West Fannin Educators and Students Present at the STEM/STEAM Forum

Press Release, Rebel's Corner

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. –

To News Media Members,

Front: Ben Sexton
Back (left to right): Lucas Roof, Miranda Roof, Marcie McDonald, Amber Mitchell, Kim Patterson, Milly Rice

The following West Fannin Elementary educators presented at the 2019 STEM/STEAM Forum in Athens, GA on Monday, October 21. Marcie McDonald, Amber Mitchell, Kim Patterson, Milly Rice, Lucas Roof, Miranda Roof (representing Blue Ridge Elementary, East Fannin Elementary, and West Fannin Elementary), and Ben Sexton. These educators presented to teachers and administrators across the state of Georgia about best practices in STEM/STEAM education and STEM/STEAM project-based learning.

Also, the following students presenting at the 2019 STEM/STEAM Conference in Athens, GA on Tuesday, October 22. Ava Acker, Albany Cole, Avery Collis, Lillie Dean, Madison Earley, Izzie Jabaley, Reese Lewis, Logan Long, Danica Padrutt, and Lauryn Sherbert. These current and previous West Fannin students were chosen to present their yearlong scientific investigative research projects from last school year.

It is an honor for these students to present at the STEM/STEAM Forum because people from all over the state submit presentation proposals. However, not all proposals are accepted. Presenting at a conference of this size and magnitude will help provide these students with the confidence and public speaking ability that they need to propel them forward. This is the type of experience that these students can put on a resume, college application, or job application.

Front (left to right): Logan Long, Madison Earley, Albany Cole, Izzie Jabaley, Avery Collis, Lillie Dean
Back (left to right): Kim Patterson, Ava Acker, Lauryn Sherbert, Danica Padrutt, Reese Lewis, Amber Mitchell

We are proud of these educators and students for representing the Fannin County School System and for having a positive impact on STEM/STEAM education throughout the state of Georgia.

We are also extremely proud of and grateful for our West Fannin educators, students, parents, and community partners for working diligently and allowing exciting opportunities like this to exist.

— By Lucas Roof – WFES Principal

 
 
 
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Blue Ridge Box Car Derby Raises Money for STEM

Community, Rebel's Corner

Blue Ridge, Ga – The first annual Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby raised $4,900 for Fannin County School’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program on Saturday, April 27.

The derby race was created by locals to benefit the community, specifically the children. Co-founder Brian Higgins said, “We have festivals here almost monthly, but none of them are geared toward kids, so we wanted to do something for them, and the best part is all the money goes back to them with the STEM program.”

The founders chose to donate to STEM for a couple of reasons. According to Higgins, “[Science, technology, engineering, and math] is every bit a box car  when you think about.” It takes each area to build and race a soapbox car.

Second, STEM doesn’t receive SPLOST dollars. STEM’s funding comes from the general school budget, which also pays for other school supplies.

STEM teaches students computational thinking and how to use scientific methods to solve real-world problems. The program helps children to develop technological skills to find highly-sought after jobs.

All the cars adhered to soapbox derby car standards, using only gravity as a propulsion system. Each car and driver were weighed during the race qualifying to ensure everyone had a fair chance during the derby.

Local businesses sponsored and helped the children to build over 26 cars for the derby. The participants brought their creativity to the cars’ design from that paint to the wheels.

49 drivers raced down the hill at Fannin County Middle School on a great day for it. The school even donated the cafeteria for the day, so the children and spectators would have a lunch area. Local vendors were on hand to provide food for everyone in attendance.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/9n8cFfybQYc

Broken into three divisions, drivers fell into either the 7-11, 12-17, or 18 plus age groups. The 7-11 bracket had to win two out of three races during the preliminary round. The winners from those races moved on to the single race elimination round. The 12-17 and 18 plus brackets raced only a single elimination round.

Winners for the 7-11 Division
First Place: Watson
Second Place: Pierce
Third Place: Williams

Winner for the 12-17 Division
First Place: Twiggs
Second Place: Higgins
Third Place: Preising

All winners received $250, $75, or $25, depending on where they finished in the race.

Derby organizers hope to expand the event in the future with participants from across North Georgia.

Giant Mars Map Awarded with Robot

Fannin Middle

Students in the Fannin County Middle School STEM class got to experience walking and observing on a giant Mars map accompanied by a robotic rover that was awarded through a grant submitted by Mrs. Pack, the STEM Teacher. The grant was sponsored by Buzz Aldrin and the ShareSpace Foundation. To purchase the giant map and robot, this would have costed the school $5,000.00. However, with the grant, the school was able to receive it for free. The grant included a 25’ x 25’ giant Mars map, a set of books about the mission to Mars co-authored by Buzz Aldrin and Marianne Dyson, a remote controlled robot, as well as the curriculum to accompany the map and robot.

STEM Night at FCMS

Fannin Middle

Last evening, April 2nd, the students of Fannin County Middle School participated in the Invent It Challenge. Winners were chosen for 1st and 2nd places, Most Original, and Best Seller. Below is a description of the Invent It Challenge for 2019.

The Invent It Challenge is an annual competition that inspires students around the world to unleash their inner inventor! The competition was created 8 years ago by Smithsonian’s Lemelson Center and Cricket Media, with the goal of educating, engaging and empowering kids across the globe to learn and use the invention process to make change in our world. Since then, thousands of kids around the globe have tried their hands at inventing through the Challenge, and many have gone on to patent their ideas!

Every year, students document their use of Smithsonian’s 7 step Spark! Lab Invention Process, to brainstorm new inventions to solve global problems. For the 2019 Dr. InBae Yoon Challenge, participants will focus their minds and talent on generating inventions that enhance and improve the daily lives and activities of older adults.

Often entire classroom of students enter either individually or as teams. Teachers and home school parents love it as their students get to apply their STEM skills in an engaging real-world challenge. The high-quality, free curriculum provided by the Smithsonian and Cricket Media make participating a smooth learning experience for students, educators, and parents alike.

About the Challenge

 

STEM at FCMS

Fannin Middle

(L-R) Gracey Greene, Gracie Stewart, Judd Watson

Students in Mrs. Pack’s STEM class at FCMS were asked to design a house that minimized heat loss. Once the framework of their houses is completed, the students will add different types of insulation to maintain the condition of the air inside. At the end of the project, the designs will be checked with a thermal energy device and the students will hear from an expert about saving energy.


(L-R) Drake Cantrell, Michael Treon, Carson Collis, Halle Dilbeck

Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby Update

Community

Mike and Brian joined BKP on GMFTO to talk about the upcoming race!
PLEASE contact Mike Sullivan (919-273-8315, [email protected]) or Brian
Higgins (706-455-9829, [email protected]) to become a sponsor.

 

WFES STEM class builds Soap Box Derby car

Community, West Fannin Elem

Mike Sullivan, WFES Principle Lucas Roof, Brian Higgins

West Fannin Elementary School’s ALPHA class had the opportunity to build a soapbox derby car from a kit provided by Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby founders Brian Higgins and Mike Sullivan.

Higgins and Sullivan brought to the STEM lab an unfinished car kit. The young men and women of the ALPHA class assembled the car with their guidance; drilling the holes, attaching screws to attach the pre-cut pieces together, gluing some pieces for added stability.

Filled with excitement at the team completion, Principal Lucas Roof allowed some students to ride the car down a hallway with Ms. Patterson supervising.

Tucker Rhodes, Brady Payne, Alexandria Banks, and Alexandria Cooks were excited to be able to drive the car down the hall. Rhodes had acquired permission from Roof to allow those students to ride down the hall in the newly built car.

Tucker Rhodes

Alexandria Cooks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brady Payne

Alexandria Banks

 

Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby’s mission is “To provide Fannin County residents a family-centered event and directing all profits towards STEM Education in Fannin County Schools.”

The race will commence on April 27, 2019, in the Fannin Middle School parking lot, beginning at 10 a.m..

Car kits are available by contacting Sullivan or Higgins at [email protected].

 

The next Soap Box Derby event before the race will be held at Dairy Queen Grill & Chill on March 27, 2019, from 4-8 p.m. DQ patrons will be able to view a previously built derby car.

 

According to the Derby’s Facebook page, “Derby officials will be on hand to answer questions. The official rules and registration forms will be available. Among the registrations filled out and turned in at this event, six (6) will be randomly selected and completely paid for by Dairy Queen!”

Mark your calendars for both dates!

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Source: https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheBlueRidgeSoapBoxDerby/events/?ref=page_internal

Source: https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheBlueRidgeSoapBoxDerby/events/?ref=page_internal

Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby Sponsorship

Community

Thanks for your consideration in sponsoring this community event! We are The Blue Ridge Soap Box
Derby, a 501c3 organization. With a festival or event almost monthly, there is always something exciting
to do here. However, most of the events are tourist driven and not geared towards kids in particular, so we
set out to change that. The Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby was created by locals and is geared towards the
local community, specifically kids and kids at heart. 100% of all profits go back to the Fannin County
School system, specifically the S.T.E.M program (Science.Technology.Engineering.Math). We hope this
will be a great success this year and many more years to come. Here is how YOU can help.

The different levels of sponsorships listed have a dollar amount listed for those wishing to contribute
monetarily; however, any combination of money and “in kind” services and/or donations will be
considered towards the total amount. The sponsor privileges below are a minimum and more perks may
be added as the Blue Ridge Soap Box Derby (BRSBD) progresses towards the event date. Thank YOU
for helping us make this event successful for the citizens of Fannin County, Georgia!


Vehicle Sponsorships:
$150 – This special sponsorship is designed to assist those who are unable to
afford the vehicle materials and registration. It will provide both the materials and registration fee for a
participant and includes a 24”x24” sponsor sign displayed in the derby car “pit” area as well as a 12”x6”
sponsor license plate to be displayed on the vehicle. Additional graphics may be displayed on the vehicle
or the driver at the sponsor’s expense. (The sponsor may choose to be anonymous and we will work with
them to design a fitting sign/license plate.)

Executive Level: $1,000 – Executive level sponsors will be provided a 10’x10’ booth space at the event
to use for their own promotional purposes and are the ONLY sponsors allowed to solicit products or
services during the event. A 3’x6’ banner will be provided by the BRSBD and displayed in the most
prominent location. Executive sponsors will have their name prominently displayed in each derby car
“pit” area (24”x24”). The name of the business will be mentioned prior to every race category by the
event announcers. Executive sponsors will have their name listed on top of sponsor boards and/or
announcements and event t-shirts. NOTE: Only 5 Executive Sponsors will be accepted for the event and
will not have “competing services”; for example, if Real Estate Company X is an executive level sponsor,
no other “real estate company” will be accepted as an Executive Sponsor.

Diamond Level: $500 – This level of sponsorship will include 3’x6’ banner will be provided by the
BRSD and displayed at the derby starting area; have their name prominently displayed in each derby car
“pit” area (24”x24”). The name of the business will be mentioned prior to every race category by the
event announcers and will have their name listed on top of sponsor boards and/or announcements and
event t-shirts.

Platinum Level: $250 – This level of sponsorship will include 2’x4’ banner will be provided by the
BRSD and displayed alongside the track; have their name prominently displayed in each derby car “pit”
area (24”x24”). The name of the business will be mentioned prior to every race category by the event announcers and will have their name listed on top of sponsor boards and/or announcements and event t-
shirts.

Gold Level: $150 – The name of the business will be mentioned prior to every race category by the event

announcers and will have their name listed on top of sponsor boards and/or announcements and event t-
shirts.

Silver Level: $75 – This level of sponsorship will have their name listed on sponsor boards and/or announcements and event t-shirts.

Bronze Level: $25 – This level of sponsorship will have their name listed on sponsor boards and/or
announcements.

We hope you’ll help support this awesome event and remember,

· We are an event for the local community by locals, but all are welcome of course!
· We are a 501 C-3, and volunteer-driven, NO ONE gets paid a dime.
· 100% of all the money raised after the bills are paid goes to the school system, specifically the
STEM program.
· We are working with the Boys and Girls Club to allow them to race for free (I’ll be building extra
cars for them)
· We’re also working on a getting Special Needs group together. They will be riding in tandem cars
with a driver, so they can experience the race as well.
· We will be reaching out to all of the surrounding Chamber of Commerce and school systems in
order to make it as big of an event as possible.
· It’s just going to be fun!

PLEASE contact Mike Sullivan (919-273-8315, [email protected]) or Brian
Higgins (706-455-9829, [email protected]) to become a sponsor.

Tim Mercier of Mercier’s Orchards visits West Fannin Elementary

Rebel's Corner, West Fannin Elem

Some third graders at West Fannin Elementary School were fortunate enough to visit with Tim Mercier of Mercier’s Orchards on Thursday, October 18th.  Mercier’s has worked with 1st and 3rd-grade students for two years in their apple orchard beginning with helping to plant our 15 trees.  These 15 trees are part of our on-going STEAM project.  Students learn about our three different types of apples in our orchard (Arkansas Black, Gold Rush, Crimson Topaz).  Students learn about the origin of the trees and how and when to plant the trees.  Students also go out once a month and measure each tree and graph them in a bar graph.  These graphs are then used to compare from month to month and from year to year the growth of the trees.  As students were measuring this month they noticed that some of our trees were not growing as we had hoped and that there were some brown spots on our leaves.  As they were researching they wanted to ask Mercier’s to come back and see our trees and help us to diagnose our problems.  Mr. Mercier was kind enough to come out and share with our students.  These students will now go back and redeliver the findings to the rest of the third-grade students.  As the kids would say, “ We now know our problem so now we will start planning on how we will create a solution to solve this problem.”

Picutred at the top: Tim Mercier, Brody Graham and Keats Miller (2 boys in front), Josalyn Deal and Sadie Patto

West Fannin Elementary Hosts STEM Open House Night!

Rebel's Corner, West Fannin Elem

By: Lucas Roof, Principal

 

As a Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) STEM Certified school, West Fannin Elementary was chosen by the GaDOE to host multiple STEM Open House Days throughout this school year where educators and educational leaders throughout the state are invited to visit West Fannin.  West Fannin’s first STEM Open House of the school year took place on September 26th, 2018.

 

Approximately 20 visitors from across the state came to observe best practices in STEM education, to receive support and advice from West Fannin teachers and administrators on the topic of STEM education, and to have conversations with West Fannin’s students about STEM projects.  Many West Fannin business partners and stakeholders were also present for this STEM Open House to work with the students.  The visitors were impressed; this was an exciting and rewarding day for West Fannin.

 

 

West Fannin will also have STEM Open House Days on November 16th, 2018 and March 12th, 2019.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STEM Open House: 1st and 3rd grade working together in the orchard – Conner Reddin (1st grade) and Keats Miller (3rd grade)

STEM Open House 2: Chelsea Osborne (1st grade), Sadie Patton (3rd grade), Karlyn Martin (1st grade)

STEM Open House 3: 2nd grade students Owen Man and Luke Strobel. Second grade students are working to make plaques for the butterfly garden in Braille that identify the plants. Owen is using our Braille typewriter.

STEM Open House 4: Kindergarten students (left to right, front row) Ellee Gibbs, Rylee Burk, Tinsley Plush. Back Shaun Simmons

STEM Open House 5: 2nd grade students using the STEM Engineering Design Process to create windmills – Netalie Freeman, Kaylee Callahan, Triston Cross, Brody Ingle

STEM Open House 6: 5th grade investigative research team is working on the Phenology of leaves they are finding the average temperature outside – Natalee Reeves (sitting) and Kalyn Martin

Ms. Roberson’s first grade delves into a STEM unit on bats

Rebel's Corner, West Fannin Elem

Article by: Jocelyn Miller

Ask an average first-grader about bats and they might cringe. Ask a first-grader in Katy Roberson’s class at West Fannin Elementary and you will walk away an expert. After reading the book, Stella Luna by Janell Cannon, Reid Summers shared with his classmates details about observing bats around his home. 

The class became instantly intrigued. Ms. Roberson took this opportunity, and immediately sought out information, experts, and volunteers, to design a year-long STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) unit centered around bats native to Fannin County.

Students began their project by inviting a guest speaker, Georgia Master Naturalist Jocelyn Miller, to discuss the 16 species of Georgia bats, their habitats, and foraging behaviors. Students later conducted a mock research study where they measured and weighed different “bat species” then recorded data similar to how an actual biologist would monitor bat populations in the field. As the unit continued, students built upon their knowledge and did additional research in small groups where children produced a portfolio demonstrating what they learned. Along the way, students realized that bat habitat and conservation was a serious concern.

 

Bats in Georgia and around the United States have seen a
significant and steady decline in their populations due largely to pesticide use, water quality, and white-nose syndrome. White-nose syndrome has killed between 5.7 to 6.7 million bats in the U.S. since the mid-1990s when the disease was first discovered. The students in Ms. Roberson’s class wanted to do something about it. Their solution was to erect a bat house on the campus of West Fannin.

 

 

 

 

 

Using guidelines from Bat Conservation International along with the help of Trent Summers and Chad Anderson, students were able to design and build a large three-chambered bat house capable of housing up to 500 bats. Once the house was constructed, students weatherized and painted the house. Emma Dills, a student in the class, said her favorite part was painting the bat house. Bat houses must stay dry and warm (around 100 degrees Fahrenheit). Students chose a dark color to help raise the internal temperature of the house. The bat house was installed over spring break with the help of Chris Rogers. The students chose to locate the house near the school apple orchard as a form of pest management. According to first-grader Lilli Potzauf, “Bats eat mosquitoes and are natural bug controllers.”

 

The long-term goal of this passionate group of first-graders is not only to improve the habitat for bats at West Fannin but also to encourage members of the community to follow suit. They are planning a bat garden with native plants that will attract nighttime insects and hope to cultivate and sell those plants to parents and members of the community. They are also working to acquire funds in order to install a camera in the bat house to allow streaming video of the bats’ daytime activities. First-grader Carson Callihan summed up the project perfectly: “We need to help the bats because a lot of them are dying and we need them to eat mosquitoes.” The complex relationship between ourselves and the local ecosystem is difficult to understand at any age, but these first-graders are already making a difference that will have a lasting impact on our community for years to come.

 

West Fannin Elementary School competes in robotics

Education, West Fannin Elem

 

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – West Fannin Elementary School (WFES) continues toward its goals of becoming top notch in the areas of science and math.

WFES is slated to become certified this year as an official STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) school in the state of Georgia.

Fannin County, Blue Ridge, Georgia, West Fannin Elementary School, Principal Lucas Roof, Dr. Jack Roof, Fannin Regional Hospital, Kim Patterson, Milly Rice, STEM, competitive robotics, RoboDoctors, Union County High School

RoboDoctors: back row: Jaime Russell, Mrs. Rice, Mrs. Patterson; middle row: Bryce Mitchell, Matthew Ponton, Reid Hilton, Keton Wilson; front row: Emily Dickey and Jaclyn Cracknell.

In keeping with progresses made in the field of science and engineering, WFES formed its first ever robotics team.

WFES Principal Lucas Roof spoke of this new team at the January Board of Education meeting. “This is something that when I was honored and lucky enough to become the principal at West Fannin, one of the goals was to have a competitive robotics team that could go out and compete,” Roof said.

The WFES robotics team, RoboDoctors, participated in their first competition, held at Union County High School, on Saturday, Dec. 16.

The RoboDoctors team was named as a tribute to Roof’s late father, Dr. Jack B. Roof Jr.

Dr. Roof was a beloved physician whose practice at Fannin Regional Hospital served residents of our area for 26 years.

“It’s kind of touching for me too,” Roof explained,”because Kim Patterson and Milly Rice, they’re sponsors of this team and they did that as a tribute to my dad.”

The tribute doesn’t end with the name RoboDoctors. “One of the things he would always say is be nice and work hard, work hard and be nice to people,” Roof stated, “so they put that as their logo.”

Fannin County, Blue Ridge, Georgia, West Fannin Elementary School, Principal Lucas Roof, Dr. Jack Roof, Fannin Regional Hospital, Kim Patterson, Milly Rice, STEM, competitive robotics, RoboDoctors, Union County High School

RoboDoctors: back: Lucas Roof; front: Emily Dickey, Bryce Mitchell, Keton Wilson, Matthew Ponton, Jaclyn Cracknell, Jaime Russell and Reid Hilton.

The RoboDoctors scored a respectful amount of points and were awarded a first-place trophy in the category of Core Values. The Core Values Award goes to the team who embodies teamwork, inspiration and gracious professionalism.

“It is a very challenging award to win, and especially for a team that this was their first ever competition,” Roof beamed about the progress of the team. “To win that award, that was very exciting.”

Speaking of the future of the RoboDoctors at WFES, Roof stated, “The goal is to have two competitions a year.”

The two coaches, Kim Patterson and Milly Rice, could not be more proud of these robotics students.

 

Featured Image : Winning the Core Values Award: Jaclyn Cracknell, Keton Wilson, Matthew Ponton, Emily Dickey, Reid Hilton, Bryce Mitchell and Jaime Russell.

 

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]

West Fannin Elementary School becomes STEM certified

Community, News, Rebel's Corner

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – A vision led to a goal, and diligent work led to accomplishment as West Fannin Elementary School (WFES) officially became STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) certified by the Georgia Department of Education.

Fannin County, Blue Ridge, Georgia, West Fannin Elementary School, WFES, Georgia Department of Education, Board of Education, Principal, Lucas Roof, Assistant Principal, Alison Danner, Cirriculum Director, Robert Ensley, STEM, Certification, Project 1954

Students from all grade levels meet with a STEM certification team.

Out of thousands of elementary schools in the state of Georgia, WFES is only the 36th school to have this recognition, and only the fourth in the north Georgia area.

Assistant Principal Alison Danner spoke about how this vision came about: “Five or six years ago there were several of us at the STEM conference at Athens at the University of Georgia, and we all said this is what we want.”

Danner spoke of Fannin County Curriculum Director and previous WFES Principal Robert Ensley: “He was the one that was kind of the forefront, that saw this as a part of the vision for West Fannin in years to come.”

Seeing this vision become a reality took years of hard work from WFES. After initiating a school STEM program and integrating its teachings into day-to-day classroom activities, the school then had to apply for certification.

WFES went through a series of pre-visits in which a team consisting of representatives from math, science, CTAE (career, technical and agricultural education), technology, and business would come to West Fannin and give feedback on how to reach certification level.

“When they do these pre-visits they give you tons of feedback on anything and everything,” Principal Lucas Roof said, describing the process, “and so we received all the feedback that we could possibly receive from them, and the cool thing about it is that we didn’t just sit on that feedback.

“We used that feedback. Our teachers used that feedback, and we got better and better.” Roof added. “We took that constructive criticism, and we put it to use.”

Nov. 3, 2017, was the third and final pre-visit to WFES, and the team at that time felt that the school was ready for a final visit.

“When the team comes in, they don’t talk to us. They don’t talk to the teachers. They talk to the kids. It’s all about what the kids can articulate to them,” Roof added, explaining the final visit, “and kids are going to tell the truth.”

Fannin County, Blue Ridge, Georgia, West Fannin Elementary School, WFES, Georgia Department of Education, Board of Education, Principal, Lucas Roof, Assistant Principal, Alison Danner, Cirriculum Director, Robert Ensley, STEM, Certification, Project 1954

Students at WFES show a STEM certification team how they use skills used at school to solve real world problems.

What this means for WFES is that they are teaching children these fields in ways in which the children become critical thinkers and can apply the skills they are learning to real-world problems.

“It means you are doing what’s right for the kids in terms of hands on learning, in terms of math and science integration, involving the community,” Roof explained of what the Georgia Department of Education looks for in the certifying process.

The students at WFES have applied the skills taught and integrated them into improving their own school environment through Project 1954.

According to Danner, this project involves each grade level to focus on a particular area and come up with ways to improve these areas. An example can be scene in the nature trail created by fourth-grade students.

Roof says that none of this would be possible without the effort of an entire team: “I would like to thank our entire faculty and staff for working so hard and so diligently. I also want to thank our parents, community business partners, our Fannin County School System county office directors, and our Board of Education members for always supporting us throughout this lengthy process. Most of all, I want to thank our students.”

Danner pointed out that while Roof would not acknowledge it himself, a huge thank you is due to him as well: “He was the integral part that took us to the final phases. Mr. Roof just came in and filled that piece that solidified that this was what was going to happen.”

Ensley, the educator credited with the vision of STEM certification, commented on the news that WFES had finally reached its goal. “It has been a dream of mine. I cannot be more excited for West Fannin. They put a lot of time, a lot of effort into making this a success. They did a phenomenal job,” Ensley said.

“Hands down, so proud of them,” Ensley added with a beaming smile.

 

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]

Fannin REACH scholars participated in STEM activities at the HackBerry Lab

Rebel's Corner

The Fannin REACH scholars visited Berry College March 22, 2018, for an information session, Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) activities at the HackBerry Lab, and a campus tour.

Left to right, Joey Long, Aaliyah Green, and Aubree Beavers.

HackBerry lab – STEM activity

The students were working with circuit boards, computers, and fruit to simulate touch screen electronic devices.

 

 

 

 

 

Front row, left to right: Aubree Beavers, Aaliyah Green, Hunter DeMar, Kaigan Mull, Ricardo Arellanes-Alvarado; middle row: Chloe Collis, Mikayla Kendall, Miriam Flores, Emma Payne, Hailey Tucker; back row: Harley Cox, Joey Long, Alexis Ware, Tasia Galloway, Chastity

 

Home Depot visits West Fannin

West Fannin Elem

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On Friday, Jan. 12, five Home Depot associates came to help our second-graders build wooden calendars. The Home Depot employees brought all the students their own orange Home Depot smocks. The students were so excited when each of them received a smock with their name on it. Once they put their smocks on, they went to work on our cafeteria floor building their calendars. Each student was given a kit that contained instructions, the wooden pieces, nails, and stickers for the dates and months. Our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Engineering and Design Loop teaches our students to Ask, Imagine, Plan, Create, and Improve. By using this philosophy, students were able to rise above the occasion. If they did not succeed the first time, they took the calendar apart until they figured out how to put it together correctly. It took over an hour.  However, after a lot of hammering, each student had a calendar that made he/she proud. Thank you, Home Depot, for giving these second-graders the opportunity for hands on learning that embodies our West Fannin STEM initiative.   A special thank you to these Home Depot associates who were wonderful with the students and staff: Becky Coleman, Bryan Urguhart, Nicole Marcus, Pattie Shearouse, and Lisa Cohn.

STEM Forum in Athens

West Fannin Elem

West Fannin educators attended the STEM Forum in Athens, GA on October 23rd and 24th. Ten members of our staff joined together with hundreds of other educators to share and learn how other schools and teachers implement STEM/STEAM.

We are very proud of Mrs. Karen Goode, Mrs. Kim Patterson, and Mrs. Mary Jean Pace for being chosen to present at the conference. Their presentation was specific to our fourth grade students at West Fannin. Teachers integrate science and math standards to create hands on, authentic learning. Our fourth grade students use these skills in STEM projects, such as the nature trail, Adopt A Stream, the greenhouse, and organic poultry. They did a phenomenal job presenting about West Fannin’s 4th grade STEM initiatives.

*STEM Forum Presentation: left to right: Mrs. Patterson (STEM Teacher), Mrs. Pace (4th grade science), and Mrs. Goode (4th grade math).

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