Learning looked a little different at Independence Middle School (IMS) on Friday, May 15, as students and staff took part in the school’s first-ever Mini Course Day, a unique experience designed to blend student choice, staff creativity, and hands-on learning.
The special event allowed students to step outside of their regular classroom schedules and participate in engaging one-hour mini courses created and led by IMS teachers and staff members. Each course was centered around a hobby, talent, interest, or skill that staff members were excited to share with students, creating a day focused on exploration, creativity, and relationship-building.
“Mini Course Day was really about giving students an opportunity to experience learning in a different way,” said IMS Principal Haley Mueller. “We wanted to create something fun and meaningful that allowed students to explore new interests while also building connections with staff and classmates outside of the traditional classroom setting.”
Over the course of several weeks, staff members developed a wide variety of mini courses ranging from creative activities to interactive, hands-on experiences. Once the courses were finalized, students reviewed a slideshow featuring all of the available options and selected their top choices through a survey process.
Students were then individually assigned to one course for the day. To help build excitement, teachers emailed their groups ahead of time with information about what to expect and how to prepare for the experience.
“This event was especially exciting because it was built around both staff passions and student choice,” said Mueller. “Our staff put so much thought and energy into designing experiences they were genuinely excited to share, and the students were equally enthusiastic about participating.”
Students had the opportunity to explore a wide variety of engaging enrichment sessions, including Nail Polish 101, Junk Journaling, Burn Boot Camp, and Learn to Crochet. Other hands-on and creative experiences included Fencing 101, Nature in Bloom, Bow Making, Electrical Work, Tie-Dye Shirts, How to Train Your Dolphin, and Bedazzle It! Students also explored unique interests through sessions on Astrology, Paper Football, Dice Games, Wood Burning, and Learn the Basics of Mandarin Chinese. Additional opportunities included Braiding/French Braiding, Beats & Rhymes, Rubik’s Cubes, Photo/Scrapbooking with Canva, Coaching 101, Geek Squad, Grilling 101, and creating a traditional God’s Eye (Ojo de Dios) craft.
Students attended first period for attendance before heading to their assigned mini courses from 7:45 to 9 a.m. Students remained with the same group throughout the session, allowing them to fully engage in the activity and connect with peers and staff members in a new environment.
Following the mini courses, the entire school gathered in the auditorium for a brief debrief session and the second trimester video before continuing the remainder of the school day on a two-hour delay schedule.
Mueller said the event served as an important reminder that meaningful school experiences extend beyond academics.
“Today was a great example of how schools can create experiences students will truly remember,” said Mueller. “School is not only about academics. It is also about relationships, creativity, collaboration, and helping students discover new interests and strengths.”
