It was fun :D

After this, we did the 200-solutions protocol. This is where we write down solutions to our problem and just get them off our chest. We wrote these on sticky notes. We sorted the sticky notes into categories of ideas and will start to make a decision next week about how we can solve the problem of our driving question.

After that, we did what I am doing right now, updating our Padlet. :) Now we are about to leave. ):

We divided ourselves to explain each part of the process that we have accomplished so far. When Mr. Donovan was present, Sydney opened the conversation with an explanation of the driving question and our kick-off event at the Grandville Robotics and Engineering Center. Chase shared ways that we have been observing the problem here in our building. Avery explained the stakeholders and why it is important to consider their feelings when working to solve the problem. Kyrie shared the hopes and fears of the stakeholders. Finn discussed the investigations that we have done, both of Royal Technologies and of local schools to learn how they help students connect. Izzy explained the 200 Solutions protocol and gave a brief summary of some of the ideas. Finally, Austin shared our Padlet with Mr. Donovan and highlighted some of the important events that have been captured on it.

Following the Team's presentation, we asked a series of questions to Mr. Donovan to find out how Royal Technologies uses Design Thinking and what they do to encourage connections with employees. He shared a variety of ways people work to connect, from new hire orientations and meetings with the CEO, to buddy pairs in the manufacturing team. All of his words about team members were kind and thoughtful; the best part of his job is the people with whom he works! They are "smart people" who are "good at their jobs", and his "team does well together"!

Finally, Mr. Donovan shared an A-3 with the Team. He explained the value in getting your response to a problem narrowed down to ONE piece of paper. "If you can't do that, you don't understand your problem." This is great advice as we move forward. THANK YOU, Mr. Donovan!

Finn: We took a photo?

For example, one of the current favorite ideas is to have an all-school event during the school day on the Friday before winter vacation. Classrooms would host minute-to-win-it type games, an indoor snowball fight would take place in the gym, a dance area would be set up, a crafting area could be available, board games could be in a location, etc. We could end the day with popcorn and a movie in the gym. This activity would allow students, staff, and parents/guardians to connect as they work together to make the day successful.

Another idea was to rearrange some of the events that our school currently hosts. We would spread out the "connection" activities throughout the year. For example, in the autumn, we could host an outdoor carnival of sorts with food trucks, a yard-game area, and a team sports area on our campus. December would have the day as noted above, as well as a second one in January/February. In May, the sixth-grade students traditionally go to The Three Mile Project, and fifth-grade students go to camp.

A final idea that we discussed (but there are more to chat about!) would be to have "Fun Fridays" once each month. The lunch and Super Switch time lines would be blurred so that students of all teams could meet to play games and hang out together.

The team has many more great ideas to consider before making a final decision.

The three seasonal events would be activitites for fifth and sixth grade students. Both the fall festival and the spring event would take place in the evening, but the holiday party would be during the afternoon on the final school day prior to the two week winter break. These events would have board gaming rooms, a school dance, movies, and more!

We also had a special visitor, Mrs. Bellers, from the ISD. She participated in our planning work and took our daily walk with us. It was lovely seeing her and hearing her input on our project.

The last part of our meeting was spent completing the NUF Test and beginning to create our presentations.

We also found a calendar pattern on Etsy that we want to use as our protype for event planning and used AI to help make an activities mock-up to present with the sample calendars.

56G has an incredible futurePREP'd team that meets weekly to solve the driving question: How might we improve social connections within our school to support wellbeing and a sense of belonging? The team relies on Design Thinking as they work to find creative solutions, meet with community business partners for guidance and feedback, and consult with 56G staff to make sure that ideas mesh with our school culture. Our team members are Chase, Gwyneth, Finn, Austin, Kyrie, Avery, Izzy, and Sydney. Shout out to Allan for his help with some early team planning! 

This week, our futurePREP'd team traveled to the Ottawa Area ISD to present their project ideas to high school students at the Careerline Tech Center, as well as to teams from neighboring school districts. They presented their "Project Party" social connection ideas numerous times throughout the day, adjusted their notes based on feedback they received, and honed their public speaking skills with each new presentation. They impressed audiences with their professionalism, knowledge, inclusivity, and creativity! One of the highlights of the day was taking a tour of the Tech Center and learning about the wide variety of classes offered. Near the end of the adventure, the team sampled fabulous cookies made by the Culinary Arts students! It was a fantastic day of fun and learning. 

Next week, the team heads to Royal Technologies to present to local business people before taking their idea to competition at the Lakeshore Campus of GRCC in mid-December. Wish the team good luck! 

"One thing I will miss about the team is all the laughing." Chase

"Avery and I loved the pickle chips!" Gwyneth

Advice to teachers: "Do the same things!"

"We made social connections by building ideas and working together." Gwyneth and Sydney