This fall, the Carver 5th Grade Scholars Program at Jefferson Marine Science Elementary School took on a unique and heartwarming project. Led by Jefferson’s crocheting expert teacher, Mrs. Liz Williams, students dove into crocheting, creating a cozy blanket for the school nurse’s office. The student’s experiences inspired the initiative, noting that the nurse's office can be chilly when they aren’t feeling well. Mrs. Williams, with her years of experience and passion for crocheting, turned this idea into a creative and educational project as part of Carver’s STEAM enrichment activities.

Mrs. Williams is a beloved teacher at Jefferson, known for her patience and creativity. Her approach in the classroom ensures that each student, regardless of skill level, receives personalized guidance. She demonstrates every stitch, providing a step-by-step tutorial. With individual support tailored to each student's needs, she nurtures a supportive environment where creativity thrives.

The students who participated in this meaningful project were:

• Victoria A.

• Audrey M.

• Lianny

• Adrianna

• Yaxiel

• Maria

• Zuria

• Arianna

• Lixy

• Maddy

• Dailyn

• Brihatna

• Yaretzi

• Kylie

• Anusha

• Selena

• Kym

• Kelly

These young scholars worked together, learning the intricacies of crocheting while contributing to a project that would comfort their classmates in need. The experience provided a wonderful blend of technical skill development and community service, hallmarks of the Carver 5th Grade Scholars Program.

The Carver 5th Grade Scholars Program is designed to provide a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience to prepare these 5th graders for middle school. It emphasizes academic support and enrichment, focusing on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities. Under the leadership of Carver's Lead Program Coordinator, Julie Signore, a 5th Grade Teacher at Jefferson, the program offers diverse activities that inspire creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. Carver’s commitment to supporting students at Jefferson includes providing after-school programming that helps them develop new skills, explore their interests, and build a strong foundation for future success.

Through this crocheting project, the students learned a new craft and experienced the joy of creating something with a purpose. This initiative is a beautiful example of how Carver’s STEAM enrichment programming goes beyond traditional academics, fostering practical and meaningful skills.