Harper Creek Middle School STEAM Students Receive Tools to Provide Hands-On Experiences
Middle School STEAM teacher, Erica Jenkins, received a FOCUS Grant from the Guido A. and Elizabeth Binda Foundation, coordinated by the Calhoun Intermediate School District, allowing her to purchase two new tools to support her students in solving problems using the engineering design process.
The first tool is Sphero Blueprint. Sphero Blueprint kits allow students to design and engage in mechanical and structural engineering. The kits further permit the students to create prototypes using consistent materials. In the past, students had to rely on donated and recycled materials, along with a lot of glue and tape giving inconsistent outcomes. Sphero Blueprint lets the students design and build their prototypes quickly using reusable materials giving more opportunities to test and reevaluate their structures.
The second item purchased with the grant is the Finch 2.0 Robots. Students can solve problems through coding and gain hands-on robotics experience. The Finch Robots provide continuity and focus in coding by progressing from teaching coding on the computer to physical programming.
These tools allow students to have hands-on lessons with real-world applications, providing opportunities for cross-curricular experiences, collaboration, and engaging project-based learning.
Harper Creek Community Schools is grateful to Ms. Jenkins for her time and dedication to creating thoughtful lessons and seeking out new ways to Educate, Empower, and Equip Students for Life.
Harper's Unsung Hero- Elizabeth Murphy April 27, 2026
Elizabeth chose teaching as her second career, with her first classroom placement being at Valley View Elementary, the school she attended as a child. She eventually joined her children at Wattles Park Elementary. Like her path to becoming a teacher, her path to becoming a parent was also non-traditional.
You are invited to the HCCS Community Connections Luncheon April 24, 2026
Join Harper Creek Community Schools for a Community Connections Luncheon on May 13. Enjoy a complimentary meal, hear district updates, and connect with others in a welcoming setting.
Beaveriety is Back! April 9, 2026
After several years away, the Beaveriety Talent Show is returning to Harper Creek, inviting everyone in the community to showcase their skills. With open auditions and a spirit of togetherness, the event aims to celebrate wide-ranging talents while supporting performing arts programs. Auditions will be held on Thursday, April 16, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Harper Creek High School auditorium.
Harper's Unsung Hero - Lindsey Cook March 11, 2026
Lindsey has evolved as an educator, taking on various roles, including early childhood teacher, first-grade teacher, fourth-grade teacher, and virtual English teacher for non-English learners. During and after the pandemic, she began to take on several leadership roles, which eventually led to her transition from teacher to administrator
Harper's Unsung Hero - Lesa Kenney February 18, 2026
Lesa’s passion for music as a child led her to pursue a teaching degree. She was inspired by middle school music teachers and knew that she also wanted to be a music teacher. Although she couldn’t become a music teacher, she still completed her degree at WMU to become a teacher.
