February 21, 2016

Stem Career Day: Students Focus on the Future

Dear Parents,
On Friday, February 26 2016, Pre-K -5th grade students will participate in STEM
Career Day, an event aimed at preparing students for post-secondary success.
Students and teachers are encouraged to come to school dressed up as a STEM
career professional. Our very own Vanderlyn parents who represent major STEM
fields, as well as local business representatives, will present a wealth of career
information to students through a variety of stimulating presentations as they explain
what they do, field questions, and inform students how STEM plays a role in their
jobs.
By planting a seed in young childrens minds about their future, presenters will focus
on how the STEM disciplines connect to real-world problems. Students will also
learn how personal and professional choices impact success. STEM business
representatives from Emory, Childrens Health Care of Atlanta, Center for Disease
Control, and Mercedes Benz, just to name a few, will share important career tips with
students. Presenters will also describe career titles such as physician, aviator,
actuary, scientist, engineer, and architect among many other STEM career fields.
Georgia Perimeter College, our STEM partner, will sponsor a mini STEM fair for our
5th graders through science and math stations that will engage students in the
engineering design process.
STEM Career Day is designed to support the Vanderlyn STEM Initiative while
increasing parental involvement and community engagement. As educators, we
believe the members of our community serve as an important resource in the overall
development of our students. In addition, we are extremely fortunate to have parents
who support our quest to provide our students with opportunities that extend the
learning beyond the classroom. I know that through our continued partnership, we
can make a difference in the lives of our students. Together, we can ensure their

success in the 21st century workforce.

Based on consistency and sustainability, the Vanderlyn STEM Initiative has
blossomed to include comprehensive professional learning opportunities for all of
our teachers, integrated math and science instruction, project-based learning, the
organic learning gardens, outdoor classrooms, Math Path, Technology, and STEM
lab for K-5 students with a designated lab specialist. The STEM Inititative also
includes STEM Math and Science Nights, a newly formed Technology Club, and
district-level as well as business partnership support.
Through our PTO Annual Fund, we have had numerous opportunities to attend local
and national STEM conferences as we learn from districts all over the nation that
have proven success. We appreciate your continued support as we make every
effort to provide our students with the necessary tools that will make them college
and career ready. Your support provides our teachers and students with an
abundance of 21st century instructional resources to enhance teaching and learning.
By providing them with early exposure to STEM disciplines, they will develop a lifelong love of learning and be better prepared for subjects that will make them more
marketable in a global society.
Your STEM Leader,
Mrs. Crenshaw