We are excited to share that Ms. Stephanie Poltrack (Young Business Leaders Science Teacher) and Mr. James McCrobie (Young Business Leaders Program Liaison) have partnered with the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation, Inc. (MAEF) to pilot an Aeroponics Grow Tower in the classroom. Today was the start of a Professional Development experience with SUNY Potsdam College on effective uses of the grow tower with our students.

Not only will students learn how to connect agriculture with the science curriculum, but they will be exploring how alternative forms of agriculture can have many business and entrepreneurial impacts with such a growing population to support.

Stay tuned for updates as our students dive into learning with our grow tower!

6th graders in the Young Business Leaders Signature School Program participated in an “Ideation Workshop” this morning with Mr. Michael Jensen, Executive Director of Entrepreneurship at Salisbury University. Ideation is using different creative thinking techniques to generate a large list of potential ideas. Typically, our first 3-5 ideas are the least creative so we have to push through those initial concepts to really think outside the box and generate something interesting. We can’t wait to expand upon this visit by taking students downtown this spring to the Dave and Patsy Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship!

6th students in the Young Business Leaders Program classes went on a field trip to Beyond the Limits and Cherry Beach as part of their leadership development in the program and ecology unit in science class. Beyond The Limits is an adventure education program utilizing a challenge ropes course and classroom experiential learning process. This program offers team and personal growth experiences.

Students have been working to design logo options and design features that could be refined into a final logo for the Young Business Leaders Program. The students were given parameters to ensure the design represents Wicomico Middle, the program, and presents a professional image for the future of the program. Final options were selected, and then rated by the students. We are excited to share our final logo design!

Please find attached a newsletter highlighting some of the exciting opportunities our students in the Young Business Leaders Signature School Program have experienced so far this school year, and some opportunities to look forward to. We will continue to keep you updated throughout the year. A printed copy of this newsletter will also be coming home to families with program students.