Valley Mills Elementary
What STEM means at Valley Mills Elementary
At Valley Mills Elementary, we envision a future where every student is empowered to learn, lead, and succeed through engaging STEM experiences that inspire curiosity, innovation, and lifelong learning. Rooted in the MSD of Decatur Township mission of being Student Invested, Community Connected, Valley Mills is committed to prioritizing student learning, safety, and customer service while creating a supportive environment where every child feels valued and capable of success. Through meaningful STEM opportunities and strong relationships, students will develop the skills, confidence, and mindset necessary to become Tomorrow Ready learners and leaders.
At Valley Mills Elementary, STEM learning will encourage students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and solve real-world problems using creativity and innovation. Through inquiry-driven instruction, hands-on learning experiences, and the integration of one-to-one technology in grades first through sixth, students will strengthen academic understanding while developing essential 21st century skills in communication, adaptability, digital literacy, and problem solving. Our classrooms will provide opportunities for students to explore, design, create, and discover in ways that connect learning to authentic experiences and future opportunities.
Guided by our four pillars of Safety, Respect, Responsibility, and Focus, Valley Mills Elementary will foster a positive and supportive school culture where all students are encouraged to “SRRF” in their learning and daily interactions. Through Positive Behavioral Intervention Supports (PBIS), social-emotional learning, and collaborative classroom communities, students will build resilience, accountability, perseverance, and leadership skills that support both academic and personal growth. We are committed to creating an environment built on trust, respect, and joy, where students feel empowered to take risks, embrace challenges, and celebrate success.
As a community-connected school, Valley Mills Elementary values strong partnerships with families, staff, and community stakeholders in supporting student achievement and growth. By connecting STEM learning to real-world applications and meaningful collaboration, students will become compassionate problem solvers, innovative thinkers, and responsible citizens prepared to contribute positively to their school and community. Valley Mills Elementary will continue inspiring students each day to “Go LEARN Something” as they grow into confident learners equipped for future success.
What makes our STEM program stand out
Inspiring Future Innovators Through STARBASE
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Decatur Township elementary students participate in immersive, hands-on STEM learning experiences through the district’s partnership with STARBASE Indianapolis. Students engage in engineering design challenges, molecular modeling, scientific investigations, CAD activities, and collaborative problem-solving experiences that bring science, technology, engineering, and math to life in meaningful ways.
This partnership helps students build creativity, critical thinking, teamwork, and confidence while connecting classroom learning to real-world applications. Through engaging STEM opportunities, Decatur Township is inspiring curiosity and preparing students with the durable skills needed for future success in school, careers, and beyond.
Cross-Curricular STEAM
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All students are engaged in STEAM experiences that connect science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics through hands-on, cross-curricular learning. Students explore scientific concepts through creative design, build prototypes using a variety of tools and materials, investigate real-world problems through experimentation and data collection, and develop technology skills through collaborative projects.
These experiences encourage creativity, communication, critical thinking, and innovation while helping students make meaningful connections across subjects. By integrating the arts alongside STEM learning, Decatur Township empowers students to explore, create, and problem-solve in ways that prepare them for future success both inside and outside the classroom.
Robotics Club
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Decatur Township elementary students have opportunities to engage in hands-on robotics experiences that inspire creativity, innovation, and teamwork while building foundational STEM skills. Through robotics clubs, engineering activities, coding experiences, and VEX IQ competitions, students explore computer engineering, problem-solving, and technology in exciting and meaningful ways.
These experiences help students develop critical thinking, collaboration, perseverance, and communication skills while introducing them to future career pathways in STEM fields. By providing students with opportunities to design, build, program, and compete, Decatur Township’s elementary robotics programs empower young learners to become confident creators, innovators, and problem-solvers prepared for tomorrow’s world.
Valley Mills Elementary School is part of MSD Decatur Township, located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The school serves approximately 544 students in Kindergarten through 6th grade, providing a welcoming and student-centered learning environment focused on growth, collaboration, and achievement. Valley Mills Elementary is committed to fostering academic success, creativity, and positive relationships while empowering students to explore their interests, build confidence, and develop skills for future success.