Embedded Files
Helmsburg Elementary School is located in the northern region of Brown County, within Jackson Township. Our commitment is to deliver a challenging, 21st-century education to every student, equipping them to become active and contributing members of society. We prioritize fostering strong relationships with our students, parents, stakeholders, and community partners. The forward-thinking approach of our administrators, educators, and staff ensures that students have access to cutting-edge technology. To maintain our tradition of academic excellence, Helmsburg Elementary aims to provide all students with equal opportunities to engage with the STEM curriculum. This approach will help cultivate the essential soft skills needed by students and community members in today's world. It is crucial for our students to engage in these learning opportunities to thrive in the workforce and achieve their full potential.
1.1 Decision-Making
1.1 Decision-Making
The integration of STEM at Helmsburg Elementary has been a collective effort that includes students, staff, administrators, families, and our local community. Every member of the HES family is vital in supporting our students' STEM education. We are pleased to report that all of our certified staff engage in professional development, collaborate as teams, and take part in our yearly STEM surveys. We appreciate and consider everyone’s input on how STEM is incorporated into our curriculum.
1.2 Common Work Time
1.2 Common Work Time
The school master schedule details the designated planning periods for teachers throughout the week. During these sessions, educators collaborate to develop grade-level and interdisciplinary lessons that incorporate STEM, PLTW, PBL, and various other activities. All teachers are implementing the APB approach along with the PLTW and Engineering Design processes within their classrooms. The master schedule indicates weekly common planning times for teachers to either confer with grade-level colleagues, gather in their Cluster, or connect with the STEM Leadership Team. Additionally, the STEM team convenes weekly to assess the comprehensive school-wide STEM plan. The meeting minutes document ongoing instructional support for STEM provided to all certified staff. These minutes also include a list of attendees, highlighting the collaboration between general education teachers, special education teachers, specialists, and counselors.
1.3 Sustainability Plan
1.3 Sustainability Plan
Brown County School Corporation is dedicated to delivering STEM education that prepares our young students for future achievements. Our five-year STEM strategy demonstrates our commitment to continuous learning through practical, real-world experiences.
1.4 Measurement of Student Attitudes/Interests
1.4 Measurement of Student Attitudes/Interests
All students at Helmsburg, from 2nd to 5th Grade, participated in STEM Semantics Surveys, and data was gathered to assess their interests in STEM fields. This information was utilized by educators to effectively address the diverse needs of all learners within both the STEM and general education classrooms. Additionally, students from Kindergarten to 5th completed the Beable RIASEC Survey, which identifies their RIASEC codes, reflecting their strengths in areas such as Realistic, Inquisitive, Artistic, Social, Entrepreneurial, and/or Conventional roles. These codes are routinely employed to modify the curriculum to better serve students and to inspire them to seek academic opportunities that foster lifelong learning.
1.5 STEM Program Engagement
1.5 STEM Program Engagement
Helmsburg Elementary actively involves all stakeholders - parents, educational leaders, and community partners - in our STEM journey. Through a variety of activities, from STEM-focused community forums to STEM career presentations, we ensure that our broader community is both informed and invested in our STEM endeavors.
1.6 STEM Instructional Feedback
1.6 STEM Instructional Feedback
Assessments conducted by our school principal offer targeted feedback to educators to strengthen STEM elements. The TAP Rubric assesses the effectiveness of STEM teaching methods. Every certified staff member participates in Professional Development sessions and completes instructional support surveys to share insights on the assistance they currently receive and the types of support they wish to have moving forward in relation to STEM instructional practices.
1.7 Access and Opportunity to STEM Courses and Programs
1.7 Access and Opportunity to STEM Courses and Programs
Helmsburg Elementary is committed to providing every student with equal access and opportunities in STEM both within and outside of the general education setting. The master schedule, along with individual teacher and STEM schedules, demonstrates that all students in grades K-5 have dedicated STEM time each week as part of Helmsburg's curriculum. For students needing extra instructional assistance, "push-in" support is offered by Title I and special education teachers to guarantee that STEM instruction remains uninterrupted while necessary modifications and accommodations are implemented based on individual student needs. Additionally, computer science through Code.org is an integral aspect of STEM, ensuring that STEM education extends beyond the standard science and STEM classes.
Report abuse