Dillsboro, Manchester Elementary Principals React to Becoming STEM Certified Schools

Friday, May 10, 2024 at 11:00 AM

By South Dearborn Community School Corporation, news release

Twenty-four Indiana schools were added to the list of STEM certified schools earlier this week.

Photo provided.

(Aurora, Ind.) - This week, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) announced 24 additional Indiana schools now certified in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Of these newly certified schools, two South Dearborn elementary schools made the list.

Manchester Elementary School and Dillsboro Elementary School began their STEM journey in the spring of 2021 as the world was still navigating the Covid-19 pandemic. The administrators and staff made a commitment to continue to provide students with the opportunity to engage in activities that would allow for collaboration and the development of critical thinking skills.

Both MES Principal Mary Bailey and DES Principal Kyle Miller commend staff members for their commitment to this process. “When we were preparing for the IDOE’s site visit, it was exciting to reflect on the many media articles, social media posts, and pictures chronicling our STEM journey. Through the diverse STEM experiences students are receiving, they are enhancing both their education and employability with the new perspectives and skills they are developing. The staff has come together to create lessons that meet and exceed state standards and greatly encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and career exploration.”

"STEM certified schools are committed to providing high-quality, engaging experiences that not only support students in developing problem-solving skills, but also prepare them for careers in emerging industries,” said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. “Ensuring every student in Indiana can meet the challenges and opportunities of a constantly evolving workforce begins with high-quality STEM education, and these schools are leaning in to meet the needs of Hoosier students.”

In order to receive STEM certification, applying schools had to complete a rigorous application and review process. Certified schools must exemplify a highly non-traditional approach to education employing a great deal of inquiry and project-based learning in student-centered classrooms. They also must offer STEM opportunities for out-of-school activities, community engagement, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, their STEM curriculum must be integrated into their humanities and related arts education.

“We are fortunate to have many community partners which have played an important role in our certification. Purdue Extension, Dearborn County Recycling Center, Dillsboro Public Library, Manchester Township Trustees, Baylor Trucking, Ivy Tech, Dearborn County Sheriff’s Department, Southeastern Indiana Art Guild, Dearborn Baptist Church, United Methodist Church, Dillsboro Arts, Aurora Lions Club, and Aurora Public Library have all helped plan and implement activities that promote creativity, collaboration, investigation, and problem-solving for our young students," add Miller and Bailey.