STEM to STREAM: Diocese of Buffalo Chooses Pilot Schools
We are proud to be a STREAM pilot school by the Diocese of Buffalo Department of Catholic Education. The initials in STREAM refer to the subject areas of Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Math. STREAM Education uses an interdisciplinary approach to bridge subject areas. It is not a new curriculum, but a philosophical framework for delivering excellence in education for 21st century learners. We endeavor to create holistic, real world learning experiences, so our students can put their knowledge to use developing ideas and solving problems. (see PBL)
SSPP offers exciting science learning opportunities for students including advanced & Regents science classes, Science Scrimmage Club, Science Olympiad Competition, Garden Club Science in Fiction book clubs and an annual Science Fair. In 2015 we adopted the FOSS Science Program based on the Next Generation Science Standards. This is an inquiry based program that offers active learning experiences for our students,
Engineering
Building a Cell, SSPP STREAM School, Williamsville, NY
With the STREAM initiative SSPP has launched several engineering based clubs including Arcade Academy, Invention Convention and Robotics. Our students are busy collaborating to to solve problems. Each grade level participates in 2 to 3 engineering projects a year. Students learn to implement the Engineering Design Principle in all areas of the curriculum.
Arts
Art Director Mary McIntyre works closely with academic and specials teachers to bring the visual arts into all aspects of the SSPP educational experience. Mrs. McIntyre offers art clubs for various age groups, performance art for middle schoolers and hosts field trips to the WNY Book Arts Center and the Albright Knox Art Gallery.
Math
Danica McKellar said, "mathematics itself is truly a beautiful art form. It's structures and patterns, and that's what we love." At SSPP we expose students to the art of math through geometric string art, tessellations, engineering principals, design composition, beading, poetic rhythm and rhyme scheme, music composition and more.
Technology
Visit our newly renovated media center and observe our students' creativity. Students learn to write code, record and edit video in moviemaker & imovie, create powerpoint presentations, and utilize websites such as prezi, thinklink, storybird, and wordle to support academic class work.
Religion
Under the leadership of Pastor Jerome Kopek and Faith Formation Director, Denise Amato, our students practice their faith throughout the day. Faith is woven through the curriculum and reinforced in clubs such as The "R" in STREAM .