REMINDER: Next Generation Science Standards Info. and STEM Town documentary screening

PTAC is pleased to highlight some upcoming STEM opportunities and info. below:

NGSS Night for Parents: To learn more about your child’s science education and the Next Generation Science Standards, you are invited to attend an NGSS Night for Parents on Wednesday, November 14 from 5-7pm at the BOE conference room at 100 South Turnpike Road. If you are planning to attend, please RSVP here.

STEM TOWN documentary Screening: is on Monday, November 19, 2018 at 7 p.m. at the Holiday Cinemas. There is free admission to this event. STEM Town Flyer

A recent message from the Science and Technology Department to all Families:

Dear Parents and Guardians,

The Wallingford Public Schools Science and Technology Department believes that parent involvement in science education is crucial to children’s interest in and ability to learn science. Research shows that when parents play an active role, children achieve greater success as learners. Furthermore, the more intensely parents are involved, the more confident and engaged their children are as learners and the more beneficial the effects on their achievement.

Historically, innovations in science and technology have been powerful forces for improving our quality of life and fueling economic development worldwide. To continue to reap the economic and social benefits that accrue from such innovation, as well as to find solutions to challenging problems in the areas of health, energy, and the environment, we must ensure parents and children value science learning and recognize the tremendous opportunities that can arise from being more scientifically and technologically literate and better prepared to participate in the 21st-century workforce. For students who decide to pursue careers in STEM, there are numerous job opportunities available in Wallingford, in Connecticut, and nationwide.

Opportunities for Parents

Children are naturally curious about the world around them. Parents and other caregivers can nurture this curiosity in children of all ages by creating a positive and safe environment at home for exploration and discovery. Some strategies include encouraging your children’s interest in science, providing opportunities for science learning at home and in the community, and joining your children in learning new things about science and technology. Take advantage of not knowing all the answers to your children’s questions and embrace opportunities to learn science together.

Schools are essential resources for science learning. The more actively engaged parents and other caregivers are in their children’s schooling, the more beneficial schools can be for building their child’s appreciation and knowledge of and confidence and skills in science and technology. This holds true throughout the school-age years, from preschool through college. Become a partner in your children’s schooling. Communicate regularly with your children and their teachers, school administrators, and counselors to learn more about your children’s science learning opportunities. Encourage your children to participate in extracurricular opportunities focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), such as clubs, field trips, after-school programs, and science research competitions. Be informed about the science program at your children’s school. You can read more about the Wallingford’s curriculum here: Curriculum Website for Parents.