Superintendent Name: Dr. David Hoffert
Superintendent Email: dhoffert@warsawschools.org
Principal Name: Cheri Sleighter
Principal Email: csleighter@warsawschools.org
STEM Chair Name: Derek Pike
STEM Chair Email: dpike@warsawschools.org
Embedded Files
Mission Statement
To inspire and equip all students to continuously acquire and apply STEM-related knowledge and skills. Through participation and leadership in STEM, they will pursue their dreams, which will allow them to enrich the lives of others.
STEM Plan Mission Statement
Our vision for STEM at Warsaw is to be a lead innovator of K-12 STEM education; where together, ALL are catalysts to be change-makers without limits.
Connection between Mission/Vision and
Indiana's Priorities for STEM Education
Warsaw Community Schools’ STEM theme is “From Novelty to Normal” with the goal of moving from doing some ‘cool’ STEM activities into embedding and integrating STEM into the core curriculum of the STEM schools. Washington STEM Academy became one of the first accredited STEM schools in 2015 and at present, STEM is currently experienced throughout the school day and not just at science time. Our STEM theme is “Washington STEM Academy … Because Life is Cross-Curricular.” The goal for our teachers is to prepare students for future jobs, being good citizens, and the challenges of life. We know that just one day in the life of an adult can be filled with reading, writing, math, as well as quick decision making, social interactions, presenting in front of a group, and changing or adapting based on feedback. Teachers have created PBLs and STEM-driven lessons that encompass not just reading, writing, and math but character, employability skills, presentations, and how to be responsible for the roles they are given in a project.
In connection with the STEM Priorities for STEM Education….
To keep up with advancements in innovation and education, Washington teachers refine STEM pedagogy with research-based practices by participating in current STEM Professional Development. They also meet at least once/twice a year with the goal of creating new PBLs if standards have changed or polishing up/adding to existing PBLs as well as creating engineering projects
To develop STEM leaders and educators, WCS currently has 2 STEM coaches who support our four STEM schools by providing Professional Development, model teaching, and coaching with the goal of helping teachers create integrated lessons and teach with confidence on new STEM strategies. Our school also has a STEM Mentor that is the lead STEM teacher for teachers to go to for help and support as well as working with the District STEM coach. In addition, several of our teachers are STEM experts that are our ‘Go To’ teachers for guidance in their area. Several have been trained in 3D printing, Sphero Bolts, Lego Spike Prime/Essential curriculum, and other coding technology. The district STEM coaches also support teachers at our 4 traditional schools in the teaching of Project Lead the Way and Picture Perfect Science(our district-adopted science curriculum) as well as providing materials and resources.
Each year at Washington STEM Academy, our initiative is to always increase access to STEM courses, programs, and resources for our students. We know as a STEM leader in the state our responsibility is to continuously provide the most up to date technology and current innovation. Every grade level is exposed to and study some sort of coding. Kindergarten and 1st grade use screenless coding, 2nd and 3rd grade use icon block coding, and 4th, 5th, and 6th work with word block coding. Our goal in the next 5 years is to introduce Java Script or Python during their 6th grade year. Another major focus of our school is to aid the local Kosciusko County Soil & Water Conservation District in helping to water monitor a couple creeks in our area. Students are trained in macroinvertebrate identification from Kindergarten through 4th grade and water chemical testing in 3rd through 6th grade. Each individual PBL that students participate in brings its own unique field trips, activities, and experiences, and our District Science curriculum(PLTW & PPS) are used to enhance our PBLs as well as making sure we are using a quality program to teach our science standards.
Washington STEM Certification_Signed_6.2023.pdfSuperintendent
Letter of Support
Washington Recertification Letter Sleighter.pdfPrincipal
Letter of Support
ZB Washington STEM Cert Support Letter 2023.pdfCommunity Partner
Letter of Support
SWCD letter of support - Washington STEM 2024.pdfCommunity Partner
Letter of Support
STEM Council Biographies
STEM Council Biographies
At Washington STEM Academy, we take great pride in our dedicated STEM Council team, which is made up of thirteen highly skilled staff and community members. Our diverse team includes K-6 educators, our special education specialist, our STEM coach, our principal, and community members. Each team member contributes a unique perspective that enriches our STEM planning and goal-setting efforts, helping us achieve our vision for innovative education.
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