STEM Educational Journey
According to Henry David Thoreau,“ The world is but a canvas to the imagination.” Plum Borough School District’ s STEM Studio provides students with the canvas that allows their imagination, ingenuity, and creativity to flourish. All students in grades K-6 attend weekly STEM Studio classes. Students are engaged in project-based learning where groups are presented with the opportunity to collaborate, problem solve, and develop IT skills. STEM Studio engages all students and challenges them to creatively think outside the box to complete each challenge and project.
The success of STEM Studio has gained attention in the greater Pittsburgh area. Plum was invited to share our program at the AIU’ s Learning Together Conference, the AIU Math and Science Collaborative as well as hosting area school districts that wish to observe and discuss how they can start STEM classes in their elementary schools.
Thanks to the generosity of the Plum Foundation, Pivik’ s STEM lab recently received grant funds to purchase a 3-D printer as well as 3-D printing pens. Students have learned about designing and constructing bridges, then printed 3-D models of a truss bridge. All students are working on computer programming through Code. org which will help them build a foundation to program the 3-D printer on their own.
Students collaborate and problem solve daily within small groups. Starting in Kindergarten, students are challenged to work together to use their skill sets to solve problems and complete projects. Whether they are designing and building houses in Kindergarten or learning about laws of motion and constructing cars in 5th grade, students are engaged in problem-based learning daily. Technology is incorporated into daily lessons where students research, design and present. Students are also challenged to apply Science and Math skills within projects to further support learning in their regular classroom setting.
Plum Borough School District has set a high standard in regards to STEM education. As we continue developing meaningful partnerships with local organizations and other educators from around the Pittsburgh region, we look forward to being the leader in STEM education in addition to encouraging and pushing our students to be creative and intuitive as they continue on their educational journey.
Feeding Friends Program at Pivik Elementary School
“ 13.1 million American children live in households that are unable to consistently provide ample and nutritious food necessary for a healthy life”( feedingamerica. org). This alarming statistic piqued the interest and concern of a Pivik mother, Erin Hill, who initiated the idea of helping children in our community. With the start of the 2016-2017 school year, the Pivik PTA kicked off a new program titled- Feeding Friends. This program provides students who qualify for free or reduced lunch with the opportunity to receive non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food items to ensure that they receive consistent nutrition on the weekends while they are at home.
Every Friday participating students receive a bag that consists of food for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and items to supplement dinners on days that children are not in school. The hope is to help feed children during this vital time in their growth and development. Additional bags are provided to students over holiday breaks when school is not in session.
Donations are collected daily at school and at PTA sponsored events. Upcoming PTA events include Dinner with Santa( December), BINGO( January), and Family Game Night( February). The classroom with the largest number of donations will receive a reward for their participation and generosity. If you would like to contribute a non-perishable food item or monetary donation, please send it to Pivik Elementary marked with“ Feeding Friends.”
Suggested donation items: Canned pasta( Chef Boyardee, Spaghetti O’ s) Canned pasta sauce Canned vegetables Cereal( small boxes) Crackers / sandwich crackers Fruit cups / applesauce Fruit snacks Granola bars Instant oatmeal Instant mac & cheese Pudding / Jell-o Ready to serve rice / side packs Dry Pasta Soup
If you are a Pivik family member interested in receiving the benefits of the Feeding Friends Program, please contact Amy Palumbo, Pivik School Counselor, at 412-795-4580 ext. 2201 or palumboa @ pbsd. k12. pa. us lum Borough
PLUM BOROUGH SCHOOL NEWS
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