Elementary school earns official STEM certification

Avondale Elementary School is now an official Cognia STEM Certified School, according to a press release.

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Avondale Elementary School serves children in pre-k through fifth grade in Avondale Estates,

“The Domains are foundational elements that define structures within a quality STEM learning ecosystem,” the Cognia website read.

“These structures support learner readiness for future opportunities aligned to STEM pathways. ... The STEM Standards also contain concepts that serve as a roadmap for implementing high quality STEM practices and processes.

“The STEM Standards are the evaluative criteria that allow STEM Certification Review Teams to provide feedback that validates effective practices and sheds light on areas that represent opportunities for continued improvement.”

Based on a set of rigorous research-based standards and evidence-based criteria, the accreditation process examines the whole institution — its policies, programs, practices, learning conditions, and cultural context — to determine how well the parts work together to carry out the institution’s vision and meet the needs of every learner.

Accreditation isn’t about passing a one-time inspection.

Rather, accreditation recognizes education providers that demonstrate and sustain their commitments to continuous improvement and better learner outcomes, according to Cognia. JUANITA LOVE FOR THE AJC

Upcoming

■ Doraville American Red Cross Blood Drive. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday. Forest Fleming Arena, 3037 Pleasant Valley Drive, Atlanta. Everyone inside the building will be required to wear a mask. All donations also will be tested for COVID antibodies. No walk-ins will be allowed for the blood drive. To register, visit Redcrossblood. org and use the sponsor code “DORAPR.”

■In person or online: campgladiator. 9 a.m. every Saturday through April 10, 4:30 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Free for one week. Pernoshal Park, 4575 N. Shallowford Road, Dunwoody. For information, email CG Trainer Brian Hicks at Brianhicks@ Campgladiator.com Register: Campgladiator.com

■In person: Rush Union Spring Break Camp. 9 a.m. to noon April 6-8. $175 for ages 6 to 15. Brook Run Park, 4770 N. Peachtree Road, Dunwoody. To register for this camp, go to: bit.ly/31rllim

■Online: Good Friday Communion Service. 6:30 p.m. Friday.

■In person and online: Easter Sunday Services. 8:45 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. in person and 10:30 a.m. online April

4. Ministries for preschool, children and students are available only during the 10:30 a.m. worship service.

■ Online: career workshops by Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta. Based in Dunwoody. To register, visit jfcsatl.org/calendar/careers