STCU Supply Grant to go to STEM learning

BONNERS FERRY — Valley View Elementary third-grade teacher Shelly Hoisington was one of the many recipients of the STCU's Spring 2023 Supply Grant.

Hoisington said she plans to use the $200 to purchase STEM bins to encourage her students to create, invent and solve problems.

“My STEM bins will consist of building materials such as LEGOs, magnetic tiles, blocks, etc.,” she said. “Students are presented with task cards with a challenge to build or design an item such as a bridge, tower, platform, shelter, etc. These bins will be used to begin each day as a 'soft start' to our day. Students are welcome to work independently, with a partner, or in a group to complete the challenges. This provides students with opportunities to share their creativity and also collaborate with others and build teamwork.”

STCU gave educators and schools in Eastern Washington, Central Washington and North Idaho $20,000 in classroom supply grants. Eligible winners were randomly drawn from entries submitted from qualifying public K-12 school districts, in STCU’s sole discretion.