STEM Academies:  Frequently Asked Questions

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the STEM Academy?
 The STEM Academy is a special program for highly able students with a systematic and accelerated focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics for our school system’s most capable students with demonstrated learning potential in the areas of science and mathematics.  

Where will the STEM Academy programs be housed?
 Lexington Park Elementary, Spring Ridge Middle, and Great Mills High School

What grade levels will be included in the STEM?
 STEM will begin Phase I in the fall of 2007 with two fourth grade classes, two sixth grade classes and two ninth grade classes.              

Who attends the STEM Academy?
 Any student who is grade appropriate can apply but there are criteria to determine our most eligible and likely to succeed students for this specialized program.

What will the future years of STEM look like?                                                 
There is a planned and purposeful expansion of the STEM Academies to include additional grade levels each year until it encompasses Grades 4-12.

Who should I contact if I have additional questions about the programs?
 Questions should be directed to the Department of Curriculum and Instruction  by phoning 301-475-5511 extension 126 or Linda Dudderar, Chief Academic Officer 301 475-5511, extension 108.

Why STEM in the elementary school? Why now? Why at Lexington Park Elementary, Spring Ridge Middle, and Great Mills High?

STEM programs are beginning throughout the state and SMCPS recognizes the need to provide an advanced program focusing on science and mathematics for some of our growing learners. The three schools selected are located very near the Naval Air Station at Patuxent River, a major STEM partner, and would  allow students regular and frequent opportunities for field experiences to the naval base. Additionally, all three schools have the available building capacity to house the STEM Academy at their site currently and in the following years as the program grows.

Why is my child being invited/encouraged to apply for the STEM program?
Your child has been invited based on a variety of data including the results of the national Stanford 10 achievement and OLSAT cognitive ability assessments taken in the spring of grade 2, an analysis of academic performance thus far in their current grade level, Maryland State Assessment scores, and school based achievement. In addition, recommendations from your child’s teacher(s) and/or principal have been considered.

What is the structure of the academic day? How does this program differ from the program of studies available at our home school?
The daily schedule is still under development but it is not vastly different from the existing schedule and structure at your home elementary school, middle, or high school. The significant difference is the daily, rigorous, above level content and the stringent emphasis on interrelated science and mathematics opportunities.

Each day, students engage in reading and language arts activities (with a focus on technical writing and social studies) and mathematics and science integrated with technology. STEM students will also access specials in either art, music, PE, and media. 

Will transportation be provided? How long will my child by on the school bus?
Yes, bus transportation will be provided. Students will be transported to and from STEM schools each day. Detailed transportation information will not be fully available until students are selected and enrolled in the STEM program. If you were accepted into the program and received the transfer document, there is no formalized schedule at this time.  After finalizing the acceptance lists, we will provide you with a transportation plan.  Parents may also choose to transport their children to and from the STEM Academy if that is more convenient.

What curriculum materials will be used to teach the VSC? (preview available at Information Night)
Students will have access to a variety of above grade level materials while being ever mindful of the content, theme, and developmental age of the students. For reading, they will use the Houghton Mifflin Reading Series at grade 5 which also includes above level text for fifth grade. For mathematics, Investigations at grade 5 will serve as the anchor program with a beginning algebra kit/focus entitled Linear Equations. Science Expository text (levels 5-7) will be used to teach the voluntary state curriculum. All materials will be available for you to preview at the Open House and Information Nights.

Who will be my child’s teacher?
Cindy Carpenter and Michele Hiles have been selected as the STEM Elementary Teachers. Tamarah Dishman and Nathan Swick have been selected for middle school. Brian Weisner and Rhonda McCarthy have been selected for high school. All are experienced SMCPS teachers with a rich background in science and mathematics.

What technology will my child have access to on a regular basis? (preview available at Information Night)
The STEM sites will be equipped with state of the art technology including SMART technology, laptop computers, desktops, software provided by Peripheral Vision, and Probeware. All technology, in addition to materials of instruction, will be available for you to preview at the Open House and Information Nights. 

What is the long-term plan for my child, the STEM Academy? Do we have to reapply every year?
STEM is designed to expand each year with beginning programs in the fourth grade at the elementary school level, sixth grade in middle school, and ninth grade at the high school level. Each year, additional grades will be added. During the 2008-2009 school year, grade 5, grade 7, and grade 10 will be added to the STEM Academy. Your child will only need to reapply when transitioning from one level to the next (i.e. elementary school to middle school, and middle school to high school).

What is our family commitment to the STEM Academy?
Your family commitment is for one school year at a time.

When will the selection of students for STEM-Elementary be made?
Applications will be accepted until March 14, 2008. Students and their families will be notified in early March. At that point, there will be more information and specific orientation nights, transportation information, opportunities to meet the teacher(s), etc. available to accepted students.

Is Before and After School Daycare available at STEM?
No, we are currently exploring extended day and before and after care options with the Department of Parks and Recreation and other community organizations.

What about school based extracurricular activities such as sports, dances, intramurals, clubs, and civic/service groups?
STEM students may participate in any extracurricular event taking place at Lexington Park Elementary School, Spring Ridge Middle, and Great Mills High. 

Will my child’s siblings be able to attend the school as well?
Siblings are welcome to attend any STEM school provided capacity exists at the appropriate grade level. Participation for STEM is currently only available to students entering grade 4, grade 6, or grade 9 who meet the criteria.

Are special education students eligible for participation in the STEM program?
Yes, all students are eligible to apply to the STEM Academy. Appropriate accommodations and modifications will be made to address an IEP carrier enrolled in the STEM Academy.

Will there be another information night for students who were accepted into the program?
Yes, SMCPS will hold another Information Night specifically targeting the students who were accepted into the STEM program.