Principal's Message
Welcome Back to Santiago STEAM Magnet School
Dear Santiago Families,
As we approach the start of the new academic year, we're pleased to welcome you back to Santiago STEAM Magnet School. We hope our students had a restful summer and are ready for an engaging year of learning and growth.
Our STEAM Program and Project Based Learning
At Santiago, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive STEAM program, which is built around our signature practice of Project Based Learning (PBL). This approach is integral to how we teach and how our students learn across all subject areas:
- Science: Students will engage in hands-on experiments and explore natural phenomena.
- Technology: Our program includes experiences with robotics, 3D printing, and coding, tailored to different grade levels.
- Engineering: Projects will include practical problem-solving and design challenges.
- Arts: Various forms of creative expression will be integrated into our programs.
- Mathematics: We'll build strong foundational skills and apply them to real-world situations.
Project Based Learning is at the heart of our curriculum. This innovative educational approach:
- Engages students in solving real-world problems
- Encourages collaboration and teamwork
- Develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Fosters creativity and innovation
- Improves communication skills through project presentations
Importantly, our PBL approach incorporates human-centered design thinking. This framework encourages students to:
- Empathize with users and stakeholders
- Define problems from multiple perspectives
- Ideate creative solutions
- Prototype and test their ideas
By integrating design thinking into our PBL curriculum, we nurture empathetic learners who consider the human impact of their work. This approach helps students develop a deeper understanding of complex issues and fosters a sense of social responsibility.
Through PBL and design thinking, our students don't just memorize facts; they apply their knowledge to create meaningful projects and solutions. This approach helps create well-rounded, adaptable, and empathetic learners who are prepared for the challenges of the 21st century.
School Supplies
To ensure all students have the necessary tools for learning, we will provide essential school supplies on the first day of classes. For special projects throughout the year, teachers may request volunteer donations of additional materials. Your support in this area is always appreciated but never required. We strive to make sure all students can participate fully in every learning opportunity, regardless of their ability to contribute supplies.
Parent Involvement
We encourage parent participation in our school community:
- Attend our upcoming Back-to-School Night to learn about this year's curriculum and PBL projects.
- Consider joining the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) to support school initiatives.
- Volunteer opportunities will be available throughout the year, including helping with the Innovation Lab, Family Night events and contributing supplies for special projects when possible.
Important Information
- School Office opens on July 29, 2024. Hours: 8:00 am- 4:00 pm
- First Day of School: August 14, 2024. Early Dismissal at 1:02 pm
- School Hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:15 am-2:30 pm
- Every Wednesday is a Modified Day. 8:15 am-1:02 pm
- Back-to-School Night: August 28, 2024. *Tentatively planned for 5:30-7:00 pm
- PBL Showcase: March 19, 2025. *Times to be decided
We look forward to a productive and positive school year. Our staff is committed to providing a supportive learning environment that nurtures critical thinkers, problem solvers, and empathetic innovators through our STEAM and PBL approach.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact the school office.
Your partner in education,
Kristin Thomsen
Principal, Santiago STEAM Magnet School
We provide meaningful, innovative learning experiences for a community of diverse learners who solve complex problems with creativity and confidence.