LUSBY, Md. — Calvert’s Southern Middle School is now home to the region’s first dedicated science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) center, where students will have the opportunity to take classes and get hands-on experience with key STEM skills.
The STEM center is tucked into the back of the school library and is packed with gadgets and stations that students were already exploring. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new center, kids rushed in and jumped into their projects — robotics, circuit-building and 3D printing were just some of the options available for these curious and creative students.
Though the STEM center had just opened, the kids were all clearly comfortable and encouraged by the equally enthusiastic team of educators and administrators who helped bring the center to life — a project made possible by Constellation and the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation. Constellation Plant Manager CJ Smith and Director of Philanthropy Carrie Stockwell attended the event to share their excitement for the project and to chat with kids about careers in STEM and the Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center.
Dr. Crystal Ricks, supervisor of gifted and talented education, had a clear message: You can’t be what you can’t see. And in a rural area like Calvert, bringing STEM opportunities directly to the students helps them get experiences to think bigger and more creatively about their future career possibilities. STEM is always growing and changing, and she hopes all the students can benefit from having STEM accessible in their school.
“Sometimes you’re fighting more than one battle for opportunities in a rural area, and having the STEM center increases access and opportunity not just for the kids, but for their families too,” Ricks said.
The STEM center is open to every student in the school through a variety of classes, in-school and after-school programs, and informal access.
“Every single student will be able to walk through and see if this is a place for them. And hopefully it sparks some of their curiosity,” Ricks added.
Principal Ryan Crowley said launching the center had been a whirlwind and he hadn’t immediately realized that this center was the first of its kind in Southern Maryland. Crowley said that in his role as principal, STEM is an important tool for empowering kids as well as educating them.
“We’re very equipped with laptops and online learning, and all of those things. However, these hands-on pieces and design are critical,” Crowley said. “And you can see the engagement already.”
“What I like about STEM is that it encompasses multiple professions. The technology is embedded in all our careers, and I think it’s essential to have that exposure.”
STEM projects certainly spark creativity and give purpose to kids who are ready to use their talents to build, to create and to learn. The kids at Southern Middle School were so invested in their projects that they didn’t even notice the table of free snacks.
The center is a win for STEM, a win for kids and a win for Calvert schools.
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