THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2021 Page 7 Polito tours Keverian STEM classes By Christopher Roberson L t. Governor Karyn Polito recently toured the Keverian School as students delved into the week-long curriculum of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). “STEM jobs pay $30,000 more than non-STEM jobs,” Polito said during her visit on October 18. “Massachusetts has one of the most innovative economies in America. When you graduate high school, you’ll already be ahead of the game.” Rupinderpal Kaur McGillin, the district’s K-8 STEM director, said many Keverian students go on to enroll in the robust STEM program at Everett High School. Therefore, she and her colleagues are working with Engineering is Elementary to bolster the STEM curriculum in the lower grades. Despite being an English Language Arts teacher, Keith Spencer said he has adjusted his own curriculum to align with STEM Week. “All of our content is connected,” he said, adding that his students are focused on the writing component of STEM. Superintendent of Schools Priya Tahiliani said the district is part of Bay State STEM Week, which is now in its fourth year. She said that this year students in grades 3-12 participated in the CoderZ Challenge. In this challenge, Tahiliani said, students are virtually placed in an Amazon fulfillment center and are presented with a series of problems. She said the students then utilize coding and robotics to solve those problems and ensure that customers receive their packages on time. Students in grades 4-8 participate in Hurricane Heroes! Storm City, Massachusetts. This scenario simulates the aftermath of a category 6 hurricane that has inundated a Massachusetts city with 14 inches of water. Without using electricity, students must develop ways to evacuate residents to safety and get the flood waters to recede. Tahiliani also spoke about the Tech STEM Challenge in which students learn to use artificial intelligence through the platforms Machine Learning for Kids and Scratch. At the middle and high school levels, students take part in the Biobuilder ChalPOLITO | SEE PAGE 11 Lt. Governor Karyn Polito toured the Keverian School on October 18 as students began this year’s STEM Week. Shown from left to right are State Senator Sal DiDomenico, Superintendent of Schools Priya Tahiliani and Mayor Carlo DeMaria. (Advocate photos by Christopher Roberson)
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