IRSD to host back-to-school fair and STEM workshop

The Indian River School District will help families ease back into school with an end-of-summer festival and STEM workshop Wednesday, Aug. 22, from 3 to 7 p.m., at Sussex Central High School.

Families of students in all grade levels, K-12, are being invited to this picnic-style event, which includes food, games and a petting zoo. Every district school will sponsor a booth, along with face-painting, karaoke or other activities. Community groups will also offer support services, such as safety with the Delaware State Police, health with Nemours, recycling with the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control and more, with the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, 4-H, Millsboro Fire Hall and so on.

“We’re hoping that people will take the opportunity to have a fun social activity before the school year starts,” said Michele Murphy, coordinator of IRSD Parent Center.

The fair gives students an opportunity to meet teachers, principals, administrators and school board members before diving into the 2012-2013 school year.

“It’s a great chance to come back, meet the teachers … find out good community info to support your families, both scholastic and community-related. It’ll be a good blend,” said Murphy.

The event is being held in conjunction with the “Design & Develop: Structural Engineering & Robotics” science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workshop for students, parents and guardians. The third workshop in the district’s Passport to Innovative Learning Series will give participants of all ages the opportunity to build and experiment with robots, and to construct bridges and other structures. The free STEM workshop will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Registration is not required.

Virginia Space Flight Academy will work with Lego robotics, and the Delaware Department of Transportation will discuss construction of the new Indian River Inlet bridge.

This is the first year Indian River has hosted a back-to-school fair, as part of its Race to the Top goal for parental partnerships and involvement.

“We’re just trying to make more inroads to have [families] come to school for different events, to have them feel more connected … to talk to different families and hear their needs,” said Murphy.

Those attending the event can use the main entrance to Sussex Central High School, located at 26026 Patriots Way in Georgetown. Components of the event will take place throughout the school.

For more information about the Back-to-School Fair and STEM Workshop, contact Michele Murphy, Parent Center coordinator, at (302) 732-1522 or michele.murphy@irsd.k12.de.us.

The Parent Center is available online at www.irsd.net under the “Parents & Students” tab.