Johnston, SC – An elite team of current and former educators, Strom Thurmond High School students, community business partners and subject matter experts brought together its collective experience and expertise for the benefit of W.E. Parker Elementary students during the school’s annual STEM Day, held Friday, March 24, 2023.

Parker Pride students got their hands wet learning about and mining for rocks and minerals, they learned about the science of fingerprinting and created a Student ID kit, and delved into the world of inertia and energy to create their own spinners they then used in impromptu races. Other students learned how to make their own slime, came to grips with the forces of magnets, and learned about important plant and animal species.

W.E. Parker Elementary School principal, Charidy Quattlebaum, was impressed by the sheer number of hands-on experiences and field experts her students were able to interact with and learn from.  

“Since I am brand new this year to W.E. Parker, I was very excited to see our STEM day in action,” stated Quattlebaum. “The students loved this experience. What a wonderful collective of groups and businesses to make this day possible for our students. Mrs. Coleman, our STEM teacher, headed this event and did such a fabulous job of coordinating the efforts of so many to provide an opportunity for our students to see all the different career clusters and jobs that are available.”

Quattlebaum said the feedback she has received from students, teachers and staff has been overwhelmingly positive.

“Our students loved the event,” she commented. “There was excitement on the faces of every student in our building.  The teachers and staff also appreciated the events and exhibitors who came out to show our students about the world of work.”

Quattlebaum said the school is fortunate to have so many talented school district and community supporters who are willing to share their knowledge and expertise.

“We are so thankful and grateful to all who were willing to be a part of this event for W.E. Parker Elementary,” stated Quattlebaum. “What a wonderful way for the community to support our school. Lastly, to everyone who participated, you may never realize how many seeds of opportunity you planted that day for our students.”