STEMMING IT UP at Jackson!
A newsletter for STEM #2 - October 2026
October is a great month for STEM!
GLOW DAY is coming back again! Would you like to make it extra special for our kids? Consider a donation to add to our Glow Day supplies:
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE AN ITEM
If you are a parent who would like to help in the STEM classroom during GLOW Days, please send Mrs. Hilgers or Ms. Gallagher an email. GLOW DAYS will take place October 26 - October 29. If you want to be in our classroom during your child's glow day to volunteer, simply ask your child on which cycle day they have STEM! October 26 is a Day 1, October 27 is a Day 2, October 28 is a Day 3 and October 29 is a Day 4. ghilgers@shakopee.k12.mn.us OR mgallagher@shakopee.k12.mn.us or here is a link to the schedule to determine your child's STEM day.
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math!
Our STEM classes have a very hands-on and engaging curriculum! If you are a parent or community member with STEM experience, we would love to welcome you with a visit to our classroom! Please contact Gigi Hilgers, STEM specialist, using her email: ghilgers@shakopee.k12.mn.us or Ms. Gallagher at mgallagher@shakopee.k12.mn.us and let's connect regarding how you might share your career and how it connects to STEM!
Call for recycled and donated materials!
DONATE RECYCLED OR NEW ITEMS TO STEM! At the end of last year, a Seesaw message went out to all parents requesting paper towel rolls, toilet paper rolls, washed out plastic bottles and plastic bottle caps, and a request for donations of new straws, popsicle sticks and tongue depressors.
Below is a link to our list of items we would like donated:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1od3HXJYsAhBCsD6SMS15ee_Ghg_-oLwY7fOnOHgF6nU/edit?usp=sharing We have a large amount of cardboard at this time. Additionally, we no longer need shoe boxes.
Dot Day was fun for all!
Students in grades K and 1 made creations out of circles and dots. Grades 2 and 3 made, tested and kept data on their hoop flyers. Grades 4 and 5 created foozball soccer games. For more information about International Dot Day, you can go to: https://www.internationaldotday.org/
Quarter 1 Highlights!
In Grades K/1, students will be examining patterns and using pattern blocks as well as doing creative builds based on nursery rhymes and fairy tales. In Grades 2/3, students will be creating a number of different design builds including a KEVA plank build, a skateboard park, a town, and a bee pollination habitat.
In grades 4/5, students will be focusing on designing and creating a zip line, using Strawbee kits to create a catapult and trebuchet, and examining and creating a wing-powered car.
What is Micro:bit?
We have added items to our curriculum this year, and one of the exciting items is the Micro:bit curriculum!
Home Recycled Items Needed
Click on the link to see the items needed that can be recycled from your home! We are also looking for donations of LEGOS, magnatiles, tinker toys and any STEM items you have enjoyed in your home but are not using!
More information about STEM and our vision...
Below is a video that explains STEM and our vision...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zln8T4T9aA
STEM Classroom Wish List - Mrs. Hilgers and Ms. Gallagher
The wish list link is listed below. Items can be sent to the main office with "STEM" written on them and Mrs. Hilgers' name.