Savannah-Chatham Public School System issued the following announcement on Oct. 21.
The Savannah-Chatham Public School System is excited to announce its recent awarding of a $500,000.00 grant from the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). According to the Committee on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEAM) Education of the National Science and Technology Council, it is critical to our national security that our students spark interest in critical and fast-growing careers in STEM, and our PreK-12 education system is poised to increase and sustain student engagement in STEM. This grant will provide Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools with the resources necessary to successfully build and expand the district's STEAM programming.
"We are very thankful to DoDEA for selecting our school district for this grant," SCCPSS Associate Superintendent of Learning Support Services Dr. Kimberly Hancock said. "The armed forces have a tremendous impact on our schools and community. This investment from DoDEA will provide additional opportunities to engage students in hands-on learning activities in science, technology, engineering, art, math, and health in the schools included in the grant."
SCCPSS has students connected to Ft. Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield, 165th Airlift Wing, and Coast Guard Air Station enrolled throughout the district. Godley Station K-8 School, Southwest Elementary School, and Southwest Middle School support 351 military-connected students. The objectives of this grant are to facilitate STEAM Power Hours and integrate technology into the math and science curriculum. STEAM Club Power Hours will be held twice a month throughout the school sites. Students will engage in hands-on learning activities based on the Georgia Standards of Excellence, including science, technology, engineering, art, math, and health. Students will select from various topics, including broadcasting, coding, gardening, and physical fitness. In addition to science, technology, and mathematics, the clubs will create art through digital media and practice healthy exercise and nutrition habits. Students will also have the opportunity to attend STEAM camps and field trips.
The grant will enhance student learning through increased opportunities for inquiry and positively impact the mental health of military-connected students. Military-connected students will participate in peer support groups semi-monthly. Ambassadors will be selected from each grade level to welcome military-connected students to schools and help them acclimate to school processes and culture. Interventions, including weekly meetings with counselors, will be implemented when a military-connected student experiences trauma, such as the deployment of a family member. Achievement of military-connected students on district and state assessments will increase throughout the life of the grant as a result of the support provided to military-connected students.
DoDEA's Education Partnership and Resources division strives to ensure all military-connected K-12 students have access to quality educational opportunities through engagement in partnerships with school districts and professional organizations. The division provides school personnel and stakeholders with evidence-based resources and supports to increase understanding and awareness related to the unique challenges faced by military-connected students and families. Learn more about the division here.
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