Individualized Learning Takes Students Outside of School

Each year, the 8th graders complete the Mission Possible Project. Each student chooses a person or organization that they believe makes a positive difference in the world. The student then spends the year researching, writing, and presenting about the organization. One of the assignments for the year-long project is to write a formal, professional business letter to an individual associated with the organization. Roughly 50% of students get a response to this letter, and for two students this year, the response led to an individualized field trip!

Mackenzie chose Fisher House Foundation to focus on this year. As their website states, "Fisher House Foundation builds comfort homes where military & veteran families can stay free of charge, while a loved one is in the hospital." Mackenzie wrote to David Coker, the president of Fisher House, and he responded! On a recent trip to Kansas City, Mr. Coker invited Mackenzie to tour the local Fisher House with him. (Photo at left) "They went above and beyond for her" on the tour, Mackenzie's mom said, and "they are so excited Mack chose them for her project!"

Philip had a similar response to his business letter to Heart to Heart International. Heart to Heart International is a Lenexa-based healthcare non-profit that provides medical attention and medical supplies to people in poverty or disaster-stricken areas. Philip got an individualized tour of the HHI facility. Below, he is pictured with the wall honoring HHI's partners that they work with that donate much of their items for their causes - Disaster Relief, Medical Access, and clinics in areas of need. Philip's dad works for BD, one of HHI's partners!

The MPP is always an exciting project, allowing students to explore and share their passions. When students get to connect in-person with their organizations, that's even more exciting!