It is the season of the science fair and Science Olympiad at St. Mary School. There are many activities happening throughout the…
Science Surrounds St. Mary
It is the season of the science fair and Science Olympiad at St. Mary School. There are many activities happening throughout the upper halls. Rockets blast off in the parking lots and slime can be found in the lab. STEM learning is alive and growing in the school.
This week, junior high students were visited by representatives from the University of Akron’s Global Polymer Academy to discuss their annual Rubber Band Contest. Students were treated to hands-on activities and given an overview of polymers. All were challenged to design and create a working invention that incorporates at least one rubber band. Winners receive cash prizes up to $1,000.
Meanwhile, Science Olympiads and their teacher Amber Yeager work afterschool hours to perfect their craft and prepare for the upcoming meet at Mentor High School. A little snow did not slow down the rocket group from launching their prototypes outside the parking lot.
In addition, eighth-grader Julia Baitt’s science fair project was recently recognized with a superior status at the Walsh Jesuit Science Fair, making her eligible to move on to the regional competition in March and compete with 400 other students at the University of Akron.
Ask any one of the students involved and they will tell you it’s hard work, but so much fun. Each new accomplishment gets them excited to keep moving forward.
Distinguished Viking Award
As part of The Viking Quest auction, St. Mary School’s largest fundraiser, the Parent Teacher Union honors a member of the community who has shown extraordinary dedication to St. Mary School. The Distinguished Viking Award is presented to a person who inspires and encourages timeless giving, is faithful to the mission of St. Mary School, adheres to Catholic principles and ideals and creates a compelling vision for the future of St. Mary School.
St. Mary School Parent Teacher Union is proud to announce the Distinguished Viking Award Recipient for 2015 is Bill Jackson.
The St. Mary PTU believes that Bill is an exceptional example of living out his faith through his service to others. His involvement started when his family began attending St. Mary Church, grew during the time his children attended St. Mary School and continues today as he has served in a variety of advisory roles. Bill has shown his commitment to St. Mary School by helping form the school’s Strategic Planning Committee, advocating on behalf of the school while serving on the Parish Finance Council and helping to establish the St. Mary Alumni database.
Outside of St. Mary Parish, Bill is a volunteer for a variety of different groups within the community. The St. Mary School community is grateful to Bill for his devotion to the school and for the example of that Bill has provided to the school and the community.
Lenten Season Celebration
St. Mary school and church celebrated the Lenten season with three nights of service and fellowship titled “Prayer Changes Our Hearts.” Each evening brought a new activity including family mass, Bible adventures for the kids, special speakers and service projects.
3rd-Grade Terrariums
Mrs. Teri Merkle’s third-grade class made terrariums to provide a habitat for pill bugs as part of its spring curriculum – Growing Students in Science program with the Holden Arboretum. The Holden Arboretum started this unique program to build community partnership and build interest and ability in the sciences.
Holden Arboretum describes the program as one in which students participate for three or more years, starting in the second or third grade and completing the program in the fifth grade. Each year students participate in two field trips at The Holden Arboretum and one classroom visit by Holden staff. By providing natural science programming, in the classroom and outdoors, Holden is positively impacting students’ interest and proficiency in the sciences. All programs are aligned with Ohio’s science content standards.
