Magnet Program

At Williamsport Elementary School (WES) the belief is that students achieve higher levels of success through STEM-centric learning.  Students explore the impact of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math) on the individual experience and learning process.  A particular emphasis is placed on creative problem solving experiences in math and science.  Students with special aptitudes for and interests in math, science, and technology will enjoy this program. Magnet students build individual strengths and talents as they work through the curriculum at an accelerated pace that is one to two years above grade level in terms of breadth and/or depth. Students at WES will engage in in-depth experiences with the Engineering Design Process.  In whole group or small experiences, students will explore a question from its beginning to the final conclusion.  They will engage in themed cross-grade level STEM activities that will give them the opportunities to explore STEM in different fields.  Through this, students will learn and build upon each other’s ideas, and engage in activities that require them to use the Engineering Design Process.  This learning comes full circle at our campus wide STEM day where students complete the Test & Improve portion of the EDP process.

All students are expected to complete summer assignments, which “front-load” content and allow magnet teachers to increase the depth of unit exploration throughout the school year. Students work collaboratively to become lifelong caretakers of Earth as they work within this “Green School” to conserve energy and water, reduce pollution and solid waste, and protect local habitats. At WES school we challenge all students to become lifelong learners through STEM.
 

• COORDINATOR:  Stephanie Twigg