Superintendent Dr. Mike Sargent’s recommendation for program expansions for the 2023-2024 school year was approved by the Kokomo School Corporation Board of School Trustees at its regular monthly (November 7) meeting.
The basis for his recommendation, according to Dr. Sargent, was continuing to meet the corporation’s goal of expanding learning options, which includes the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs for Kokomo School Corporation students.
“STEM is aligned with sound educational research related to engaging students while providing a learning environment for students who are seeking an approach based on STEM concepts, which focuses not only on Indiana Academic Standards; but also, on thinking, experimenting, and problem solving,” Dr. Sargent explained. “At the foundation of our variety of educational programs that meet the various learning needs of our students is a dedicated and committed staff who create student learning experiences based on those Indiana Academic Standards.”
In pursuit of this goal to continue providing learning options for Kokomo Schools families, the Board approved Dr. Sargent’s recommendation to re-open Maple Crest Elementary School as a choice magnet STEM elementary school that will include a Gifted & Talented program (KEY – Kokomo Enrichment of Youth) program for grades K through 4th for the 2023-2024 school year. Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year both the Maple Crest STEM Elementary School and the KEY program will include grade 5.
Maple Crest STEM Elementary School will add another school choice program since the magnet elementary program will be open to qualifying elementary students as space is available. Transportation will be provided to any qualifying student who does not live within the walk-in boundaries of Maple Crest STEM Elementary School. Families may apply for their elementary students to attend Maple Crest Elementary during the 2023-2024 Spring enrollment Choice application process when parents and students prioritize their requested programs/schools for the upcoming school year.
Maple Crest STEM Middle School has been an Indiana DOE State-certified STEM school since 2016, while the STEM Academy at Kokomo High School has been State-certified since 2021.
“I am confident these changes, including the new programs and options at Maple Crest Elementary approved by the Board, will continue to move Kokomo Schools forward in ways that will prepare our students for the changing world.” Dr. Sargent added. “I believe this will make our great schools even better. Our “School Choice” enrollment process for the 2023-2024 school year for students will begin at the Early Childhood Fair at Memorial Gym in February 2023 and continue until the beginning of Spring Break.
The magnet elementary programs for the 2023-2024 school year now will include Lafayette Park Elementary International School (PK-5) and Sycamore Elementary International School (PK-5), including KEY; Maple Crest STEM Elementary School (K-4), including KEY; and Wallace Elementary School of Integrated Arts (K-5).
The corporation also will maintain the neighborhood elementary school options, including Bon Air Elementary School (PK-2) & Pettit Park Elementary School (PK, 3-5); Boulevard Elementary School (PK5), including the Outdoor Learning (K-2) magnet; and Elwood Haynes Elementary School (PK-5). Transportation for qualifying students at the neighborhood schools is determined by school boundaries and walk-in zones.