St. James receives $10,000 STEM grant

The Washington Community School District Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant to St. James Elementary School in Washington during a check presentation ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 6. The funding was part of the Delmar Yoder Estate that was endowed to the WCSD Foundation.

Mr. Yoder was passionate about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), and his intentions were for the funds to support students of all ages of the Washington CommunitySchoolDistrict in this area. Since 98% of St. James’ students transfer to the Washington schools after grade 5, the Foundation concluded that this project would fall in line with Mr. Yoder’s goals.

St. James School Principal Rebecca Clarahan had applied for the grant in August 2021, sighting the school’s request for additional funding on several STEM projects. The STEM materials purchased will be used for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. As part of the new curriculum, students will have the opportunity to learn hands-on about robotics, crystals, hydropower, structural engineering, physics and pre-coding.

“Last year our first-grade students started working with basic coding in our technology class, using academic language to explain what they were doing,” said Clarahan. “Now we can have hands-on learning that will take place with our students, with the ability for progression from easy to more challenging activities, especially with the coding.”

The students will be exposed to real life applications and how their core subjects work together. The grant will allow them to have early instruction in different science elements such as chemistry, inertia, friction and physics, which are not normally covered until later in middle or high school.

“Students love science and hands-on activities. One of our responsibilities is to prepare students for jobs that we do not even know exist yet,” said Clarahan. “By giving them access to these kits, students will be able to expand their knowledge and interest base. They can incorporate what they know from their lives and interests, into what they are doing in school. This will spark some real excitement and engagement.”

In addition to classroom STEM kits, St. James School also plans to have a school science fair this year.

Foundation President Jeff Cuddeback noted that additional STEM funding is available for all schools within the Washington Community School District. Interested teachers are encouraged to speak with their school administrator to submit an application, which should be emailed to wcsdfoundation@gmail.com.