communications
Power Skills
Superintendent’s Opening Communication
Subject: Introducing the K12 Regional Skills Lab – A Transformative Learning Opportunity for Our Students
Dear Families,
We are proud to share that [insert District Name] has been selected as one of only seven across three Central Coast counties to launch the K12 Regional Skills Lab —a groundbreaking program funded by the California Jobs First initiative and supported by leading industry partners across our region.
This new hands-on learning initiative is designed to connect students with real-world skills and high-opportunity careers right here in our local economy. Through monthly, engaging lessons, students in every grade will explore careers in seven priority industries that are driving job growth and innovation on the Central Coast—from AgTech and Aerospace to Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing and Cleantech.
You may be wondering: Why introduce careers in elementary school? Research shows that early exposure to career pathways has a powerful, lasting impact on student success. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, students who engage in career exploration during elementary and middle school are significantly more likely to pursue higher education and secure higher-paying jobs. It also helps them build confidence, see the relevance of their learning, and begin to dream bigger about their future.
Each month, your child will take part in a new interactive lesson that highlights a different industry sector. These lessons include storytelling from local professionals, hands-on challenges, and real-world problem-solving—all designed to spark curiosity and help students see themselves in careers they may have never imagined.
This is more than just a new program—it's a regional movement. Together, we are aligning education and economic development to build a homegrown talent pipeline—one that lifts students out of poverty and fuels a stronger, more inclusive economy for the Central Coast.
Stay tuned for more information about our first monthly theme and how your student will participate. We look forward to working together to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders, builders, healers, and innovators.
Warmly,
[Superintendent Name]
Superintendent, [District Name]
School Site Principal’s Opening Communication
Subject: Launching the K12 Regional Skills Lab at [School Name] – Starting with “Power Skills”
Dear [School Name] Families,
I’m excited to share some wonderful news—[School Name] has been selected to participate in the launching of the K12 Regional Skills Lab, a new hands-on learning program that connects what students are learning in the classroom to the careers and opportunities shaping the future of our Central Coast region.
Funded by the state’s California Jobs First initiative and supported by local industry leaders, this program places us at the heart of a powerful regional effort to build a homegrown talent pipeline—one that prepares all students to thrive in the high-wage, high-growth industries here on the Central Coast.
Each month, every student—from kindergarten through sixth grade—will participate in an engaging, grade-level lesson that spotlights one of our region’s key industries, such as clean energy, healthcare, AgTech, aerospace, construction, or advanced manufacturing. These lessons feature real professionals from our area and give students a chance to work hands-on with meaningful challenges that build confidence, spark curiosity, and connect learning to real-world careers.
We’re kicking things off this month with a theme that applies to every job, in every industry: Power Skills. These are the essential life and career skills that employers say they value most—like communication, teamwork, creativity, perseverance, and problem-solving. In this first lesson, your child will explore how these “human” skills are just as important as technical know-how—and how they can start developing them today through school, teamwork, and personal growth.
It’s never too early for students to imagine their future—and this is one way we’re helping every child see that future as exciting, achievable, and rooted right here in our local community.
Thank you for your continued partnership as we launch this exciting new chapter at [School Name]. We can’t wait to see where this journey takes our students!
With pride and anticipation,
[Principal Name]
Principal, [School Name]
K12 Regional Skills Lab: Little Leaders & Big Communication Skills!
This Month’s Theme: Power Skills – Becoming Career Ready
This month, in the K12 Regional Skills Lab, your Kindergartener took an important first step toward career readiness in the lesson "Little Leaders: Building Big Communication Skills!" Students practiced key communication skills like listening, taking turns, and expressing ideas clearly through puppet play, interactive games, and reflection activities. These foundational skills aren’t just important in school—they are essential for future success in any career!
Learn more and watch the industry spotlight video here: https://k12skillslab.org/kg/powerskills
Why is Communication a Power Skill?
Employers across all industries rank strong communication as one of the most in-demand job skills, yet many companies struggle to find employees who can express ideas clearly, listen well, and collaborate effectively.
Did you know?
86% of employers say strong communication skills are critical for workplace success, yet nearly 50% of hiring managers report that job candidates lack these essential skills (National Association of Colleges and Employers).
Employees with strong communication skills are 35% more likely to be promoted within their first two years on the job (Harvard Business Review).
Clear communicators earn an average of 10% more per year compared to employees with weak verbal and written skills (LinkedIn Workplace Report).
By starting early, students build confidence in speaking, listening, and engaging with others—all skills that will help them succeed in the classroom and beyond!
How Employers Value Communication Skills
No matter what career a student chooses, strong communication is essential! Here’s how employers use communication across different industries:
Business & Leadership: Leaders must explain ideas clearly, listen to team members, and present confidently.
Healthcare: Doctors and nurses need strong communication to explain medical information and listen to patients' concerns.
Technology & Engineering: Programmers and engineers work on teams where sharing ideas and problem-solving together is key.
Education & Public Service: Teachers, coaches, and community leaders must speak clearly, listen to others, and inspire action.
Extend the Learning at Home!
Encourage your child to practice communication skills every day with these fun activities:
Family Puppet Show! Have your child use their puppet to introduce themselves and ask family members questions.
"What Did You Hear?" Game! Tell your child a short story, then ask them to repeat back what they heard—just like active listening in a conversation!
Practice Taking Turns! Have your child wait their turn during conversations at the dinner table, reinforcing patience and listening skills.
By building strong communication skills early, students are preparing for success in school, friendships, and future careers. Stay tuned for next month’s career exploration lesson!
K12 Regional Skills Lab: Spot It, Fix It, Nail It! – Mastering Attention to Detail
This Month’s Theme: Power Skills – Becoming Career Ready
This month, in the K12 Regional Skills Lab, your 1st grader became a Detail Detective in the lesson "Spot It, Fix It, Nail It!" Students practiced the critical career skill of attention to detail by engaging in spot-the-difference challenges, error correction activities, and careful observation exercises. These fun activities reinforce precision, patience, communication and accuracy—essential skills for future success in any career!
Learn more and watch the industry spotlight video here: https://k12skillslab.org/1/powerskills
Why Is Attention to Detail a Power Skill?
Employers across all industries highly value workers who are detail-oriented, yet many companies struggle to find employees who can catch small mistakes before they become big problems.
👀 Did you know?
67% of hiring managers say that attention to detail is one of the most important soft skills they look for when hiring (LinkedIn Workforce Report).
Small errors cost businesses billions! A NASA spacecraft was lost due to a simple math conversion mistake, and one misplaced comma can cost a company millions in legal fees.
Employees who demonstrate strong attention to detail are 31% more likely to be promoted in their first year (Harvard Business Review).
By building this skill early, students strengthen their focus, problem-solving abilities, and confidence in checking their work—all crucial for their future education and careers!
How Employers Value Attention to Detail
No matter the industry, small mistakes can lead to big consequences. Here’s how attention to detail is used in different careers:
Aerospace Engineers: Must check every calculation and design detail to ensure airplanes and rockets are built correctly.
Doctors & Nurses: Rely on careful reading and observation to diagnose patients and give the correct medicine.
Chefs & Bakers: Follow precise measurements and recipes to ensure perfect dishes and avoid food safety mistakes.
Video Game Testers: Look for tiny glitches and coding errors before games are released.
Detectives & Scientists: Must examine evidence carefully to solve mysteries and make discoveries!
Extend the Learning at Home!
Encourage your child to practice attention to detail in fun ways with these activities:
Play "I Spy!" Look for small details around the house or in picture books to sharpen observation skills.
"Fix the Mistakes!" Write a silly sentence with errors (e.g., "The dog eated his bone.") and have your child spot and fix the mistakes!
"What’s Different?" Place 5-6 small items on a table, then change one thing. Have your child figure out what changed!
By training their brains to notice details, students are developing a skill that will set them apart in any career field. Stay tuned for next month’s career exploration lesson!
K12 Regional Skills Lab: Tick-Tock, Time to Rock! Mastering Time Management
This Month’s Theme: Power Skills – Becoming Career Ready
This month, in the K12 Regional Skills Lab, your 2nd grader became a Time Traveler in the lesson "Tick-Tock, Time to Rock!" Students explored the importance of time management through hands-on activities, games, and scheduling exercises. These engaging challenges helped them practice prioritizing tasks, estimating how long things take, and planning their day effectively—a critical skill for success in school, careers, and life!
Learn more and watch the industry spotlight video here: https://k12skillslab.org/2/powerskills
Why is Time Management a Power Skill?
Employers across all industries consider time management one of the most essential career skills, yet it’s also one of the hardest to find in job candidates. People who can manage their time well are more productive, less stressed, and better at meeting deadlines—a skill that sets them apart in any workplace.
Did you know?
80% of employers say time management is a top skill they look for, but only 25% of employees demonstrate strong time management skills (Forbes Workplace Study).
Employees who effectively manage their time are 30% more productive and 50% more likely to be promoted within their first year (Harvard Business Review).
Poor time management leads to missed deadlines, stress, and lower performance, costing businesses millions of dollars each year in lost productivity.
By learning early how to prioritize tasks, plan schedules, and use time wisely, students build a strong foundation for success in school and future careers!
How Employers Value Time Management
Being able to meet deadlines, juggle responsibilities, and plan efficiently is key in any job. Here’s how professionals in different careers use time management every day:
Doctors & Nurses: Must manage multiple patients, procedures, and emergencies while staying on schedule.
Project Managers: Oversee big projects and ensure teams meet deadlines and stay on track.
Pilots & Air Traffic Controllers: Have to coordinate flights down to the minute to keep passengers safe.
Athletes & Coaches: Use strict training schedules to maximize performance and meet competition deadlines.
Entrepreneurs & Business Leaders: Balance meetings, deadlines, and planning to run successful companies.
Extend the Learning at Home!
Help your child practice time management in everyday life with these fun activities:
"Beat the Clock!" Game: Set a timer and challenge your child to complete small tasks (brushing teeth, putting away toys, finishing homework) before time runs out.
"Plan Your Weekend!" Have your child create a simple schedule for the weekend using pictures or words to balance schoolwork, play, and family time.
"How Long Does It Take?" Ask your child to guess how long everyday tasks take, then time them to see if they estimated correctly!
By learning how to manage time wisely, students are developing a lifelong skill that will help them excel in school, careers, and personal success. Stay tuned for next month’s career exploration lesson!
K12 Regional Skills Lab: Teamwork Champions – Building Success Together!
This Month’s Theme: Power Skills – Becoming Career Ready
This month, in the K12 Regional Skills Lab, your 3rd grader became a Teamwork Champion in the lesson "Building Success Together!" Through a hands-on tower-building challenge, students practiced essential teamwork skills, including communication, cooperation, and problem-solving. They discovered that working as a team isn’t just about winning—it’s about listening, sharing ideas, and supporting each other to reach a common goal!
Learn more and watch the industry spotlight video here: https://k12skillslab.org/3/powerskills
Why is Teamwork a Power Skill?
Teamwork is one of the most highly valued skills by employers, yet many businesses struggle to find employees who work well with others. Strong teamwork leads to higher productivity, better problem-solving, and stronger workplace relationships, making it a must-have skill for career success.
Did you know?
Over 85% of employers say teamwork is an essential skill for success, yet 39% of companies say employees lack collaboration skills (Forbes Workforce Study).
Employees who work well in teams are 42% more likely to receive promotions and 33% more likely to be recommended for leadership roles (Harvard Business Review).
Companies with strong teamwork cultures are 21% more profitable because teams solve problems faster and innovate more effectively (McKinsey & Co.).
By practicing early, students develop the ability to listen, collaborate, and problem-solve in groups—essential skills for school, future careers, and life!
How Employers Value Teamwork
No matter the career path, teamwork is key to success. Here’s how different industries rely on teamwork every day:
Doctors & Nurses: Work together to treat patients, perform surgeries, and respond to emergencies.
Engineers & Scientists: Collaborate to design new technologies, conduct experiments, and find solutions.
Construction & Architecture: Teams plan and build everything from houses to skyscrapers.
Sports & Entertainment: Athletes, coaches, and performers train and compete as a team to achieve success.
Business & Technology: Companies thrive when teams work together to develop products, market ideas, and solve problems efficiently.
Extend the Learning at Home!
Encourage your child to practice teamwork at home with these fun activities:
"Family Build-Off!" Work together to build a structure out of blocks, pillows, or recycled materials—just like the classroom challenge!
"Teamwork Game Night!" Play a board game or team-based video game that requires cooperation to win.
"Bake Together!" Let your child help measure, mix, and bake—teaching teamwork in the kitchen!
By learning to collaborate, problem-solve, and communicate effectively, students are building lifelong skills that will help them succeed in school, careers, and beyond. Stay tuned for next month’s career exploration lesson!
K12 Regional Skills Lab: Feedback Makes You Fly! – Becoming Coachable
This Month’s Theme: Power Skills – Becoming Career Ready
This month, in the K12 Regional Skills Lab, your 4th grader became a Coachable Champion in the lesson "Feedback Makes You Fly!" Through a hands-on paper airplane challenge, students practiced giving and receiving feedback—a critical skill that helps them grow, improve, and succeed in school, careers, and life!
Learn more and watch the industry spotlight video here: https://k12skillslab.org/4/powerskills
Why is Coachability a Power Skill?
Employers across all industries highly value employees who are open to learning and applying feedback. Being coachable means being willing to improve, handling constructive criticism with a positive attitude, and actively working on self-improvement. However, many employers struggle to find workers with this skill!
Did you know?
94% of employers say that coachability is a key factor in hiring (LinkedIn Workplace Study).
Employees who seek feedback and apply it are 50% more likely to get promoted than those who don’t (Harvard Business Review).
Professional athletes, CEOs, and top performers all credit their success to being open to feedback and constantly improving!
By practicing coachability early, students develop resilience, confidence, and a growth mindset—giving them a major advantage in future careers!
How Employers Value Coachability
Every profession requires the ability to take feedback, make adjustments, and improve. Here’s how coachability is used across different careers:
Athletes & Performers: Must listen to coaches and directors to refine their skills and routines.
Engineers & Scientists: Constantly test, receive feedback, and adjust designs to create better technology.
Doctors & Surgeons: Use peer feedback and new research to improve patient care.
Chefs & Business Owners: Adapt recipes, customer feedback, and strategies to succeed.
Video Game Designers & Artists: Revise their work based on testers’ feedback to make better products.
Extend the Learning at Home!
Help your child practice coachability in everyday life with these fun activities:
"Fix It Challenge!" Give your child a simple task (drawing, building, writing) and offer one piece of feedback for improvement. Have them apply the change and see the difference!
"Feedback in Action!" When watching sports, a cooking show, or a talent competition, discuss how the players or contestants respond to coaching and improve their performance.
"Try Again!" If your child struggles with something (tying shoes, math problems, a new sport), encourage them to accept feedback and keep practicing!
By learning how to accept and apply feedback, students are developing a growth mindset that will help them thrive in school, careers, and beyond. Stay tuned for next month’s career exploration lesson!
K12 Regional Skills Lab: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!
This Month’s Theme: Power Skills – Becoming Career Ready
This month, in the K12 Regional Skills Lab, your 5th grader became a Teamwork Champion in the lesson "Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!" Through engaging, hands-on activities, students explored the power of diverse teams, learning how different skills, perspectives, and strengths contribute to better problem-solving, stronger collaboration, and real-world success.
Learn more and watch the industry spotlight video here: https://k12skillslab.org/5/powerskills
Why is Teamwork in Diverse Teams a Power Skill?
In today’s workplace, teams are more diverse than ever, bringing together people of different backgrounds, talents, and experiences to solve problems and create innovative solutions. Employers highly value individuals who work well in diverse teams, yet this skill is one of the most challenging to find!
Did you know?
75% of employers say teamwork is essential, but only 18% of employees are rated highly skilled in collaboration (National Soft Skills Survey).
Companies with diverse teams are 35% more likely to outperform their competitors, as they generate better ideas and solutions (Harvard Business Review).
92% of job recruiters say strong teamwork and communication skills are just as important as technical skills (LinkedIn Workplace Report).
By practicing teamwork early, students build essential skills that will give them a competitive edge in school, future careers, and life!
How Employers Value Teamwork in Diverse Teams
No matter the industry, teamwork is a must-have skill. Here’s how different fields rely on strong, diverse teams every day:
Technology & Engineering: Teams with different perspectives collaborate to design new software, robotics, and inventions.
Healthcare & Science: Doctors, nurses, and researchers work together to save lives, develop treatments, and improve medical care.
Business & Marketing: Teams with different skills create products, plan campaigns, and connect with customers worldwide.
Construction & Architecture: Engineers, designers, and builders collaborate to create safe and innovative structures.
Entertainment & Sports: Athletes, musicians, and performers succeed by working as a team, learning from different styles and techniques.
Extend the Learning at Home!
Encourage your child to practice teamwork and collaboration with these fun at-home activities:
"Family Teamwork Challenge!" Work together to build a puzzle, cook a meal, or plan a small project—assign different roles and see how teamwork leads to success!
"Game Night with a Twist!" Play a cooperative board game where players must work together to win, reinforcing problem-solving and collaboration.
"Strengths in Our Family!" Have a family discussion about each person’s strengths—who is good at organizing? Who is creative? Talk about how different strengths help teams succeed!
By learning to collaborate, communicate, and value different perspectives, students are building a strong foundation for future success in any career. Stay tuned for next month’s career exploration lesson!
K12 Regional Skills Lab: The Grit Lab – Building Perseverance for Success!
This Month’s Theme: Power Skills – Becoming Career Ready
This month, in the K12 Regional Skills Lab, your 6th grader became a Resilience Champion in the lesson "The Grit Lab: Building Perseverance for Success!" Through interactive challenges and hands-on activities, students explored the concept of grit—the ability to push through difficulties, learn from setbacks, and work toward long-term goals. They practiced problem-solving, adapting to failure, and staying determined—critical skills that employers highly value.
Learn more and watch the industry spotlight video here: https://k12skillslab.org/6/powerskills
Why is Perseverance & Grit a Power Skill?
In today’s fast-changing job market, employers look for workers who don’t give up when things get tough. Grit and perseverance separate those who succeed from those who quit too soon. Yet, studies show that these skills are becoming harder to find in the workforce!
Did you know?
92% of executives say that resilience and perseverance are critical for workplace success, but only 35% of employees demonstrate strong problem-solving and persistence (Harvard Business Review).
Employees who show grit are 60% more likely to be promoted and succeed in leadership roles (Forbes Career Study).
Entrepreneurs and innovators with high perseverance are more likely to turn failures into breakthroughs, leading to business success and innovation (Stanford University Research).
By practicing grit early, students are developing a skill that will give them a competitive edge in school, future careers, and life!
How Employers Value Perseverance & Grit
The ability to overcome challenges, learn from failure, and keep improving is essential across all industries. Here’s how different fields rely on perseverance:
Technology & Engineering: Innovators test, fail, and refine ideas before breakthroughs happen.
Medicine & Healthcare: Doctors and researchers push through years of training to solve complex health challenges.
Business & Entrepreneurship: Leaders and business owners face rejection and setbacks before they succeed.
Arts & Entertainment: Musicians, writers, and athletes practice relentlessly to improve their skills.
Trades & Construction: Workers must problem-solve on the job daily, fixing unexpected issues and adjusting as needed.
Extend the Learning at Home!
Encourage your child to develop perseverance and grit with these fun at-home activities:
"The Grit Journal!" Have your child write or draw about a time they worked hard and didn’t give up. Encourage them to add future goals and track their progress!
"The Family Challenge!" Set a fun family goal (learning a new skill, finishing a puzzle, or a fitness challenge) and discuss how sticking with it builds perseverance.
"Failure to Success!" Watch a short documentary or video on famous inventors, athletes, or entrepreneurs who failed before succeeding (e.g., Thomas Edison, Michael Jordan, J.K. Rowling).
By practicing perseverance, students are preparing for real-world challenges and learning how to push through setbacks to achieve success. Stay tuned for next month’s career exploration lesson!