In a unique bilingual collaboration between Leander ISD elementary and high school students, the Glenn High School Agricultural Science program recently welcomed a group of second-grade dual language students from Whitestone Elementary School. The visit provided young learners with a valuable opportunity to present their science projects to an authentic audience while engaging with high school students in an immersive, hands-on experience.
The second-grade students had been exploring the topic of pollination as part of their science curriculum. As a culminating project, they designed and created man-made pollinators to aid in the repopulation of plant life in the event of environmental disruptions. Their visit to Glenn HS allowed them to showcase their understanding of environmental science while applying their bilingual skills to present their findings in Spanish to high school students.
During their time at Glenn HS, student leaders from the school’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter guided the elementary students on a tour of the agricultural barn. During their visit, the second-graders got to interact with the animals cared for by high school students and get a glimpse of the fundamental concepts that drive the agricultural industry. In addition, the high schoolers delivered presentations—also in Spanish—on three Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses: Animal Science, Welding, and Floral Design. The second-graders eagerly asked questions and even had the chance to try on protective welding gear, explore student-built projects like a go-kart, and gain hands-on exposure to various trade skills.
Laura Luevano, a second-grade dual language teacher at Whitestone Elementary who helped coordinate the visit alongside a dedicated team, emphasized the profound impact of the experience on her students. “The teamwork and collaboration from everyone involved created a seamless, enriching experience that will leave a lasting impression on our students,” Luevano said. “My students returned feeling proud of their accomplishments and motivated by the opportunity to share their ideas with the high school students.”
This inspiring partnership between Glenn High School and Whitestone Elementary exemplifies the Leander ISD Graduate Profile, in which students are empowered to be critical and creative thinkers, skilled communicators and collaborators, compassionate community contributors, and adaptive and reflective individuals at all stages in their educational journey.
