St. Cassian School’s STREAM curriculum receives Fordham award
St. Cassian School in Upper Montclair received an award from Fordham University honoring its Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STREAM) curriculum during the university’s Center for Catholic School Leadership and Faith-Based Education Executive Leadership Dinner.
St. Cassian was the only New Jersey institution recognized during the dinner, which celebrated the achievements of Catholic schools throughout the New York metropolitan area. The honor marked the first time St. Cassian’s STREAM program has been recognized since its launch nearly a decade ago. Accepting the award on behalf of St. Cassian were Father Stephen Fichter, vicar of education for the Archdiocese of Newark; Superintendent Barbara Dolan; Principal Maria Llanes; and other archdiocesan and school leaders.
“It was a great honor to receive the award and represent the Archdiocese of Newark as a leader in innovation,” Llanes said. “Catholic education is key for fostering the next generation of well-rounded, thoughtful learners. This award is a testament to the impact Catholic schools can have on children’s lives.”
Looking at real-world challenges
St. Cassian’s STREAM curriculum gives students in grades pre-K through 8 opportunities to develop creativity and critical thinking skills through project-based learning. At each grade level, students participate in age-appropriate, faith-centered lessons focused on issues affecting the planet. They then apply concepts from science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics to develop solutions to real-world challenges. Younger students explore topics such as caring for God’s creation, while older students examine issues including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The curriculum’s capstone project is St. Cassian’s annual STREAM Fair, which involves students from every grade level. Over several months, students identify and research challenges facing communities around the world before designing solutions. Each project includes a prototype, engineering notebook, social awareness campaign, and procedural video. Students present their completed projects at the fair and explain their proposed solutions to visitors.
Past STREAM Fair projects have included hurricane-resistant homes, earthquake-resistant housing, protective fencing for sea turtle hatchlings, and flotation devices designed to help polar bears affected by melting icecaps.
STREAM to success
“When I walk through a STREAM Fair, I see the smiles on the children’s faces and the enthusiasm for their projects,” Llanes said. “Our students are also thriving academically because STREAM education encourages higher-order thinking. By the time they graduate, they have the creativity, problem-solving skills and moral foundation to succeed in any field.”
Llanes credits St. Cassian’s STREAM curriculum for the success of the school’s graduates. This year, all members of St. Cassian’s eighth grade class were accepted to their preferred high schools, and 85% earned academic scholarships. At least one student was accepted to Regis High School in New York City, one of the nation’s most selective Catholic high schools.
To learn more about St. Cassian School and its STREAM curriculum, visit www.stcassianschool.org.
Featured image: Students at St. Cassian School learn about electrical circuits as part of the school’s STREAM curriculum. (Photo courtesy of St. Cassian School)
