Executive Summary

School Overview 

Helmsburg Elementary school is located in the northwest corner of beautiful Brown County. Helmsburg Elementary school facility has classrooms dedicated for preschool and per grade level K-5. Rooms are also available for special education, counseling, speech-language and occupational therapy, and reading resource instruction. Nestled in our community, Helmsburg Elementary serves around 230 students ranging from Preschool to 5th Grade. The student body closely mirrors the local demographic landscape, with limited diversity among minority populations. Our dedicated educational team currently comprises of 12 certified teachers and 9 support paraprofessionals. The school provides comprehensive specialized instruction through full-time educators in Art, Music, Physical Education, and STEM disciplines. Additionally, our guidance professionals are actively engaged in addressing and supporting student needs on a daily basis, ensuring holistic student development and well-being.

In addition, the school facilities include a STEM lab, music room, art room, playground, shelter house, cafeteria, gymnasium, office, and teacher workroom. The school benefits from being located close to Indiana University. We are host to many university students each year. This enables us to gain insight into current research and teaching strategies. The Helmsburg PTO is very active and offers several fun family events throughout the school year. Some examples of our PTO and staff sponsored events are Movie Nights, Trunk-or-Treat, Santa Breakfast, Santa Shop, Family Nights, and Spring Fling.

Academically, we work diligently to meet the individual needs of every student. In order to help our students master the Indiana Standards, the following programs are in use: Orton-Gillingham, Fountas and Pinnell, Study Island, MindPlay, i-Ready, and IXL. More specifically, in our STEM program students have access to, and utilize PLTW, Mystery Science, Generation Genius, Scratch, TinkerCad and Code.org. Students also access Clever and Canvas during virtual learning days where all assignments are posted to these learning portals.

We are committed to collaborating with industry partners and educational organizations to expose students to diverse career pathways, entrepreneurial skills, and practical learning experiences. Our district integrates innovative programs like Beable and the World of Work into our comprehensive K-12 curriculum, ensuring career exploration and development are fundamental to students' educational journey. This approach particularly emphasizes opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) career fields, preparing students for future professional success. 

Our many opportunities for students include: Spell Bowl, Math Bowl, Science Bowl, TedEd Club, 4-H Coding Club, VEX Robotics Club, Recycling Club, Student Ambassadors, Circle of the State Choir, and a Spring Art Show. We offer an After School Care Program that has hosted several community partners who have graciously provided experiences such as bike riding, game nights, Jujitsu, and a MakerSpace Mobile. 

At Helmsburg Elementary, we are committed to nurturing student potential and maintaining rigorous academic standards. Our innovative approach includes providing each student with a personal device, enabling personalized learning experiences. Beyond technological access, we prioritize digital literacy and responsible technology use, ensuring students develop critical skills for the modern world while expanding their educational horizons. 

Professional educators are consistently evaluated through the NIET Teaching Standards to guarantee: Equitable access to high-quality learning experiences, curriculum development that challenges and engages students, and instructional approaches that promote student agency and active participation in their educational journey. This comprehensive evaluation process ensures that classroom instruction remains focused on student growth, empowerment, and meaningful academic development.

STEM Focus/Program 

 Our state-of-the-art STEM lab opened in 2012. It currently houses courses, materials, and resources to deepen connections with the project-based learning approach and provide opportunities for students to engage in work that connects to future STEM careers. Helmsburg Elementary begin using Mystery Science in 2017 as a resource for STEM Curriculum. Project Lead the Way (PLTW) was introduced in 2019. These curriculums were chosen by a team of administrators and educators due to their direct alignment with IDOE standards. Both curriculums create hands-on investigations, student led problem-solving, engineering, and cover IDOE science standards. Code.org was implemented in 2017 and aligns with IDOE computer science standards.

 Learning experiences occur in both classrooms and the STEM lab. Activities and experiences are hands-on, problem-based, and student-led. Student ownership of learning is embedded in the process of finding real-world solutions to real-world problems using PLTW kits, Mystery Science lessons, and Code.org courses. STEM Instructional Approach Models have been adopted and implemented, creating real-world problem solving, collaborative learning experiences for all students. Computer Science, coding skills and digital citizenship are taught and practiced daily and the engineering design process is being implemented.  Students are engaged in career exposure opportunities and practice employability skills, all while learning the Indiana Academic Standards. 

In 2022 Helmsburg Elementary School was recognized as a PLTW Distinguished School and in 2024 Brown County School Corporation was recognized as a PLTW Distinguished District. Teachers are promoting best practices, conveying effective instructional strategies, and fostering an environment where students are intentionally involved in the learning process.  Most importantly, student engagement and collaboration during STEM learning opportunities, learning with and from each other, demonstrates that we are on a forward thinking path.