Bear Exploration Center: Promoting STEM

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2015 National Blue Ribbon School

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Blue Ribbon Mondays 2017-2018

We will celebrate being named a National Blue Ribbon School with "Blue Ribbon Mondays." Students may wear blue jeans or khaki pants, blue jean or khaki shorts, or blue jean or khaki skirts with their 2015 Blue Ribbon T-shirts. Those not wearing the gray Blue Ribbon T-shirt should continue to wear the school uniform.

 

  BEAR MISSION STATEMENT

We will ensure a safe, caring environment where students are engaged in learning and are inspired to achieve to their fullest potential.

BEAR VISION STATEMENT

Bear is a place where every student is motivated to become a creative and critical thinker and to develop a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

OUR BELIEFS

For Bear Exploration Center’s staff to be successful in this mission, we believe that: 

· Every individual has a right to a quality education;

· Every individual can learn and deserves to be educated to the best of his or her ability;

· Every individual deserves to work and learn in a safe, clean, supportive, moral, and stimulating environment; 

· Every individual is unique, worthy, and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect;

· Every individual can be a lifelong learner who not only knows but knows how to find out;

· Every individual needs to be held accountable for his or her own actions;

· Every individual needs developmentally appropriate learning activities and challenging expectations at all levels to increase performance; 

· Every individual needs to be a creative and critical thinker; and 

· Educators, parents, students, and the community share the responsibility for the support of the school’s mission.

MPS Mission Statement

We will engage, educate and inspire our students to succeed in college, career, and beyond!

MPS Vision Statement

MPS is a place where every student develops a love of learning, cultivates intellectual curiosity, and dreams of a future full of amazing possibilities.

About The School

All About Bear

Bear Exploration Center for Math, Science, and Technology is named after Minnie Compton Bear, the wife of T.L. Bear, who served as president of the Montgomery County Board of Education from 1947-1956. Originally opened in 1956, it opened as an elementary magnet school serving kindergarten through fifth grade in 1996.

Bear Exploration Center focuses on child-centered, collaborative learning, using creative and innovative teaching methods and interactive technology. Students are challenged academically and are exposed to varied cultural and social experiences and learning opportunities.

The science lab is used for inquiry activities and animal observation and care. Students create stories and publish books annually. The outdoor classroom allows students to roam pebble paths, listen to waterfalls, cultivate plants, and observe fish, birds, turtles, bees, and other insects. Math manipulatives are used to aid students in grasping concepts. Field studies help students relate classroom learning experiences to real life.