the Florida State Standards are integrated into project-
based learning activities that also have the potential
for entry into local, state, and national academic STEM
competitions.
Students in the STEM Academy participate in various
career simulations throughout the year including First
Tech Challenge: a robotics competition that allows
students to compete head to head using a sports
model. Other career simulated competitions include
First Lego League where teams of up to ten children,
with at least two adult coaches, participate in the
Challenge by programming an autonomous robot to
score points on a themed playing field, developing a
solution to a problem they have identified, all guided
by the FIRST Core Values. Teamwork is a required skill
in most scientific careers today, and Science Olympiad
competitions encourage group learning by designing
events that forge alliances in order to be competitive.
For example, in Elevated Bridge, a student team
comprised of an engineering whiz and a wood shop
pro can become gold medalists. Similarly, a talented
builder and a student with a good science vocabulary
can excel in Write It Do It, one of Science Olympiad's
most popular events. This competition forces students
to pair their strengths if they desire to excel in different
competitions. Additionally, due to its location, the
Frieda Zamba Pool is a prime testing venue for
Wadsworth students who build underwater robots as
part of SeaPerch, an innovative underwater robotics
program.
MAKING IT POSSIBLE
With the “get to yes” mindset practiced across our
school district, a strong commitment from our staff, and
the support of our community, Wadsworth has created
multiple learning spaces for students and staff including
the Horizon, Atlas, Preserve, Compass, and STREAM
Makerspace Lab. During the 2018-19 and 2019-20 school
years, with generous support from the Flagler Education
Foundation and the Hunter Foundation, Wadsworth has
garnered more than $100,000 in grants and donations
making the dream of innovative, personal learning
spaces a reality for all staff and students.
Plans for our latest learning space are currently
underway. Led by our Student Council and their
sponsor, Teresa Rizzo, students are working with local
architect, Andy Dance, to design and create the optimal
outdoor learning space for elementary students.
CREATING LEADERS
With a focus on leadership currently at the middle
school level, Wadsworth is striving to build a strong
foundation of leaders by cultivating essential skills
in our elementary students. By creating good habits
and essential skills at the elementary level, our middle
schools and high schools can further grow these skills
as we collectively prepare our students for classroom to
careers.
Leadership opportunities found on our campus include
but are not limited to Safety Patrols, Ambassadors,
Student Council, Literacy with Leaders, and Panther
Bytes. Additionally, many students serve as mentors to
other students, and some secondary classrooms have
“adopted” primary classrooms as Tech Buddies.
Students who serve on Safety Patrol have duty
posts that they report to each day, and their job
responsibilities include keeping the campus safe,
welcoming staff and students daily, and assisting
students to class. Student ambassadors learn about
essential skills, leadership and public speaking. They
put their skills to work when any special visitors came
to tour our campus. During the 18-19 school year, in
collaboration with the University of North Florida and
Camp Osprey, we created Wadsworth’s first student
council. Student Council focuses on leadership,
teamwork, and community service. Our youngest group
of leaders that we are cultivating are kindergarten
and first graders. In partnership with the Grand Haven
Women's Club, our Literacy with Leaders program
provides students the opportunity to read with leaders
of our community. Our newest endeavor to cultivate
student leaders also includes on the job training.
Panther Bytes, is our school based Genius Bar where
students are trained by school based technology staff
on basic technology needs, essential skills and customer
service.
There is a great sense of pride that fills the halls of
Wadsworth. From future scientists, to engineers, we
offer a strong educational foundation and career
exploration opportunities for all learners. We are
thankful for a district and community that supports
our growth as learners and citizens. We host a monthly
Parent Learning Community on the second Tuesday of
each month at 6:00pm and a monthly Parent Teacher
Organization meeting on the third Thursday of each
month at 6:00pm. It is our desire to not only prepare
our students for graduation, additional education,
and careers, but we are continuously seeking parent
and community involvement. If you are interested
in becoming a business partner with our school
or becoming a volunteer, please reach out to us.
Additional information about our school can be found
at wespanthers.com.
F L A G L E R parent M A G A Z I N E | 9