A pilot program through Public Broadcasting System’s Ideastream Advisory Council has launched in the West Geauga Schools and is being rolled out to second-graders.
PBS Ideastream Pilot Program
A pilot program through Public Broadcasting System’s Ideastream Advisory Council has launched in the West Geauga Schools and is being rolled out to second-graders. PBS’ coding app, called Scratch Junior, is a way that elementary-age students can learn STEM skills at an early age.
Said Sean Whalen, director of technology and operations for the district, “The Scratch Junior pilot was a great opportunity for our students to learn many skills such as the importance of sequential planning, which is essential for writing and math. Coding encourages experimentation and creativity to accomplish the goals of a given task or project.”
The opportunity presented itself through the PBS Ideastream Advisory Council. PBS has developed and completed the five-week program with other groups of students and families and West Geauga’s program is its first classroom pilot.
Mike Edelman, community engagement and education coordinator for Ideastream, said, “The district direction is to value and provide the opportunity for real world problem solving skills. Scratch Junior provides those skills because of the open-ended challenges it provides students. Those open-ended challenges provide the opportunity for students to find creative ways to showcase these skills. West Geauga is the only district in the nation to use Scratch Junior in this way.”
West G Celebrates Seniors
The West Geauga School District hosted a celebration for 90 of the community’s senior citizens on May 16. The West Geauga Middle School cafeteria was transformed with fresh flowers, linens, good food and entertainment to honor the contributions that senior citizens make to their community.
The evening began with music from the West G High School Jazz Band under the leadership of Jason Branch and Taylor Uveges. As the evening continued, the West Geauga Middle School Drama Club, under the direction of Melanie Kennedy and parent volunteer Sarah Mann, shared selections from its recent production of “The Wizard of Oz.”
West Geauga School Board President Kathy Leavenworth welcomed guests. Dr. Rich Markwardt, superintendent, emceed the event. Guest speakers were Tim Carroll, Russell Township police chief; and Mark Purchase, Chester Township police chief.
The Chesterland Rotary, distinguished guests and student volunteers from National Honor Society and Interact were on hand to serve tables. The guests included the Honorable Judge Terri Stupica and Chester Township Trustees Joe Mazzurco and Robert Rogish.
Said Dr. Markwardt, “This dinner is an opportunity for us to recognize our senior citizens for all that they have done and continue to do to make our school district strong. We could not offer the programs that we do without their past and present support.”
