GARDEN CITY FRIENDS OF STEAM

Dear Friends of STEAM,

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As we prepare for the new 2019-2020 school year, Garden City Friends of STEAM would like to reflect on the past school year and look forward to supporting STEAM advocacy throughout the Garden City community.

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First, we want to express our gratitude to the teachers, staff and administration for all their dedication in supporting our students throughout the district. Under the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Sinha and Asst Superintendent for Curriculum Dr. Cannone, the 2018-2019 school year launched the Spotlight on STEAM initiative. This exciting undertaking is a multi-year program to assess K-12 STEAM needs with ongoing implementation to curriculum. We applaud the district for addressing this critical component to our students’ education, as they continue to “Inspire Minds, Empower Achievement & Build Community”.

 

We are also very thankful to all the parents and businesses in Garden City for their membership support. And, are especially grateful to Fidelity Investments for their continued support in our fundraising efforts. 

 

Lastly, a huge shout out to our wonderful volunteers for their time and dedication!

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics are at the core of success in many fulfilling careers. What also plays a role throughout STEAM are approaches to critical thinking methods, collaboration, problem solving, resiliency, presentation skills, perpetual curiosity and lifelong learning. Please take a brief moment to think about this ….  

“65% of children starting primary school will eventually work in jobs that do not exist yet”                                 - World Economic Forum 

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Some Accomplishments from the past school year include:

• “Women in STEAM” – GCFS sponsored 5 fantastic presentations at the library for students to hear firsthand the evolution of careers in biology, neuroscience and various engineering fields.

• “RoboExpo” – a joint workshop with the GC Public Library to introduce students of all ages to forming a FLL Robotics Team. (Thanks for the support Miss Laura!)

• Supported “The Taco Bros”, a First Lego League Robotics Team comprised of 5th & 6th Graders that advanced to the Nationals Competition in Arkansas. Congrats ….you guys made our town proud!! 

• Participation in the Garden City School District’s STEAM Advisory Committee

• Fundraised $7,500 grant to support equipment for the new High School Robotics Lab this Fall

• Presented 3 scholarships to GCHS graduates

• Some of our 2019-2020 Goals are:

• Host STEAM -Talk series on Math, Business, Finance, Cyber Security, Automation,  Artificial Intelligence and Computer Programming for students, and community members

• Help expand STEAM extracurricular offerings for all grade levels 

• Initiate Mentoring Programs in coordination with the school district and local businesses

• Increase Scholarship Fund

• Increase membership to widen community involvement and improve STEAM programs