Sanibel school to spotlight program at STEM Showcase
An upcoming event will offer the community the chance to learn about an island school program.
The Sanibel School will host a STEM Showcase on Nov. 14 from 8 to 9 a.m. on Sanibel. Free and open to all, it will spotlight the school’s STEM — Science, Technology, Engineering and Math — program.
“The Sanibel School has a very robust STEM program that offers many opportunities to students that are not available at other schools,” Assistant Principal Jill Gurgal said.
She noted that much of what the school is able to accomplish through the program is thanks to the generosity of donors and STEM teacher Paul Warren’s collaboration with members of the community.
“The STEM Showcase will not only highlight the opportunities available at our school for potential students and families, but it will also give donors a chance to see where their dollars have been spent,” Gurgal said.
The program is available to all students in grades K-8.
Students in grades K-5 take part in environmental education each week. A collaboration between Warren and art teacher Erica Sharp, they plan activities with other island partners, such as the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, to enhance science instruction already taking place in class with additional hands-on learning and walking field trips.
For middle-school students, STEM is an elective and a class for all seventh- and eighth-graders. The students take part in activities like coding, gardening, utilizing solar power, 3-D printing and more.
“In addition, our STEM program has made field trips such as overnight adventures at the Kennedy Space Center and overnight adventures at the Florida Aquarium, available in partnership with our Sanibel School Fund,” she said.
At the showcase, attendees will be able to take a tour of the STEM room and talk to students who will be managing displays on a mix of topics, including robotics, solar power, biking, and 3-D printing.
“Guests will be able to view each booth at their own pace,” Gurgal said.
The Sanibel School Fund will provide donuts and coffee.
The community is invited to come out.
“Our students take pride in the work they do, and we are very proud of them,” she said. “This is a great way to highlight the opportunities that are available to them and for them to talk about some of the things they are learning.”
“Furthermore, we have a few seats available in K (kindergarten), first, third, fifth and middle school,” Gurgal added. “The community can see first hand what makes The Sanibel School special — the individualized instruction, community involvement, exciting hands-on learning, unique field trips and student collaboration.”
Attendees are asked to check in at the school’s front office upon arrival.
They will need their ID and will be issued a visitor’s bracelet.
For more information, contact Gurgal or Principal Jennifer Lusk at 239-472-1617.
The Sanibel School is at 3840 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel.
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IF YOU GO
What
STEM Showcase
When
Nov. 14 from 8 to 9 a.m.
Where
The Sanibel School, 3840 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel
Details
Free and open to the community