Creating an engaging, effective learning environment takes more than just buildings and classrooms - it takes a sense of community. Sanford Regional Technical Center (SRTC) embodied that idea last month through its annual Field Day, an event bringing students together for an afternoon of recreation and connection. Organized by SRTC with support from the Athletics Department, the Sanford High School nurse’s office, and local first responders, Field Day featured great food, an inflatable obstacle course, tug-of-war, karaoke and other activities at the SHS softball field.
With SRTC students coming from eight schools across York County and participating in 26 distinct career and technical programs, creating a shared culture of belonging is an important part of ensuring these learners’ success. Students often form close-knit connections within their individual specialties, but Field Day helps them build camaraderie across the broader student body, strengthening relationships with instructors and making them feel comfortable, included, and engaged when they show up to class.
As SRTC Director Matt Petermann shared, Field Day is about more than fun and games: “It’s a climate and culture thing.” By fostering students’ sense of belonging and engagement in their learning communities, events like Field Day reinforce the value of collaboration and relationships, encouraging students to participate meaningfully and contribute wholeheartedly - both in their education and beyond.
Photos courtesy of Sanford Regional Technical Center.
