Maxine Smith STEAM Academy

Junior Beta Club, Junior National Honor Society, Student Council, Destination Imagination, First Lego League, Technology Student Association, Book Club, Drama Club

Common Vision
Our purpose is to use effective and innovative instructional strategies which support Common Core State Standards and are focused on educating, enriching and empowering the whole child to learn through laboratory activities, case studies, and positive student/teacher interaction. Students will engage in science, technology, and mathematics instruction which is construed through engineering disciplines and embedded in the creative arts. Additionally, at the heart of our mission is a focus on “greenSTEAM” topics where students use their creativity to engage in environment-based problem based learning in order to become environmentally literate.

Shared Mission
The Maxine Smith STEAM Academy will develop students’ creativity, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, which are all necessary for success in today’s world. With an emphasis on post-secondary readiness, the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) curriculum will prepare students for college, career and beyond while producing environmentally literate students.

Mutual Respect
We will listen to and learn from the ideas of others. If we disagree, we do so agreeably. We treat everyone - students, teachers, other members of the school community and the community at large - with kindness and consideration. We collaborate in our learning and teaching.

Inclusiveness
We understand that all students have unique talents and contributions. We foster a sense of community among all members of our school. We ensure that every student, regardless of individual gifts and needs, has the opportunity to learn the concepts and skills that he or she is next ready to learn.

Self-Reliance
We assume responsibility for learning, as well as for interpersonal relationships. We take the initiative to solve problems. We persevere when faced with obstacles.

The Best Educational STEAM Practices
We evaluate continually the latest educational research so that the faculty and administration continue their professional development. We maintain a curriculum that flows seamlessly from grade to grade across all disciplines.

Partnership with Christian Brothers University ( students use engineering lab and library weekly) and Salvation Army Kroc Center (Challenge Center). Tutors from CBU and the University of Memphis work with students in classrooms weekly.

All students enrolled in blended learning course work using school-issued Lenovo Yoga laptop/tablet.

Partnership with The Greater Memphis IT Council who provide weekly speakers from the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math.