Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Barker Middle School showcases Discovery Days, rising credit attainment at Michigan City Area Schools meeting
Summary
Principal Lucas Snyder described Barker Discovery Days, a return to a 5-block 75-minute schedule to expand hands-on learning, and said the number of students earning at least one high-school credit rose from 28 last year to 68 this year.
Lucas Snyder, principal of Barker Middle School, told the Michigan City Area Schools Board of Trustees on March 31 that the school has returned to a block schedule and launched “Barker Discovery Days” to pair academic interventions with interest-driven learning.
"The solution to that was Barker Discovery Days," Snyder said, describing a schedule of five 75-minute classes that allows students extended time for STEM challenges, interventions and community-led activities. He said students complete an interest survey and the school uses community partners — including the Michigan City Police Department, local libraries and the Dunes Learning Center — to run hands-on sessions such as flight-simulator practice, laser engraving and forensic exercises.
Snyder said the school has focused on student engagement and recognition. He reported an increase in honor-roll participation and said, "Last year, we had 28 students who achieved at least one high school credit already. This year in the first semester, we had 68." He said the school now offers more pathways for high-school credit, citing algebra, PCC, computer science and ELA 9, and aims to have all students leave Barker with at least one credit.
Snyder highlighted extracurricular growth: Barker inducted 50 new members into the National Junior Honor Society; yearbook participation included a schoolwide cover contest won by London Stupar; and new clubs include eSports and cooking. He also noted music-program successes, saying the school earned more than 20 gold ratings from the Indiana State School Music Association and recognition from the Indiana Music Educators Association.
Superintendent Dr. Wyndham McCollum praised Barker’s presentation and encouraged families and community members to visit district schools. "Our doors are open," McCollum said, thanking staff and community partners for supporting student programs and noting the district will publicize details for a second ambassador academy soon.
Why this matters: Changes to scheduling and expanded course offerings at the middle-school level can accelerate access to high-school credit and career-pathway exposure. Barker’s emphasis on community partnerships and hands-on experiences is presented as a strategy to boost engagement and academic outcomes.
The board heard the presentation during its regular monthly meeting and offered verbal thanks to the principal and staff; no formal action was required on the presentation itself.
