Gretchen Peel, principal, Weaver Lake Elementary, Osseo. To visit the Weaver Lake Web, click on Peel's photo.

Gretchen Peel recognized for fostering science and math literacy at Osseo school

(St. Paul, MN  --  January 3, 2012)   Gretchen Peel, principal of Weaver Lake Elementary – a Science, Math, and Technology (STEM) School in the Osseo district, has been named 2012 Science and Mathematics Elementary and Middle Level Principal of the Year.

Created through a partnership between the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Minnesota Elementary School Principals’ Association (MESPA), the award recognizes the vital importance of fostering lifelong science literacy and honors the key role principals play in developing a culture that encourages and celebrates student interest in math and science.

In nominating Peel for the award, Lisa Koch, curriculum integration coordinator for district 279, harkened the words of John Quincy Adams: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”  Koch said these words “embody Principal Gretchen Peel’s style and substance as our STEM magnet school leader and guide. Mrs. Peel’s strong leadership and scientific approach has led to Weaver Lake Elementary becoming a locally and nationally awarded STEM magnet school.”

"Creating a STEM school has been an exciting challenge," said Peel.  " I have been privileged to work with talented teachers who have been committed to creating an outstanding educational program for our students.  We have learned together.  Every day I am awed by what our student scientists are learning and doing. This honor from MESPA and the Science Museum of Minnesota is a reflection of all of us at Weaver Lake - staff, students and parents."

Weaver Lake staff, students and parents refer to themselves as scientists and observers of the world around them. Peel has created this community of emerging scientists by leading her staff in designing activities to engage the entire family in the scientific process.  The Monarch Fair is a school-wide opportunity for the 760 young entomologists at Weaver Lake to showcase their scientific investigations and hands-on learning experience. In addition to this event, families participate in an annual Family Engineering Night, and parent scientists participate in a school-wide STEM Cultures and Career Day.

The top of the Weaver Lake Web calls out: “Finding the Scientist in You! At Weaver Lake students have rich learning opportunities through inquiry based, hands-on classroom science and math activities as well as use of current technology equipment for collecting and analyzing data. We provide an environment where students, teachers and families find the scientists in themselves through simulation, exploration and discovery.”

Peel has fostered relationships with organizations such as the Three Rivers Park District, Boston Scientific, The Science Museum of MN, and many local businesses – bringing science and math into the community, and in turn, challenging the community to become involved with the school.

Koch stated that from the start Peel “managed the development of curriculum in science, math and technology to be something different: hands-on, inquiry-based, and value-added. Mrs. Peel ensured that our activities and curriculum matched both state and national standards and has gone beyond that to support the development of our own value-added standards that demonstrate how our programs go further than the standard classroom curriculum.”

Peel creates a culture of lifelong learning as she designs and facilitates over 30 hours of professional development annually for Weaver Lake staff. Her commitment to professional development goes beyond that of a typical administrator. She is an active, hands-on role model in all school professional development training. Recently she participated in a Google Web site training; all staff members in the building are required to host their own Google site, led by the example of her Principal’s page.

Principal Peel is a resource to other principals and Weaver Lake is a resource to other schools. Last year over 20 schools visited Weaver Lake for ½ day tours and programs. Teachers are accustomed to visitors coming into their rooms while they teach and observing students as they work. Peel also presents at national and local conferences, guiding other education administrators in creating science-focused elementary schools.

“The impact of Mrs. Peel’s complete investment in fostering learning through an interest in science, math and technology has been nothing short of amazing,” said Koch. “Her genuine enthusiasm is contagious.”

As the 2012 Science and Mathematics Elementary Principal of the Year, Peel will be recognized by Bob Breck, Marketing Director of the Science Museum of Minnesota, during the MESPA Institute Awards Banquet on Thursday, February 2, in Bloomington, MN.  In addition, Weaver Lake Elementary School students and staff will receive complimentary Science Museum education programming.