STEM

How You Can Help

Fundraising

The STEM Fundraiser runs Sept. 15–30, 2025—please consider contributing.

2025–26 PTO STEM costs:

  • Initial Curriculum Investment: $18,945

  • Instructor Salary: $27,675

  • Total Investment for: $46,620

Starting in 2026–27, annual costs will be ~$10,000 for curriculum plus instructor salary.

The STEM resource class is fully funded by the PTO, and is not part of the standard offerings provided by DCPS. Its funding comes directly from the generous support of JBE families through the Annual STEM fundraiser.

Volunteer

To support the program’s success, the PTO is seeking parents interested in completing Project Lead The Way (PLTW) training to assist the STEM instructor and students. The 16-hour PLTW Launch training for K–5, offered virtually or in person, provides the tools needed to support the curriculum effectively.

No teaching experience is required—just enthusiasm and a willingness to help. Email FOJBEPTOpresident@gmail.com if you are interested.

We welcome families to share grant opportunities or sponsorship connections to help sustain high-quality STEM education at JBE.

STEM Program Powered by the FOJBE PTO

This year, our PTO is proud to fully fund STEM classes, covering both the instructor and Project Lead The Way (PLTW) curriculum, to bring high-quality STEM learning to every K–5 student at JBE.

What’s New in 2025–26

  • Weekly STEM classes for all Kindergarten through 5th grade students.

  • PLTW Launch, a nationally recognized K–5 STEM curriculum that inspires curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving through hands-on, project-based learning.

Why Project Lead The Way?

PLTW Launch introduces students to engaging, real-world STEM challenges and skills. Students will:

  • Explore topics such as robotics, energy, light and sound, and mobile engineering through structured learning modules.

  • Develop critical thinking, collaboration, and design skills while integrating math, literacy, and science concepts.

  • Follow a curriculum aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), designed to build foundational knowledge from grade to grade.

Benefits for Our School Community

The PTO’s investment ensures all students receive consistent, high-quality STEM enrichment. While the PTO-funded STEM instructor leads engaging weekly lessons, homeroom teachers gain valuable planning time.