to help our teachers feel equipped to address the modern world and its benefits and curses, with professional learning focused on artificial intelligence specifically where we should embrace it and where we should corral it.” STEM INNOVATION ACROSS ALL LEVELS Elementary students at George Long Elementary experience hands-on learning through a weekly rotation that has evolved into a comprehensive district-wide program. Joel Smith, George Long Elementary 3rd - 5th Grade Principal, describes the foundation: “At our elementary we have a STEMbased rotation where one of our teachers here teaches the students STEM working with robotics and the science of different things and how to put things together, and the kids really love that.” The program advances from grade level to grade level, building skills progressively as students move through their educational journey. The district recently expanded elementary offerings historically reserved for middle and high school levels. “We implemented a new robotics program here at the elementary, which was huge,” Smith explains.“We had a community member who works in the field reach out with interest as a coach, really working closely with our middle school program to create a feeder program.” Parents and students embraced the initiative, leading to plans for a district-wide robotics expansion that will require facility additions. Middle school students participate in a nine-week daily STEM course.“Our teacher is a shared teacher with the high school, so he also does some science and STEM up there, and he’s really taking this on and doing some professional development and enrichment to improve our program,” Jeanene Byerly, the Middle School Principal, notes. The growth trajectory is far reaching.“We are going to be expanding our facility footprint to accommodate our growing robotics program in the form of a classroom addition in the future,” Dr.Angel confirms. National trends show STEM programs enhancing student engagement and preparing graduates for technology-driven careers, aligning with Grass Lake’s focus on 21st-century skill development. BUILDING TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE TODAY Real-world experience defines Grass Lake’s approach to career preparation, where students transition seamlessly from classroom learning to professional environments.The district maintains strong business partnerships that create meaningful work-based learning opportunities aligned with future career goals. “Students are receiving co-op credit to be placed in professions that align to their future career goals,” Dr. Angel explains. “If they are interested in 206 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 10
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