PCMS STEM Academy Parents,             


 

The STEM Academy's teachers and administration are busily planning to ensure that your child will have an outstanding 8th grade year!  They are in the midst of outlining cross-functional projects for the school year as well as identifying resource needs.  As discussed during the informational session in the Spring, the STEM Academy needs support from the parents and the community in order to make this inaugural year a success.  Below are three ways in which you can assist the PCMS STEM Academy.  Please review and respond accordingly, if you are able to assist.  Any questions regarding the below needs or the STEM Academy can be directed to Mr. Shrader.  (william_s_shrader@dekalbschoolsga.org).

STEM Academy Highlights
SeaPerch

 

 

One of the components of a successful STEM program is cross-functional projects and competitions.  The STEM Academy's teachers have identified several projects for the students to work on over the course of the year.  To kick off the school year, the students will participate in the SeaPerch program (SeaPerch.org).  SeaPerch is an innovative underwater robotics program that teaches the students basic engineering and science and tool safety and technical procedures.  To learn more about this exciting program, please watch this short video:

 


 

Ideally, the teachers want to assign 4 students to a team, requiring one kit per team.  We currently have 11 kits.  We are in need of 21 more kits.  The total cost for these additional kits is approximately $3550.  At this time, we are seeking monetary donations from STEM Academy families to support this project.  The STEM Academy's teachers anticipate this project being the most costly project of the year.  Because this is the first project of the year, monetary donations are needed now to secure kits for August.  We are hoping future resource needs will be minimal and/or funded by business and community partners (see below).  Please consider donating to this project via the following link:

 

www.PCMSStem.myevent.com

 

 

Business & Community Partners

 

The STEM Academy is in need of business and community partnerships.  Below are examples of how these partners can support the STEM Academy:

  • STEM career presentations
  • Job shadowing
  • Touring STEM business/industries
  • Collaboration with teachers to design real world projects/problems
  • Financial sponsorship

If you know of a business that may be interested in partnering with the PCMS STEM Academy, please contact Sherri Von Behren (sherrivb@comcast.net) or Lisa Beiger (tlbeiger@msn.com).


AutoCAD

 

The STEM Academy is seeking a partner for the Autodesk platform for engineer design.  The flagship product is AutoCAD.  This partner would be a great resource for Mr. Constant, the Engineering teacher, and the students.  Please contact Mr. Shrader (william_s_shrader@dekalbschoolsga.org) if you are able to assist
Book Requirement

The Alchemy of Air
by Thomas Hager 
Buy Now

As part of the Physical Science class, Mr. Daniell will require the students to read several books.  The first book students will read is The Alchemy of Air by Thomas Hager.  Students will want to have this book on the first day of class because their first homework assignment will require reading the book.  Please keep this in in mind when you begin your back to school shopping.  
Peachtree Charter Middle School
 Main Phone:  678.676.7702 | Absence Reporting:  678.676.7715
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