McCormick Middle School in Wellington wins two $5K Ohio STEM Classroom Grants – Morning

McCormick Middle School, 627 N. Main St. in Wellington, recently received two $5,000 grants to expand STEM learning projects through Ohio STEM Learning Network Classroom Grant Program, funded by Battelle.

The grants will create sustainable, STEM learning projects to benefit students for years to come, according to a news release from Wellington Exempted Village Schools.

At the school, the two Ohio STEM Learning Network grant projects: fourth grade, Let Teachers and Student Make Mistakes will focus on projects that increase students’ STEM mindset; and fifth grade, Infrastructure Challenge: Energy Efficient Vehicles.

“Currently, we have our fourth- and fifth-graders working periodically with Project Lead the Way curriculum,” said John Telloni, McCormick Middle School principal. “The OSLN grants will allow our teachers to continue to get our students exposed to STEM learning which is an academic goal of ours here at (McCormick Middle School).

“The activities provided through this grant will give our students the opportunities to be involved in creative thinking and problem solving activities that will foster a growth mindset and develop 21st century skills.

“These grants will also help us serve our students by promoting projects that help students make connections with the community and to design something that will be impactful for the infrastructure of our area.”

In total, 151 classrooms across 55 Ohio counties join McCormick Middle School in winning the award, according to the release.

“The schools and educators awarded will create powerful new experiences to amaze and inspire students,” said Kelly Gaier Evans, director of the Ohio STEM Learning Network. “We invest in these programs to foster the next generation of Ohio innovators.”

The grant program fosters the growth of Ohio STEM Learning Network as a public-private partnership between the nonprofit research institute and the state.

Providing more access for all students to experience quality science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education is Battelle’s top philanthropic priority.

“Battelle is proud to expand its impact in STEM education to support more educators across Ohio,” said Wes Hall, Battelle’s vice president of Philanthropy and Education. “This program creates connections to the statewide network and STEM opportunities for thousands of new students.”