We capitalize on every teachable moment with students. Florence B. Mathis Elementary School students understand when they see a problem, they seek relevant resources to resolve the problem. On two separate occasions, our students found owls entangled in soccer nets and immediately went to the adults for help. They learned how they can make a difference in our environment by seeking resources to help them.

May is the month of Foley's Hot Air Balloon Festival. Since the festival is right in our own community, a hot air balloon pilot comes to our school to demonstrate setting the balloon up, flying, and packing up the balloon. Pilots then speak to students about the science of flying.

Florence B. Mathis Elementary School also extends the learning day with opportunities open to all students to participate in STEAM clubs. We have dance, robotics, recycling, art, gardening, International Connections (iCon), and many sports clubs such as soccer, running, basketball, and racquetball clubs.

Our STEAM club opportunities have grown tremendously! Each year we base our clubs on student interest, and we open sign-ups to all students. Some clubs have been ongoing for several years, and some have just begun this school year. A few of our clubs are dance, robotics, recycling, iCon (International Connections), kindness, bike, and art club.

Dance Team performs at half-time for our Foley High School basketball game

Our Career Day includes over twenty-five companies with diverse careers from artists to nurses. Career Day gives students opportunities to engage with businesses in our own community to explore STEAM career options.

Students found an owl entangled in a soccer net and immediately ran for assistance. We called environmental services, and they arrived just shortly after we freed it from the netting. Environmental Services was able to answer students' questions and explain to students the process they take when finding injured wildlife. Environmental Services sought treatment for the owl and brought it back to school to share with students how we return wildlife to its natural habitat. A week later, a second owl was found entangled in a net, and we freed it as well.

During the week of the Hot Air Balloon Festival, pilots demonstrate how to erect and fly a hot air balloon. Pilots also speak to students about the history of flight and the science behind it.