St. Pius X School’s new LEAP program is designed to be centered around math and science, with integrated literature, writing reflections, and historic and religious connections as well. (Photos provided)GREENSBORO — Students at St. Pius X School in Greensboro have seen tremendous success with the launch of the school’s new LEAP program started in the fall. LEAP (Learning Enrichment Activity Program) is the school’s newest academic program for students in grades 3 through 5 who demonstrate above grade level academic achievement. The program pairs STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)courses with literacy, history, arts, and religion to create an integrated, hands-on approach to learning.
The LEAP program was designed by second-grade teacher April Parker and centers on math and science, along with integrated literature, meaningful writing reflections, and historic and religious connections.
Throughout the fall semester, LEAP students at St. Pius have discovered plant and animal cells with digital microscopes, designed their own robots, launched weather balloons, and built model jets for Santa Claus to fly around the world on Christmas Eve. In the new year, students will look forward to using mathematics to build ancient structures such as pyramids, reconstructing a scaled model of Solomon’s Temple using measurements from the Bible, designing and printing their own 3-D furniture and textiles, learning the science of cooking and gardening, as well as raising their own chickens through embryology.
Parker attributes the success of the program to parent volunteers who donate supplies and assist with expertise in certain career fields, as well as partnerships with local colleges and universities.
“One goal of the program is exposure to different STEM-based careers such as aviation, meteorology, farming, engineering and medicine,” Parker said, adding, “Students love the program. The wide range of ages allows students to develop teamwork skills, encourage peer coaching, and get real-world experience in a workplace environment.”
The LEAP class is composed of 30 third- to fifth-grade students who meet three times a week in the afternoon during “Grace Period” or Study Hall. Students must keep up their academic achievement, demonstrate exemplary behavior, and meet classroom expectations to participate in the LEAP program. In addition, Parker offers challenges outside the
LEAP class to her students through a Google Classroom where they can find virtual escape rooms, math puzzles and more.
St. Pius X School is already planning ways to extend the program by offering an after school competitive robotics club for middle school students, thanks to a partnership with the Early College at Guilford Technical Community College. The club is set to begin in mid-January, Parker said.
Parker also has plans for a robotics club for the intermediate grades and a possible Crypto Math Club for aspiring mathematicians, she said. She welcomes additional partnerships with business and schools to further extend the possibilities for the school’s LEAP program.
“I can’t wait to see where the program can go from here,” she said. “It has been a tremendous step toward 21st century education, as well as meeting the needs of all learners in our school.”
— Catholic News Herald