White Oak Elementary Named Finalist in Fifth Annual STEM Education Awards

Finalists Announced for Fifth Annual STEM Education Awards
Awards recognize excellence in science, technology, engineering and math education in Georgia
Sugar Hill, GA October 7, 2016 – The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) and the TAG Education Collaborative (TAG-Ed) today announced that White Oak Elementary School has been named as a finalist in the STEM outreach category winner for the 2016 Georgia STEM Education Awards.
The Georgia STEM Education Awards recognizes schools, programs, and companies for outstanding efforts and achievements in supporting and promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Education in Georgia.
At White Oak, STEM is not a separate program or an isolated activity. It is the core of learning on a consistent and pervasive basis. All kindergarten through fifth grade students receive STEM instruction and are taught the importance of STEM. Students are educated about STEM through the morning announcements, guidance lessons, integration of math and science, inquiry and project based learning units, speakers from STEM fields, and STEM mentors who work with students on their collaborative inquiry projects. Principal Jean Loethen-Payne states, “We are passionate about all students taking advantage of STEM and preparing for the demands of college and 21st century careers.”
Winners competed in 8 different categories in the statewide event. “It was truly a challenge to choose from among the many applicants from around Georgia for these finalists,” said Tino Mantella, president & CEO of TAG. “We applaud all of our applicants for their excellent work in STEM.”
Winners are to be announced during a special awards gala on November 4th, held at the Loudermilk Center in Atlanta.
“It is so gratifying to see STEM education gaining momentum throughout the state of Georgia,” said Michael Robertson, executive director of TAG-Ed. “The programs selected as finalists are leading the way in this effort and sharing best practices that will prepare our students for the challenges ahead. “
For more information about TAG and the Fifth Annual Georgia STEM Education Awards visit: http://www.tagonline.org/events/stem-education-awards/.