WGES STEM Vision and Culture
The STEM vision at Walnut Grove Elementary School is to provide a challenging 21st century learning environment through the integration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Walnut Grove Elementary students will:
1. Empathize with and work to solve real world problems
2. Understand and apply the engineering design process
3. Reflect upon their work in conversation and in writing
4. Seek improvements and produce revisions of their work
5. Share their solutions and insights in meaningful ways
At Walnut Grove Elementary School, we believe that students thrive and reach their fullest potential when we:
- Cultivate caring, positive, and supportive learning environments
- Advocate for the development of the whole child through academic, social-emotional service learning, and extracurricular activities
- Provide engaging and authentic learning experiences designed to help students develop a passion for lifelong learning
- Offer challenging and individualized learning for each student
- Create a welcoming and inclusive culture for our diverse school community
STEM is a vital part of providing this educational experience. We use STEM to plan for rich, integrated learning experiences across the curriculum. Our growing STEM culture also influences other aspects of school life at Walnut Grove Elementary, including LEAP (Learning Enrichment Academic Program) and PBIS programs.
Walnut Grove Elementary School seeks to be a school culture completely driven by STEM. It is our vision that all decisions be filtered through a STEM mindset. Teachers are currently focusing their efforts on examining their curriculum and so that they can infuse the various components of STEM into their units of study. Students are learning to use inquiry skills daily to go beyond the grade level standards and apply what they have learned to real world experiences at home. We are in the process of working with parents and community partners to support the STEM initiative at Walnut Grove Elementary through fundraising, material donations, and volunteer work.