DIS STEAMs ahead this year with a new head principal

The last days of summer are closing for local students. With classes starting on August 15, Daniel Island School will be opening its doors for its tenth year.

This year, the school starts off with a new head principal, Kori Brown, who was previously assistant principal and has been with the school for three years.

Brown is continuing on a solid foundation forged by her predecessor Mrs. French, said Elizabeth Perkis, Daniel Island School PTA president, and the PTA is confident that she will bring great opportunity and a fresh vision for the school to make it a leader in education.

“Because she is starting off with the advantage of familiarity with the community, student body and faculty,” Perkis said, “we know she will set her sights high for both educational innovation and student achievement in elementary and middle school grades.”

With her she brings the continuous integration of the STEAM program (Science and Technology, interpreted through Engineering and the Arts, all based in Mathematical elements).

By following the STEAM ideology, the school will bring a deeper focus to science, technology, engineering, arts and math. The goal of STEAM is to show the connection within various fields and the application to relevant experiences while encouraging interaction with the local community, said Brown.

It should also open doors to diverse career paths that are often unknown or overlooked.

“It is problem solving based learning,” said Assistant Principal Jennifer Heard, “which is key for kids because they need to be able to problem solve and connect it to real life.”

Teachers will have access to grants funded by the PTA for STEAM related projects, Perkis said.

In the mindset of STEAM, a coach from Engaging Creative Minds, a non-for-profit that teaches schools how to integrate art into various subjects, will work with classroom teachers on ideas for field trips, lessons and school projects.

For example, students may be learning fractions through dance, or spelling through theatre. This way the child has access to a creative outlet and has movement throughout the day.

“[It’s] broadening and deepening those connections across the curriculums,” Brown said.

In addition to these programs, each student from grade three to eight will be loaned a Chromebook that is sponsored by the PTA and the district for the One-to-One Computing initiative.

A technology coach will also be available so the students can learn how to use the computer as a tool for collaboration and self-expression. This approach can also lead to communication with other students throughout the U.S. and the world, and allow access to sophisticated field projects.

“It gives [teachers] innovative teaching opportunities,” Perkis said. “The kids get to do more, and more interesting projects. It is a different way to organize their work—more in line with the technology of the future.”

MIDDLE SCHOOL UPDATES

In addition to STEAM related programs, this year middle school students can have lunch as whole grades and choose where they sit. Previously, they had assigned tables. Also, the middle school will have their first student council.

Stay updated with Daniel Island School Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/DISPTA.org/?ref=bookmarks

School Safety Program Needs Volunteers

Daniel Island Safety Patrol Program is looking for volunteers to help the students get to and from school safely.

The program starts on Monday August 15, and volunteers work Monday to Friday 7:50 – 8:15 a.m. and 2:55 to 3:20 p.m. at the intersection of Daniel Island Drive and Pierce Street.

Volunteers, geared with an orange hand—held flag, provide students with a safer route to the Daniel Island school campus during the morning and afternoon.

To volunteer DINA Safety Committee Chair email Marie Delcioppo at safety@dineighborhoodassociation.org.