creation station
The STEAM room at Crafton
Elementary was relaunched at
the beginning of the 2018-2019 school
year and is bringing about more
innovative and engaging activities for
students, promoting collaboration and
creative-thinking. Rebranded as the
Creation Station, teachers received
professional development and will focus
on enriching activities to support
curriculum taught in the classroom.
Every grade or class has scheduled time
in the Creation Station each week. As
part of the creative process, a poster
contest was held to design a display
board with the name of the maker space.
The art work will be exhibited outside
the room to arouse the imagination of
everyone who enters the creative space.
Third graders Rook Pitcher and
John Jameson teamed up to build a
towering police station using Duplo
blocks, a vital component for any town.
Children’s author
Meg Medina visited
Carnegie Elementary in
October. The live discussion
with second graders focused
on her book, Merci Suarez
Changes Gears, and was
video-conferenced with
students from four area
elementary schools,
Beechwood, Lincoln, Mt.
Vernon and Divine Mercy
Academy. Coordinated by
teacher Mary Campbell, the
one-hour session allowed
students to ask questions
about the storyline. Mrs.
Medina, who lives in Queens, NY, shared stories of her personal life
that are reflected in the book through characters and events.
One of the academic
opportunities available for high
school students is the chance to attend
Parkway West Career and Technology
Center. This daily, half day program offers
hands-on instruction in 14 career majors
ranging from auto body repair, health
care, HVAC, digital multimedia, and
veterinarian technician training. Last
year, Carlynton students who attended
Parkway earned 72 portable industry
credentials or industry-recognized
qualifications. These credentials indicate
they have the knowledge, skills and
46
Carlynton-Montour
Given the assignment to create a community using
blocks, legos, or recycled materials, third graders Ava
Lewis, Bella D’Antonia, and Olivia Wagner worked
collaboratively to design buildings using tape, egg
crates and small boxes.
Fourth grader Justice Ogar proudly shows off a copy
of the novel written by visiting author Meg Medina.
Third graders enjoy a chance to be photographers with author
Meg Medina who visited the school in October.
aptitude required within specific sectors
and industries to get them a job after
high school in a career path that could
lead to considerable earnings, without
the expense of college. Students in
grades 10 through 12 can receive career
education by attending Parkway in the
morning and returning to Carlynton just
before lunch to partake in academic
classes in the afternoon. Students
interested in the opportunity Parkway
has to offer should visit a guidance
counselor.
Crafton Elementary School PTA
recently received the prestigious
PTA School of Excellence Award. The
recognition promotes and celebrates
partnerships between the PTA and the
school which are designed to enrich the
educational experience and overall well-
being for all students. On a regular basis,
the PTA supports activities for students;
funding field trips, overseeing and
supplying treats for holiday parties,
sponsoring a Secret Santa shop,
subsidizing educational assemblies,
preparing and presenting appreciation
gifts for teachers, and coordinating a
plethora of fundraisers are just a few.