HFCA Students Soar in STEM and Compassion

Holy Family Catholic Academy's middle school STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program has been nationally recognized for its innovation in curriculum and instruction. In addition to the Inverness school's rigorous math, science, and technology curriculum, the students in grades 6-8 also have an additional two-hour block of time each week where they are introduced to engineering and authentic STEM careers. Students rotate through four STEM units each year for a total of 12 units upon the completion of middle school. These units increase the math and science offerings at HFCA in a meaningful, hands-on way. HFCA's holistic approach to learning, however, means that there is so much more to STEM.

HFCA intentionally chose a middle school model over a junior high model for educating their adolescents. States Principal Kate O'Brien, "The middle school model is more child-centered rather than subject-centered and includes much more integration of content areas into the curriculum. As a faith-based school, part of this integration includes looking beyond the subject area and integrating Catholic social teachings and values."

Recently, a STEM unit became a perfect witness to such integration of science and Spirit.

While students were involved in the preparation of the launch of their high altitude balloon and working to position their two GoPro cameras, GPS device, and analyzing wind and weather conditions, they found out that one of their teachers, Mrs. Pam Gannon, had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Their concern for their teacher naturally spilled over and became part of their STEM unit. Included in the payload of their balloon which soared over 90,000 feet in the stratosphere were pink breast cancer awareness bracelets. As an additional tribute, Mrs. Gannon's photo was mounted on the payload so her smiling face touched the heavens and captured the curvature of the earth.

States Mrs. Gannon, "The students have been tremendously supportive of me. They build me up and support me everyday. My family, friends, and even the health professionals I see for my treatment have been moved to tears when I share with them the inspirational books and drawings these compassionate adolescents have created for me."

States HFCA 7th grade student Audrey Wiser, "It just seemed natural to include a tribute to Mrs. Gannon in our launch, and to remind her to stay strong and that we are praying for her. That's just what we do at HFCA."