Claypool Elementary's STEM culture embodies the Warsaw Community Schools' vision of being a lead innovator in K-12 STEM education by fostering an environment where every student is encouraged to become a change-maker without limits. The school's dedication to integrated STEM learning ensures that all students have the opportunity to engage with hands-on, real-world problem-solving experiences.

Claypool’s mission aligns with Warsaw's broader goal of inspiring and equipping students to continuously acquire and apply STEM knowledge and skills. Through this, students are empowered to pursue their dreams and enrich their communities, preparing them to be future leaders and innovators.

[Original size] At Claypool Elementary, we are preparing students for the future with STEM education 🔬.mp4

Action Plan Progress:

In 2023–2024, Claypool Elementary focused on building a strong STEM foundation by participating in district strategic planning, strengthening community ties through site visits, and launching a school-wide STEM Fest to celebrate STEM learning. By 2024–2025, the culture expanded to ensure 100% student participation in STEM experiences, implement Learning Walks for staff, and enhance the STEM Fest by incorporating Career Presentations from STEM professionals. In 2025–2026, the commitment to a sustainable STEM culture will mature further with the creation of a dedicated STEM Leadership Team (separate from the Leadership Team, which currently provides all school planning, including STEM) tasked with maintaining and growing the school's STEM initiatives and preparing for long-term recertification.

2023-2026 Action Plan Link

1.1 Decision-Making

The evidence demonstrates a clear, organized approach to STEM program management and feedback collection, fostering a culture of commitment to continuous improvement and aligning with our mission of integrating STEM and ensuring high levels of learning for all students. Structured systems, such as surveys and formal feedback sessions, allow teachers to provide meaningful feedback to peers, strengthening instructional practices. Our Leadership Team collaborates to make informed decisions and deliver professional learning. Additional documentation, including meeting schedules, minutes, and agendas, reflects purposeful communication and ongoing refinement of STEM practices, creating a comprehensive system for maintaining and advancing our STEM programming.

1.1 Decision Making

1.2 Common Work Time

The evidence provided aligns with each requirement of the rubric element by showcasing clear documentation of collaborative efforts and STEM integration. These artifacts illustrate a structured approach to collaboration, where educators work together to design meaningful, integrated STEM lessons that align with school goals and standards.

The meeting/master schedule highlights designated times for interdisciplinary teams to collaborate, ensuring that common work time is prioritized for STEM curriculum development. This fosters a consistent approach to implementing research-based practices and refining STEM pedagogy.

Finally, our calendar of implementation of STEM units/lessons provides a clear timeline, showing when these STEM lessons are being introduced in the classroom. This allows for monitoring of the roll-out process and ensures alignment with the broader school mission of continuous STEM learning, reinforcing a commitment to student engagement in STEM throughout the academic year. Together, these documents reflect our systematic and organized approach to meeting the rubric requirements for STEM integration.

1.2 Common Work Time

1.3 Sustainability Plan

Warsaw Community Schools (WCS) and Claypool School are committed to fostering STEM sustainability through a comprehensive approach that aligns with WCS's 5-year strategic plan. The core of this plan emphasizes the integration of STEM principles across all grade levels, ensuring students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. By embedding STEM in daily instruction, WCS aims to create lifelong learners prepared for a rapidly changing world.

Claypool School's efforts focus on building a sustainable STEM culture by equipping teachers with ongoing professional development, encouraging cross-curricular collaboration, and integrating technology seamlessly into the classroom. The school is also committed to fostering partnerships with community organizations and local industries to provide real-world STEM experiences for students.

The 5-year strategic plan highlights key pillars of this initiative:

1. Curriculum and Instruction – Continuous integration of STEM into the existing curriculum with a focus on inquiry-based learning and project-based approaches.

2. Professional Development – Ongoing teacher training to ensure that faculty members are equipped with the skills and resources necessary for STEM instruction.

3. Community and Industry Partnerships – Strengthening ties with local businesses and organizations to offer authentic STEM learning experiences and support.

4. Resource Allocation – Investing in cutting-edge technology, tools, and materials to keep pace with the evolving STEM landscape.

By systematically addressing these areas, Claypool and WCS aim to build a lasting foundation for STEM education that prepares students for future academic and career success.

1.3 Sustainability Plan

1.4 Measurement of Student Attitudes/Interests

At Claypool School, measuring student success goes beyond traditional test scores. The school employs a variety of artifacts that showcase both academic achievement and skill development. Student success is assessed through a combination of project-based learning portfolios, STEM integration projects, and digital artifacts like coding logs and robotics challenges.

These artifacts capture students' progress in applying critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, while also aligning with state academic standards. Teachers collect data on student engagement, creativity, and the practical application of STEM concepts, ensuring a holistic view of each student’s growth. Additionally, students are encouraged to reflect on their learning journeys through presentations and peer evaluations, creating a dynamic and student-centered approach to measuring success.

1.4 Measurement of Student Attitudes/Interest

1.5 STEM Program Engagement

Claypool School is embarking on an exciting journey of STEM integration, with a focus on fostering innovative learning experiences for students.

The school’s STEM program is set to expand, thanks to a new and revitalized staff eager to embrace this educational shift. With fresh energy and a shared commitment to enhancing STEM education, the team is developing hands-on, project-based learning activities that align with Indiana standards.

The program aims to ignite students' curiosity and problem-solving skills through engaging lessons in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, positioning Claypool as a hub for forward-thinking, 21st-century education.

1.5 STEM Program Engagement

1.6 STEM Instructional Feedback

Claypool Elementary has demonstrated a strong commitment to STEM integration, with a focus on hands-on, collaborative learning experiences for students. After observing several lessons, we noted that teachers are effectively incorporating technology and inquiry-based activities, which align with our STEM Integration Rubric.

There is a clear effort to integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into the curriculum, with an emphasis on real-world applications that engage students.

However, there is room for improvement in student collaboration and cross-disciplinary connections. According to our STEM Integration Rubric, enhancing these areas will increase the depth of student learning and engagement.

Teachers are encouraged to foster more peer-to-peer collaboration and further explore opportunities to link STEM concepts with other subject areas, such as literacy and social studies, to provide a more holistic educational experience. Overall, the instructional strategies observed reflect a growing culture of STEM at Claypool, with potential for continued development and success.

1.6 STEM Instructional Feedback

1.7 Access and Opportunity to STEM Courses and Programs

At Claypool Elementary, our mission is to ensure every student has access to meaningful STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) learning in an inclusive environment. We believe STEM education is essential for all students, regardless of background or ability. Guided by a philosophy of "engage everyone," we integrate STEM across all classrooms to promote discovery, innovation, and real-world problem-solving.

From kindergarten through sixth grade, students experience hands-on activities like coding, robotics, and inquiry-based science projects. As they progress, they engage with tools such as Sphero robots, LEGO Spike Prime kits, and 3D printing to deepen their understanding of computer science, engineering, and physical science. STEM learning also extends into literacy, art, and social studies, creating interdisciplinary experiences that reflect the real world.

Partnerships with organizations like the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams, Purdue Extension, and the Kosciusko Soil and Water Conservation District connect students to environmental issues and career pathways. Flexible program design ensures students of all abilities, including those with IEPs, can fully participate. After-school clubs, robotics teams, and community showcases extend opportunities beyond the classroom.

At Claypool, we remove barriers to STEM access, including providing scholarships for summer enrichment programs. Whether through daily lessons or extracurricular experiences, we are committed to fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong passion for STEM in every student.

1.7 Access and Opportunity to STEM Courses and Programs

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