Do you know STEM?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

In 2011, the Bremerton School District made some pivotal changes when it came to class organization and curriculum to one of its existing schools, and after a small makeover it became the West Hills STEM Academy.

While STEM seems to be more prevalent at the high-school level, Bremerton made the decision to implement it at the elementary- and middle-school levels as well, making it one of only a handful of districts in the State of Washington to do so.

My own child has been attending West Hills since the fourth grade. He has participated in the STEM program since fifth grade.

With the limited financial resources available to the Bremerton School district, I feel that they have been doing a rather good job of building on the success of this innovative program with every year that has passed since its implementation.

My own child has benefited from this program and the dedicated staff members associated with it.

Bremerton, and the Puget Sound area as a whole, is an extremely ripe environment for up-and-coming students with an interest in part or all of what STEM programs have to offer.

When that interest is combined with access to local programs that motivate, encourage and inspire them to continue in their science related studies, it creates opportunities for them they might not otherwise experience.

On Saturday, May 4, Bremerton will add to its pursuit of advancing STEM recognition and participation by hosting the Inaugural West Sound STEM Showcase.

This event will be hosted by the West Sound STEM Network in partnership with the Bremerton School District.

The purpose of the showcase is to bring the principles of STEM to visitors and participants of all ages through a variety of hands-on activities with interactive formats.

Many of the hosts for this event also put on a STEM night at West Hills a couple of months back.

The turnout for that earlier event was fantastic and the students did not want to leave because they were having so much fun with the activities and experiments.

Local organizations and employers who have experience in STEM fields will be hosting the tables and activities for this showcase.

They are looking to engage the next generation of problem solvers and encourage them to keep up their interest in all things STEM.

This is a free event that I would encourage entire families to attend.

For access to the official flyer and more information you can check out the website: www.oesd.wednet.edu/Page/546.

West Hills officially became a STEM school in 2011. It has since begun adding middle school grade levels. Seventh-graders currently attend the school and next year eighth-grade will be added.

See page one for an article on a rain garden in West Hills’ Outdoor Learning Center that was opened this week.