Hawkins STEAM Mission
The mission of the Epworth–Hawkins STEAM Academy Partnership is to promote the success of students through educational services and activities that build relationships with Hawkin's students, staff, and families. Working together with community STEAM partners, this partnership strengthens learning, connection, and curiosity for every student.
Who We Serve
Hawkins STEAM Academy serves approximately 385 students in grades K–8. The school district boundaries extend from Elmer Street (Botanical Garden) to Dorr Street, and from the western boundary of Ottawa Hills to I-475.
Highlights of 2024–25
The 2024–25 school year marked the tenth year of the Epworth–Hawkins Partnership. Volunteers supported Hawkin's students and staff through tutoring, library assistance, and a variety of book-related programs that encouraged reading and family engagement.
Hawkins celebrated the “Big Year of Birds”, aligning with its STEAM identity, In Sync with Nature. Students collaborated with ornithologists and environmental specialists from the Toledo Zoo, the Black Swamp Bird Observatory, the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, and several local organizations. Each class maintained journals identifying birds by sight and sound, and research teams in grades K–8 presented their findings at the GLOBE in the Prairie Student Research Symposium at the Toledo Zoo.
In spring 2025, Hawkins was recognized as an Ohio STEAM Designated School, adding the arts to its focus on science, technology, engineering, and math. The 2025–26 theme, Nature’s Palette, will continue to celebrate creativity and environmental learning.
Partnership Activities
Epworth volunteers provide consistent support to Hawkin's students, staff, and families throughout the year.
Tutoring:
Volunteers tutor students in grades K–8 weekly in both reading and math, responding directly to teacher requests.
Book Initiatives:
Programs place books directly in the hands of Hawkins students and families. Highlights include:
- Kindergarten Family Night: A family dinner and book distribution event that encourages reading at home.
- 2nd Grade Family Library Night: Hosted with the Reynolds Corners Branch Library, combining a shared meal, family fun, and library resources.
- Book Clubs for 3rd–5th Grades: A six-week spring reading program encouraging discussion and reflection.
- Reader Bags: Weekly rotating book bags for 1st and 2nd graders.
- Kindergarten Book Day: Each kindergarten student receives a hardcover copy of Elmer read aloud by a storyteller from the Reynolds Corners Library.
Library Support:
Volunteers help staff the school library two days a week, every other week, to expand access for students and teachers.
Staff Recognition:
Each month, volunteers deliver individually wrapped treats and birthday cards to celebrate Hawkins staff and show appreciation for their work.
School Supply Pantry:
Epworth contributes funds and school supplies to the Grace Church School Supply Pantry, serving Hawkins, four other elementary schools, and Rogers High School. Volunteers staff the pantry monthly from September through May.
STEAM Collaboration:
The partnership is an active participant in the Community STEAM Connection, a collaboration among local organizations including Metroparks Toledo, Toledo Botanical Garden, SSOE Group, Nature’s Nursery, Reynolds Corners Rotary Club, the Toledo Zoo Project Prairie, and others. Together, they promote innovation, inquiry, and hands-on learning experiences for Hawkins students.
2024–25 Overview
Tutoring and Kindergarten Assistance:
28 students tutored individually, 32 kindergarten students assisted in groups, 19 volunteers, 582.85 total hours
Book Initiatives:
- Kindergarten Family Night: 11 students, 25 family members, 10 volunteers, 16.5 hours
- Kindergarten Book Day: 48 students, 3 teachers, 7 volunteers, 10.25 hours
- 2nd Grade Library Night: 16 students, 32 family members, 6 volunteers, 11 hours
- Book Clubs: 30 students, 6 teachers, 4 volunteers, 18.25 hours
- Reader Bags: 80 students, 4 teachers, 3 volunteers, 91.25 hours
Library:
200 students and 10 teachers served bi-weekly, 5 volunteers, 198.5 hours
Staff and Volunteer Recognition:
60 staff members recognized monthly, 2 volunteers, 20 hours
Grace School Supply Pantry:
20 teachers served each month, 5 volunteers, 36 hours
Total Unduplicated Volunteers: 32
Total Volunteer Hours: 1,446.8
Leadership Team 2024–25
Hawkins STEAM Team
Pat Holmberg, Team Leader
Lynn Bachelor
Barb Machin
Mike Riethmiller
Partners in the Church and Community
The success of the Hawkins Partnership depends on a network of dedicated individuals and organizations, including:
- Hawkins STEAM Academy Staff and Leadership
- Community STEAM Connection partners
- Epworth Missions and Community Outreach Action Team
- Grace Church School Supply Pantry
- Vito’s Pizza for event support
- Individual Epworth members contributing school supplies, hats, mittens, and financial gifts
- Epworth Communications and Education departments for continued assistance and collaboration
Volunteer with the Partnership
Epworth volunteers make a measurable difference in the lives of Hawkins students and families. Whether tutoring, helping in the library, or organizing events, every role helps build connection, confidence, and community.
For more information about volunteering, contact the Epworth–Hawkins Partnership Team through the church office.