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Artwork by MSHS student Gina Heidel
Mount Si High School's vision is shifting to STEM-based education. STEM will open more doors for every MSHS student to succeed in the 21st Century.

The Freshman Campus, opening in fall of 2013, will build upon this vision.
Did You Know? ...
  • STEM is an acronym for "Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics"
  • STEM isn't just for scientists and engineers. All students need STEM skills to succeed in the 21st century.
  • In the past 10 years, STEM jobs have grown 3 times faster than non-STEM jobs.
  • Schools across the nation are establishing STEM education programs to better prepare students for 21st century skills and careers.
  • New WA State Governor Jay Inslee touts the importance of STEM education.
STEM Resources and Articles

STEM Should Be a Natural Extension of Literacy Education (Huffington Post, Jan 2013)

Washington STEM - nonprofit dedicated to advancing excellence, equity, and innovation in STEM education in WA State.

Op-Ed: Don't pit science and math education against liberal arts (Seattle Times, Sept 2011)

650+ Attend Our First Annual STEM Fest!
February 11, 2013

Thanks to the many families who took the time to come to STEM Fest and celebrate the wonderful things our students are doing in school and all the hard work the administration and teachers doing in delivering our students a solid 21st century education. This evening was packed with valuable information for all those who attended.


View Program with Agenda and List of Participants

This year's inaugural event showcased current STEM-based student work being done across all high school grade levels and unveiled details about the new and exciting STEM-based curriculum being introduced at Mount Si's Freshman Campus next year.

PRESENTATIONS (What is STEM and why is it important to our students?)
  • Principal John Belcher presented MSHS's vision to provide all students with a STEM-based education to best prepare them for 21st Century careers. He will also present important curriculum changes that impact every 9th grade student next year.
  • STEM-based curriculum leader Project Lead the Way provided information about their curriculum, which will be used in a core STEM course at MSHS next year.
  • Keynote speaker Keith Rivers, an MSHS alumni, discussed how he creatively uses  STEM in his career as a successful filmmaker. Mr. Rivers is an award-winning director at Über Content with aspirations to direct feature films.

FAIR (In the Commons)
Families were able to explore STEM-based as well as many other offerings at MSHS. Various teachers and students will be on hand to provide information and to answer your questions. Highlighted courses include:

  • STEM Project Lead the Way, "Fit for Life" (STEM-based PE ), The Big History Project (STEM Social Studies), AP Human Geography - Every incoming 9th grade student must choose one of these new courses next year. 
  • Digital Imaging, Video Production, Computer Animation, Web Design and Production - Explore the creative and artistic side of STEM, you will be wowed by student produced work.
  • Robotics and Computer Science - Learn more about the industry-related programming opportunities available to students through the TEALS program.
  • Science Pathways - Science teachers will also hand out a document showing possible course pathways (freshman-through-post high school), and can answer your questions about the various science electives. 
  • Integrated Inquiry Science (IS) and Science Department - Science teachers will be on hand to answer questions about MSHS's newly adopted and rigorous IS curriculum, along with examples of student work and sample lab materials. 
  • Sports Medicine, Health Science Careers, Anatomy & Physiology - Explore the challenging, exciting career possibilities in Health Care - one of the fastest growing industries today.
  • Environmental Horticulture and AP Environmental Science - Two alternative Science course pathways that offer college credit while in high school.
    AP Statistics - College majors such as social sciences, health sciences, business, engineering, and mathematics all require Statistics.
  • Geometry in Construction - An alternative for geometry students, this 2 period class infuses Geometry objectives into real life Construction projects.
  • Introduction to Engineering & Design - Students interested in pursuing careers in architecture, engineering, or the construction trades will want to check this out.
  • Culinary Arts Program  - There is math and science behind great cooking. Sample some tasty treats prepared by students in this popular program.
  • American Sign Language (ASL) - Explore this newly added world language class and see what other world languages are possible.
  • Classroom of the Future - See first hand what this looks like and what is possible for SVSD students with future Technology Levies. There will be demonstrations of several new classroom technologies that allow students to engage in learning in completely new ways. A variety of tablet computers, multi-touch projectors, and motion sensing devices will be available for hands-on learning. A variety of new educational software will also be on display.
  • Middle School Robotics - Middle schoolers can see what the CKMS Robotics Team is doing and find out how to get involved on various teams in SVSD schools
  • Music Programs

This two hour event was packed full of key information for your student's education!

STEM Fest is organized and brought to you by the MSHS PTSA. For more information, contact Lori Hollasch and Cathy Renner.