Deptford High School unveils new engineering program Deptford High School invited future students and public officials to tour its new STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) classroom Thursday afternoon. The new program is one of the first of its kind in the region. “This is a great day not just for Deptford Township, but for South Jersey,” said Congressman Rob Andrews, who spoke at the ceremony. Andrews said programs like Deptford’s were a step toward keeping the United States at the forefront of science and technology. “Our students can out-compete anyone in the world if we give them the opportunity,” he said. The STEM program, which was partially funded by grants from Exxon Mobil and Atlantic City Electric, was a long time in the making. “This is something that has come to fruition over three years,” said Rachel Green of the Deptford school board. “We’re so excited to have our congressman come out and acknowledge our accomplishments.” The new classroom consists of a computer lab and work space. Inside the newly-furnished lab, 14-year-old Samantha Ferrera, one of 40 incoming freshmen in the program, said it was an opportunity to get a head start on her career. “I’m really excited to work with all this new equipment,” she said. “I want to be a doctor, so this is a good gateway.” Valerie McGraw, whose daughter, Tia Denby, 13, will also start Deptford High School next week, said she was glad to see her daughter join the growing number of women studying science and math. Classes at Deptford resume Sept. 6. “I’m thrilled that Deptford has this program,” she said. “Women are moving forward with engineering and mathematics. My daughter is going to have all the same opportunities as the gentlemen in her class.” Sherry Speeney, director of curriculum and instruction for the district, said she hopes to develop a track for younger students to prepare them for the STEM program. The district is already opening advanced science classes at the middle school level. “We’re looking forward to expanding this,” said Speeney. “As we always say in curriculum: what’s next?” Board member Stacy Gray said she was proud to see Deptford preparing students for a changing job market. “We’re so excited,” she said. “We’re pioneering 21st century skills for our kids.” -------------------------- Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld
Posted on: Fri, 30 Aug 2013 12:27:35 +0000
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