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Domain Summary: Partnerships
Domain Summary: Partnerships
As evidenced by the letters of support submitted with our STEM Certification application, Manchester Community Schools is blessed to have the support of and access to a tremendous group of community partners. These partners open their doors to our students, share their expertise and feedback with our teachers, and support extra-curricular STEM opportunities for all students.
4.1 Community Partner Feedback
4.1 Community Partner Feedback
At least three community partners, from different sectors, provide feedback on the school's STEM program
Manchester University
Manchester University
Notes from a collaborative meeting with Manchester University. Meeting Driving Question: How do we maximize the environmental education resources and expertise available through a partnership between Manchester University and Manchester Community Schools?
The University provides the high school with current research techniques and opportunities to prepare students for a post-secondary experience.
The University provides valuable input on STEM program direction including suggestions for additional community partners, ideas for program sustainability, and K - 12 curriculum progressions. The University also grants high school classrooms access to facilities and equipment. Input from Manchester University provides actionable feedback on our STEM program.
Partnership with Ecosystems Connections Institute
Partnership with Ecosystems Connections Institute
Advanced Placement Environmental Science students complete field research under the direction of AP Environmental Science teacher, Jabin Burnworth, and community partner, Ecosystems Connections Institute. Mr. Jerry Sweeten of Ecosystems Connections Institute provides guidelines on field research protocols to ensure accurate data collection. This partnership targets real-world challenges and local impact, as well as reinforces scientific practices in a relevant, meaningful way. Input from Ecosystems Connections Institute provides actionable feedback on our STEM program.
Jabin Burnworth ltr oct 2020 (1).pdfPartnership with Orthoworx
Partnership with Orthoworx
Meeting notes with partner Orthoworx. Feedback/specific directives from this partner included the inclusion of robotics and precision measurement in MCS courses/curricula. Initiative goal: Providing fundamental skills to our students through curricular pathways as well as immersion in basic skills required for a production position in the orthopedic field. Input from Orthoworx provides actionable feedback on our STEM program.
Orthoworx parnter meeting with IMD 2_13_18 3pm - Jabin Burnworth.pdfPartnership with Wright Medical Group
Partnership with Wright Medical Group
Wright Medical Group is one of several community partners that provides work- based learning opportunities for MCS students. Ms. Shelly Leifer, work-based learning coordinator, spoke with Wright Medical Group representative Mr. Brice Bedke to set up this opportunity. Community partners like Mr. Bedke, inform MCS teachers on ways to better prepare students for their post-secondary pursuits.
To the left, you will see we have included a photo and description of two students' experience with Wright Medical Group. Not only were they afforded the opportunity to watch a shoulder replacement surgery, but they were also invited to participate in a surgical practice lab, testing their own medical skills.
MCS offers a wide-range of work-based learning STEM placements including Schuler Tool & Die, Indiana Physical Therapy, Paragon Medical, Parkview-Wabash Hospital, Oaklawn Cemetary (database management system), Thorne Insurance (actuarial), and the MJSHS Tech Department. The district works with each partner to align our work-based learning program to support highly-valued industry skills.
Input from Wright Medical Group provides actionable feedback on our STEM program.
Corinne L. Evans
provides actionable feedback to improve STEM Strategic Planning at MJSHS
Corrine L. Evans Credentials
Permanent Ohio Teaching License, Biological Science, English and Reading, Grades 7-12
Current Ohio Administrator License, Grades 5-12
National Board Certification, Biological Sciences, Young Adolescent
We partner with Grow Wabash County, Wabash City Schools, MSD of Wabash County, and Heartland Career Center on a regular basis in order to provide additional STEM opportunities for all area students. One of the ways our students are able to exhibit both their entrepreneurial and STEM skills is a state pitch competition entitled Innovate WithIN. Students create a business plan, bring their ideas to fruition, and then present their pitch to potential investors - locally, regionally, and statewide, based on their success at each level.
Students are encouraged to use innovation and creativity when designing their business. One of our most successful participants made her own jewelry and sold these items online through a website she had personally created. Currently, we have students working on an app they will be pitching at this year's competition. Without the contribution of community partners, this opportunity would not be available for our students. To the right we have added an agenda from one of this year's collaborative meetings with Grow Wabash County, Wabash City Schools, and MSD of Wabash County.
Grow Wabash County is an organization in our community that is always partnering with the county schools to provide STEM and work-based learning experiences. To the left, we have included information sent to the schools at the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year. The document outlines the internship possibilities in Wabash County for students seeking careers in marketing, web development and design, the medical field, as well as intern professional development opportunities. Grow Wabash County has been an integral partner for student intern placements at MJSHS, and they consistently contribute to the STEM discussions in all of Wabash County's schools.
4.2 STEM Career Exploration
4.2 STEM Career Exploration
Elementary and Middle School: At least 50 percent of STEM units have career exploration/information as a part of the curriculum
High School: At least 50 percent of students have direct experiences with STEM professionals and/or professional STEM work environments quarterly
7th grade students received information on many STEM career opportunities during their Student Resource Time (SRT). Guest speakers shared information on their education pathways, their careers, and answered student questions.
Teacher pictures are placed next to the logo of the university they attended. This wall is located in a hallway that students walk by daily. The intent of this display is to be a conversation starter for post-secondary education options. In the spring, student college acceptance certificates are added to this display.
Teachers and students celebrate STEM opportunities during College Go Week at MJSHS
Teachers and students celebrate STEM opportunities during College Go Week at MJSHS
Molecular Med in Action Press Release.pdf
Tahnee Fuentes (pictured on the left) was selected to participate in the Molecular Medicine in Action Symposium (see press release). Kelsey Eichenauer (pictured on the right) applied and was chosen for the program the following year. This photo was taken at the Goshen Regional Science Olympiad Tournament. This duo is on the stage for medaling in Water Quality. This medal secured our team a spot at the state tournament (thus the expressions of joy and relief)! Kelsey is currently studying STEM education at Valparaiso University.
7th and 8th grade utilizes the CREATE2THINK PBL units. Each unit embeds a different STEM career connection within it. This allows students to access 8 different STEM careers per grade level. The career connections involve visual thinking routines to support metacognition and research and exposure to the variety of careers within the field.
At Biscayne National Park students dissect an invasive Lionfish with park rangers. The National Park collects data on stomach contents of this fish. Students learn job requirements of a fish biologist.
Students collect plant data with a park botanist in a rare cypress dome located at Everglades National Park. Students experience the daily responsibilities of a botanist.
MHS Next Level Planning Grant Support Letter from Grow Wabash County.pdfGrow Wabash County helps MCS connect our students with internships, work-based and entrepreneurial learning experiences. Students learn first-hand about education requirements, employability skills, and job expectations.
4.3 Community Engagement
4.3 Community Engagement
Five or more established community partners are actively engaged in the STEM program
Manchester University
MCS works with a variety of Manchester University departments to connect students to and with post-secondary educational experiences. Walk Into My Future, an annual event hosted by Manchester University in partnership with the Community Foundation of Wabash County, exposes K-3rd-graders to college and careers while introducing 529 savings plans.
OrthoWorx
Manchester partners with OrthoWorx to introduce students to opportunities in the orthopedic industry. Together we provide students with basic skills required for a production position in orthopedics.
Boy Scout Troop 465
Eagle Scout projects often address a need in the community or school system. Two recent projects added handicappped-accessible trails and raised bed gardens to the MES Outdoor Learning area.
Community Foundation of Wabash County
“In 2012, the Community Foundation of Wabash County committed one half of its unrestricted grantmaking to a set of strategic initiatives designed to help advance the educational attainment level in the county. Instead of waiting for needs to arise, the Foundation, in partnership with others, asked where it could apply grants strategically to change conditions at the source of community problems. The persistent problems of unemployment, hunger, poverty, and illiteracy repeatedly led back to low levels of education. Strategic programs to support education dovetail with the regional work of the Big Goal Collaborative, a program of the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership for Economic Development. The partners of the collaborative are working to raise the number of working adults with post-secondary education or high quality industry certifications from 32% to 60% by 2025.” (copied from: https://www.cfwabash.org/grants/education-matters) The Community Foundation financially supports programs and initiatives that directly impact MCS families. Programs such as Begindergarten and The Promise Scholars equip students for learning and incentivize the pursuit of post-secondary education. The Community Foundation grant program funds a variety of school-related activities such as the elementary outdoor learning lab and high school media center upgrades.
Bayer Foundation
The Bayer Foundation provided start-up funds that supported activities surrounding the construction, use, and maintenance of our Outdoor STEM Learning Lab gardens.
Indiana Science Olympiad (INSO)
“Science Olympiad employs cross-cutting concepts in all of its standards-aligned events, building 21st century skill sets essential to today’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) workforce. There are 23 events each in Division B (middle school) and Division C (high school), providing a platform for students to apply and display a wide variety of talents, from design and prototyping, to technical writing, to chemistry lab skills.” (copied from https://www.soinc.org/bc-events) Our long-standing partnership with Indiana Science Olympiad has provided hundreds of students the opportunity to dive deeper into areas of STEM that they are passionate about. Students visit college campuses, interact with professors and like minded peers, and often discover a career pathway through the Science Olympiad experience. #INSciOly #SquireScience #SquireSTEM
Grow Wabash County
Grow Wabash County serves as a bridge to connect MCS students with local businesses for internships and work-based learning experiences. This organization served as an advisor and also wrote a letter of support for our successful Next Level Programs of Study Implementation grant.
Ivy Tech, Fort Wayne
Ivy Tech, Fort Wayne partners with MCS to offer Dual Credit opportunities to our students. They have played an integral role in the creation of a Next Level Program of Study in Business Administration, which Manchester will serve as the pilot program for the state.
Work-Based Learning placements: Precision Medical Technology, Instrumental Machine and Development, Paragon Medical, Inc, Crossroads Bank, Parkview Hospitals, Indiana Physical Therapy
Partnership with Orthoworx
Partnership with Orthoworx
Meeting notes with partner Orthoworx. Providing fundamental skills to our students through curricular pathways as well as immersion in basic skills required for a production position in the orthopedic field.
Orthoworx parnter meeting with IMD 2_13_18 3pm - Jabin Burnworth.pdfI am very impressed by the currency and thoroughness the Manchester Community Schools (MCS) has exhibited in this MCS 5-Year STEM plan and recommend them for certification. The breadth of community partner outreach and by the dynamic choice of curriculum materials and programs that is evidenced in this plan is excellent. Clearly this collaborative effort by the MCS STEM Innovation team has been fruitful in striving toward some very high STE(A)M goals since 2018, which include well-known and up-to-date sources. I especially like the emphasis on inquiry-based learning, the choice of Vision Statement (“Never stop wondering!” by NSTA author Emily Morgan) and the characteristics chosen for the “Profile of a Graduate Attributes.” It is very appropriate that the curriculum offerings are supported with teacher training, and that ongoing teacher collaboration is part of the teaching environment. The team has done a phenomenal job of accessing grants from all possible areas to help in this effort, and for this should be commended.
Kathleen Konicek-Moran, Ed.D.
NSTA Author and Illustrator
Manchester University
Manchester University
MU STEM LoS - Sue Gnagy.pdf4.4 Extended Learning
4.4 Extended Learning
STEM activities such as robotics and engineering clubs, internships, and apprenticeships are available and accessible by at least 50 percent of students in an on-going basis
IMG_0141 - Sue Gnagy.jpgMJSJH has participated in Science Olympiad at the local, regional, and state level since 2002. This academic, extra-curricular activity is available for all interested students in grades 6 - 12. This is a picture of the many trophies earned by the teams throughout the years. The student pictured is displaying the many medals she accumulated through her 7 years of SO participation. She competed in many of the life science events (Anatomy & Physiology, Disease Detectives, Microbiology, and Genetics) and is currently studying pre-med at Manchester University.
SCIENCE OLYMPIAD has led a revolution in science education. What began as a grassroots assembly of science teachers is now the premier science competition in the nation, providing rigorous, standards-based challenges to 7,400 teams in 50 states. Science Olympiad's ever-changing lineup of events in all STEM disciplines exposes students to practicing scientists and career choices, and energizes classroom teachers with a dynamic content experience. (from: www.soinc.org) Manchester teams compete at all levels and most of our SO students go on to pursue careers in STEM fields. The attachment is from the National Science Olympiad website.
Manchester Jr./Sr. First Robotics
Manchester Jr./Sr. First Robotics
The attached article demonstrates the opportunity our students have in competing in robotics. Our Jr. High team was able to make it to the state tournament last year.
SO_2020_ALL_PAGE_Brochure - Sue Gnagy.pdfScreen Recording 2021-03-07 at 4.07.56 PM.mov(Left) Video from the Triton Central VCR Blended Robotics Invitational. Carousel of images (below) from after-school practices for Science Olympiad and Robotics competitions.
4.5 Equity
4.5 Equity
Provides at least three opportunities/modes to inspire and inform under-represented students about careers in STEM fields
AP Biology students collect macroinvertebrates in the Eel river. Students used a kicknet and a dip net to determining water quality. Students worked with professionals in the field who inspired them to be river ecologists.
Students collect plant data with a park botanist in a rare cypress dome located at Everglades National Park. Students experience the daily responsibilities of a botanist.
At Biscayne National Park students dissect an invasive Lionfish with park rangers. The National Park collects data on stomach contents of this fish. Students learn job requirements of a fish biologist.
Manchester Jr/Sr High School competes in Science Olympiad at the local, regional, and state level. Many of our team members are young women who are interested in pursuing STEM careers.
MCS Work-based Learning Coordinator & Business Teacher, Shelly Leifer, traveled to Indianapolis with a group of students to attend the Pathways to Tech/Women in Tech fall conference. Students learned about many technology-infused career pathways.
Tara Whicker, MCS alumni, is continuing her passion for Environmental Education that was ignited through her experiences at Manchester Schools. Her senior AP Environmental Science trip to the Florida Everglades and her experiences in Science Olympiad inspired her to pursue a career in Environmental Education. She works as the Coastal Education Assistant Coordinator for Fort Caswell in Oak Island, NC. Tara is a certified NC Environmental Educator. Manchester Community Schools is extremely proud of ALL of our graduates and enjoy sharing how each of them is impacting the community in which they serve!
We the Many Program
Manchester Community Schools and the Honeywell Foundation will be partnering through the We the Many Program, a grant awarded through Arts Midwest. A Hispanic female artist from Chicago will be collaborating with MCS Hispanic students to integrate curriculum and writing to help tell their story through the arts.
Work Based Learning
Karen Jiminez-Saucdeo, a senior at Manchester Community High School, will be job shadowing the ELL Teacher at Manchester Intermediate School second semester. Karen plans to enter the field of education and would like experience supporting our Spanish speaking students in the classroom.
Equitable Education Solutions
Equitable Education Solutions
We have partnered with EES in order to help guide us in our STEM programming efforts. Dr. Mike Langevine has supported in providing STEM guidance in compliance with the STEM Certification goals. A team of his consultants has conducted regular professional development sessions with our staff in order help us focus our cross curriculum planning for two years.
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