Hundreds of educators from Creative Arts Academy of St. Lucie, Fort Pierce Westwood Academy and Samuel S. Gaines Academy of Emerging Technologies attended the 4th annual MSAP Back to School Symposium on Monday July 26th at the Indian River State College McAlpin Theater. Attendees enjoyed a morning filled with celebrating the growth and successes of the MSAP Magnet schools. School district and community leaders spoke to the power of innovative education, energizing educators for the start of the academic year.
St. Lucie Public Schools Superintendent, Mr. E. Wayne Gent kicked off the event with a warm welcome and a note of thanks to the staff for their efforts during the unprecedented school year.
Thank you to Indian River State College for hosting the symposium. Dr. Moore, President of IRSC, addressed attendees and provided insight into the great offerings for prospective college students.
State Representative for District 84, Dana Trabulsy, provided a glimpse into the work being done at the state level around education. Her work on House Bill 3 will support literacy efforts for students in our community.
Our fantastic partners at Nearpod/Flocabulary energized the crowd as Mervin Jenkins, Sr. Brand Ambassador, shared a freestyle song that got the crowd on their feet!
The keynote speaker, Dr. Knatokie Ford, enlightened us with her STEAM journey as an educator, advocate and biomedical scientist.
The afternoon sessions were filled with STEAM labs designed by the school STEAM Advocates and a Teacher Tech Fest thanks to our fantastic partners. The creative design challenge the WEST Prep team facilitated stretched our thinking along with the PlayDoh. The Samuel Gaines team brought us Back to the Future while solving puzzles, clues, and more to make our way out of the escape room so we weren’t trapped in the 80’s. Finally, the CAST team brought out our inner star as attendees had a chance to shine bright while singing, dancing and laughing during Battle of the Bands.
We wrapped up the day with fantastic tech giveaways thanks to the St. Lucie County Education Foundation. We are excited and ready to move full S.T.E.A.M. ahead into the new school year!
