Parkers Chapel School District, located just southwest of El Dorado, has recently made significant strides in integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education into its curriculum, enhancing learning opportunities for its 790 students from Pre-K to 12th grade.
The initiative, led by STEM Coordinator Ms. Lyn Coffman, began in the fall of 2021 with the formation of a "Think-Tank" composed of students, parents, teachers, administrators, community members, and business leaders. The group identified the skills needed for student success and determined that a focus on engineering would be most beneficial. "The surveys came back with an overwhelming interest in Engineering," Ms. Coffman shared.
By January 2022, the district had received approval from the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) to implement an Engineering Program of Study, along with a grant of $60,124.10 for equipment and supplies. The district introduced "Level One Introduction to Engineering Design" in 2022, added "Level Two Principles of Engineering" in 2023, and most recently launched "Level Three Computer Integrated Manufacturing" in 2024. This year, with an additional $72,000 grant from the ADE, they expanded their STEM offerings to lower grades by introducing a new Gateway program for 7th and 8th graders and a STEM Camp for 2nd through 6th graders.
Each year since beginning its STEM initiative, Parkers Chapel has hosted an annual Family STEM Night, which connects students with local businesses through hands-on activities. The event, supported by grants from Lockheed Martin and other community partners, has grown from 25 businesses and 323 students in its first year to 32 businesses and 592 students in 2024. Activities this year included making slime, coding, flight and space, animal science, and more, providing students with engaging, real-world STEM experiences all centered around the theme, "Power up with STEM." They even heard from Senator Matt Stone on the importance of STEM and CTE programs.
Ms. Coffman shared, "This has been a fantastic opportunity for our school and students. We look at it as a win-win-win! Our school is learning more about what skills we need to offer for student success in the 21st century, our business and industry leaders have a voice and will be getting workers who have the skills they need, and most of all, our students are winning because they can pursue their interests and passions that will help give them the skills they need to be successful no matter what path they take in the future." The district also formed an Arkansas Technology Student Association and a Girls in STEM group, both achieving recognition in state-level competitions.
Looking ahead, Parkers Chapel plans to expand its STEM programs further, eventually covering all grades from Pre-K to 12th. “Next year, we want to add 6th to Gateway, and in years to come, add the STEM Launch program for our elementary,” Ms. Coffman noted.
For other districts considering similar initiatives, Ms. Coffman advises forming a committee, conducting surveys to gauge interest, and applying for grants through Project Lead the Way and the ADE. “STEM is very expensive and can put a strain on school budgets, but there are grants and industry grants that could help,” she emphasized.
Congratulations to Parkers Chapel School District on creating new opportunities for students, preparing them for future success, and fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration!
Pictured below:
Photos 1-3: Students and families participate in Parkers Chapel's Annual Family STEM Night, held on August 1, 2024.
Photos 4-6: 7th-grade students in Mrs. Stringfellow's Design and Modeling classes tested out the skimmers they created and determined how far their skimmers would move across the floor in the ILT room. Some of the students' skimmers traveled 60 feet!
*Special thanks to Lyn Coffman, Bonnie Fish, and Amanda Malone for providing the photos and information contained in this article.
*ASBA is proud to share this Spotlight on Success! If you are interested in having your district featured, please send information and photos to jprothro@arsba.org.