WATERVILLE – Waterville Primary School has been officially re-designated as an Ohio STEAM School by the Ohio STEM Learning Network (OSLN) for an additional five-year term. This honor follows a rigorous evaluation process, site visit and a final vote by the Ohio STEM Committee.
First awarded in April 2019, this renewed designation indicates that Waterville Primary continues to lead the way in integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) into the everyday learning experience of its kindergarten through fourth-grade students.
The re-designation process culminated in a comprehensive site visit on Jan. 28, with evaluators noting that Waterville Primary creates a “STEAM for all” environment. The school was specifically commended for:
• Portrait of a General: A set of core values that emphasizes critical thinking, empathy, adaptability and flexibility, communication and collaboration, and a learner’s mindset.
• Equitable Access: The school is committed to providing a high-quality education to all students across various racial, socioeconomic and disability demographics.
• Community Partnerships: Strong ties with Bowling Green State University, the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, the Toledo Museum of Art and Xcite Learning.
The OSLN review team highlighted Waterville’s commitment to Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and its direct instruction on the seven-step engineering design cycle (Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, Test, Improve, Share).
Notable projects recognized during the evaluation include:
• Engineering & Science: The K-4 “Soil, Water, and Air” explorations and second-grade and fourth grade “Balloons Over Broadway” design challenges.
• Technology & Art: Fourth-grade “Mini-Golf Challenges” and “Ozobot-animated mini-movies” created with the students as videographers.
• Community Impact: Designing pollinator-friendly improvements for the Land Lab with Toledo GROWS and presenting severe-weather safety kits at a “Weather News Expo.”
“I am so incredibly excited and proud of our entire team of educators, staff, students and families,” said Waterville Primary Principal Dr. Jamie Hollinger. “This recognizes our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional STEAM exploration, access, and opportunities that prepare our students for success long after they leave our learning environment.”
About the Ohio STEM Committee
The Ohio STEM Committee is a panel of policymakers, agency directors and business leaders. The STEAM Designation process recognizes schools for serving as an effective place for STEAM learning and invites the school into the statewide Ohio STEM Learning Network, a partnership between the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and Battelle.
.){kind=link}