Springmill STEM Family Update

Hello STEM Family!

This is a big week for Springmill STEM. We are being visited by members of the Ohio STEM Learning Network. This is the group that certifies schools as being STEM for the state of Ohio. They will be coming in and staying the whole day, touring the school, visiting classrooms and talking to teachers and students. We have been getting ready for this visit for weeks and are excited to show off our school!

We are expecting a warmer than average, dry week! We are getting kids out for recess every day possible. Sunshine and fresh air always lift spirits. I hope you and your family are able to enjoy this break in winter.

Sincerely,

Cara Will

Springmill STEM Elementary

We are halfway through our quarterly attendance incentives and many students have been making strides to improve their attendance. Remember, families who students improve their attendance will be entered into a drawing to win prizes!

This month, we are focusing on how STEM learners are persistent. Persistence means that when something doesn't go right the first time, you keep trying until you get it right. This is an important skill for students and future employees. You can help instill this virtue in your student by talking about the importance of being persistent in order to be successful!

Our PBIS team celebrated our January Students of the Month. These students were chosen for their exemplary and/or improved ability to follow our behavior expectations throughout the school.

As we all know now, the groundhogs (Buckeye Chuck & Punxsutawney Phil) did NOT see their shadows! Miss Carrier's 1st graders made predictions and drew picture charts in math class. They read about groundhogs and their traits in reading, then created their own groundhog burrows! Did you know their burrows have different rooms?

Last semester 3rd graders researched different countries in order to design their own coins. After designing and revising their coins, they were sent to the high school engineering program where they were printed in 3D. It was a great experience and partnership with our district's programs.

Last week, our third graders discovered the pros and cons of oil drilling. After making oil derricks the week before, this week they created their own oil spill - which they then had to clean up using methods similar to what is used in real oil spills. This group was able to completely clean the oil out of the water and off of their animals.

5th grade students worked with Mrs. Matthes to come up with a way to impact their community in a positive way. After brainstorming some ideas, the class decided to make a "Little Free Library" to put outside our school! You can see the process they are following in the photo. They have designed 3D scale models and put them up for a school vote to see which one will be used! We will follow their progress over the next few months.

Our 6th graders experimented with how temperature affects particle movement. They saw the way the shape of the balloon changed when the air was warmed up and cooled down.

I know it seems early, but we are already starting to plan for next school year! Figuring out how many students will be returning is a huge step and needs to be done before other plans are made. Please take just 1 minute to complete this survey about whether or not you plan for your student(s) to attend STEM next year.

Thank you!

After school until 4:45pm. If your student isn't planning to stay, please let the office know before 2:30pm.

STEM Site Visit

STEM only 2 hour delay

1 hour early release & Parent-Teacher Conferences