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Parent Brittany Cufaude shares the benefits she's seen with her son Oliver being in the Personalize Learning Academy.
Georgia Stembridge sharing her PLA experiences at her fall exhibition.
Blake Rive sharing his PLA experiences at his exhibition.
Congratulations to Jayden Abbate for earning the incredible opportunity to interview UNR's Head Football Coach, Jeff Choate, last week! As part of his internship with Chris Murray at Nevada Sports Net, Jayden is gaining valuable real-world experience in sports journalism. Check out his interview above—great work, Jayden!
Incline High School Students Combine Engineering and Medicine to Solve Real-World Problems
Incline High School’s Personalized Learning Academy is proving to be a game-changer for students passionate about engineering and medicine. Following last year’s national recognition in the MIT InvenTeams competition, students in the academy are now taking their problem-solving skills to new heights, addressing real-world challenges faced by medical professionals.
Under the guidance of advisor Mr. Adam Shoda, a cohort of these ambitious students has partnered with Tahoe Forest Hospital to explore how engineering can improve medical practices. During their visits, students meet with healthcare professionals to identify pressing challenges within the hospital setting. One such collaboration involves the hospital’s radiology department, where students are working on an innovative solution to enhance efficiency and patient care.
The project has already progressed to the prototyping stage, with the first design recently presented to the hospital’s radiologists. The medical team provided constructive feedback on the prototype, offering insights to refine and improve the design. This iterative process mirrors the problem-solving approach used by professionals in the fields of engineering and medicine, giving students invaluable hands-on experience.
“This partnership not only gives students real-world context for their learning but also fosters creativity and innovation in a way that makes a tangible difference,” said Mr. Shoda. “It’s incredibly inspiring to see our students take ownership of these challenges and grow into future leaders in STEM fields.”
As the students work to modify their design based on feedback, their efforts demonstrate the power of cross-disciplinary collaboration, merging engineering ingenuity with medical expertise. It’s a shining example of how Incline High School’s Personalized Learning Academy is equipping students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences to succeed in competitive, real-world environments.
Stay tuned as our students continue to redefine what’s possible, one prototype at a time!
1st PLA Scholar to Commit to College
Parent Testimonial:
"The PLA program at Incline High School has afforded Ellie the opportunity to take a deep dive with her passions and future career opportunities. Ellie has been fortunate enough to work on obtaining her Private Pilot License through the PLA program and is now verbally committed to playing collegiate soccer at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in 2026! The PLA and Engineering Program at IHS have been an amazing addition to Ellie's high school experience."
- Dr. Geoffrey Lowden (Ellie's dad)
A special congratulations to Diego Dominguez Salazar, the first student to secure a formal internship! Diego has embarked on an exciting role at the Carson Train Museum, where he is fulfilling his lifelong dream of restoring trains.
Our students are diving into diverse and inspiring pursuits: Rafael Guillen-Silva recently experienced a ride-along with the North Tahoe Fire Department, while Ellie Lowden and Elliot Daniel are taking flying lessons to pursue their passion for aviation. Jayden Abbate has shadowed professionals at News Channel 2 and the Nevada Sports Network and is now launching his own sports podcast. Blake Rive is exploring a potential internship with a prosthetic company in Carson, and Keatyn Kurtz is gaining hands-on experience at The Tahoe Production House. Brooke Klinger is contributing her skills at the Center for Adaptive Riding, and Angel Estrada Duran is delving into forensic science through a shadowing opportunity at the Sheriff's Office Forensic Science Lab.
Additionally, Mr. Shoda’s students who are interested in the medical field will soon participate in group experiences across various departments at Tahoe Forest Hospital, offering them invaluable insights into healthcare careers.
The future is bright for these young professionals, and we are proud to support their unique journeys and aspirations!
Diego and his mentor at the Nevada Train Museum in Carson.
FAMILY PARTNERSHIPS ARE KEY in PLA
On Wednesday, October 16th, PLA families came together to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Mr. Shoda's and Ms. Jackson's Advisory groups. Family partnerships are at the heart of the Personalized Learning Academy (PLA), and this event was a testament to that bond. The evening kicked off with a shared meal, allowing time for meaningful connections, followed by student presentations where they showcased their in-depth learning experiences gained through internships. It was a special night that brought families into the heart of their students' educational journeys and accomplishments.
The Personalized Learning Academy is thrilled to continue hosting a variety of family events throughout the year. These gatherings are designed to strengthen the partnership between families and the school, creating a supportive community that enhances student learning and growth. Stay tuned for more opportunities to connect, celebrate, and be part of the PLA experience!
Are you interested in applying to the Personalized Learning Academy?
Apply here: Personalized Learning Academy Application
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