Students Get a Glimpse Into the Real World During STEM Career Day

Once a year, Raider intermediate students get a first-hand glimpse into the careers of STEM professionals in the Sunnyvale community.

“This is my absolute favorite day of the year! We have a large number of parents and community members who come and talk with our students about their career,” Intermediate principal Sara Staley said. “Their dedication to showing our students why STEM is important and how they will one day use some aspect of STEM brings out so many ‘light bulb’ moments for our students.”

This spring, SIS students enjoyed learning about a wide variety of occupations including engineering, nursing, dentistry, horseback riding, magic performance (from a local magician!), organ transplantation, cardiology, forensics, aviation, city services, emergency services and more. Speakers brought materials and hands-on equipment to spark student interest in various career fields.

“Students get a sneak peak of what is involved in different career pathways during STEM Career Day,” Staley said. “They learn what type of post-high school education they will need, learn about a day in the life of different jobs and the fun that comes with that. They are fascinated by the tools, wardrobe and sometimes even the salary!”

STEM education prepares students for future careers in a world where technology is evolving rapidly. It helps students develop the critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that will serve them well in any career they pursue. STEM education also instills a passion for innovation and creativity, which can lead to new discoveries and inventions that benefit society as a whole.

“STEM education provides students with skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the modern world,” STEM teacher Suzanne Valenta said.

SIS Raiders ROCK the School With Annual Fun Run

Q&A with Sarah Thompson, PTA SIS Vice President

WHAT WAS THE PURPOSE OF THE RUN?

The name says it all: FUN! The goal of the PTA’s 2nd Annual SIS Fun Run goal was to bring the school together for a celebration of physical activity and students supporting each other, all while having FUN! Everyone wons when they crossed the finish line.

The theme was a ROCK STAR RUN followed by a ROCKIN’ RAIDER RECESS. Students and teachers were encouraged to dress in their best rock star gear and prizes were given to the best dressed. After the run, students and teachers enjoyed a special recess with music, snacks, yard games and then an epic game of Tug of War.

HOW DID PTA AND SIS WORK TOGETHER TO ACCOMPLISH THE RUN?

When it comes to planning events for the students of SIS, PTA is continually inspired by Principal Sara Staley. PTA worked closely with Principal Staley to provide a fun experience that fit the needs of Sunnyvale Intermediate School. PTA was able to fund, plan, and implement the event.

WAS THIS A FUNDRAISING EVENT?

No funds were raised – this was a gift to the kids for their hard work all year!

WHAT EVENTS ARE ON THE HORIZON FOR SIS NEXT YEAR?

For the upcoming 2023-2024 school year, PTA is looking forward to our 3rd Annual Fun Run. The theme for the run will be brand new and a surprise, so be on the lookout for that announcement!

PTA also plans to welcome students back to school by decorating the school and providing school supplies kits (on sale through July 13 at sproutsupplies.com). Later in the year, PTA will provide funds for literacy night, STEM night, and field day, just to name a few. We appreciate our PTA members who make this all possible! If you are not yet a PTA member, come join the fun at SIS and SES as a PTA member next school year!