Schools

Branford Schools Ahead of the STEM Movement

Branford makes efforts to enhance students science and math learning opportunities with Eli Whitney's programs in an extended day offering.

It’s ironic that the national news is all-abuzz about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) just a week after Branford Public Schools announced their launch of an extended day program for elementary students focusing on… STEM! Sesame Street, USA Today reports, will be focusing fall programming on STEM as a response to the national trend of American students lacking of basic math and science knowledge.

The their science enrichment program open to all elementary students grades 1 to 4 starting October 18. The program will be provided by the Eli Whitney Museum and Workshop and the cost to all participants (25 students max per class) will be $20 per student for materials for four classes. The Branford PTAs and the Branford Education Foundation have kicked in $6,600 to pay for this extended day program. There is also $2,200 for the program coming from state grant money earmarked for development and enrichment.

Mary Hally who has a son in second grade at contacted Assistant Superintended Mary Peraro over the summer via e-mail regarding the Eli Whitney program. “Basically the school day is getting shorter,” Hally said. “Parents want activities for their kids that expands and enriches, not just babysits.”

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Peraro said she was excited about the idea of bringing Eli Whitney to Branford and worked with Hally over the summer, meeting weekly, to see the idea come to fruition.

Starting Oct. 18 at, students grades 1 and 2 and students grades 3 and 4 can participate in a once-a-week class for four weeks after school. John B. Sliney students start Oct. 19 and students start Oct. 27. See information below for details (there will not be bussing available).

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Peraro calls the new initiative where students will have the chance to build weathervanes and rubber band cars, “a start.” The dream goal, she said, is to have a director of the program.

Tina O’Neill of the BEF is proud her organization's support of the after-school science enrichment program. “I think it’s wonderful,” she commented, “because students need to see science in action ­– not just read about it.”

Eli Whitney After School Program

Twenty-five students from first and second grade and 25 students from third and fourth grade in each elementary school will be allowed to participate in the Elementary Extended Day Program by Eli Whitney Museum and Workshop. The enrollment is first-come, first-serve.

Students will be enrolled in four after school classes, 3:30 to 5 p.m., dates for each school below.

The program costs students $20 for four classes; students seeking financial assistance should contact a school official.

Workshops Grades 1 & 2

Measure Mobile

Weather

Machine Design

Rubber Band Car

Oct. 18, Oct. 25, Nov. 1, Nov. 15

Oct. 27, Nov. 3, Nov. 10, Nov. 17

Oct. 19, Oct. 26, Nov. 2, Nov. 16

Want more science? Check out this video from last year.


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