Donuts for Dads Celebration

Columbia Elementary School held its first “Donuts for Dads” April 4, 2014 at the school, said Columbia Elementary technology teacher Laurel Cutting. The event was organized by school social worker Annette Lopez.The event was held “to recognize and acknowledge all of the Columbia Elementary dads and thank them for their support of their child’s education,” said Cutting. “Approximately 100 dads attended with their children, and 220 donuts were consumed,” she said.“This event and many of Columbia’s other school functions are important in helping parents to feel welcome in our school and to let them know that we appreciate them for supporting their child’s education and letting them know that their child’s success is a team effort,” said Lopez.“We are absolutely thrilled that so many of our dads came out to join us this morning for donuts,” said Columbia Elementary Principal Tiffany Gomez. “It just shows how dedicated our Columbia parents are to the success of their children. Team Columbia is truly amazing,” she said.

At STEM, Students Learn Science, Technology, Engineering and Math are Loaded With Fun!

On Thursday night, April 3, 2014, Columbia Elementary School teachers, parents and many members of the community teamed up to teach kids science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).  It was lots of fun at the first-annual Columbia Elementary STEM night, where some 200 kids and parents participated in creative activities that required problem solving and critical thinking in an exciting way.

The idea for a STEM night was that of Columbia’s Math Priority Team. The team wanted to use the event as a way to show kids that science and math are used to solve real-world problems.  “We need to get kids to think outside of the box when it comes to science and math,” the team said. “Children need to explore and be creative and realize that STEM is all around us.”

Many activities and experiments were set up in classrooms, hallways and the computer lab. There was a planetarium in the lobby, a health fair in the main hall and a DJ in the cafeteria. In addition, the Mayfield High School varsity softball team volunteered their time to help Columbia administration serve complimentary hotdogs, chips and water to all who attended.

“It’s great to expose kids to the fun aspect of science and math at an early age,” said Columbia Principal Tiffany Gomez. “I think the parents were amazed with the event. The kids had a blast and so did the parents,” she said.

Gomez said Columbia Elementary plans on making the STEM night an annual event.