Is the STEM Academy a good fit for me?
Answer these questions to find out!
1. I am strong in math and science. 2. I would like to learn more about technology and engineering. 3. I enjoy discovering new things. 4. I enjoy trying different ways to solve a problem. 5. I come up with creative ways to solve problems. 6. I enjoy working with others and in groups. 7. I enjoy reading and learning new things. 8. I enjoy hands-on activities and using technology. 9. I am willing to help in a weekend or after-school community service project. 10. I am willing to join after-school clubs. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a STEM themed educational program?
STEM education removes the traditional barriers created between the four disciplines (English, Social Studies, Math and Science), by integrating them into one cohesive teaching and learning paradigm. Students will apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in contexts that make connections between school, community, work, and the global enterprise enabling the development of STEM literacy, and with it the ability to compete in the new economyl.
What separates this STEM educational program from more traditional educational settings?
In the STEM Academy, students will experience unique learning opportunities through project and problem based learning. Technology will be fully integrated into all courses, with each student having a technology device (such as a Google Chromebook). Each student will have a Google Chromebook to use at home, and at school. Students will be expected to work in groups to solve problems and to think critically. Students will also be required to participate in community service activities, and service learning projects. There will also be learning experiences through job shadowing, field trips, speakers, and more. Students will also be required to be a member of at least one STEM academic competition club. As the Academy continues to build, the opportunities and the requirements will be developed and modified.
Will the students that participate in the STEM Academy stay together for all of their classes?
Yes. Like any other middle school team, STEM Academy students will be in core content area classes with other STEM Academy students. The schedule in the STEM Academy may be structured differently in order to meet the nontraditional demands of the Academy, along with individual student academic needs.
Is the STEM Academy only available for AIG identified students?
No. The STEM Academy is available for all students to apply. AIG students admitted into the Academy will be served in a cluster setting.
If my child is classified as academically and intellectually gifted (AIG) or as an exceptional child (EC) will he or she be provided with services?
All students will be provided with services as required. The curriculum will be differentiated for students, with an emphasis on critical thinking, rigor and problem solving.
Are current fifth grade students, the only students who are eligible to apply to be in the STEM Academy?
The STEM Academy’s application process only accepts fifth grade students, for the rising sixth grade cohort. Students will be in the STEM Academy for each year of their middle school career.
How do I apply to be a part of the STEM Academy?
Applications for the next school year, will become available in January of each school year. Carver administration and/ or STEM staff will visit each elementary school to speak about the STEM Academy, and to provide each fifth grade student with a hard copy of the application. Additional copies of the application will be given to fifth grade teachers and guidance counselors. Applications are also available on the Carver Middle School website and on the Carver STEM Academy website.
Can any fifth grade student in the Scotland County School district apply?
Yes. Any fifth grade student in Scotland County Schools may apply.
How will students be selected for this Academy?
Students must complete and return the application. Applications should include a completed information form; a written response to the short answer statement; signatures from student and parent/ guardian; and one teacher recommendation. A committee will be reviewing applications and a rubric will be used to determine entry. The rubric will be based on a teacher recommendation, academic potential, and end of grade test scores.
Will transportation be provided?
Yes. Bus transportation will be provided for each student.
If you do not enter the STEM Academy in sixth grade, can you enter it in another grade?
If seats become available, students may be accepted into the STEM Academy from the waiting list.
If a student is not successful in one grade level are they removed from the Academy? Teachers will work closely with students and parents to ensure success.
Can students in traditional courses still take the STEM elective class?
Yes. The STEM elective course is open to all of Carver Middle School’s students.
How will my child be prepared for high school by being in the STEM Academy?
Students will be prepared to take Career and College promise college courses while freshmen in high school. There are many programs of study aligned with STEM careers to continue to build on what was learned in the middle school Academy.
Will students who participate in the STEM Academy still be able to participate in extracurricular activities?
Yes. STEM Academy students will be able to participate in all sports, clubs, after school events, etc. that are open to all of Carver Middle School’s students. STEM Academy students will also be required to participate in a competitive club and community service components.
What is a STEM themed educational program?
STEM education removes the traditional barriers created between the four disciplines (English, Social Studies, Math and Science), by integrating them into one cohesive teaching and learning paradigm. Students will apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in contexts that make connections between school, community, work, and the global enterprise enabling the development of STEM literacy, and with it the ability to compete in the new economyl.
What separates this STEM educational program from more traditional educational settings?
In the STEM Academy, students will experience unique learning opportunities through project and problem based learning. Technology will be fully integrated into all courses, with each student having a technology device (such as a Google Chromebook). Each student will have a Google Chromebook to use at home, and at school. Students will be expected to work in groups to solve problems and to think critically. Students will also be required to participate in community service activities, and service learning projects. There will also be learning experiences through job shadowing, field trips, speakers, and more. Students will also be required to be a member of at least one STEM academic competition club. As the Academy continues to build, the opportunities and the requirements will be developed and modified.
Will the students that participate in the STEM Academy stay together for all of their classes?
Yes. Like any other middle school team, STEM Academy students will be in core content area classes with other STEM Academy students. The schedule in the STEM Academy may be structured differently in order to meet the nontraditional demands of the Academy, along with individual student academic needs.
Is the STEM Academy only available for AIG identified students?
No. The STEM Academy is available for all students to apply. AIG students admitted into the Academy will be served in a cluster setting.
If my child is classified as academically and intellectually gifted (AIG) or as an exceptional child (EC) will he or she be provided with services?
All students will be provided with services as required. The curriculum will be differentiated for students, with an emphasis on critical thinking, rigor and problem solving.
Are current fifth grade students, the only students who are eligible to apply to be in the STEM Academy?
The STEM Academy’s application process only accepts fifth grade students, for the rising sixth grade cohort. Students will be in the STEM Academy for each year of their middle school career.
How do I apply to be a part of the STEM Academy?
Applications for the next school year, will become available in January of each school year. Carver administration and/ or STEM staff will visit each elementary school to speak about the STEM Academy, and to provide each fifth grade student with a hard copy of the application. Additional copies of the application will be given to fifth grade teachers and guidance counselors. Applications are also available on the Carver Middle School website and on the Carver STEM Academy website.
Can any fifth grade student in the Scotland County School district apply?
Yes. Any fifth grade student in Scotland County Schools may apply.
How will students be selected for this Academy?
Students must complete and return the application. Applications should include a completed information form; a written response to the short answer statement; signatures from student and parent/ guardian; and one teacher recommendation. A committee will be reviewing applications and a rubric will be used to determine entry. The rubric will be based on a teacher recommendation, academic potential, and end of grade test scores.
Will transportation be provided?
Yes. Bus transportation will be provided for each student.
If you do not enter the STEM Academy in sixth grade, can you enter it in another grade?
If seats become available, students may be accepted into the STEM Academy from the waiting list.
If a student is not successful in one grade level are they removed from the Academy? Teachers will work closely with students and parents to ensure success.
Can students in traditional courses still take the STEM elective class?
Yes. The STEM elective course is open to all of Carver Middle School’s students.
How will my child be prepared for high school by being in the STEM Academy?
Students will be prepared to take Career and College promise college courses while freshmen in high school. There are many programs of study aligned with STEM careers to continue to build on what was learned in the middle school Academy.
Will students who participate in the STEM Academy still be able to participate in extracurricular activities?
Yes. STEM Academy students will be able to participate in all sports, clubs, after school events, etc. that are open to all of Carver Middle School’s students. STEM Academy students will also be required to participate in a competitive club and community service components.