VERSAILLES, IN — Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner visited South Ripley Elementary School (SRES) Tuesday to congratulate the staff on achieving the STEM designation.
Dr. Jenner says she’s heard for some time about South Ripley Elementary’s academic strength.
“Today I actually saw it in action and saw students developing the skills and building various objects,” Jenner said.
Secretary Jenner says she’s impressed with the people in the elementary building.
“That’s what always makes a school. And you can feel the energy of the people is just radiating around this building from the students, to the teachers to the school leaders, it’s really fantastic to see,” Jenner added. “I’m really proud of the work here.”
She says SRES’ new designation is well-deserved.
“They are a STEM-certified school, only one of 15 that we named this year for several reasons, but I’d say probably the biggest reason is the immersion in STEM activities is everywhere,” Jenner said. “It’s not just one class but it is spread throughout all of their “classrooms.”
South Ripley Elementary Principal Ryan Lauber says he’s thrilled his school received the STEM designation.
“Our STEM Team has worked really hard for several years to achieve this and a very rigorous process that we went through, our community, our teachers and support staff, our students…everybody pulled together to make this happen for our kids and I’m very excited about the future of South Ripley,” Lauber said.
Lauber also said he was honored by Dr. Jenner’s visit.
“We’re very pleased that she could fit us into her schedule,” he said. “I know she’s really, really busy but to have her here is really special to us.”
Dr. Jenner toured the building and met with students and staff during her visit.
