This year, PMSP saw incredible momentum in STEAM education! Thirty-eight dedicated educators participated in our Monthly STEAM Professional Learning Community (PLC), five partner schools submitted applications for STEAM Certification and/or Program Badges, and nearly 2,000 students benefited from our Lending Library and in-school STEAM Playgrounds.
The STEAM PLC covered a wide range of inspiring topics—from creating school learning gardens and hosting community STEAM nights to integrating STEAM into language development and navigating the certification and recognition process. We’re grateful to every educator who contributed their insights and experience to enrich our community of practice.
In total, five schools from the PMSP region applied for STEAM Certification or Recognition. Certification applicants included Imlay Elementary, Tobias Elementary, and Quatama Elementary—all located in Hillsboro. Meanwhile, Butternut Creek Elementary and Lass Acres Elementary submitted applications for Program Badges. This summer, PMSP will review their materials, with awards to be presented at the start of the 2025–2026 school year. Congratulations to all participating schools—your commitment and hard work make a lasting impact!
This was also the inaugural year of our Lending Library, which launched successfully with 26 deliveries and pick-ups across 18 schools. All of our partner districts participated. Among the most requested resources were the Resin-Encased Specimen Kits, Sphero Indies, Circuit Board Kits, and Accelerate Plant Growth Kits.
We were thrilled to bring our new in-school STEAM Playgrounds directly to classrooms this year. At WL Henry Elementary, kindergarteners explored the basics of robotics with Sphero Indies. Butternut Creek Elementary hosted a full-school playground experience over two days, and students at Imlay Elementary engaged in hands-on lessons about life cycles—focusing on trees, flowers, and fruits. With this pilot year behind us, we’re excited to expand these opportunities. Keep an eye out for sign-up info for next school year!
We’re incredibly proud of the progress made this year and are committed to continuing to grow and refine the support systems we’ve built for both educators and students in STEAM. Here’s to an even more innovative year ahead!
