The Bethlehem Central School District has renamed the STEM committee the STEAM committee in order to continue to explore ways to increase student learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, the arts and math (STEAM). The committee, which is comprised of educators, STEAM professionals, and community representatives, will meet regularly in the 2016-17 school year to discuss how to:
- Increase the number of students enrolled in STEAM courses and balance gender enrollment;
- Increase in the number of students enrolling in college STEAM programs;
- Increase the resources available to students that are actually used in the professional field, including updated facilities and equipment;
- Increase the opportunity for students to make connections with businesses, either through internships/field experiences or bringing professionals into the school to work with students; and
- Create a working list of community members in the STEAM field that would be interested in sharing their knowledge with students.
Community members or professionals working in STEAM careers who are interested in participating in the district’s STEAM committee, or who are willing to share resources or professional expertise, should contact Superintendent Jody Monroe via email at jmonroe@bcsd.neric.org.
What is STEAM education?
STEAM education is Science and Technology, interpreted through Engineering and the Arts, all based in Mathematical elements.
The five STEAM subjects are defined as:
- Science is the study of the natural world, including the laws of nature associated with physics, chemistry, and biology and the treatment or application of facts, principles, concepts, or conventions associated with these disciplines.
- Technology comprises the entire system of people and organizations, knowledge, processes, and devices that go into creating and operating technological artifacts, as well as the artifacts themselves.
- Engineering is a body of knowledge about the design and creation of products and a process for solving problems. Engineering utilizes concepts in science and mathematics and technological tools.
- the Arts is the study of liberal arts, language arts, social studies, physical arts, and fine arts and music. To be successful in technical fields, individuals must also be creative and use critical thinking skills.
- Mathematics is the study of patterns and relationships among quantities, numbers, and shapes. Mathematics includes theoretical mathematics and applied mathematics.
Committee Members
- Heidi Bonacquist, Slingerlands Elementary Principal, Bethlehem Central School District
- Mark Bryant, Vice President, Bryant Asset Management
- Andrew Cancio, Science Teacher, Bethlehem Central School District
- Dave Doemel, Interim Middle School Principal, Bethlehem Central School District
- Eric Eisenbraun, PTO Representative, Bethlehem Central Community Organization (BCCO)
- Mark Fobare, President and CEO, Monolith Solar Associates
- Diane Giacone-Stever, Former Board Member, Bethlehem Central Board of Education
- Jen Gonyea, Science Supervisor, Bethlehem Central School District
- David Hurst, Assistant Superintendent, Bethlehem Central School District
- Michael Klugman, Interim High School Principal, Bethlehem Central School District
- Lynne Lenhardt, Board Member, Bethlehem Central Board of Education
- Amy Ludik, Science Teacher, Bethlehem Central School District
- Kim Namkoong, PTO Representative, Bethlehem Central Community Organization (BCCO)
- Melanie Painter, District Art Supervisor, Bethlehem Central School District
- Dianna Reagan, Eagle Elementary Principal, Bethlehem Central School District
- Jamie Rowe, Science Teacher, Bethlehem Central School District
- Paul Wing, Community Member/STEM education donor
2016-17 Meeting Schedule
High School Conference Room B at 3:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 5, 2016
- Wednesday, November 30, 2016
- Wednesday, February 15, 2017
- Wednesday, May 3, 2017
All meetings will take place at 3:30 p.m. in Conference Room B of Bethlehem Central High School, 700 Delaware Avenue, Delmar, New York 12054.