As educators, our ultimate goal is to prepare students for success beyond high school. We aim to equip them with the skills, knowledge, and experiences they need to make informed career decisions and thrive in their chosen paths. At Commack School District, we are deeply committed to fostering career readiness by designing innovative, real-world learning environments that inspire and empower our students.
One of our proudest achievements is the Bloomberg Financial Literacy Lab, which plays a pivotal role in preparing students to manage their financial lives. This state-of-the-art lab provides students with the tools to make informed financial decisions and become responsible stewards of their own futures. Recognizing the critical importance of financial literacy, we’ve made it a graduation requirement for our seniors.
Additionally, our Career in Financial Management course introduces ninth graders to the Bloomberg Lab, where they explore investments, credit, and other essential financial topics. In creating these career-focused spaces, we’ve worked to transform the traditional look and feel of a school. What once were institutional cement walls are now warm, inviting spaces with sheetrock walls, modern flooring, modern lighting, and contemporary furnishings.
Here are five strategies we’ve used to create career-ready spaces that align with our vision for preparing students for life after high school:
1. Design for Functionality, Comfort, and Collaboration
We partnered with MiEN to ensure our furnishings were not only modern but also functional and conducive to collaboration. For instance, the Bloomberg Lab includes mobile seating, sleek couches, and a layout that encourages group interaction. These design choices create an environment that feels like the professional world, helping students envision themselves in future career settings.
2. Incorporate School Spirit
While our career-focused spaces embrace a modern aesthetic, they also reflect our school’s identity. For example, in the Bloomberg Lab, white computer tabletops are paired with contoured couches in Commack High School’s colors. This thoughtful design ties school pride into our innovative learning spaces.
3. Offer Diverse Seating Options
Our redesigned cafeteria features a variety of seating arrangements, including cushioned chairs, high-top and low-top tables, and diner-style booths. This diversity allows students to choose a space that suits their needs, creating a welcoming and dynamic dining environment. Watching students enjoy and take pride in these spaces is incredibly rewarding.
4. Collaborate with the Right Design Partner
Transforming a school into a modern, inspiring space is a significant undertaking. Partnering with a design team that shares your vision can make the process more efficient and effective. Our collaboration with MiEN allowed us to narrow down options and create spaces that align with our goals for career readiness and student engagement.
5. Think Beyond Traditional Concepts
Our newly designed library is a lively, interactive space where students come to collaborate, work, and connect. It features quiet study rooms for focused work and larger classroom spaces for group activities. This balance ensures the library serves as both a vibrant hub and a supportive learning environment.
Unique, Hands-On Educational Experiences
The transformation of our high school spaces has not only redefined the student experience but also brought learning to life in ways that are tangible and impactful. For example, the Bloomberg Lab’s stock ticker and wall-mounted monitors mirror the energy of the New York Stock Exchange. Students arrive well before school begins to set up their real-world trades (using simulated money) before the stock market opens, fully embracing this opportunity for hands-on, real-world learning.
These modernized spaces reflect our commitment to preparing students for the future while fostering a sense of pride and engagement within our school community. At Commack Public Schools, we believe that innovative environments and unique learning experiences are essential to shaping the leaders of tomorrow.