A 'Thank You' from One of AFA's CAP Educator Grant Recipients

We recently received a beautiful thank you note from one of AFA’s Spring 2013 Civil Air Patrol Educator Grant recipients, Joan Soldano of Saxton Middle School in Patchogue, New York. AFA’s Civil Air Patrol Educator Grants are provided to help fund classroom activities or materials that benefit an entire group of students. These grants provide students with the opportunities to learn traditional curriculum in creative ways. Saxton Middle School’s program, “Moon, Mars, and Beyond”, is one example of an inspirational initiative that excites students about the topics of science, math, engineering, and technology.

This letter highlights an important aspect of the mission of the Air Force Association, which is to advocate for STEM and aerospace educational opportunities. Thank you to our donors who help us fund our education grants and scholarships. For more information on AFA’s awards, scholarships, and grants please visit: http://www.afa.org/aef/default.asp?pm=asg

April 16, 2013
National Aerospace Awards
Air Force Association
1501 Lee Highway
Arlington, VA 22209


Dear AFA,

On behalf of myself and the thirty students who are involved every Wednesday afternoon in Saxton Middle School’s Space Club, I would like to thank you for donating to the Civil Air Patrol’s Aerospace Education Programs. It is with your support that my students will be participating in the e-Missions Program entitled, “Moon, Mars and Beyond.”

Moon, Mars and Beyond is an innovative way to engage students in the power of math and science in real world situations. On May 15th, my sixth grade students will connect live with a flight director at the Challenger Learning Center in Wheeling, West Virginia. With the help of computers, the Internet, and videoconferencing equipment, the students will interact with Earth Mission Control to learn where a lost ship has been reported over the last five days, how far it might be to the ship’s location, and whether the supplies for the trip to Mars can support a rescue Mission. Throughout the problem-solving process, students will apply math and reading skills to solar system science. The implementation of this program will allow for a truly interactive and effective use of technology in the classroom with a focus on aeronautics.

It is imperative educators provide authentic learning situations to excite students about science, technology, engineering and mathematics in order to compete globally in these fields of study. With your financial help, educators like myself are able to do just that.

Thank you, again, for your donations to the Civil Air Patrol’s Aerospace Education Programs.

Sincerely yours,

Joan Soldano
Saxton Middle School