Dillsboro Elementary School fifth grader, Maizie Tucher, won the Southeast District Indiana Elks essay contest! The topic of this year’s essay contest was “What the Bill of Rights Means to Me." Maizie shared her ideas on the subject in her essay and earned top honors at the local level for Lodge 1296 in Greenfield, Indiana. Her essay was then passed on to the Southeast District and selected as the winner for Division 1 Fifth Grade. Maizie received a check for $100 for her ent...ry. Maizie's essay has now been sent to the state level to be judged. Congratulations, Maizie! Pictured from left to right: Steve Sassaman (Southeast District Elks Representative), Maizie Tucher, and parents, Jared and Gwen Tucher.

Today marked an exciting event for students at Manchester Elementary School and Dillsboro Elementary School as they came together for a day of STEM enrichment and learning. Enrichment Day, organized collaboratively by both schools, was an engaging experience for students, featuring an array of presenters and activities aimed at expanding their horizons and fostering a love for learning, with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Without the support... of our sponsors, this event would not be possible. Special thanks to Civista Bank (Manager Jordan Rollins), Manchester Township Trustees, the Aurora Lions Club, and the Dillsboro PTO! The event, which took place throughout the day at Dillsboro Elementary School, showcased a diverse lineup of presenters from our Southeastern Indiana community, each bringing their expertise and enthusiasm to captivate young minds. Among the esteemed presenters were: Liz Beiersdorfer from Purdue Extension: Conducted a penny experiment and taught money management through a card game focusing on spending habits. and Marcia from Purdue Extension: Discussed with the students how to budget for groceries and living expenses. Dillsboro Arts: Students created marble tracks from recycled goods. Dillsboro Public Library: Students made CD sun catchers and UV bead bracelets that change colors. Dr. Insecta: With a passion for entomology, Dr. Insecta introduced students to the fascinating world of bugs through educational presentations and live insect displays. Recycling Center: The students created their own handmade paper through paper making screens, cookie cutters, and recycled materials. Kids Discovery Factory: Students learned about wind and air energy, robotics, imaging, assembled K’Nex Build and Race cars, built Riga-Ma-Jig constructions, and enjoyed the creativity corner, and discovery ramps. Baylor Trucking: Learned about the inside of semi trucks, where drivers sleep, and honked the horn. Scott Rahschulte from Ivy Tech: Scott and the students explored Indiana state parks and their features. Good Green Earth Farm: The students interacted with goats, chinchillas, ducks, and a pig. Dearborn County Sheriff’s Department: Students met a police dog named Glock and witnessed its training against criminals. Master Hite of the Indiana Academy of Martial Arts: Students witnessed nunchucks in action and also were able to practice a variety of kicks. Dr. Kinni Leiker: The students learned about and practiced yoga. Beau Scott: Introduced the students to the concept and technology of artificial intelligence. Bobbi Cornett: Author, Bobbi Cornett read to the students her book, “Where Will Taulbee Go Today?” and answered their questions about the book and being an author. Every year, Enrichment Day aims to provide students with a holistic educational experience that goes beyond the traditional classroom setting. By exposing students to a wide range of subjects and activities, the event seeks to ignite curiosity, inspire creativity, and foster a lifelong love for learning.

SDCSC is a leader in STEM education! This week, the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) announced 24 additional Indiana schools now certified in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Both Manchester Elementary School and Dillsboro Elementary School received their STEM certification! Manchester Elementary School and Dillsboro Elementary School began their STEM journey in the spring of 2021 as the world was still navigating the Covid-19 pandemic. The admi...nistrators and staff made a commitment to continue to provide students with the opportunity to engage in activities that would allow for collaboration and the development of critical thinking skills. Both MES Principal Mary Bailey and DES Principal Kyle Miller commend staff members for their commitment to this process. “When we were preparing for the IDOE’s site visit, it was exciting to reflect on the many media articles, social media posts, and pictures chronicling our STEM journey. Through the diverse STEM experiences students are receiving, they are enhancing both their education and employability with the new perspectives and skills they are developing. The staff has come together to create lessons that meet and exceed state standards and greatly encourage critical thinking, collaboration, and career exploration.” Congratulations to MES and DES for receiving STEM certification!

What would we do without this crew? Thank you for feeding us! We appreciate you!