(Colorado Springs) — Three schools in southern Colorado received $50,000 as part of the Governor’s Brightspot Awards, which recognize achievements in the sciences.
“Rye High School, Rudy Elementary School and Pioneer Elementary School in Rye and Colorado Springs are among the top schools in the state for science achievement,” said Governor Jared Polis. “We have standardized science tests, and these are the top-performing science tests in the state.”
Sixteen schools across the state were recognized for academic excellence, and Pioneer Elementary School staff celebrated the news Friday morning.
“We are honored to be one of 16 schools across the state to receive Governor Polis’ award for excellence in science,” said Academy District 20 Superintendent Ginger Habeler. I am grateful.” “Just for their dedication and dedication to making science truly authentic, they receive a check for $50,000.”
Samantha Smith, one of the teachers at Pioneer Elementary School, spoke about how students have different passions at school and the importance of supporting their passion for science.
“It’s about incorporating science into every content area so they can capitalize on what they’re excited about,” Smith said. “And they develop not only their scientific knowledge, but also their ability to communicate by speaking and writing about the information they know.” [having] I think the passion for is like the icing on the cake. ”
As for how these new funds will be used, Smith is excited about increasing educational opportunities for students to grow in the sciences.
“I mean being able to have experiences like field trips, doing hands-on activities outside of the building, focusing on the science knowledge that students learn, and perhaps collaborating with experts in the field. That’s the plan,” Smith said. “I think it will be a fun experience for both teachers and students.”
There was a big smile on the ASD20 Superintendent’s face as Mr. Habeler, a former science teacher, expressed his gratitude to the teachers at Pioneer Elementary School.
“These really bring learning to life and give students hands-on experience with science. Another strength of Pioneer Elementary School is in helping students develop good communication skills. It’s about focus,” Habeler said. “They do a lot of work with students to help them write and express their ideas. This is one of those lifelong skills that will help them.”
Governor Polis hopes the work done at these southern Colorado schools will pave the way for other schools to follow suit.
“When we look at the 16 schools in the state where students are excelling in science, we find that we can do it here in Colorado,” Polis said. “We need to make sure that happens in every school in the state.”
