District School Spotlight SEGSD

Nestled in the winding backroads of Bobtown sits Bobtown Elementary School, a bustling hub of energy and activity. From the moment you step inside, it’s evident that this is a place where students and staff alike are enthusiastic about the classes and invested in the projects. Walk into a classroom, and you’ll be enlightened to see just how engaged the students are with their teachers. The interaction between them really is something to see. Inquisitive questions, smiles on faces, and excited hands raised high are just the beginning.

The hallways and windows are adorned with bright, colorful student art projects. Some of which honor local popular pastimes like hunting. Others showcase professions such as coalmining and farming. A glass case in the lobby also garners attention. Fifth grade students were immersed in a social studies art experience with the assistance of the IU1 FabLab, and artists from the Pittsburgh Center for Arts in Media. In a residency study of the Eastern Woodlands, the students crafted maps on skins and woven mats, rediscovered petroglyphs, and used laser technology to create symbols reflecting indigenous cultures. Their creations, including woodblocks and painted natural materials, created a mini archaeological exhibit for all to see upon entering the building.

Glance into a classroom filled with students on laptops with headphones, and you can’t help but be impressed at the focus with which they are working their way through the problems on their screens. Pop into the library and be prepared to witness the hustle and bustle of groups of students moving from STEM station to STEM station, working with objects like Legos, marbles, and bots. Inquiry-based learning while playing, gives the students the opportunity to work collaboratively through sharing information and ideas with each other.

And have you ever heard of a living wax museum, let alone viewed one? Bobtown Elementary has! 6th grade students, dressed as a past or present biographical figures of their choosing, were stationed around the gymnasium for the student body to move through and learn their stories. Upon pressing a button, the 6th grader would recite a speech they had crafted giving a brief narrative about their figure’s life. This proved to be a fun and interesting way for classmates to learn about that personality by hearing the presentation that offered insight into their lives, achievements, and significance in history.

Six miles southwest, you’ll find Mapletown Junior/Senior High School. Known for being a rural school district with the common challenges that tend to arise, they have found ways to achieve great success through innovative lessons and practices. Curriculum, projects, and extracurriculars rival those of the more populous districts.

This year, the high school is celebrating its 100th anniversary, as the main structure of the building was erected in 1924. A community celebration is planned for this coming summer. When you enter those front doors just under the ‘Mapletown High School 1924’ wording, you’re greeted by some student-crafted artwork, one of which is a visual representation of the smaller towns that feed into Greensboro, depicted as a tree with all the roots coming together at the base of the trunk. A close bond between the school and the community is not only important, but integral to the success of the students and the district as a whole.

As you venture the halls you will observe the classrooms that Mapletown prides itself on. The Family Consumer Science class is quite impressive, with four full size kitchen stations. Students get beneficial experience cooking and baking, and well as learning critical information about nutrition. Sewing is another aspect of the class, with projects including the creation of a tree skirt, a tote bag, and stuffed animals. The Environmental Science class, in its tenth consecutive year working with Ohiopyle State Park, is in the middle of nurturing trout eggs, with plans to release them into a cold-water stream at the park. Students take charge of maintaining optimal tank conditions to ensure the trout's well-being. Additionally, they’re engaged in a "Catfish in the Classroom" initiative, raising channel catfish destined for release into the Monongahela River, fostering enthusiasm among students as they contribute to their local watershed. Not to mention, these students have also established a native habitat pollinator garden at the school under the guidance of a Master Gardener, comprised of native shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers that provide essential resources for native pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds.

The ESports program centers on Rocket League, emphasizing teamwork in virtual soccer matches. It incorporates STEM initiatives to foster strategic thinking and problem-solving. What distinguishes this program is its emphasis on career readiness, exposing students to fields like communications and information technology. By blending gaming with practical skills, students are equipped for success in both gaming and future professions. The Technology Education class encompasses a range of disciplines including woodwork, laser cutting, electronics, 3D printing, vinyl cutting, and heat pressing. Students' work is showcased throughout the building, such as podiums used in some of the classrooms.

The gymnasium has undergone some renovations, including new lighting, banners, and flooring, creating a brighter, more inviting atmosphere. The lobby and hallway right outside, now wrapped in black and gold graphics, beautifully complements the revamped gym. Another project is also underway in this area. A 'Wall of Honor' will soon make its debut, featuring an online archive of students and athletes accessible on an interactive digital screen for visitors to explore during school events.

Bobtown Elementary School and Mapletown Junior/Senior High School exemplify the strong bonds between schools and their communities, which is vital for student success. With innovative lessons, hands-on projects, and a focus on career readiness, these schools ensure students are well-prepared for the future. From engaging classroom experiences to community celebrations, these institutions foster a supportive environment where students thrive academically and personally.