As we wrap up another school year, it is amazing to look at how far we have come and how much we've grown. We've been in existence for three years already!
STrEaM started in the fall of 2016 with 75 students. This fall our enrollment reached 150 students. At the end of the school year, we promoted 49 8th grades on to High School, many of whom have been with us all three years. This was our first group to attend 3 years with us, from 6th to 8th.
Another major milestone was achieved when the district, then the State's Department of Education and Early Development approved our charter renewal application for the next 10 years. This represents a lot of hard work and dedication by our APC members and staff. Our program is solid and sustainable.
Project-Based Learning continues to be our driving philosophy and focus. Projects happened constantly throughout the year, from the classroom to school-wide level. We started off with the "I Am" project, celebrated with parents and the community in a culminating potluck event. We held two excellent Student Showcases in December and May, putting projects, products and presentations on display to the community.
Looking to year 4, we are excited for stability and consistency. For the first time, we are not making major changes that come with increasing student enrollment. We should once again have between 150 and 160 students. We are not adding any additional classrooms, and staff turnover is minimal. The schedule will be the same: full days (periods 1-7) Monday and Friday, block days Tuesday and Thursday, and early release on Wednesday.
One exciting change is the addition of our own sports programs to meet the demand of our students. In the fall Mr. Mozen will lead our first cross country running team, and this winter we will have our own cross country skiing team.
This coming school year a major emphasis will be on our positive school culture. We will return to having monthly assemblies, and bring back STrEaM badges to recognize student achievement. We've hired a school counselor for the first time, Mrs. Bonertz, who will be a great addition to our team. Outdoor and experiential learning, along with integrating STEM across the curriculum, will continue being important aspects of our program. Our teachers will continue to develop interactive, hands-on projects to engage students in authentic and relevant learning. In short, our focus is on continuing to strengthen the great things we do.An excellent third year is now behind us, and another great school year coming up. I return to the office July 22nd, with our new Administrative Assistance Mrs. Biondich. The lottery closes July 25th, and teachers return on August 14th. Tuesday August 20th will be the first day of school. See you then!
