This year, science, technology, engineering and math concepts have been introduced to the school community during three different events. Two STEM Nights were held for the community during basketball games. Additionally, on April 11, junior high teachers held a STEM Night for the students and their parents. Each teacher presented a station designed to help families become more familiar with the concepts.

“I feel that our first Family STEM Night went over very well. Each teacher chose a hands-on activity related to their subject for students to participate in, and some of our community partners had activities and giveaways as well,” said Science Teacher Lori Stroud. “Students that were able to come said they really enjoyed the different projects. Considering there were several other junior high sports that same evening, I thought we had a pretty good turnout.”

This push to incorporate more projects like these has been in the works since last school year.

“STEM has been gaining a lot of momentum in the past decade. There are a lot of job opportunities out there that use science, technology, engineering, mathematics and employability skills in today’s job market. The STEM push at Paoli started towards the end of last school year. Our corporation and leaders see the need to provide these opportunities to our students and community to give our students experiences to better prepare for their future and interests,” said Assistant Principal Adam Stroud.

The administration is currently working with the Indiana Department of Education to become a STEM Certified school for grades K-8. Stroud is playing a key role in earning the certification. He is also working to get STEM implemented in the curriculum, find partnerships with community partners, and help support a culture of productive struggle.

“Our leadership and the School Board sees the value in having our students College and Career Ready,” said Stroud.

Stroud is also helping to get the new Makerspace up and running. The Makerspace will be located in room 221, and primarily used with junior high students. The space will be used to enhance STEM education and provide students with opportunities to engage in hands-on learning.

AVID Coordinator Tammy Noble has led much of the planning for the Makerspace, and with her retirement, Lori Stroud will take her place as Makerspace Coordinator. The Makerspace will include a Doodle creator, white board mat and Laser Cutter. In total, $50,000 will be spent on supplies for the Makerspace paid with ESSER Funds.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Sherry Wise has filled out a STEM grant that has allowed funding for STEM Coach and STEM nights. The School Board and Superintendent Greg Walker have set aside ESSER funding to pay for future Makerspace purchases.

The administration is committed to providing its students with the skills and experience they need to succeed in the future. By creating the Makerspace and introducing STEM nights, students will have the opportunity to be more engaging in hands-on-learning in the classroom.

“We will continue to seek funding opportunities in the future and look at ways to self-invest and fund projects at the local level,” said Stroud.

Currently, PHS is only working with STEM at the junior high level to help the students focus on employability skills, cross-curricular projects and collaboration. PHS hopes to introduce students to new skills and pathways that they can choose when they get into high school.