May 19, 2006 – The Charles H. Emanuel Elementary School will take part in the NASA Explorer Schools program next school year. The focus of the program is to enhance learning in the areas of math and science.
Science teacher Vywatt David, the team leader for the school's NES program, received notification of acceptance into the partnership from NASA officials in Washington, D.C., on May 3.
"The process was highly competitive, and we are confident that your team will be a successful NASA partner," Peggy L. Steffen, NASA Explorer Schools program manager, wrote the school's NES team.
"We are very excited to begin our three year partnership with your school," Steffen wrote.
According to the NES Web site, the program is available based on needs assessments, with 50 new schools being accepted into the partnership each year.
In a release from the Department of Education, Cecelia Knowles, acting St. Croix Superintendent, welcomed the partnership between NASA and the V.I. Department of Education.
"We are confident that the school will use the information and resources gathered from NASA to improve the teaching of mathematics and science within the school," Knowles said, adding that "the new instructional resources and technology tools will be shared with other schools in the district as well."
Knowles said that during the 2006-07 school year the Education Department plans on emphasizing math and science in the classrooms. With this emphasis and district participation, students will benefit all across the region through on-site school services and distance learning networks.
According to the NES Web site, the development plan promotes and supports the incorporation of NASA content and programs into science, technology and mathematics curriculum in grades 4-9 across the United States.
The mission of the NASA Explorer Schools is to bring together educators, administrators, students and families in the pursuit of education.
Teams composed of full-time teachers and a school administrator will develop and implement a three-year action plan to address local challenges in science, technology and mathematics education.
Emanuel Principal Basil A. Williams said, "We look forward to receiving specialized training from NASA, resources and technical assistance."
Williams also credits Velma Tyson, a University of the Virgin Islands mathematics professor, with guiding the elementary school to this valuable partnership with NASA.
Emanuel school team members include Assistant Principal Delicia Sealey-Espinosa, Petrine Alien, Mabel Henry and Kenneth Selkridge.
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