class=”dateline”> WARSAW – When asked what his Washington Elementary School students think about the STEM program, Principal Tom Ray’s answer is simple.
Just look for the ear-to-ear smiles.
“The kids are engaged in learning. They are collaborating. They are having fun, learning activities and enjoying education, “Ray said.
The Washington Elementary STEM Academy was launched in 2012 with a $ 439.534 Indiana Innovation Grant.
Throughout the first year, students used STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Math – the study of lakes and streams.
As the district was considering the STEM academy, Ray said all agreed it was important to focus on resources available in the community and two things came to mind.
“Warsaw is made up largely of two things – lakes and streams and the biomedical and orthopedic industry,” Ray said. “That’s what we have, so that’s what we focused on.”
Students spent the year learning about lakes and streams, Including visiting lakes and ponds to learn about acid-alkaline balances, water quality and various organisms found in local waterways, he said.
Beginning next fall, students will switch gears to focus on the second half of the curriculum as they learn about orthopedics and life sciences.
OrthoWorx, an organization in Warsaw that works with orthopedic companies, will partner with Warsaw schools next year to expand the Washington Elementary STEM Academy.
OrthoWorx will popup $ 112,000 to support professional development for teachers, equipment and supplies. The funding will also help pay for the STEM Coach position, According to a release from OrthoWorx.
“We Believe That the expansion of STEM in our region is absolutely vital to creating the workforce for the future of orthopedics, agriculture and other key industries in our region,” said Sheryl Conley, OrthoWorx chief executive officer.
Events
• The Crossing Educational Center will hold an enrollment meeting 5 to 7 pm June 24 at the PrimeTime Youth For Christ Center on South Calhoun across from South Side High School.
• The Fort Wayne Campus of National College, 6131 North Clinton St.., will host a Health & Wellness Expo from 10 am to 2 pm Saturday. The event is free and open to the public. Screenings available include blood pressure, glucose and HIV. . Contact Director of Health Care Education Martha Rostochak at 483-1605 or mjrostochak@national-college.edu for more information.
Recognitions
• Brooke Campbell of Kendallville, a senior at East Noble High School, will receive an engraved bronze medallion to recognize her selection as a Distinguished Finalist for 2013 in The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program.
• Homestead High School Counselor Amy Hamilton was selected the recipient of the Coca-Cola Educator of Distinction Award.
• Homestead High School senior Alison Mansfield was selected the recipient of a $ 1,000 Student Scholarship Rotarians presented by The Rotary Club of Fort Wayne.
Ivy Tech
• Ivy Tech Community College Northeast will host James Moore, an associate provost in Ohio State University’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, from 1:30 to 3 pm June 20 in the auditorium on the Coliseum Campus, 3800 N. Anthony Blvd. Moore will speak on “Contemporary Issues Affecting African American Males,” which is being presented by Ivy Tech’s African American Male Initiative. The goal of the event is to re-enforce the Importance of a college education to local black males and Their mentors. The event is free and open to the public.
Grace College
• Grace College in Fort Wayne will hold an open house from 6:30 to 8 pm Friday at 1027 W. Rudisill Blvd., Suite 101 Interested students can register online at ftw.grace.edu or by calling 469-4070.
Trine University
• An alumnus recently designated a $ 1.5 million endowment gift to benefit the engineering program at Trine University.
The endowed pledge, given by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, is it enhance studies in the Allen School of Engineering & Technology.
The donor spent his career in the aeronautics industry.
