5.1 STEM Schools Network

Self-Assessment: Model

Progress Rubric Look-Fors: The school has direct relationships with other STEM-focused schools across North Carolina and uses these connections to exchange successes and challenges in face-to-face events, not including conferences, at least twice per year (school visits, working meetings, shared professional development, etc).

The school leadership has direct, online relationships with other STEM-focused schools and/or STEM-focused school networks outside of North Carolina and uses these connections to exchange successes and challenges at least once per year (e.g., school leaders participate in online network, school leaders attend national meeting, direct communication with other school leaders, etc.).

North Carolina STEM-Focused Schools

Wellcome Middle School maintains strong, ongoing relationships with STEM-focused schools and STEM networks both within North Carolina and beyond. These partnerships allow the school to exchange successes, challenges, instructional practices, and innovations through regular face-to-face and online interactions.

Within North Carolina, Wellcome Middle collaborates closely with Eastern Elementary School, Lakeforest Elementary, CM Eppes Middle School and the district STEM coordinator, meeting at least once per month for STEM check-ins and work sessions. These meetings focus on instructional planning, program refinement, and sharing challenges and successes. In addition, Wellcome Middle maintains collaborative relationships with other STEM-focused schools and districts across the state.

School leadership also engages in ongoing online exploration of national STEM networks to stay informed about emerging practices. The STEM Coordinator regularly follows and interacts with STEM-focused organizations and platforms such as the STEM Everyday Podcast, the NC Science Teacher Association, and the National Association of Science Teachers. These connections allow the school to learn from innovative models and remain aligned with national STEM trends.

Through these combined in-state partnerships, site visits, cross-district collaborations, and out-of-state online networks, Wellcome Middle consistently exchanges ideas with other STEM schools at the state and national levels, meeting and exceeding the expectations of the Progress Rubric.

Within Pitt County Schools

Several times during the school year, Wellcome's STEM Coordinator coordinated for teachers and students to help with STEM-related activities at other schools in the community. Our assistance in the community with two of our feeder schools helps future Wellcome Middle School students to be excited about what is to come once they are in middle school. It also helps with bridging the community together.

Belvior Elementary (one of Wellcome's feeder elementary schools) hosted a "Grinchmas" Event where they needed help with STEM activities. Teachers from Wellcome participated.

Northwest Elementary (one of Wellcome's feeder elementary schools) hosted a Family STEM night where they requested the assistance of students to facilitate their STEM activities. A few of our STEM wildcats/Science Olympiad members participated.

Pitt County Schools and Other NC Partners

Wellcome Middle collaborates with sister STEM Schools in the district including Eastern Elementary, Lakeforest Elementary, C.M. Eppes Middle School, and Innovation Early College High School. Outside of Pitt County, WMS collaborates with schools in the following areas: Campbell university, ECU College of Engineering and Technology, Edgecombe, Elizabeth City Pasquotank, Greene, Johnston, Lee, Lenior, Nash, NASA NC Space Grant, Onslow, Orange, Resurrection Lutheran School, Wilson, Guilford, UNCC, Robeson, Union County, Wilkes, Cumberland, Rowan-Sailsbury, Johnston, Diocese of Raleigh, Yancey, Camp Lejune Community Schools, Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools, Haywood, Martin, NCSSM, Wake, Alexander, and Ashe through the STEM Leaders Network.