Pinehurst Elementary to receive new TMC Lab

PINEHURST — Students at Pinehurst Elementary School (PES) are back in the lab again — well at least they will be soon. PES’s Pinehurst After School Solution Program (PASS Program) will be receiving a new TMC Lab thanks to a recent sponsorship from Spokane Teachers Credit Union (STCU).

TMC stands for: Think, Make and Create.

“The goal of PASS is to create a fun, safe place for students to have a snack, complete their homework and engage in an enrichment activity such as STEM, art, music, cooking, community service, physical education, social emotional learning and literacy activities,” said PASS Director Deanne Fitzgerald.

The TMC Lab checks all of those boxes and then some.

The lab is a mobile makerspace — which basically means that it is highly portable and can be used in a diverse amount of places and ways.

Looking to the future, Fitzgerald and other employees at PES are excited about being chosen for a Think, Make, Create (TMC) Lab because several of their favorite lessons are the STEM activities and the community outreach opportunities.

“The PASS kids love to show what they know and get excited to have community members involved in their learning. We were able to purchase snowshoes this year, and they were delivered right before the last big storm. The students and teachers really enjoyed getting out on them, and we are looking forward to more winter activities. I love the idea that they are getting out of their comfort zones and exploring all the possibilities of our area.”

While STEM is the acronym that everyone is familiar with, STCU has added a letter that they hope is emphasized as well.

“Their mission is to strengthen and support the state’s commitment to STEAM education at a time when a growing number of jobs are technology-based,” STCU said in a recent press release. “Each lab is equipped with art supplies, educational materials, tools and curriculum for STEAM education( science, technology, engineering, art and math.) As an organization founded by educators, STCU views lab sponsorship as part of its longstanding commitment to education and helping ignite kids’ excitement over STEAM subjects.”

In addition, PES is hoping to partner with other agencies, clubs and organizations within Shoshone County as avenues to use their new TMC Lab.

The PASS program was initially funded from 2016 to 2021 with the 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant (21st CCLC). This program supports the creation of community learning centers and provides academic enrichment during non-school hours. In addition, this program helps students meet the challenges of the state and local academic standards.

PASS is currently the only after-school program at PES, providing services to approximately 30 students. Students apply at the beginning of the school year, with particular attention to individual academic needs to determine enrollment. There is currently a waiting list for students who would like to participate in the program.

PES Principal Mike Groves and Fitzgerald worked in tandem to write the grants using survey and data information obtained from classroom teachers, parents, students, special education professionals and district administration.

“We appreciate all the help and support letters we received from the community partners,” Fitzgerald said.

The program has assistance from a lead teacher, a PASS paraprofessional, and two Special Education paraprofessionals who support academic and enrichment activities. The program is also excited to bring on some high school students as program aides and tutors.

PES did not receive an extension of its 21st CCLC grant funding, however, the news of not receiving the grant did not stop the impassioned Fitzgerald.

She currently plans to network and acquire alternate funding to continue the PASS program for the current school year. This year the program is funded through the Idaho Community Programs for Youth (ICPY), supported by Idaho Out of School Network and Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Although funded by a different grant this year, the mission of the PASS program is the same.

“The PASS mission is to answer the needs of our students and their families by providing a safe and intentional program that serves our students, supplements the academic efforts of teachers, support staff and parents,” said Fitzgerald. “We aim to be the liaison between our learners and the community, creating caring relationships to guide our youth to be valued and productive members of society. I feel that this program helps find ways around barriers that hold some of our students back from experiencing their community to the fullest.”

If interested in co-hosting the TMC lab, please get in touch with Deanne Fitzgerald at PES. Training opportunities for those interested will take place in April, with the lab to be rolled out later in the spring. PES is also currently looking for energetic and experienced applicants for PASS paraprofessionals. Applicants may apply through the Kellogg School District website.