SUBMITTED REPORT
WASHINGTON, DC — This week, Edenton-Chowan Public Schools and Edenton-Chowan Educational Foundation staff are attending a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) conference, sponsored by the Smithsonian Institute.
Those attending include Chowan Middle School Principal Brittney Lopez, eighth-grade science teacher Zhykmn Cleope, ECPS CTE Director Tracy White, STEM Coordinator and Media Specialist for Team WOW LeAnn Nixon, and Foundation Secretary Joy Harvill.
During the conference, the team is developing a vision plan for how to further integrate STEM in our school system.
STEM is just the study of how the world around us works. It touches every aspect of people’s lives. Teaching it improves critical thinking and problem solving skills that apply to the real world, regardless of career choice.
On Wednesday, the group visited with Rep. Don Davis.
According to Harvill, they discussed what they were learning at the Smithsonian STEM workshop about integrating STEM into the classroom.
Davis has a doctorate in education from East Carolina University and was “very engaged in the conversation.”
“Our goal was to be a resource and make him aware of events in Chowan County, such as Provalus coming to town and ECU health expanding the Health Science Academy to Chowan Hospital/John A. Holmes High School,” Harvill said.
Davis expressed interest in hearing about how in the Philippines, the A in STEAM stands for Agriculture rather than Art.
STEM East, an initiative of NC East Alliance partnered with eight STEM East member school districts, including Edenton-Chowan Schools, to participate in the Strategic Planning Institute (SPI) hosted by the Smithsonian Science Education Center in Washington, DC. From Feb. 24-28, educational leaders from across eastern North Carolina will convene at the National Museum of the American Indian on the Smithsonian National Mall for an intensive, week-long strategic planning program.
The Strategic Planning Institute provides school district leaders with the tools and expertise necessary to develop and implement comprehensive STEM education strategies. Throughout the week, teams will evaluate their district’s current STEM programming, align their curricula with regional workforce needs, and foster stronger community and industry partnerships. The ultimate goal is to create sustainable improvements in STEM education that enhance student engagement and prepare the next generation for high-demand careers in eastern North Carolina.
“Hyde County Schools is excited to partner with STEM East, the North Carolina Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center (NCSMT), and the Smithsonian Science Education Center to strengthen STEM education for our students,” said Dr. Melanie R. Shaver, Superintendent of Hyde County Schools. “By aligning our district’s efforts with regional workforce needs and leveraging community partnerships, we are committed to ensuring that our students are prepared for the opportunities of tomorrow. This collaboration will allow us to build a strategic and sustainable STEM foundation that connects learning in the classroom to real-world applications, empowering our students in rural, Northeastern North Carolina to become our region’s future innovators and problem-solvers.”
By participating in the Strategic Planning Institute, these school districts are taking a proactive approach to strengthening STEM education, bridging the gap between classroom learning and workforce needs, and fostering a culture of innovation and career readiness. The Smithsonian Science Education Center’s guidance and resources will support these districts in developing actionable plans that align with best practices, industry trends, and community-driven STEM initiatives.
Besides ECPS, the following school districts are participating in the SPI: Wilson County Schools, Nash County Public Schools, Martin County Schools, Edgecombe County Public Schools, Wayne County Public Schools, Hyde County Schools, and Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools.
Following the Strategic Planning Institute, STEM East and participating school districts will begin implementing their strategic STEM action plans, working alongside local industries, educators, and workforce development organizations to drive meaningful, long-term improvements in STEM education throughout eastern North Carolina.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was updated on Feb. 27 to include information from a press release sent out by NC East Alliance and STEM East.
