Center School students showcase Exploration Studio STEAM projects to school committee

Center School students and their teacher, Mrs. Saraphino, presented examples of student work and classroom practice to the Longmeadow School Committee on April 14.

The teacher described Exploration Studio as a hands-on STEAM class that integrates technology, engineering and social-emotional learning with classroom ELA (CKLA) and science standards. She said the class emphasizes design challenges, collaboration, perseverance and tier-2 supports for students who need additional help. "The class is magical," she told the committee, adding that visitors had observed students taking risks, revising ideas and reflecting on learning.

Students demonstrated and described several projects: a rocket-booster challenge where teams designed and tested paper-and-straw rockets; a third-grade assignment to design an animal with five survival characteristics and build it from recycled materials; a second-grade clay-sculpture and museum walk linked to a Greek gods unit; a first-grade contraption challenge tied to the fable "The Fox and the Grapes"; and a kindergarten building activity based on The Three Billy Goats.

Principal Hutton and committee members thanked the students and teacher for the presentation and invited families and community members to visit the studio. The committee also acknowledged staff transitions and the district's effort to identify a successor for a retiring staff member.