MS and PJ Districts Partner Up On New STEM Initiative

The Port Jefferson School District and the Mount Sinai Union Free School District have partnered up for a new STEM initiative that will allow students to participate in a variety of subjects at the Brookhaven National Laboratory and Stony Brook University. 

The district said with the the help of New York State Senator Kenneth LaValle, it was able to secure an additional $45,500 that is separate from the funding generated through the state aid formula. These funds opened up spots for high school students to attend classes in fields such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics and the laboratory or the university. 

In a letter to the district, La Valle said this new initiative was critical for students. "Every child deserves outstanding schools and a quality of education at a cost taxpayers can afford," said La Valle. "It's becoming more and more difficult for homeowners to absorb increased school taxes…I have long been an advocate of districts sharing services and commend Port Jefferson and Mount Sinai for working collaboratively to expand student programming and save taxpayers' dollars."

In a presentation given by the Port Jefferson Superintendent of Schools, Kenneth R Bossert, he said the goal of the program is "[The] Desire to create enrichment opportunities for students to expand knowledge base and experiences outside what is offered in the high school setting."

This is an all exclusive program meaning that transportation, enrollment, and planning of modules will be handles between both district's faculty, university professors, and lab personnel. 

Bossert said the plan right now is to offer a 4-5 Week Modules instructed by University Professors with a maximum enrollment of 24 students. The district's also plan on offering week-long programs over the summer as an additional enhancement program.

The STEM initiative is in the very beginning stages. No word yet on when the district will begin offering the program or how they will choose which students are eligible to take the courses.