YSD Officials Discuss New Trailhead Center At National Event

The journey to TLC began with a facility study conducted approximately five years ago as part of the Forward 2024 Strategic Plan. At the time, YSD officials were interested in developing a plan to address aging elementary facilities, including Beadle and Webster Elementary Schools.

The study, led by Koch Hazard Architects and Wold Architects & Engineers, was conducted in conjunction with strategic planning groups.

“This area is one that we are most proud of,” Ryken told the Press & Dakotan. “From the beginning of our journey, our architectural firm led us through this process by integrating approximately seven different committees made up of YSD staff, community members and parents. Every detail of Trailhead Learning Center — from the floor plan to the color scheme to the furniture to the playground equipment — was chosen by the committee members.”

Those architectural firms ultimately generated the final design for TLC, which is set for completion next spring, she said.

“The biggest input was from a community-wide survey, with great participation, about our current elementary schools,” Ryken said. “Many parents, staff and community members made the recommendation to the Yankton School Board to build a new early-childhood center after several core planning meetings.”

This decision was based on several factors, including current school locations, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility, traffic flow and current space issues, she said.

“We have been very open and transparent throughout the process of our journey and timeline,” said Ryken, who, in addition to being part of the planning process, is slated to be the principal at TLC following the closure of Webster Elementary School. “We are extremely pleased to have involved over 150 individuals from the community and staff.”

The TLC project has already generated a lot of interest from other educators and schools.

“Not only is the environment unique, but an early childhood only facility is also rare in the public school setting,” she said. “Early-childhood education has been a high priority in our district for the past 20 years. We value the importance and know the research pertaining to the positive effects of educating our youngest learners.”

Until the move from Webster, the architects predict YSD will be busy conducting facility tours and helping to guide other school districts through a similar process, Ryken said.

Though YSD’s approach to designing this early-childhood education was described by EdSpaces organizers as resulting from a “new philosophy,” Valnes told the Press & Dakotan that the school district’s teachers were already great at creating developmentally appropriate environments.

“The vision for TLC is that every space serves as a learning space,” she said. “The design promotes visible and limitless learning opportunities within an environment that balances calmness with vibrancy. This design encourages creativity, curiosity, collaboration and student empowerment from the start.”

Also, the flexible furniture specifically chosen for the facility further supports this vision by offering a variety of seating options so students can choose how they engage in their learning, Valnes said.

“The moveable furniture is a deliberate choice, reflecting our commitment to creating adaptable and dynamic spaces that meet the needs of all learners,” she said. “I would add that our collaboration with the architects provided a fresh perspective on how we view learning spaces.”

The environment will promote active learning in areas such as a makerspace, sensory spaces, calm rooms and flexible learning areas, Ryken said.

“The beautiful piece of TLC is that every single student attending preschool, JrK and kindergarten in the Yankton School District will have the exact same experience,” she said. “They will all have access to the same amenities, choices and an incredible facility.”

The TLC project was so unique it sparked the interest of the attendees curious about everything from the design process, to funding and student age range, as many states do not offer free public preschool, Valnes said.

“The design of the space significantly impacts student success by empowering both students and staff to perform at their best,” she said. “Comfortable, collaborative and inviting spaces foster creativity and curiosity, creating an environment where learners feel supported and inspired.”

This nurturing foundation is especially important for the growth and success of the school district’s youngest learners, she said.

“This is something the YSD values and views as being important,” Ryken said. “(That) every child of that particular age will walk the same path. Our students deserve that!”

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For more information, visit www.ysd.k12.sd.us/article/704641.