Stanton ISD, QEP partner to mitigate COVID

STANTON - Over the summer, while administering state welding certification exams, Stanton ISD Ag Science teacher Donnie Reed realized the difficulty in ensuring proper COVID disinfecting protocols with regard to student welding materials.

Mr. Reed shared with the school superintendent an idea to provide personal welding supply kits to each Stanton ISD student.

Mr. Reed contacted Miller Welding and was able to secure special pricing for individual student welding kits that include a welding helmet, smock, safety glasses and gloves.

School superintendent, Dr. Merl Brandon, shared this idea with QEP Communications & Community Investments Advisor, Kristin Chalson. Mrs. Chalson and the Permian QEP Cares Leadership Council, saw the value of investing in the project with regard to increased student safety and reducing the risk of COVID.

“Our partnerships have looked very different in 2020 due to COVID-19, and we were happy to find an opportunity that ensures the health and safety of Stanton ISD students and continues to support a hands-on STEM learning environment,” Mrs. Chalson said.

“QEPs donation of $15,000 was enough to not only provide individual student welding kits for 65 high school students but also allowed the school district to purchase a 3D printer and poster maker for the middle school STEM lab. Dr. Brandon said, “We very much appreciate our community and business partners that are always looking for ways to support our students and school system. We couldn’t do everything we strive to do without them.”