Science, Technology and Engineering Supervisor Lauren Figy and Franklin Avenue Principal Chris Tolpa talk about the new STEM grant for Westfield Public Schools. (Photo by Amy Porter)
WESTFIELD – At Monday’s School Committee meeting, Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski announced that Westfield Public Schools have received a Project Lead the Way grant in the amount of $97,500 to implement new science, technology, engineering and math programs. He also spoke about the upcoming Science Fair this Thursday at Westfield High School.
“Special thanks go to Shannon Barry, Susan Dargie, Chris Tolpa and Lauren Figy for their efforts to secure this funding. Project Lead the Way is an engaging, hands-on STEM curriculum that empowers students to develop in demand knowledge and skills,” Czaporowski said, adding that the implementation of the grant program will take place over three years.
A $7,500 grant was awarded to Franklin Avenue Elementary School for the elementary school curriculum, called “Launch,” where students in kindergarten to fourth grade will engage in hands-on activities in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science.
Franklin Avenue Principal Chris Tolpa said she attended the PLTW workshop with Science, Engineering and Technology Supervisor Lauren Figy, who wrote the grants, WMS Principal Paul Newton, and WHS Principal Chuck Jendrysik. She said on the elementary level there are ten modules to the program which conform to state learning standards, and also has a literacy component. Four teachers will attend a training, and return to train the other teachers in the school.
Tolpa said Franklin will pilot the program, then each elementary school can apply for the $7,500 grant.
Czaporowski said Westfield Middle School was awarded $40,000 for the middle school curriculum, called “Gateway,” where they will implement three courses in Design & Modeling, Automation & Robotics, and Computer Science for Innovators and Makers.
Figy said she visited Enfield, among other schools to look at the middle school program, which she called, “phenomenal, rigorous, relevant. It was really cool,” Figy said. She said the kids were too involved in their projects to stop and answer their questions.
Westfield High School was also awarded $50,000 to start a new Engineering pathway. “It’s such a needed field. In the past, we didn’t have as much to offer except Physical Science, Intro to Engineering and Computer Science,” Figy said.
Figy also said there is intensive training for teachers for the programs; one week for the middle school curriculum, and two weeks for the high school. At least two teachers from the WMS and WHS will attend the trainings.
Czaporowski said that WPS is applying for other possible grants to augment the new Engineering pathway at the high school.
Czaporowski also announced that the Science Fair will take place this Thursday, Feb. 7, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Westfield High School, with a public showcase from 5:30-7 p.m. on Thursday night.
Figy said there are 241 student projects being showcased; among them 41 from Westfield Technical Academy, which is participating for the first time. Figy said judges are still needed for the Fair. Anyone interested in being a judge may contact Figy at [email protected].
