STEAM Academy to begin accepting applications
The STEAM Academy will begin accepting applications March 26-March 30 for students currently enrolled at Dr. Raul Garza, Jr. Elementary, according to Principal Elsa Lambert, who was recently selected to lead the STEAM Academy.
Dr. Raul Garza, Jr. Elementary students have a different registration period and are expected to be grandfathered.
Campus personnel will accept applications for other district students and those from surrounding districts from March 26-April 20.
“Our hope is that children from within our district and neighboring districts take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Therefore, we encourage students from other districts to apply as well,” Lambert said.
“Once the applications have been received and the window has closed, they will be reviewed by a committee, and those children that qualify will be notified,” Lambert said, adding that they are expecting between 500 and 700 students.
Lambert said that the next steps are to interview and hire the support staff, such as a counselor and an assistant principal. Once this process has been accomplished, teachers will have the opportunity to apply and the teacher hiring process will begin.
In regards to curriculum and instruction, Lambert stated that the campus will be utilizing the Engineering in Elementary Curriculum as one resource for helping children think outside the box and develop their creativity.
“We will also have a Minecraft Education Lab to teach children about coding. Legos will be utilized as part of the curriculum to assist with design. Technology such as drones, Ipads for each kinder and first grade student; Chrome books for each second through fifth grade student; Epson Projectors in classrooms, and robotics are among the resources that will be available,” she said.
The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Resource Systems performance assessments will be enhanced to meet two to three areas of STEAM. Children will participate in daily hands-on activities throughout all subject areas including the integration of visual and performing arts.
San Benito CISD continues moving forward with efforts to introduce other educational initiatives and in doing so, is considering additional magnet schools to open for the 2019-2020 school year. Plans are already in the works for a second magnet school, according to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nate Carman.
Dr. Carman explained the goal is to open a second magnet school during the 2019-2020 school year, either fine arts, humanities, International Baccalaureate, or medicine to enrich our students by providing opportunities that promote critical thinking skills, problem-solving and effective communication skills etc.
For more information on the STEAM Academy, please call 956-361-6900.