LEARNING TODAY’S SKILLS FOR
TOMORROW’S WORLD It’s been a little more than a year since the $20 million STEM and Gateway Building officially opened at St. Mary’s, and the novelty certainly hasn’t worn off.
“It’s opened up so many opportunities,” he said. “It’s been a catalyst for introducing new ways of learning that will be beneficial outside of High School.”
Behind each classroom door are students creating 3D model renderings, programming robots, building their own apps, tending to a hydroponics garden or working with the same tools used by professionals in hospitals and labs. Not all will go on to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering or math, but they will be prepared in the real-world setting.
Along with Head of the Science and Engineering Department Diane Haas, Gribbins created a new elective this year called Innovation Project Design. It challenges students to work independently to explore real-world problems by creating, applying and communicating solutions. One student, for example, is trying to create an app that would teach children with diabetes how to understand their blood sugar numbers in an informative, yet entertaining, way. Another student is exploring what could be added to the current football helmet design to better prevent concussions.
“The building is like a college facility – it’s beautiful,” said Associate Head of School David Angeramo. “But it’s only as good as what’s going on inside of it.” The advanced programming and equipment are certainly up to par with the state-of-the-art facility. Students have access to digital microscopes, 3D printers, laptops, Chromebooks, iPads, wireless temperature probes and more. Utilizing the Discovery Education digital curriculum, they have a wealth of supplementary materials at their fingertips. “We were already a 1:1 iPad school, but we added Chromebooks to hook up to the microscopes for digital display and laptops for 3D software,” said Assistant Principal for Integrated Technology Artie Gribbins. “We’re providing as much as we can for students to see a variety of technology, and to see how those tools are needed for different jobs.” Gribbins, who is in his 24th year at St. Mary’s, says the new building is phenomenal. 30 ST. MARY'S MAGAZINE
ANNUAL EDITION 2021
“Students choose the topic, and we give them some structure and framework to get there,” said Gribbins. “Journaling and self-reflection are a big part of it, and at the end of the semester they’ll present to faculty and board members. It’s a lot of responsibility, especially going out and talking to community members— doctors and parents in some cases—and working those conversations into their solutions. I can’t wait to see what they produce.” Haas is equally excited to see how this and other STEM courses are challenging students to think more critically. “When I took this role, it was really important that I would be in a place with hands-on learning,” said Haas, who is in her third year at St. Mary’s, following a 37-year career in public-school education. “I’m passionate about
