Western Middle School Technology teacher Peter Sirois, PTA president Katie Yu and town engineer Luigi Romano with Jack, Diego and Kingsley at the STEM night at Western on June 6, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager
Western Middle School’s PTA organized the school’s first annual STEM Hacker night on Wednesday.
The event was made possible by a $1,000 grant from National PTA and Microsoft.
The goal of the initiative was to fill a critical gap in STEM education, increase access to STEM experiences for all students and to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals.
Western was one of only 35 local PTAs to receive the grant.
PTA President Katie Yu pointed out that families play a critical role in children’s academic success and influence their children’s educational and career decisions.
At the event, families assembled robotic fingers, an activity designed for hands-on learning.
“From a PTA standpoint, any time you can bring families into a middle school and have an engaging activity, it benefits the climate of the school,” said Susanna Trudeau.
Tyler, Peter and Owen were ready to make robotic fingers at the first annual STEM Hacker night at Western Middle School. June 6, 2108 Photo: Leslie Yager
7th grader Devon O’Loughnane and her father Jared at Western Middle School’s first annual STEM Hacker night, June 6, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager
Thaddeus Fatsi and his mother Ann at Western Middle School’s STEM Hacker night. June 6, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager
Aaron Johnson media specialist at Western Middle School works with a family at the STEM Hacker night, June 6, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager
Students created robotic fingers at the STEM Hacker night at Western Middle School. June 6, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager
Students and families enjoyed the first annual STEM Hacker night at Western Middle School, June 6, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager
Students and families enjoyed the first annual STEM Hacker night at Western Middle School, June 6, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager
Students and families enjoyed the first annual STEM Hacker night at Western Middle School, June 6, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager
Students and families enjoyed the first annual STEM Hacker night at Western Middle School, June 6, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager
