New Elementary STEM Learning Hubs to Open at All Four Elementary Schools this Fall

With equipment purchased through a $40,000 Mamaroneck Schools Foundation (MSF) grant, elementary school students will have access to enhanced technology and authentic hands-on learning opportunities in the new STEM Learning Labs being created this summer. Expected to open in early fall at each of the District’s four elementary schools, the labs will provide students across schools with a unified STEM experience, incorporating high-tech equipment such as 3D printers, a vinyl printer/cutter, and kid-friendly building materials.

“The equipment supported by this grant will enable the youngest learners to engage in authentic, project-based learning experiences that promote 21st century skills — like collaboration, resilience, and the iterative design-thinking process — while helping to create responsible citizens in a multicultural world,” said Robert Hohn, the District’s newly appointed Gr K-12 STEM Director, who also is involved with the state-of-the art STEM Lab being built at Mamaroneck High School.

Mr. Hohn will work with MUFSD’s two new elementary STEM teachers to develop a curriculum designed to support vertical alignment as students move up through the grades. The STEM Learning Labs will be used by both the STEM teachers, as well as classroom teachers. 

“A continuum of curriculum is important in preparing students for the work being done at each school level as they progress through our system,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Shaps said. “The STEM Learning Hubs will enable students to use modern technology to advance their learning and offer students expanded possibilities for deeper exploration of curricular areas.”

MSF President Jackie Emmet added, “We are always pleased and excited to be able to partner with the District to provide opportunities for innovative learning. This particular initiative serves as a critical bridge between the middle school/high school STEM curriculum and our elementary learners and is a wonderful example of the type of programming that MSF loves to support!”

The STEM Learning Hubs grant was awarded “off-cycle” and is an addition to the slate of 2022-2023 grants announced by the Foundation earlier this year. Since 1996, the Mamaroneck Schools Foundation has awarded more than 500 grants totaling more than $5 Million.