School Overview
Manchester Elementary School Overview:
Location: South Dearborn Community School District
Type: Rural, 1 section school
Student Population: 171 students in grades K-6
Free or Reduced Lunch: 39.18% of students
Academic Achievements:
STEM Programming: Manchester Elementary has been actively working on building and refining their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programming. This indicates a focus on preparing students for the modern world and equipping them with skills that are in high demand.
3rd Grade Literacy: The school's 3rd grade literacy rate is commendable, standing almost 14 points above the state average. This suggests that early literacy interventions and teaching methods at Manchester are effective and are setting students up for academic success.
6th Grade Math Growth: Manchester has achieved 40% of their student growth goals in 6th grade math based on the iLearn Assessment. This showcases the school's commitment to continuous improvement and ensuring that students are making progress in their mathematical abilities.
Math Proficiency: The overall math proficiency at Manchester Elementary is 51.4%. This is notably higher than the state average, which is at 39.4%. This achievement underscores the school's effectiveness in teaching mathematical concepts and skills.
Community:
Despite being a small community, Manchester Elementary School is making significant strides in providing quality education to its students. The achievements in various academic areas, especially in STEM, literacy, and math, are a testament to the dedication of the school's staff, teachers, and leadership. The community, though small, is evidently supportive and invested in the success of its students.
STEM Focus/Program Overview
STEM Programming at Manchester Elementary School, South Dearborn School District: A Three-Year Journey
At Manchester Elementary School in the South Dearborn School District, the last three years have witnessed a transformative journey in the realm of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. Under the visionary leadership of Principal Mary Bailey and her dedicated STEM Leadership team, the school has made remarkable strides in integrating STEM into its core curriculum.
Principal Mary Bailey's Vision:
Having previously served as the principal at Aurora Elementary School in South Dearborn, Mary Bailey is no stranger to the transformative power of STEM and Project-Based Learning (PBL). Her tenure at Aurora, alongside her then-assistant principal, Kyle Miller, saw the school achieve STEM Certification. This experience provided Mary with a blueprint for success, which she has since brought to Manchester Elementary.
Integration of STEM and PBL:
Over the past three years, Manchester Elementary has seamlessly woven STEM learning opportunities into traditional core content areas. This integration ensures that students not only grasp theoretical concepts but also understand their real-world applications. Furthermore, the school has embedded Project Lead the Way (PLTW) into their instructional sequence each semester, providing students with hands-on, project-based learning experiences that foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Innovative Additions:
Manchester's commitment to STEM doesn't stop at the classroom door. The school has inaugurated a maker space, a collaborative workspace where students can engage in hands-on learning, from crafting to coding. This space serves as a hub of innovation, allowing students to bring their STEM ideas to life.
Robotics Team Excellence:
One of the crowning achievements of Manchester's STEM program is the establishment of a competitive robotics team. This team, a testament to the school's dedication to STEM, has not only competed but also made its mark on the global stage by participating in the world championships this year.
Community Engagement:
Recognizing the importance of community involvement, Manchester Elementary has forged strong partnerships with various community stakeholders. These collaborations culminate in a full day of STEM Enrichment, where students get to interact with professionals, partake in workshops, and gain insights into the vast world of STEM careers.
In just three years, Manchester Elementary School has transformed its approach to education, placing STEM at the forefront. With a blend of visionary leadership, community engagement, and a commitment to hands-on learning, the school stands as a beacon of excellence in STEM education.