Press Release July 14, 2005

In November of 2004, the Boulder Valley School District Board of Education selected Ryan to be the district’s first Science and Math Focus Program. Using a Design Team structure with teachers, parents and district administrators involved, Ryan began creating their vision for the math and science focus with a roll-out date of 2005. This team gathered best practice data on a national level, visited model programs throughout the country, and created our new vision for the school.

A crucial element in realizing that vision is the development of a Science Lab. The lab will give all students an opportunity to experience hands on, applied science and math instruction on a daily basis.

“American students have drastically fallen behind their overseas counterparts in science and math. It is our intent to reverse the national trends of low science and math achievement by implementing a top notch program of study with concurrent outstanding resources,” said Jim Armitage, Principal of Ryan Elementary School. “While investigating model science and math programs around the country, we found proven results in reversing the national trend data.”

“We are absolutely thrilled with the grant we’ve received from Ronald McDonald House Charities of Denver. All of our hard work to make Ryan an even better place for our students and community is paying off. The additional resources this grant will allow us to provide to our students is breathtaking.” said Armitage.

“The science lab will encompass all realms of science including life, physical and earth sciences." The lab will include proven, critical elements to maximize student learning based on our research of model programs and practices. It will also have a greenhouse-solarium where different animal, plant and aquatic species can reside in terrariums and aquariums at kid-friendly eye level. The lab will provide physical and earth science kits including K’NEX materials, FOSS kits, AIMS kits, GEMS materials.”

The grant award also will include stain- and heat-resistant resin laboratory surfaced tables for the young scientists. Wet lab facilities will include 3 sink stations and ample storage areas for projects and equipment.

Lastly, it will include a complete kitchen area to serve as a Chef’s Lab. The Chef’s Lab will aid younger students during mathematics units such as measurement and fractions as well as being utilized during chemistry and other scientific experimentation. This Chef’s Lab will enhance our work on nutrition education, as well as the mathematical skills and practical applications found in cooking.

Ryan has hired a dedicated math and science instructor who will maintain the lab, and will work with teachers to plan for enhancing the science and math curriculums through use of this lab. The math and science instructor will also work to leverage resources, involve mentors and ensure program objectives are met.

Ryan Elementary is a Kindergarten-fifth grade program with approximately 400 students drawing from the City of Lafayette.

Ronald McDonald House Charities provides grants to not-for-profit, tax exempt organizations whose national or global programs help improve the health and well being of children. By creating, finding and supporting programs that directly improve the health and well being of children, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Denver is working to better the lives of children and their families around the world. Ronald McDonald House Charities and the global network of local Chapters have dedicated over $400 million in grants towards making an immediate, positive impact on those children who need our help most. And more importantly, countless smiles have been shared, lives have been touched, and connections have been made.

1405 Centaur Village Drive

Lafayette, CO 80026

Office: 303-665-3345 Fax: 303-665-9859 Attendance: 303-447-5487

www.ryanelementary.org (Map)

Principal: Cyrus Weinberger