At Lakeside Outreach School, students independently work through courses on and off campus at their own pace. Last year the school created a new initiative called Junior PD Days. These in-person learning experiences allow students to connect with their teachers in new ways, network with other students, and learn from experts within the local community while earning Career and Technology Studies (CTS) credits outside of core courses.
This month a group of students spent a portion of the day at North Shore Homestead, learning from second-generation owner Roland Eben-Ebenau. Mr. Eben-Ebeanau assisted students in completing requirements for a 30-level CTS credit focused on Wildlife Protection and Stewardship by sharing the region's history and his own personal experiences raising bison. Students were able to experience a close encounter with the largest land mammal in North America.
Also included was a tour of the on-site Heritage Museum, which offered engaging stories about life on Lesser Slave Lake and knowledge about resource sustainability and living off the land. Students learned about the partnerships the bison ranch and museum have established with Alberta's Provincial Museum and the University of Alberta.
This was Lakeside Outreach School's second opportunity this year to bring CTS credits to students through the Junior PD Days initiative. Last month, students engaged in Outdoor Cooking Theory and land-based learning at EC Bar Ranch in High Prairie. The school continues to appreciate the local experts and venues that are willing to collaborate to bring these authentic learning experiences and job exploration opportunities to students throughout the school year.