Kenwood Middle School earns STEM Designation from TN Department of Education
May 20, 2021
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Kenwood students are provided with hands-on experiences as they explore the scientific method.
The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System is proud to announce that Kenwood Middle School has received a STEM Designation from the Tennessee Department of Education. Kenwood is one of 13 schools across the state recognized in 2021. This will be the first CMCSS STEM-designated middle school, and the fourth school in the district to receive a STEM designation.
“STEM-based education helps prepare students for future success in both their academic education and in their careers,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “Governor Lee and the department are committed to providing students with STEM learning experiences to enrich their education, and we are thrilled to see the number of the STEM-designated schools continue to grow.”
Kenwood’s focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) has propelled students to think critically and explore their world. Students are introduced to complex learning opportunities through coding, drone technology, electric cars, and more. Kenwood was recently awarded a $5,000 grant from the TVA to expand their drone initiatives.
“These students are our future,” said Dr. Marlon Heaston, Kenwood Middle principal. “Our future innovators, creators, and leaders. We are committed to providing them with the tools they need to achieve their potential.”
Kenwood 8th graders solve complex problems through coding software. Students must determine the proper formulas necessary to have their drone fly in the correct sequence.
According to the TN Department of Education, each school awarded the Tennessee STEM School Designation was evaluated through a rigorous application process including a self-evaluation, interviews, and hosting site visits with the Tennessee STEM Designation review team. The determination is based on five focus areas: infrastructure, curriculum and instruction, professional development, achievement, and community and postsecondary partnerships.
As a part of the process, schools were required to submit a plan of action for implementing and sustaining STEM education for the next five years. Kenwood Middle students have the added advantage of continuing their transdisciplinary studies during high school, as Kenwood High is also a STEM-designated school.
“A STEM education is increasingly important as technology continues to grow and expand in Tennessee,” said State Sen. Bill Powers. “It provides powerful learning opportunities to students so they can compete for higher-paying, in-demand jobs. I am very proud of the work being done at all of these schools, especially Kenwood Middle School in my district, to achieve this designation. It is a tremendous investment in these students’ futures.”