduates and local employers use to connect. Administrators said the network has grown substantially and that posts by students were receiving attention from superintendents, curriculum directors and private-sector contacts. The board encouraged families and local employers to use the network for hiring and internships.
Student travel and STEAM programming Students who traveled to Italy during spring break presented a short recap to the board and thanked staff and chaperones. One student said, "This trip was truly the trip of a lifetime," and several students described visiting Rome, Taormina, Mount Etna, Pompeii and other sites. Administrators and board members said the trip provided cultural and language immersion and praised staff who organized it.
A parent raised a concern in public comment about student athletes who miss games because of school trips, urging the district and athletic staff to consider the impact on team participation and playing time when trips overlap athletic schedules.
Other events and supports Administrators promoted STEAM Night on May 12 and the district Science Research Symposium as opportunities for elementary and middle school students to preview high-school STEAM programs. The update also noted continued partnership with Northwell Health for social work and mental-health support and added in-house services such as an occupational therapist and an athletic trainer previously moved from contract to staff.
Ending note: district leaders framed these initiatives as extensions of district goals to provide students real-world skills, credentials and networking that can support postgraduation plans.