PLUS students display creativity and innovation during student spot light

MT. PLEASANT — When given the chance to speak at the Mt. Pleasant Community School District board meeting, a group of fifth-grade students didn’t just talk about their education—they made a compelling case for how learning can be more engaging, challenging, and forward-thinking. Whether tackling national math competitions, designing engineering prototypes, or advocating for better resources, these students proved they aren’t just the future of education—they’re shaping it right now.

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Twelve students took the stage in the Student Spotlight presentation, sharing insights into their learning experiences, competitive challenges, and suggestions for improving their educational environment.

One of the most exciting aspects of the presentation featured the students' involvement in a national math competition, where they compete against peers from across the country.

"It was really challenging, but we got the chance to show our skills,” one participant told the board.

The competition features advanced sixth-grade math problems, pushing these fifth-grade students beyond their grade level.

This group of a dozen talented children meet weekly on Thursdays to sharpen their problem-solving skills and teamwork strategies in more areas than just math.

As they presented, in a room filled with adults, the students showcased their passion for hands-on learning as they shared about their creative engineering projects. The students designed and test structures using paper and other materials.

Students in the program shared that they appreciate being able to set their own pace and once they know they know a topic, they can move on and continue challenging themselves.

One area the students in the PLUS program challenge themselves includes an independent language-learning initiative. They use interactive apps and online resources to learn Spanish, expanding their linguistic abilities beyond the standard curriculum.

Their enthusiasm for learning extends into career exploration. Several students shared their aspirations, with interests ranging from machine engineering to data science to head football coach. The PLUS program helps them explore real-world applications of their studies, fostering curiosity and ambition for the future.

While the students appreciate the opportunities in the PLUS program, they also offered thoughtful suggestions for improvement. They emphasized the need for dedicated learning spaces suited to their age group, as working alongside younger students creates distractions when they currently meet in Lincoln Elementary which is home to first and second grade students.

Similarly, the group stated they would like access to a more challenging library, especially because the books at Lincoln are designed to serve younger students.

They also proposed increasing the number of PLUS program days to allow for more in-depth learning. "We’d like more time to challenge ourselves," one student suggested.

Board members and attendees applauded the students for their dedication, insight, and passion for learning. Their ability to articulate their goals and advocate for enhancements to their education underscored the importance of fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment. These young scholars demonstrated a bright future filled with curiosity, innovation, and determination.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com