Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Education Stem topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Coventry Elementary highlights hydroponics, Makerspace and SEL pilots as test scores tick up
Summary
At the Dec. 17 school board meeting, Coventry Elementary teachers and students showcased hydroponics, a Makerspace program and a trauma-informed SEL pilot; the school reported a 51% third-grade fall OST pass rate, up 7 points from last year.
Coventry Elementary School staff and students presented an array of hands‑on learning programs to the Coventry Local School Board during the board’s Dec. 17 meeting, highlighting hydroponics and Makerspace activities, a trauma‑informed social-emotional learning pilot and improved fall third‑grade test scores.
In a presentation that brought about 40 students into the board room, teachers described how grant funding and community donations paid for hydroponic systems, 3‑D printers and other Makerspace equipment. "We have to check the water, we have to add water ... harvest," a student presenter said, describing tasks on the hydroponic racks. The student added, "It's 50% faster if you use hydroponics to grow plants," a comment staff used to illustrate the classroom’s hands‑on learning.
CES staff also reported the school’s third‑grade fall OST pass rate rose to 51% this fall from 44% the prior year, a 7‑percentage‑point gain. A presenter noted the improvement came even as the statewide average declined, saying the results reflected classroom practices and curricular supports such as CKLA and targeted teacher activities.
A third‑grade teacher described an end‑of‑unit "hospital transformation" in which volunteer parents and health professionals staffed learning centers — anesthesia, operating room and paramedic skills — to connect students with careers and deepen curriculum learning. Another teacher detailed a medieval‑day culminating activity that included stations for hatchet‑throwing (with donated, supervised props), catapults and mock jousting, reporting strong student engagement.
Kindergarten teachers described piloting two programs through Child Guidance and Family Solutions: a trauma‑informed social‑emotional curriculum presented once weekly and an "Incredible Leaders" component that focuses on safety, connection and problem solving. Administrators said the pilot will expand training for staff in January and encouraged parent involvement.
Teachers credited grants and community partners — including the Coventry Foundation and local donors — for supplying much of the equipment and volunteer support. The presentation closed with an announcement that the school has been nominated for the OASA Hall of Fame, with an application due Jan. 7 and a possible site visit if the nomination advances.
Board members praised the elementary staff’s work and commended the students. The presentation was informational; no formal district action was taken. Next steps noted by presenters include continuing grant applications, expanding SEL supports and submitting the Hall of Fame application.
