McNear's Maker Space is a dynamic, hands-on learning environment where creativity, innovation, and problem-solving come to life. It's a place where students can explore their interests, learn new skills, and collaborate on projects using a variety of tools and materials. From brown bag challenges and robotics/Lego kits to craft supplies and building materials, our Maker Space is equipped to inspire young minds. Mrs. Becker leads students in a monthly class as well as teacher led classes based on a schoolwide focus. Last year we ended with an all school student created car race!
Kids are given the freedom to think outside the box and come up with original ideas. This nurtures a creative mindset and fosters a love for inventing and making.
Working on projects often involves overcoming challenges and finding solutions. This helps children develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities that are essential for their academic and personal growth.
Maker Spaces are collaborative environments where students can work together, share ideas, and learn from one another. This builds teamwork skills and enhances their ability to communicate effectively.
Children learn best by doing. The hands-on nature of Maker Spaces allows students to engage with their projects actively, making learning more meaningful and memorable.
Completing a project or solving a problem gives children a sense of accomplishment and boosts their self-confidence. They also learn that failure is a part of the learning process and develop resilience as they persist through challenges.
Maker Spaces provide opportunities to apply science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts in real-world contexts. This practical application makes STEM subjects more engaging and accessible.
Skills learned in a Maker Space, such as coding, engineering, and design, are increasingly valuable in today’s technology-driven world. Early exposure to these areas prepares students for future academic and career opportunities.
Our students spend time frequently in our school garden where they participate in hands-on learning, develop connections to nature, and learn environmental stewardship. Our garden program instills a sense of responsibility and empowerment, and they take ownership of caring for plants and watching them grow.
Our library is a place where students learn to LOVE reading. Through weekly visits, students have the opportunity to check out books with the help of our library coordinator.
Physical education fosters healthy habits, strengthens bodies and minds, and promotes cooperative learning. Our students engage in PE regularly with an emphasis on health, fitness, and fun!
Social-emotional learning (SEL) lays the foundation for student well-being and success. SEL equips children with essential skills such as self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and effective communication, which are fundamental for navigating relationships, managing emotions, and making responsible decisions. By fostering a positive school climate and providing opportunities for SEL, educators empower students to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
We are fortunate to have a mental health team to support our students. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs), Guidance Counselors, and counseling interns, work with students in classroom, group, and individual settings to support their mental health.
Students of all ages LOVE our Buddy program. Older students serve as mentors to their younger buddies where they learn to work together in community bonding activities. Encouraging students to build relationships across grade levels provides a safe, supportive school environment for all students.
Field trips and outdoor education provide experiential learning opportunities that add context and real-world applications to classroom activities. Common field trips include local watersheds, historical sites, museums, and an overnight 6th-grade camp experience.
Our school offers a variety of afterschool enrichment opportunities to extend learning for our students.
Our students receive weekly instruction in music from a credentialed music teacher. Primary-age students explore singing and rhythm through Orff instruments, movement and song. Grades 5 and 6 have opportunities to learn a band instrument such as woodwinds, brass, and percussion.
Our students have an opportunity to participate in a musical theater production through our afterschool program. In addition to acting, singing, and dancing, participating in theater arts can help develop confidence, public speaking skills and lasting friendships.
Our students receive instruction in visual art from a credentialed art teacher and from volunteers in our art docent program. Our program strives to nurture creativity and critical thinking through hands-on activities and exposure to various artistic techniques and mediums.
