St. James opens new Fr. Matt Foley STEM Center
St. James School (StJamesSchoolAH.org) in Arlington Heights recently blessed its newly renovated, state-of-the-art, K-eighth grade STEM center. The center was dedicated to former pastor the Rev. Matt Foley at the request of a generous anonymous donor, who fully funded the highly technical center.
The new lab space has been in the making for more than two years. The center not only provides a range of equipment for student engagement, including a 3D printer, full-spectrum laser engraver, CNC machine, and a drone, but is also visually beautiful, all thanks to St. James School parent and artist Maria Rafidia.
Rafidia has offered her time and talent to create a life-size 10-by-40-foot mural in the space to inspire student creativity.
"In a world where science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are critical to so many fields of study and careers, it's essential that every student is presented with opportunities to experience these content areas in a unique, self-directed, problem-solving approach," said Gina Zebron, St. James School Ed. Tech. coordinator and organizer of the STEM center.
"We believe these opportunities will guide students to become critically thinking problem solvers and make educated decisions about their future career path."
The program, in collaboration with Creative Learning Systems, aligns with St. James School's commitment to meeting the unique and diverse needs of each learner while helping to develop their spiritual, intellectual and emotional growth.
"The Fr. Matt Foley STEM Center is another example of how our entire St. James community came together to create a learning space that will greatly benefit our students for years to come," said St. James School Principal Mike Kendrick.
"Already we have seen our students show genuine enthusiasm and excitement when having the opportunity to participate in the learning activities provided by our STEM center."
STEM center facilitator Cristina Castaldi says the SmartLab is creating a very positive buzz for students and staff.
"Students learn through collaborative STEM projects, which encourages them to take ownership over the learning process. They get to learn essential tech skills and knowledge through the eight systems of technology: circuitry, computer graphics, digital communications, mechanics and structures, robotics and control technology, scientific data and analysis, software engineering, and sustainability."
With the new STEM center exceeding the curiosities of even the most tech-savvy student, and a curriculum that is designed to meet Standards for Common Core, College and Career Readiness, NGSS, ISTE, and CSTA, St. James School students will be critically thinking, creatively solving problems, and collaborating for success.
"May what they learn here, create a better world tomorrow." - Fr. Matt Foley.