Chisholm Middle School - Enid, OK

The cultivation of seed. The fundamental step in any successful farmer's program. As a rural, public school in Northwest Oklahoma, Chisholm Middle School (CMS) understands this principle of harvest firsthand. Embracing technology as a component of education, CMS district and community leaders routinely work together to develop initiatives which focus on STEM programs and blended learning strategies.

A harvest of ingenuity comes to CMS every spring in the form of Innovation Week, which gives students opportunities to turn their seed-like ideas into reality, as they employ their creativity and STEM skills to create one-of-a-kind innovations. These student-created designs often serve a larger purpose in the school or community, allowing CMS students opportunities to make a difference in the world around them. Through programs like Innovation Week, Chisholm students learn how the genesis of an idea can solve problems for a community.

Furthermore, an active grant program facilitated by the Chisholm Foundation continues to foster student growth. Chisholm teachers transform their classrooms into vibrant, blended learning experiences where students are challenged to rethink the educational process. The germination of this student-centered approach to teaching and learning produces dividends as students become the driving force behind their educational experiences.

Seeds of innovation provide the spark of empowerment in mind, body, and spirit. The capacity of administration and district partners to comprehensively address technological needs, as well as the commitment of the Chishlolm faculty to innovate and empower students to chase the best version of themselves, continues to be the root of Chisholm success.