Walnut Elementary School
What STEM means at Walnut Elementary School
At Walnut Elementary School, we envision a future where every student is engaged, challenged, and inspired to become a creative thinker, confident learner, and compassionate problem solver. Guided by the South Montgomery Community School Corporation mission to provide a challenging and dynamic learning experience, we are committed to empowering students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become successful, responsible, and productive members of society.
Our STEM program is designed to foster curiosity, exploration, and innovation through hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences that connect classroom learning to the real world. Students engage in integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics experiences that encourage critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. Through meaningful problem-solving opportunities and project-based learning, students develop the confidence to ask questions, investigate solutions, and apply their learning in authentic and engaging ways.
Walnut Elementary School is dedicated to providing equitable access to high-quality STEM learning opportunities that prepare students for future success. Students build foundational technology and computational thinking skills while developing resilience, adaptability, and teamwork through collaborative learning experiences. By embedding responsibility, perseverance, and leadership into daily instruction, students gain the durable skills needed to succeed both academically and personally.
Our educators are committed to implementing research-based instructional practices that support active engagement, student growth, and continuous improvement. Through collaboration, reflective teaching, and ongoing professional learning, teachers create supportive classrooms where students are encouraged to take risks, think independently, and grow as learners. Families and community partners are valued collaborators in fostering a learning environment that celebrates innovation, curiosity, and student achievement.
Above all, Walnut Elementary School will be recognized as a place where students are empowered to explore, create, and lead with confidence as they develop the skills and mindset necessary to positively impact their future and the world around them.
What makes our STEM program stand out
Career Exploration & STEM Connections
Walnut Elementary School creates meaningful career-connected learning experiences that help students explore the wide range of opportunities available within STEM fields. Through initiatives such as Manufacturing Week, Careers on Wheels, and Career Week, students interact directly with community partners, industry professionals, and higher education representatives from organizations including Ivy Tech and Purdue University. These hands-on experiences allow students to ask questions, explore equipment and technology, and gain exposure to real-world careers in manufacturing, transportation, engineering, healthcare, and other STEM-related industries. By connecting classroom learning to future career pathways, Walnut Elementary helps students build curiosity, confidence, and awareness of the many opportunities available through STEM education.
STEM Day
Walnut Elementary School’s STEM Day provided students with a full day of engaging, hands-on learning experiences designed to build creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Students across the school participated in a variety of STEM activities including bridge building, coding, catapults, robot hand engineering, zoo enclosure design, and sensory science challenges. Parent volunteers supported classroom stations throughout the day, helping create an exciting learning environment where students explored STEM concepts through active experimentation and teamwork. STEM Day showcased Walnut Elementary’s commitment to providing meaningful, schoolwide STEM experiences that make learning both fun and impactful.
Sphero Indi Robotics
Walnut Elementary School is enhancing computer science and computational thinking skills through the use of Sphero Indi learning robots. Students engage in both screen-based and hands-on coding experiences while exploring foundational programming concepts such as sequencing, pattern recognition, cause and effect, and problem-solving. Through interactive activities with the Indi robots, students strengthen creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking skills in an engaging learning environment that makes coding accessible and enjoyable for all learners.
Walnut Elementary School is a preschool through fifth grade elementary school located in New Ross, Indiana, and is part of the South Montgomery Community School Corporation. Serving approximately 166 students, Walnut Elementary provides a supportive, student-centered learning environment focused on academic growth, strong community connections, and preparing students for future success through engaging and meaningful learning experiences.