The free-flowing event allowed families to try 20 different activities, each offering a different connection point to lessons scholars are learning in class. Stations offered a variety of STEM-related activations such as learning about and seeing exotic animals, making shapes on a peg board, and using physics to push a pencil through a bag of water.
South Canton brings in the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum annually, and the event is always popular among families, said Dean of Special Education and Intervention Katie Ruwe, adding that parent feedback is always positive.
“When families are walking out, they typically say ‘That was so great. Thank you so much, it was so fun,’” Ruwe said. “I think our families really appreciate the opportunity to do an activity with their kids where they don’t have to pay for parking or navigate an unfamiliar space.”
The event is made possible through South Canton Scholars’ partnership with the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum. They work with South Canton to design the activities and tailor the content to relate to scholars. With outstanding community partnerships like these, it’s no wonder parents love the school’s events.
Students also enjoy the event not only for the fun stations, but also for building relationships with fellow classmates and teachers. When they see their teacher or their friend’s parent running an activity, it adds a personal connection and enriches the experience for students.
The event can inspire families to take the learning outside of school and head to Ann Arbor for the full Hands-On Museum experience. It’s a new experience for some families, and through the partnership with South Canton, families know it’s a family-friendly place for educational fun.
“I think this event shows that the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum is a reputable place where families can go and have a good time,” Ruwe said. “When we bring it here to South Canton, I think it entices families to potentially step out of the Canton community and go check out Ann Arbor and all the fun the museum has to offer.”
Ruwe said the school’s Math and Science Committee was instrumental in planning and putting on the event. The school’s National Junior Honor Society also lent a hand in setting up and cleaning after the event ended.
South Canton continues to bring families engaging, fun events to build on their stellar school culture and community.
Great work, Dean Ruwe, the Math and Science Committee, and the South Canton National Junior Honor Society! Way to engage families and build community!
About South Canton Scholars
South Canton Scholars is a tuition-free, public charter school in Canton, Michigan, serving students in Young 5s through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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