Now that STLP 2023 has ended, the biggest things to take stock in are the plans going forward. I know it can be difficult to really plan the forward movement of a project that might only be designed for a single group of students or a single year but it makes a difference if you see what can happen next.

First, take a deep look at what the Supersheet says about your project(s). Was your passion project actually a DPOJ team project in disguise? Should that infographic have been a digital art piece? If so, what can you do to pivot that work into a better submission for next January? Also, look at the big picture of student work for your passion project. If it lost steam getting to state maybe it was a focus issue you can plan for next year. Coming off spring break and heading to State Championships can be a big ask for some students. Also, the March schedule can get a little crazy with weather delays and school activities. Be sure to have ideas to keep the kids connected to the goal ahead.

Second, who out of your showcase is coming back for STLP next year? Sit down with them now and build on the positives. Make sure their memories from Lexington focus more on the positive parts of the day and the good parts of the showcase experience during the school year. Letting students focus too much on the negative or thinking about the “loss” can lead to a tough emotional place for them to dig out of next year. One of the best practices for next year activities is making a video reflection about the event. Ask students what they enjoyed about the day.

Third, make time to talk to admin at the school and district level ASAP. If you have a plan for next year, start laying it out for resources and planning time to be given to you for the PD days at the end of this year and beginning of next year. Really focus on the parts of DPOJ that your school already creates on a yearly cycle and make plans to plug those teachers into the process for next year now. Getting volunteers to judge DPOJ elements can help increase your staff commitment. You may also have a need for subs and costs that schools already have set aside for academic activities, ask now. This is also the best time to figure out when to schedule time with School Board members and local elected officials. They are stakeholders and can be a great practice partner. Maybe even plan for a school showcase day. These are easy ways to get more badges, see Level Up.

Finally, what tools do you really need to make next year work for you and your students. KySTE has a wonderful grant program that you can begin planning for now. If you are awarded a grant it will be available for the 2024-25 school which doesn’t help you now but could be a big help for long range planning. Ask for district funding or possible resource reallocation through the surplus supplies network. Also begin looking at local and national businesses that offer grants. Tell them that they would be supporting students participating in the largest academic event in the Commonwealth. Really work the exposure angle and then promise them spots in presentations and social media feeds.