Claypool Elementary and Warsaw Community Schools (WCS) are proud to celebrate six+ years of impactful partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and institutions that have strengthened our commitment to providing students with enriching, hands-on STEM learning experiences. This milestone highlights our ongoing collaboration with community leaders who share our vision of engaging students in real-world problem-solving while fostering critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Our partnerships have extended opportunities for students to explore various STEM careers and fields through programs such as those with Zimmer Biomet, Orthoworx, and the Lilly Center at Grace College. These collaborations have brought invaluable resources, expertise, and experiences directly into the classroom, empowering students to engage in meaningful projects like environmental conservation efforts with Kosciusko Soil and Water Conservation District and innovative health and wellness education through Parkview Health.

Claypool Elementary’s STEM journey has been shaped by the community's shared commitment to inspire and prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century. Programs like Keep It Watered with Steve Koontz have nurtured environmental stewardship, while Purdue Extension has provided hands-on agricultural learning opportunities. These partnerships have ensured that our students receive a holistic and well-rounded STEM education that not only meets state standards but also cultivates employability skills and prepares them for future success. As we celebrate these six years of fruitful collaboration, we look forward to many more years of partnership, innovation, and student success. Together, Claypool Elementary and WCS are creating a learning environment that goes beyond the classroom, giving every student the opportunity to grow, explore, and thrive in an ever-evolving world. Our community partnerships are at the heart of this success, and we remain dedicated to continuing this journey of shared excellence and opportunity for all students.

Action Plan Progress:

Claypool’s partnerships grew steadily over the years. In 2023–2024, partnerships with the high school strengthened hands-on science experiences like dissections, and field trips, such as the Earth Day wastewater treatment plant visit, created real-world STEM connections. By 2024–2025 , external partnerships expanded to include broader Career Day experiences, family STEM events, and growing community collaboration. In 2025–2026, Claypool will aim to solidify and diversify partnerships further by organizing cross-school collaborations and identifying new STEM community partners to deepen students’ exposure to STEM careers and opportunities.

2023-2026 Action Plan Link

4.1 Community Partner Feedback

Claypool Elementary has developed a robust network of STEM partnerships that enrich our curriculum and provide students with unique, hands-on learning experiences. Our collaboration with the **Lilly Center at Grace College** deepens students' understanding of environmental science, particularly in water quality and conservation, through interactive lessons and field studies.

Through the **Keep it Watered** program with Steve Koontz, students explore sustainable water management practices, emphasizing the importance of water conservation in everyday life. The **Purdue Extension** brings agricultural and environmental science into the classroom, offering practical learning opportunities in areas like plant biology, food systems, and 4-H programs.

Our partnership with **Parkview Health** enhances STEM learning in the health sciences, exposing students to the intersection of technology and medicine, while the **Kosciusko Soil and Water Conservation District** connects students to local conservation efforts, emphasizing soil health, land management, and sustainable farming practices.

These partnerships play a vital role in ensuring that our students are exposed to real-world STEM applications, helping them build connections between classroom learning and community-wide initiatives.

4.1 Community Partner Feedback

4.2 STEM Career Exploration

At Claypool School, STEM career exploration is an essential component of our educational approach, designed to ignite student interest in future career opportunities. Through dedicated career days and events, students are exposed to a wide variety of STEM-related fields, allowing them to engage with professionals, participate in hands-on demonstrations, and gain insights into real-world applications of their classroom learning. These experiences not only broaden students' understanding of potential STEM careers but also inspire them to pursue pathways in science, technology, engineering, and math. By connecting students with local industry experts and partners, Claypool helps prepare the next generation for success in an increasingly STEM-driven world.

4.2 STEM Career Exploration

4.3 Additional STEM Learning Opportunities

At Claypool School, we provide additional STEM opportunities beyond the classroom to further engage students and the community. Our Robotics Club offers students a hands-on experience with engineering and coding, allowing them to design, build, and program robots for competitions and challenges. This club fosters teamwork, innovation, and problem-solving skills in a fun and supportive environment.

In addition, our afterschool community showcases highlight student achievements in STEM, providing a platform for students to present their projects and demonstrate their learning to families and community members. These events celebrate the creativity and hard work of our students, while also inspiring interest in STEM across the broader community.

4.3 Additional STEM Learning Opportunities

4.4 Access and Opportunity to STEM Experiences

At Claypool School, access and opportunity to STEM experiences are central to our goal of "engage everyone: from opportunity to learning to career." We believe that every student deserves the chance to explore STEM, regardless of background or ability. By providing equitable access to hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences, we encourage students to discover their passions in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Our approach ensures that all students have the opportunity to move from initial exposure to STEM concepts, through immersive learning experiences, and into potential career pathways. Whether through classroom activities, extracurricular clubs, or community partnerships, Claypool is dedicated to creating a rich STEM environment that prepares students for future success.

4.4 Access and Opportunity to STEM Experiences

Additional Evidence

TIE-IN Program (NEW in 2024)

Dan Graney, Warsaw Community Schools’ STEM Instructional Specialist, has shown an unwavering commitment to advancing STEM education and fostering a culture of innovation across the district. This is ALL for the benefit of our students. A pivotal aspect of his dedication is his active involvement in the TIE-IN Program, an initiative designed to connect Indiana educators and students with real-world STEM experiences that align with Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) priorities.

Dan’s commitment to the TIE-IN Program is not only professional but deeply personal, as he aims to create lasting, impactful STEM experiences for students that can bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements. Through his efforts with TIE-IN, Dan has established pathways for students at Claypool Elementary, providing them with opportunities to engage in meaningful project-based learning activities, explore future STEM careers, and develop the employability skills essential for the modern workforce.

By weaving TIE-IN's offerings into Claypool's curriculum, Dan is ensuring that students can experience STEM in a hands-on and authentic way. This integration allows Claypool students to benefit directly from TIE-IN’s resources, deepening the school's alignment with IDOE priorities, especially around employability skills and career readiness. Dan’s vision for STEM education at Claypool extends beyond traditional classroom learning; it’s about fostering curiosity, problem-solving, and a lifelong love for STEM. His work through TIE-IN is a testament to his dedication to preparing Warsaw’s students for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow’s workforce.

Fort Wayne Metals Agenda

Elevatus Agenda

BAE Agenda

BAE SITE VISIT Photos

-Zimmer Biomet-

LINK- CLAYPOOL ROBOTICS

-Warsaw Community Schools administrators David Hoffert and Krista Polston and school board member Matt Deuel recently recognized Adam Griner, Tabatha McDonald and other members of the Zimmer Biomet Foundation team for an ongoing educational collaboration with the school system.

Photo provided by Warsaw Community Schools.

ZIMMER BIOMET Partnership Recognition and Celebration!

-Grace College Lilly Lakes and Streams-

WEBSITE Link