SCHOOLS
EXPLORING careers
ARTICLE BY Beth Kornegay PHOTOS BY Casey Rooman Smith
A new center and programs help USD 232 students look to the future.
D
e Soto USD 232 is adding a new education center with an anticipated opening in August. Located at 8201 Mize Boulevard in Lenexa, the Cedar Creek Exploration Center is being built as part of an $85 million bond issue approved by voters in May 2018. That bond is scheduled to provide enhancements for every school in the district; it contained a three-phase construction project over the course of four years and includes the Early Childhood Center, with construction that began in 2020. The Early Childhood Center will support district students aged from birth to 5 years old through quality preschool programs, special education services, screenings, and parent education. For the 2021–22 school year, Cedar Trails preschool enrollment is estimated to be 175 preschool students participating in half-day programs. Information about enrollment and other early childhood services can be found at the district’s website, www.USD232.org. A portion of the CTEC building will provide space for courses and programs designed for juniors and seniors with the goal of helping them learn about possible career paths prior to investing time and money in college classes, certification, or additional training. Students will “try on a career” through appropriate courses that connect with the student’s Individual Plan of Study as part of the Center for Advanced Professional Studies. The innovative CAPS programs allow students to immerse themselves in a professional culture while being mentored by real world employers and while solving real world problems. Students are eligible to receive both high school and college credit for their work. The program is an example of how public education can successfully partner with businesses and the community to help educate and create the highly skilled workforce that will be needed in the future. For several years, the De Soto School District has partnered with the Eudora School District to allow USD 232 students to attend the Eudora-De Soto Technical Education Center for career and technical education programs. Now those students will have the opportunity to attend classes and participate in educational programs closer to home. Eudora students will also have the chance to attend the center’s CAPS program.
16
2021–2022
