Mead outlines STEM program

The Mead School District will introduce local residents to the future of education on Wednesday at the STEM+ Open House, at the Mead High School theater, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

“Imagine It – A Night to Celebrate STEM+ Education” is an opportunity for parents, students and community members to learn about the STEM+ (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) program. Current sixth-graders can learn about seventh-grade STEM+ academic and after-school programs; middle school students can learn about what STEM+ programs are offered at the high school; and current sophomores can learn about Mead School District’s new Riverpoint Academy, opening this fall. At the Riverpoint Academy, Mead juniors and seniors will have an opportunity to take STEM+ courses and receive college credit from Eastern Washington University, Washington State University or Community Colleges of Spokane.

Visitors will also hear from students, teachers and business community members about their innovative work in the areas of biomedical science, engineering and entrepreneurship. Although the open house is targeting sixth-graders and older, students of all ages are invited to attend.

Regan Drew, a Mead teacher helping to develop the program, said the STEM+ program “gives (kids) opportunities with hands-on projects, connecting students in real world projects and connecting them with industry.”

The STEM+ education program is a public program of the Mead School District, but Assistant Superintendent Dan Butler said he sees the program spreading to other grade levels and to other districts. “I have no doubt that this will grow. It’s the future of education,” he said.

Butler said their motivation is to get students excited about science and math. But, the program is more than that.

“Kids are taken through a design process, design thinking. It’s hands-on. The whole thing is interdisciplinary. We’re teaching them to be better problem solvers – and to be more creative,” Butler said.

For more information, call (509) 465-6014 or email regan.drew@mead354.org.

Theater department wins $10,000 in ‘Glee’ contest

The Lewis and Clark High School Tiger Drama musical theater department was recently awarded $10,000 for bringing “Glee” to its school, in the “Glee Give a Note” grant competition.

The LC drama students were among 73 schools nationwide who were awarded funds for their school’s music and drama programs.

LC’s Tiger Drama will continue to share its acting and musical talent at the upcoming IE/Mono Duo Thespian Festival on Saturday in Richland.

LC will send 46 drama students to the competition. They are: Hannah Barz, Tori Beamer, Dominick Betts, Sarah Blake, Aleigha Brandt, Zoe Broadus, Vanessa Butler, Serena Caryl, Laura Chamberlain, Haley Coffey, Brie Cole, Olivia Cook, Max Chumov, Kale Dotson, Will Dubiel, Alex Engelberton, Levi Finch, Shelby Fiskland, Siobhan Flanagan, Desmond Goodwin, Maddy Green, Sami Guthas, Megan Harbaugh, Kehly Hedrick, Hannah Hudson, Keyonna Knight, Lacey Lewis, Anna Little, Amy McDowell, Eric McGaughey, Katie Nave, Melina Palomba, Danny Palomba, Dakota Peacock, Mica Pointer, Phoibe Purcell, Madison Rasmussen, Maddy Rush, Faith Schuetzner, Mackenzie Simpson, Braeden Tyler-Babkirk, Ava Walter, Jesse Ward, Andrew Wildman, Sierra Wilson, Mario Zavala.

For more information visit www.washingtonthespians.org.

KSPS to televise meeting on Spokane Public Schools

Members of the community will have the opportunity to have their questions answered about Spokane Public Schools when “Educating Spokane” airs tonight at 7:30 p.m. on KSPS channel 7.

Associate Superintendent Karin Short, along with Spokane Schools School Board President Bob Douthitt and directors Sue Chapin and Jeff Bierman, will be available to answer questions and respond to public comment.

Listeners may call (509) 354-7711 or email es@ksps.org to ask a question.

Gonzaga Prep student joins Camp Fire advisory cabinet

Julia Jean Brown, a student at Gonzaga Prep, was recognized as a member of the Camp Fire USA National Youth Advisory Cabinet.

Brown is a fourth generation Camp Fire member, and is currently working on her Wohelo Award. She has funded all her camp adventures through candy sales, and has donated her additional camp credits back into the council for other children. She will serve two years on the Youth Advisory Cabinet, where she will represent Camp Fire on a local and national level.

The Camp Fire USA National Youth Advisory Cabinet serves as a national voice for Camp Fire youth and includes 12 people from Camp Fire USA, whose responsibilities include discussing issues that are important to teens and helping plan Camp Fire USA events.