$20K GRANT for STEM EDUCATION at OLDHAM E.S.

FOR E-MMEDIATE RELEASE:  

$20K GRANT for STEM EDUCATION at OLDHAM E.S.

by Angelo Marinosci, Jr.

When Oldham Elementary School opened this school year which recently moved to 60 Bart Street in Riverside, it got itself a new Principal, Donna Peluso, and a new mission and now it’s on the receiving side of a $20K STEM grant from which the students will benefit greatly: All good news.

The Verizon Foundation is focused on improving student engagement and achievement in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and we see of technology paired with professional development for teachers- as a powerful way to accelerate learning. Oldham Elementary School is one of 80 public schools across the country to receive a grant this year as part of Verizon’s investment to help provide teachers with the resources they need to engage students in STEM education. The Verizon Innovate Learning Award program is part Verizon’s commitment to the Obama administration’s ConnectED initiative which is providing up to $100,000,000 in support to help drive student achievement in stem.

This is part of the much energized approach being utilized by the schools new principal with cooperation of the East Providence School Department and Superintendent’s office in procuring the much needed recourses from the community at large, in partnership, as well as funding from such specialized agencies and organizations to further the STEM initiatives.

The mission of James RD Oldham E.S. is to foster a partnership between parents, staff and community working together with students to encourage a life-long love of learning by creatively challenging the students through higher expectations and to create an educational environment of excellence.

Bringing STEM education to Oldham School will be revolutionary. As the first elementary school in East Providence to introduce STEM, where185 students will benefit. A rich new scientific vocabulary will prosper. Professionals in the field of engineering and Technology will provide career awareness and instruction. Students in grades 4 and 5 will participate in a year-long program of engineering which will be facilitated by out community partner; Eaton Corporation, Aerospace Group, East Providence RI. Engineers from Eaton Corp. will instruct 4th and 5th graders on Robotics, Solar Power and Fuel Cells with time for student invent their own systems in these areas. Using Technology as a learning tool, students will also observe and use programs that teach engineering concepts and show 3D Models. Eaton Corp. a premiere worldwide organization in engineering will lead this program.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

1. Principal Donna Peluso of Oldham School in Riverside copy

2. 2. L-R School Committeeman, Joel Monteiro; Director of Instructional Technology at RIDE, Holly Walsh; Principal, Donna Peluso; Verizon Foundation Regional Director, Michele Cinquegrano; and Representative District 65, Gregg Amore

3. 3. L-R Asst Superintendent of East Providence Schools, Julie Motta; Principal, Donna Peluso; Verizon Foundation Regional Director, Michele Cinquegrano; and Superintendent of East Providence Schools, Kim Mercer