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Union board hears student demos from Paxton Patterson career labs; opens 2026–27 calendar for comment
Summary
Teachers and students described two yearlong Paxton Patterson career-lab classes at the eighth-grade center, highlighting hands-on modules and student engagement. The board also held a first reading of the 2026–27 school calendar, which omits virtual days under a new state law and is open for 30 days of public comment.
Teachers and students showed the Union board how Paxton Patterson career labs are being used at the district’s eighth-grade center and described how the yearlong modules expose students to a range of career pathways.
Mrs. Cundy introduced the program, saying the district set up two classes with 12 different labs in each that support students toward being “college and career ready.” She described one lab centered on medical careers and another spanning technology, construction, engineering, hospitality, cosmetology and criminalistics.
“Kids learn best when they can learn hands on,” said Meg Heneman, the Career Connections teacher. Heneman said the program runs multiple days per module so students can explore careers more deeply than a brief assignment. Student presenters described practicing CPR and veterinary techniques using mannequins and simulations.
Janet Teal, who said she has been teaching for Union for 15 years, described the labs’ integration of medical concepts and hands-on activities. “They just take ownership and responsibility for their learning, and that’s really important to me,” Teal said.
Board members asked how students enroll. Cundy said students choose one yearlong course or the other; a few students take both, but most enroll in only one lab.
In the same session, district staff presented the first draft of the 2026–27 school calendar. The presentation states the first day of classes is planned for Thursday, Aug. 13, and notes the draft contains no planned virtual days to comply with a new state law that bans virtual days except in cases of emergency. The calendar is open for 30 days of public comment; staff said the board will consider final approval at the March meeting.
The board did not take action on the labs or the calendar at this meeting. Board members praised the pilot for strong student engagement and thanked staff for the work.
Looking ahead, the district will accept public comments on the calendar for 30 days before returning to the board for a vote in March.
