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FEB.11, 2025— Students at the High School took part in a special event Friday geared towards setting them up for future success.

The school hosted the first-ever “Level Up Day", which aimed to guide students in mapping out their academic plans for the upcoming school year and beyond.

Throughout the day, students learned more about a variety of elective courses and programs. Courses ranged from the arts and business classes to more tech-based courses, among others.

Additionally, students listened to sessions about the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, and the New York State  Seal of Biliteracy, and Seal of Civic Readiness. A panel of students from the Wayne Technical and Career Center (WTCC) also shared their experiences, and gave some insights into career planning options.

Among those interested in the tech center was Tyler, a junior, who said he was impressed by the programs. 

"I was to ask questions about my future every step of the way," Tyler said. "I think this has been much more helpful than what I've had to do in the past." 

Students also had the chance to meet with their counselors in small groups to discuss their schedules and make any necessary changes. They could also ask questions and refine their academic goals. Seniors participated in seminars to improve on important skills like interviewing and managing money. They also began applying for Dollars for Scholars scholarships, which will be awarded in June.

According to Principal Andy Wahl, “Level Up” is a term borrowed from video games. In the school context, he says it’s meant as a way for students to challenge themselves academically.

Friday was the culmination of an entire week dedicated to that same idea  as students sat through grade-level forums with their counselors and listened to in-class informational sessions from their teachers.  Wahl says the whole week ties back to the ongoing Blueprint for Action Plan. Specifically with finding new ways to inform students and parents about the many course offerings at Pal-Mac.

The day itself differed from the traditional scheduling process, which includes teacher recommendations, academic advice sessions with counselors, and family discussions about the proposed schedules. 

“This allowed us to collaborate as a learning community by bringing everyone together around the conversation about academic programming,” Wahl said. “We want the students to challenge themselves to take coursework that they may not have considered, but we know it’s the best thing for them as they move forward.”

Over the last two years, the school’s use of the Xello platform has added structure to the scheduling process by helping students identify their career and academic goals. 

Wahl says the long-term plan is to hold the event every year, albeit with adjustments. He says he hopes this kickstarts future conversations between students and their parents. The idea is for a student to have their coursework match their potential career paths.

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