All In

You have heard Mrs. Lowrey talk a lot about STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) over the last year as we moved into our newly designed STEM labs and introduced a STEM curriculum to CKS students – providing our students the opportunity to communicate, collaborate and problem solve in new interactive, innovative ways.  Today, I’m happy to introduce Mrs. Lowrey as my guest blogger:

CKS STEM

Last week, I had the opportunity to go on a “field trip” and brought some teachers along for the ride.  Mrs. Cusmano, Mrs. Lefler, Mrs. Slavik and I were invited to attend the 1st Annual STEM in Innovation Luncheon hosted by the USF David C. Anchin Center.  (Many thanks to Dr. Stacy Hahn for the invite!)

We chatted with staff from the USF School of Engineering and two entrepreneurs who are in the final stages of developing educational STEM tools.  We also heard from the keynote speaker who expressed the importance of STEM education in our schools from a very early age.

The best part of the afternoon for me was the realization that CKS is ahead of the curve when it comes to STEM education and here’s why:

1. We provide professional development opportunities for our staff outside of school to keep their proficiency updated and relevant
2. Amazing learning activities are occurring in our classrooms – from EC4-4th grade STEM with Mrs. Slavik, to 5th-8th grade STEM with Mrs. Cusmano and EC 4-4th grade Computer classes with Mrs. Lefler
3. ALL of our students receive STEM education during the school day, in addition to many after school opportunities.  In fact, we are one of very few schools in Hillsborough County that has an embedded STEM class – and may be the only one that provides this to all of our students!

It gives me great pride to be a part of the awesome curriculum opportunities CKS provides our families.  If you haven’t already heard the exciting things happening in STEM lab from your child, I’ll be sharing more with you in the future!

Be sure to visit the STEM labs (located in the same building as Music and EC4) during classroom visitation this Thursday before the PTC meeting! 

Mrs. Lowrey