Supports science

By: centraljersey.com
Like many of my fellow parents in the district, I’ve spent the past few weeks helping my children complete projects for the upcoming Hopewell Elementary Science Fair on March 25. My wife Michele co-chairs the event, and I share her enthusiasm for exposing our children to science. I’ve served as parent evaluator and "scientific community" exhibitor at the fair, and this year plan to show more about modern aircraft.
One year ago, Rush Holt delivered the "kickoff" address for HVRSD’s strategic planning effort by encouraging the district to recognize the importance of scientific education. Science and engineering are key contributors to our country’s economic competitiveness, so it is critical that we nurture our children’s interest in these areas.
Currently, HVRSD elementary schools provide students only 21 minutes of science education on average each day. I support the district’s proposed new elementary school schedule that effectively doubles the daily science exposure time for students. Similarly, I am encouraged by the proposed introduction of a new pre-engineering elective at Timberlane. Implementation costs are being funded primarily through non-taxpayer sources, such as Hopewell Valley Education Foundation and Timberlane PTO. These advancements improve opportunities and outcomes for our students without increasing costs to taxpayers. Finally, I commend CHS for offering programs like last week’s "Conqueror of the Hill" physics competition, and congratulate the winners and participants.
If elected, I would assist efforts by our school board and administration in finding fiscally prudent ways to enhance our science curriculum, and would promote our community benefactors for their generosity in supporting these programs. Please join me in supporting our future scientists this Friday evening at HES, and at our other schools throughout the year. In the coming weeks I will share additional thoughts on issues affecting the district, with the goal of earning your vote.
Adam J. Sawicki School board candidate Hopewell Township