What makes our STEM program stand out
STEM Implementation K-12-to-Career
STEM is a pillar to the WD approach to education and preparing students as functioning members of the community by being exposed to the increasingly technology driven world. Between the three STEM labs, every student is exposed to the career opportunities available with STEM.
STEM Promotion
STEM Day and other events throughout the year expose students on what is to come as
their educational journey in the building continues. Elementary students are exposed to
opportunities at the high school, and high school students are exposed to industry
employers looking for talent or mentorship opportunities.
Diversified Options for all Secondary Ed Students, College and Workforce Bound
WD hosts several different NLPS pathways that allow students to explore their interests in
engineering, digital media, cybersecurity, information technology, business operations, and more. There is not another school of this size offering such a vast array of career exploration
opportunities.
Growing Perseverance & Collaboration
One of the most exciting shifts this year has been the remarkable growth in student perseverance and collaboration. Earlier in the year, many students became easily frustrated and were quick to say, “I can’t do this.” Now, students are asking questions, seeking support from peers, and trying new strategies to solve problems. This mindset shift has transformed classrooms into places where effort is celebrated and teamwork drives success.
Life Skills Class Stop-Motion Animation Project
Mrs. Jones’ Life Skills class brought storytelling and technology together through a full-class stop-motion animation of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Students sculpted clay characters, animated each scene, and recorded voice-overs to narrate the story. This project showcased creativity, collaboration, and confidence while giving students a meaningful way to demonstrate their learning.
Student Creativity Through Animation & AR/VR
Students across Frances Slocum have been exploring digital creativity through animation and immersive technology. Using paper, clay, and Play-Doh, students created original animations while also experimenting with AR/VR tools like Merge Cubes and Quiver Pages. These experiences spark curiosity, strengthen problem-solving, and open doors to future-ready technological skills.
Our Current STEM Focus
Over the next 90 days, Frances Slocum Elementary will focus on strengthening two essential skills: perseverance and collaboration. Students will engage in STEM challenges that encourage them to persist through difficulty, support their peers, and communicate their ideas with confidence. Through consistent classroom routines and hands-on learning, we will build a culture where every student believes, “I can do hard things—and I can do them together with others.”
Frances Slocum Elementary School
Frances Slocum Elementary School is part of Marion Community Schools in Marion, Indiana. The school supports approximately 462 students in Kindergarten through 4th grade, promoting a welcoming and student-centered environment. Frances Slocum Elementary is committed to academic growth, social-emotional learning, and fostering a positive school culture where all students feel valued and supported.
What STEM means at Frances Slocum Elementary School
At Frances Slocum Elementary, we envision a future where every child—every background, every ability, every dream—is empowered through STEM learning that opens doors to limitless opportunity. Rooted in Marion Community Schools’ commitment to preparing all students to reach their greatest potential, our STEM program is designed to meet students where they are and move them toward the future they choose. STEM at Frances Slocum is not an add-on or an occasional activity; it is a schoolwide commitment to preparing students with the knowledge, creativity, and durable skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing global society.
We believe all students deserve equitable access to high-quality STEM experiences every year. Our classrooms will be places where students collaborate, communicate, persevere, and problem-solve through real-world, hands-on learning. Whether designing animations, exploring AR/VR, coding, or engaging in inquiry-driven challenges, students will grow the confidence and resilience that enable them to say, “I can do this”—and keep trying until they succeed. These skills reflect not just academic growth, but the employability foundations that set students up for college, career, and life.
Our teachers will bring STEM to life through high-quality instruction in every classroom, supported by collaboration across subjects and consistent models like the Engineering Design Process. We are committed to building a sustainable program that weathers staff changes, honors our students’ diverse needs, and grows stronger each year through shared practices, coaching, and reflection. At Frances Slocum, STEM is a culture—one where curiosity is encouraged, effort is celebrated, and every student is supported in becoming a creative thinker and problem solver.
Frances Slocum will also strengthen connections between learning and the wider world. Students will explore early STEM career pathways, meet authentic audiences for their work, and learn from mentors who help them imagine futures built on passion, skill, and purpose. Together with families, community partners, and our district’s proud legacy, we are building a GIANT future—one where students see themselves as capable, confident, and ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow.
