The National School Boards Association has awarded the Windsor Central School District its Silver Prize for Windsor’s Elementary STEM program.
The Windsor CSD is one of only six districts in the nation with under 5,000 students to win this prize. This distinction comes one year after Windsor became the only district in the nation with under 5,000 students to win the Magna Grand Prize for the district’s agricultural program. Windsor is the first district in the nation to ever win a Magna Silver Prize the year after earning the Magna Grand Prize.
“The Elementary STEM program has given our students countless experiences to explore science, computing, engineering, and more. This experience shows in their performance,” said Dr. Jason Andrews, Superintendent of the Windsor Central School District. “This year’s award, coupled with last year’s Magna Grand Prize for our agriculture program, shows the hard work of our staff and students is paying off at the highest levels.”
Windsor’s Elementary STEM program began in the 2017-2018 school year. Every student in prekindergarten-5th grade participates in Coding classes, which include self-paced lessons using tools such as Vex robots, Chromebooks, Bee-Bots, Dash&Dot, code.org, and Photon kits.
Coding allows the students to develop the skills of a computer scientist through the development of computational thinking practices: creativity, collaboration, communication, and persistence & problem solving.
Every student in grades prekindergarten-5th grade participates in engineering classes, using the Project Lead the Way Launch curriculum. This curriculum features interdisciplinary modules in engineering, computer science, and biomedical science that empower students to adopt a design-thinking mindset through collaborative, project-based learning.
Every student in grades 2-5 participates in science classes. 2nd and 3rd-grade students study Life Science, 4th-grade students study Earth Science, and 5th-grade students study Physical Science.
“Our STEM programming develops important critical thinking and problem-solving skills and exposes students to so many wonderful STEM-related career opportunities. In addition, our STEM team embraces collaboration, inquiry, creativity, and innovation. These future-ready skills are vital,” said Windsor elementary STEM teacher Deborah Kalivoda.
Since the Elementary STEM program began in 2017, Windsor students have consistently scored higher on the state science assessments than local, regional, and state comparison groups. More students are taking STEM pathway courses when they get to the high school.
“Ralph Waldo Emerson said, ‘Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm’. The recognition that our STEM program received comes first through a love of science and engineering that we then try to pass on to our students by creating meaningful hands-on experiences. We love what we do, and I hope it shows in an authentic way every class, every day, to every child,” said Windsor elementary STEM teacher Eileen Mulcahy-LaChance.
“The Magna Awards spotlight innovative programs that are making a difference for students and the communities where they live,” said
NSBA Executive Director and CEO Verjeana McCotter-Jacobs. “These award winners serve as shining examples of what can be achieved when creativity and dedication intersect in the pursuit of excellence."