MOUNT VERNON – St. Vincent de Paul School and Faculty have been awarded The Thomas Edison Award for Excellence in STEM Education. They were 1 of 45 schools chosen across Ohio for excelling in the education of students k-8 in Science, Technolgy, Engineering and Mathmatics (STEM).
The criteria for the Thomas Edison Award for Excellence are:
(1) to conduct a local science fair with 20 or more students, (2) qualify one or more of these students for one of the Academy’s 16 district science days, (3) have students participate in at least one more youth science opportunity beyond the classroom such as State Science Day, visits to museums, mentorship programs and extended field trips and (4) convince external professionals from STEM business and industry, government and academia employers how and to what extent the school’s program met the Academy’s definition of STEM education.
First established in 1985, the Governor’s Thomas Edison Awards recognizes Ohio schools and teachers who stimulate student scientific research and technological design and extend opportunities beyond traditional classroom activities. Students must participate in one or more youth science opportunities beyond the classroom, including District and State Science Day, Believe in Ohio, Invention Convention, The Ohio Academy of Science Annual Meeting, Buckeye Science and Engineering, Science Olympiad and other structured STEM related youth activities. “These schools and teachers push the boundaries of the traditional classroom by advising and mentoring student originated research and other hands on experiences”, said Michael E. Woytek, the Academy’s Interim CEO.
St. Vincent Principal Martha Downs said, “I am blessed every day to work with such dedicated teachers and staff. We are blessed to be involved with students who are curious and eager at all levels. It is nice to have a program that allows us to build a community of learners year after year beginning with our preschool through our eigth grade. That familiarity and foundation pays dividends.”
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