Stripling Elementary Takes Next Steps to Grow STEM Education

“Today marks a significant milestone for Stripling Elementary School in our journey toward fostering curiosity and exploration in the hearts and minds of our young learners,” said Principal Molly McAuliffe as she gathered with staff, students, parents and community members. The occasion marked the launch of the Stripling STEM Garden on Thursday, March 21.

“We embark on an exciting adventure that aligns perfectly with our vision, mission and beliefs. Our vision is clear. We aim to cultivate responsible, empathetic and driven world-class leaders,” she said. 

“This garden will serve as a tangible expression of these aspirations. It will provide our students with opportunities to develop the skills and qualities necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world through hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering and math,” she stated. 

“They will learn not only academic concepts but also the importance of responsibility, empathy and drive and become the leaders of tomorrow,” McAuliffe added.

Celebrating the STEM garden

Over the summer, McAuliffe and her team of educators decided to pursue STEM certification, a five-year process that teaches the school to use an integrated curriculum driven by exploratory project-based learning and student-centered development of ideas and solutions.

“At the heart of our mission is the commitment to develop literate student citizens who are effective communicators, critical thinkers, innovative problem solvers and productive members of society,” said McAuliffe. 

“This STEM garden embodies our dedication to this mission by providing a dynamic environment where students can collaborate, communicate and think critically as they engage in authentic real-world challenges,” she eloquently stated.

What it means to be STEM-certified

Fourth-grade student Anissa Rodriguez welcomed guests to the ceremony and talked about how STEM has already changed her perception of education.

“I really like STEM because you get to build fun solutions for problems in the world,” she said.

“Last year, in third grade, me and my class did a project where we had to save the animals in Australia from all the wildfires. I liked this project because it helped me build my collaboration and it made me feel like I was doing something important in the world,” she beamed.

And she also shared the enthusiasm just about every student has for the new garden.

“I am also really excited about our school garden … because I will be learning skills through STEM that will help me learn how to garden so that way I can help my grandma with her garden,” she said to chuckles from the crowd. 

“It will also help me learn more skills on how to collect data that will impact our next steps. I can’t wait to get my hands dirty with the other students at Stripling Elementary and make positive changes in our community,” she explained.

Building education together

The garden is planned as a true community effort.

“Starting in April, we’re going to have a community workday to help us build the garden beds, and then we’re going to plan pollinator plants,” said Rebecca Phillips, the school’s STEM coordinator.

The school hopes to donate produce to food assistance programs and allow students to take home food.

“We’re going to open the garden during the summers [and allow] families to adopt the garden for a week,” said Phillips. “They can take care of it, and they get to keep the vegetables that grow here.”

The Great Georgia Pollinator Census

Additionally, Stripling will participate in the Great Georgia Pollinator Census, a program designed to educate people about the kinds of insects in the world and how to identify useful insects from pests.

Stripling’s STEM focus will be on agriculture, so the garden and all the lessons surrounding it fit right in with the curriculum, said Phillips.

But to be successful, the school needs the community’s help. The Rotary Club of Peachtree Corners has already donated $5,000, and the Norcross Garden Club has signed on as an advisor.

How to get involved

Community members who are interested in supporting Stripling’s STEM initiative can donate directly to Stripling Elementary School via check. 

“We have a STEM account we are using to support supplies for STEM education, including our garden,” said McAuliffe.

Businesses can also donate directly to the school for the STEM initiative either financially or with supplies.

To donate supplies, contact STEM Coordinator Rebecca Phillips at rebecca.phillips@gcpsk12.org.