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Canutillo ISD Designated 6-12 T-STEM District
Canutillo ISD Designated 6-12 T-STEM District
Posted on 05/26/2017
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Canutillo ISD announced that the Texas Education Agency has designated Canutillo Middle School as a Texas Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (T-STEM) academy. The middle school joins Canutillo High School, who is in its second year in the same T-STEM designation, making the District one of only a few in the state of Texas to have a sixth through twelfth grade T-STEM track.

T-STEM Academies are rigorous secondary schools focusing on improving instruction and academic performance in science and mathematics-related subjects and increasing the number of students who study and enter STEM careers. Canutillo Middle School was designated based on a rigorous designation process by TEA requiring the campus to meet a number of benchmarks in relation to STEM such as mission-driven leadership, T-STEM culture and student and teacher retention. CMS Principal Mark Paz is excited about this (T-STEM) designation.

“This program will help students be better prepared for their transition to the high school STEM program,” Paz said. “This will also give colleges a good indicator that the students have gone through a rigorous process since the sixth grade.”

With the T-STEM designation, CMS will be provided with professional development and technical assistance to serve as demonstration schools and learning labs to showcase innovative instruction methods which integrate technology and engineering into science and mathematics instruction.

Earlier this month, the middle school was also awarded a Project Lead the Way Gateway grant for $20,000 made possible by Verizon Innovative Learning through the 2018-19 school year. Students will have unique learning opportunities in engineering, robotics, computer science, app creator, digital design, programing and coding based coursework provided by Project Lead the Way, a nonprofit organization.

“The Project Lead the Way grant will go a long way to help pay for the course curriculum and teacher training required for the program. Students will eventually graduate with the experience they need to succeed and do something amazing for our community in the future,” Paz added.

On May 25, CMS held a STEAM Fair for the elementary schools in the District to preview the projects that they will encounter when they come in. The fair featured robotics, student-created roller coasters, math activities, fine arts interactive projects, music performances, award-winning poster designs (Visual Arts) and more.

Incoming 6th graders can enroll in a free, STEM Camp held at CMS from June 19-22 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. where they will get a head start on STEM based projects, develop leadership skills, meet CMS faculty, and go on to participate in actual STEM based field experience. The program is open to all current 5th-7th grade students in Canutillo ISD and surrounding area. Those who are interested in attending for the 2017-18 school year should apply by May 31. Visit the school’s website at http://cms.canutillo-isd.org/STEAM for more information.