STEM Lab community goes above and beyond in fundraiser

We just completed our biggest fundraiser of the year and raised $50,000. Along the way, we introduced school-wide incentives for achieving certain milestones. When we reached 50%, our teachers dressed in silly costumes at drop off and pick up; at 75%, our SO, Mr. Tyler, dyed his beard (and hair!) STEM Lab teal; and when we hit 100%, we would have a fun event where our AP's, Mr. Santella and Ms. Overton, were slimed. We also set an additional goal that if we raised more than 100%, we would turn Mr. Shields, our principal, into a Human Sundae! To celebrate reaching these goals (which we did in record time), we organized a pep rally to slime the AP's and turn Mr. Shields into a Human Sundae. It was the highlight of our time on the PTO board and an unforgettable experience for many staff members. The entire STEM Lab community had the best and most memorable time. Ms. Overton said "The event was impeccably organized, the timing was spot-on, and you thought of so many details large and small that made it a joy-filled, laughter-rich, core-memory-making event. Our teachers enjoyed it as much as the kids and so many of them went out of their way to share with us what a great time they had. We experienced collective effervescence that wove us together as a true pK-8 community."

The following night we had our Color Run event to celebrate the end of our successful fundraiser and it was one for the books! As a PTO board, our mission is to build and support the STEM Lab community of Students, Teachers, Parents and Families, Staff and Business Partners through fundraising and community events to develop and enhance the education and community of STEM Lab and we definitely accomplished that, and more.

This story exemplifies our ELEVATE Focus Area: 21st Century Learners. Sharing stories of students who collaborate, think critically, problem-solve and are digitally literate to thrive in today’s ever-changing world.