MLK Day at PSM

Created by Avonte Thomas

February 24, 2020

PSM Then and Now

by Lauryn Norris

February 24, 2020

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to

miss the future.” - John F. Kennedy

Change is inevitable - especially in the academic realm.

Providence St. Mel has gone through many changes to adjust to the world as it continues to strive for efficiency and innovation.

“In my role as a college counselor, I have to familiarize myself with the changes in the college admission process and society as a whole to help students make viable decisions concerning their future,” said College Counselor Renee Kallok.

Ms. Kallok has been working here for decades, even before the school name combined into Providence St. Mel. In 1969, Providence High School, an all girls’ school, combined with St. Mel High School, an all boys’ school.

“In 2000, the top career was in the social sciences; in 2010, the top career was business; and in 2019, STEM, science and technology head the list,” said Ms. Kallok.

She explains how she watched the world change in the career field, which has helped her in working with students on their path of career choice.

She has also watched students at PSM become more tech-savvy.

“In 2020, most students possess an iphone 11, and ipads are very common and used within the educational organization. In terms of college admissions, in 2010, early admissions was a very rare option; and in terms of college costs, tuition was cheaper, and in most instances a family’s entire need was met in the financial package.”

PSM changes over time to meet the needs of students here and prepare them for success.

“Society is moving forward very quickly in terms of technology, so if the school wants to survive, it will also have to change. Colleges are changing and the financial aid process is changing – so we must change so our students have great opportunities awaiting them as they move forward in life,” said Ms. Kallok.

AP Chemistry/Chemistry and Physics teacher William Browns (class of 2013) noticed a difference at PSM between his time as a student and now.

“I’ve noticed that the student-teacher dynamic has changed, and it’s become more personal and familiar between students and teachers,” said Mr. Browns.

He likes being a teacher here, but he also has his dislikes.

“I like it because I get to be there for students. I’m more relatable and easier to talk to because I’m familiar with their culture. I dislike it because sometimes students may get comfortable and forget that I’m still a teacher and have authority.”

“I’ve noticed changes in the school’s culture and climate as well,” said Mr. Browns.

There is a generational appeal now, meaning that PSM has taken student perspectives into account, so that it can be more comfortable and enjoyable. Sometimes students even have the opportunity to help shape new events or activities.

For example, Fine Arts Week was influenced by Mr. Browns who went around the school with a camera recording the talent of PSM. PSM choir instructor Dr. Baar created the collage concert that year.

For those who are unfamiliar with the term, the collage concert is a performance that showcases the talents of fellow PSM students whether it’s poetry, dance, music, theater, and video.

“As an adult, I now understand and appreciate PSM because of opportunities and specific qualities the school brought to my education as well as my future,” said Mr. Browns.

PSM has had many different adjustments of which many sustained. Providence St. Mel is designed to ultimately prepare students for their future success. It’s important that change happens because without it there is no progress.

Girls' Track

Created by Taylor Donald

May 8, 2019

State Champs of the Year

By Nasira Muhammad

May 7, 2019

In the final moments of the championship game, the atmosphere became very surreal as it became inevitable that the Knights were going to win. Everyone in the stands cheered them on to victory as the next Varsity Knights took over the last minute and thirty seconds of the game.

“Seeing the last 30 seconds on the clock felt amazing. The rush and adrenaline I had was indescribable. There were so many emotions. I almost cried,” said Senior Tyriel Nelson.

It had been 34 years since Providence St. Mel won a State Championship trophy. The 2019 boys Varsity basketball team went through vigorous training and preparation to bring it home this year.

Many of Tyriel’s teammates expressed similar reactions about finally becoming State Champions.

“I can’t believe I really am a State Champ! This has been on my mind for years, and now it’s a dream come true,” said Senior Deion Jackson.

The Varsity basketball team has worked so hard to accomplish this and stuck together which helped them learn many life lessons. Last year, they almost made it to state, but after losing Super sectionals this gave the team motivation.

“Honestly, we just got tired of losing, and we wanted to bring back the big State Championship to prove to everyone plus the haters who tried to bring us down,” said Senior Jason Mason.

From this outstanding accomplishment, the senior boys look forward to passing the torch to the rising juniors and seniors on the team.

“I left behind a foundation. Now that we have won state, PSM is now back on the map. Our athletic department has increased 10 fold and now everybody is on board. We have given our future knights hope of being the first black team to win a Class 1A State Championship,” said Tyriel.

The 2019 Varsity basketball team has shown leadership and determination throughout the entire season. Congratulations to the 2019 State Champs!

The Legacy That Lives On

By Timothy Ervin

February 28, 2019

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is gone, but he will never be forgotten. His values, ideas, and beliefs changed the course of history.

Every year on the third Monday in January, Providence St. Mel hosts its Martin Luther King Jr. assembly. This year’s assembly consisted of civil rights musical selections by the choir, readings from Dr. King’s sermons, a dance selection from Tai Kennebrew, a slideshow of images from the Civil Rights era, and a message from keynote speaker Dr. Byron T. Bazier.

“If Martin Luther King Jr. was still alive, he would want students to be in school on the day that we celebrate him,” said Executive Chairmen of Providence St. Mel Paul J. Adams III.

To the students of Providence St. Mel, it is a tradition to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.

“I have been at Providence St. Mel for a long time, and I love when MLK day comes because I don’t see it as a regular school day. MLK day is one of the best school days here at Providence St. Mel because all classes are tied into Martin Luther King and there are things that are learned through discussions about him,” said Junior Angel Milton.

Parent, students, and faculty all gather in the auditorium for the Martin Luther King Jr. assembly.

“There is a rush that goes through my body when I am sitting in the auditorium, listening to the music, hearing the quotes from Dr. King, and listening to the message from the keynote speaker. I try to picture myself being in those specific moments to see how it would feel if I were alive during that time,” said Angel.

Throughout the entire school day, students learn and expand their knowledge on Martin Luther King Jr, other Civil Rights Activists, and Civil Rights groups.

“As a young African American, his values speak volumes to me and help me carry myself towards a better future,” said 8th grader Ajene Cooks.

Martin Luther King Jr. influenced many people, including Mr. Adams.

“I am here at Providence St. Mel because of the influence that he had on me. The aspect of giving back and the sacrifices that he made that he did not have to make led me to be here at Providence St. Mel,” said Mr. Adams.

Both Martin Luther King Jr. and Mr. Adams are men of faith as they both did not know how their life would end up during protests.

“In 1960, I left my job and I caught a plane to Montgomery. Before I left, I told my boss I might not make it back because I truly did not know if I was going to make it out of those protests,” said Mr. Adams.

Martin Luther King Jr. was an unbreakable man and his sacrifice was unmatchable.

“I asked myself, how much can one person take? It was as if he got knocked down seven times, but got up eight. I told myself the least I could do with my body is to sacrifice, just like he did for me,” said Mr. Adams.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a leader, a man of faith, and a role model. With all those attributes, he had a futuristic view of how people in America should interact with each other. His dreams are carried out through generations that come after him. There has been change, but there is still more work to do.

Students on a Roll

By Caylan Gates

December 11, 2018

Students get acknowledged for not only having a 3.0 GPA and above but other types of achievements as well.

Academic achievements have always been an important aspect to the student life at Providence St. Mel School. Honors assemblies are held to celebrate the achievements from the previous quarter. Faculty, staff, parents, and students all come together to acknowledge the success of the students. Some of these successes include: choir awards, sport achievements, and even most improved grades. Students come together with spirit to celebrate with each other.

“It is always a good thing to see that people are on top of their academics,” said senior Kyla Pollard.

After Ms. Butala or Mr. Ervin announce achievements of the student body, students are then called up based on their quarter gpa achievements, B (3.0), A (3.75), or straight A (4.0 +).

“Every quarter since freshman year, I’ve made at least ‘B’ honor roll. However, during my sophomore year of highschool, I succeeded in making ‘A’ honor roll,” said Kyla.

The assembly not only celebrates the students who are on the Honor Roll, but also encourages the students who are not.

“It feels good celebrating the accomplishments of others because I know that someday it’ll be me walking across the stage. I know that people would celebrate for me, especially since it’s been awhile since I’ve made the honor roll,” said Sophomore Ameerah Conner.

Honors assemblies serve as encouragement for all students. The “most improved student” has now been brought back. Sophomore Ameerah Conner and 7th grader Josiah Amoaku were both named most improved students for the first time.

“It is important to me because it shows how much I’ve improved from my freshman year to my sophomore year, and it shows that it’s possible to get your grades up if you’re willing to put in the hard work. To me, this means that my hard work has paid off and that this is only the beginning of a new start,” said Ameerah.

Students who are on honor roll learn to value their grades so much for the importance of their future.

“I found it necessary to practice great academic habits within middle school to prepare myself for high school. High school grades would be a weighing factor in my college acceptances. I then knew that my future was in my hands. Despite there being things in life that we cannot control, I knew that my grades were not one of them. Taking hold of my future through my grades has allotted me many opportunities that will be building blocks for a prosperous future,” said Senior Kaitlyn Mathis.

Honor roll isn’t the only form of academic achievement and success. Something more important than the grade earned is the information gained from working so hard and the ability to walk across the stage with honor.

Freshmen Share Their Transition Tales

By Dallas Wilson and Messiah Martin

December 12, 2018

History Repeats Itself

By T.J. Ervin

November 6, 2018

Magical wonders are all over this world, on the stage and off the stage. Through the talents of our students, Providence St. Mel hopes the audience will be fascinated with this year’s musical performance.

PSM theatre puts on a different musical production each year. This particular year is special; this year marks the 10th year anniversary of the first musical production ever performed at the school, The Wiz. Also this year marks the 40th year anniversary of The Wiz film, which starred Michael Jackson and Diana Ross.

“We realized it was the 10th year of the anniversary of The Wiz. It was a great way to reflect the school history and honor the school and The Wiz on their 40th anniversary,” said stage director George Meier.

It is significant to Mr. Meier to be the director of this musical since he was not here 10 years ago during the first production.

“It makes me feel blessed and privileged to have the opportunity to direct it. I have to take my role seriously, and I understand this production is a once in a lifetime experience for our student actors, and I am humbled to be a part of the rich history of The Wiz,” said Mr. Meier.

Mr. Meier and Producer David Baar have worked together to make this musical special and different than the one performed 10 years ago.

“There was a live production on TV recently, so people are more familiar. This time we have a choreographer from the Joffrey Ballet, as opposed to last time when Ms. Ward was the choreographer. This time Mr. Meier is directing the show, and he was not here 10 years ago,” said Dr. Baar.

The musical is not only for the actors and actresses, but for the audience as well. Mr. Meier wants the audience to leave with something.

“One word, JOY. This production should make people feel joy, reflect on the role of joy in their life, make people think about the sources of joy and sources that take away from joy in their daily life,” said Mr. Meier.

Mr. Meier and Dr. Baar love the talent they have this year. They feel the student’s personalities reflect through their characters.

“Working with a young cast is exciting. They are energetic and dedicated, eager to learn about the basics of theatre. We have lost some incredible theatre veterans in recent years, but we have a cast of excellent young actors replacing them,” said Mr. Meier.

Both Mr. Meier and Dr. Baar and their co-workers, musical director Brian Ward and choreographer April Shipp, of the Joffrey Ballet, are confident in their new cast to make this production a great one and to give it a personal feeling for the audience as well as themselves.

Passing of the Torch

By Tyriel Nelson

November 6, 2018

A number was called.

Senior Lauren Leggett raced to the middle of the court to grab the ball and make the winning shot for her team.

She then ran back, high fiving her little sister, freshman Tru’Blessing.

The rest of the pairs on their team also rejoiced.

Lauren was one of the many winners of the highly competitive games of relay basketball.

Freshmen Fun Night is an event that unifies the Providence St. Mel student body. On September 20th, 2018 seniors became big brothers and big sisters to an assortment of underclassman from freshmen to new students at PSM. FFN is a day where seniors, freshmen, and incoming students can talk and enjoy themselves while dancing to music, playing fun games, and eating catered food. It’s all about getting closer together, not just as associates, but as family.

“The best part was the music and dancing. People came out of their shells and showed their true, fun-having selves. The students were able to see fellow students and teachers in a way they don’t get to see them often,” said freshman Titus Ervin.

FFN allows seniors and new students to get familiar with each other so they learn to be themselves and that we are all a family here. It is seen as a good way to build bonds and ultimately make the students so close as a unit that they act as one.

“I met a lot of new people. I also learned that Providence St. Mel has students with a lot of secret talents and just need friends to help build them confidence. It was cool how everybody worked together to play the games that were set up,” said senior Taeyon Neal.

So many positive things come from Freshmen fun night. The day is about more than just having a good time, but it’s also about meeting your mentor for the freshmen and getting to know them.

“We instantly started joking and had discussions about the upcoming season for the NBA and prospects of other teams,” said Senior Daeshun Reynolds.

Freshmen Fun Night made a lot of connections happen with PSM’s students, just as it was intended.

“It is a great opportunity for the new incoming freshmen to see the people they go to school with in a setting where they can be themselves. It could also create connections and give the new students new friends throughout the school,” said Titus.

FFN was created to make sure everybody was comfortable and let everybody know that they had someone to depend on when things got hard: PSM seniors. Seniors know their sole purpose and work towards it .

“Education is the key to all success. If you don’t take your education seriously, how will you make a living for yourself? I know this school is hard because I also am going through it. I’m here for anybody who needs help,” said Taeyon.

Everything and everybody has a purpose at FFN. The seniors guide and the freshmen listen so they can be able to guide when they become seniors. It’s a true cycle that reoccurs each year. It is like being passed the secret ingredients to succeeding or having a secret weapon to get you through hard times.

“My big brother could help me out when I’m having a tough time, and he could give me advice on things that he’s already experienced,” said Titus.

Freshmen Fun Night is perceived as a small day, but it is a bigger picture in the long run. The night is just another way that Providence St. Mel sets you up for success.

Senior Reflections and Advice

Produced by Nathan Ferguson

May 8, 2018

History Repeats Itself

By Timothy Ervin

November 7, 2018

Magical wonders are all over this world, on the stage and off the stage. Through the talents of our students, Providence St. Mel hopes the audience will be fascinated with this year’s musical performance.

PSM theatre puts on a different musical production each year. This particular year is special; this year marks the 10th year anniversary of the first musical production ever performed at the school, The Wiz. Also this year marks the 40th year anniversary of The Wiz film, which starred Michael Jackson and Diana Ross.

“We realized it was the 10th year of the anniversary of The Wiz. It was a great way to reflect the school history and honor the school and The Wiz on their 40th anniversary,” said stage director George Meier.

It is significant to Mr. Meier to be the director of this musical since he was not here 10 years ago during the first production.

“It makes me feel blessed and privileged to have the opportunity to direct it. I have to take my role seriously, and I understand this production is a once in a lifetime experience for our student actors, and I am humbled to be a part of the rich history of The Wiz,” said Mr. Meier.

Mr. Meier and Producer David Baar have worked together to make this musical special and different than the one performed 10 years ago.

“There was a live production on TV recently, so people are more familiar. This time we have a choreographer from the Joffrey Ballet, as opposed to last time when Ms. Ward was the choreographer. This time Mr. Meier is directing the show, and he was not here 10 years ago,” said Dr. Baar.

The musical is not only for the actors and actresses, but for the audience as well. Mr. Meier wants the audience to leave with something.

“One word, JOY. This production should make people feel joy, reflect on the role of joy in their life, make people think about the sources of joy and sources that take away from joy in their daily life,” said Mr. Meier.

Mr. Meier and Dr. Baar love the talent they have this year. They feel the student’s personalities reflect through their characters.

“Working with a young cast is exciting. They are energetic and dedicated, eager to learn about the basics of theatre. We have lost some incredible theatre veterans in recent years, but we have a cast of excellent young actors replacing them,” said Mr. Meier.

Both Mr. Meier and Dr. Baar and their co-workers, musical director Brian Ward and choreographer April Shipp, of the Joffrey Ballet, are confident in their new cast to make this production a great one and to give it a personal feeling for the audience as well as themselves.

Freshman Fun Night

By Tyriel Nelson

November 7, 2018

A number was called.

Senior Lauren Leggett raced to the middle of the court to grab the ball and make the winning shot for her team.

She then ran back, high fiving her little sister, freshman Tru’Blessing.

The rest of the pairs on their team also rejoiced.

Lauren was one of the many winners of the highly competitive games of relay basketball.

Freshmen Fun Night is an event that unifies the Providence St. Mel student body. On September 20th, 2018 seniors became big brothers and big sisters to an assortment of underclassman from freshmen to new students at PSM. FFN is a day where seniors, freshmen, and incoming students can talk and enjoy themselves while dancing to music, playing fun games, and eating catered food. It’s all about getting closer together, not just as associates, but as family.

“The best part was the music and dancing. People came out of their shells and showed their true, fun-having selves. The students were able to see fellow students and teachers in a way they don’t get to see them often,” said freshman Titus Ervin.

FFN allows seniors and new students to get familiar with each other so they learn to be themselves and that we are all a family here. It is seen as a good way to build bonds and ultimately make the students so close as a unit that they act as one.

“I met a lot of new people. I also learned that Providence St. Mel has students with a lot of secret talents and just need friends to help build them confidence. It was cool how everybody worked together to play the games that were set up,” said senior Taeyon Neal.

So many positive things come from Freshmen fun night. The day is about more than just having a good time, but it’s also about meeting your mentor for the freshmen and getting to know them.

“We instantly started joking and had discussions about the upcoming season for the NBA and prospects of other teams,” said Senior Daeshun Reynolds.

Freshmen Fun Night made a lot of connections happen with PSM’s students, just as it was intended.

“It is a great opportunity for the new incoming freshmen to see the people they go to school with in a setting where they can be themselves. It could also create connections and give the new students new friends throughout the school,” said Titus.

FFN was created to make sure everybody was comfortable and let everybody know that they had someone to depend on when things got hard: PSM seniors. Seniors know their sole purpose and work towards it .

“Education is the key to all success. If you don’t take your education seriously, how will you make a living for yourself? I know this school is hard because I also am going through it. I’m here for anybody who needs help,” said Taeyon.

Everything and everybody has a purpose at FFN. The seniors guide and the freshmen listen so they can be able to guide when they become seniors. It’s a true cycle that reoccurs each year. It is like being passed the secret ingredients to succeeding or having a secret weapon to get you through hard times.

“My big brother could help me out when I’m having a tough time, and he could give me advice on things that he’s already experienced,” said Titus.

Freshmen Fun Night is perceived as a small day, but it is a bigger picture in the long run. The night is just another way that Providence St. Mel sets you up for success.

Save the Net

By Ryan Coleman

March 2, 2018

A major part of your everyday life is going to change. This is what can be expected when the FCC’s (Federal Communications Commission) new net neutrality rules go into effect.

Net neutrality is the belief that we deserve equal access to any website. In December of last year, it was voted to allow certain companies such as AT&T, Comcast, and T-Mobile to deny certain internet rights.

“The first thing you might notice is that a particular content provider could potentially “steer” you towards advertising and content produced by companies that they either own or are being paid a premium for,” said PSM Technology Director Jim Rojahn.

The FCC’s job as part of the government is to regulate interstate communications and innovations of technology. They voted to repeal the rules that control how businesses are allowed to manage traffic and how clients use the internet.

“The FCC voted in December in favor of repealing Net Neutrality, and now already in January, we have 30 senators that have co-sponsored a bill to reverse the December decision,” said American Politics teacher Owen Pelzer.

Students and educators rely heavily on resources that would be impacted by the repeal of net neutrality.

“It affects all the internet applications that I use in my daily life,” said senior Matthew Bozeman.

“I believe that the open internet is an extraordinarily beneficial tool for education, politics, and global competitiveness in the 21st century,” said Mr. Pelzer.

Students may not be allowed to go to certain websites for research because certain companies struck deals with the student’s internet service provider.

“Unfortunately there is not much you can do about it. The technological principles guiding Net Neutrality go beyond your own software, devices or social media options. They are controlled at the very heart of the internet, which is currently controlled by a handful of very powerful companies,” said Mr. Rojahn.

If we do not pay certain fees, then videos will load much slower or not at all. These internet fees will result in teachers having to change lesson plans because they will lack the free resources they previously had. Without the regulatory plan, providers can create fast and slow lanes on the internet.

“Prices might go up, though, as these larger companies will pass along any charges incurred for ensuring high bandwidth. Small content providers as well as startups that cannot afford to pay premiums for higher access rates would be the first (and most) affected,” said Mr. Rojahn.

We should is encourage our senators to repeal the change by bringing our concerns to Congress.

“Educate yourself on the pros and cons of Net Neutrality, and if you feel strongly about it and want to get involved, you can always write your congressperson, as well as signing an online petition such as https://www.battleforthenet.com/,” said Mr. Rojahn.

The Road To Redemption

By Ar-Raheem Payne

December 13, 2017

There were three seconds on the clock; the score was extremely close. The Providence St. Mel Knights were down by one to the University of Chicago High School team.

“Sideline!” yelled Coach Ervin.

The Varsity Knights got into formation. D’Andre Payne ran up the base line, took the shot, and got it sent out of bounds. There were one and half seconds left.

“Sideline!” yelled Coach Ervin again.

D’Andre Payne ran up the baseline to the opposite corner for the three-pointer. He received the ball and squared up for the shot while the clock was running out, and he buried it! This shot secured the Knights an opportunity to move on to the Sectional Championship.

Moments like these were astounding highlights for the Varsity Knights basketball team last year. Even though the season did not go as planned for the Knights, they were still able to make some noise as they arrived near the postseason. The Knights got the win, so they became the 2017 Regional Champions.

In the 2017 D-Rose Fall league, preseason for the Knights’ 2017-2018 season, this year’s team looked like it was in high spirits. They even beat powerhouse teams like Orr and Whitney Young.

“We went 6-1 for the fall league this year. We are determined and ready. The way we have been playing this past summer and past fall shows how much we have matured and are ready for the season coming up,” said Varsity Knights point guard TJ Ervin.

According to Coach Tim Ervin, the last time the team won in fall and summer league games like these was the year they went to play for state championship and won third place.

“I want to leave the school with my name on the wall. I want to have a banner on the wall like the ‘85 team. I want to leave this school with a positive legacy,” said TJ.

Inspiring words like these, coming from a junior, show how special this season is to our knights. Senior players indicate how much this season means to them as well.

“Of course because it’s my last year, I might not be able to ever get this back. I honestly believe that we can do something. This team should be prepared. We have returning, mature players, and the chemistry is just at an overall high,” said Senior point guard Rasheed Goodman.

Senior guard Jarvis Garrison gave his perspective on why this season is not like any of the others he has participated in before.

“The team looks pretty good this year. I believe that we have a chance to be the best 1A team in the state. I’ve been a part of this Varsity team since my sophomore year, so this would be important because it’s my last year, as a senior, to change what people think about us.”

Providence St. Mel’s ‘Sister Act’

By Emani King

November 8, 2017

Arduous, entertaining, funny, and comical are all words that the cast used to describe this year’s musical.

Sister Act, the musical, written by Bill and Cherie Steinkellner, will be performed by Providence St Mel’s student actors during the second weekend of November.

“You can expect to see a lot of fun, singing, and dancing, and a lot of silliness,” said Musical Producer David Baar.

The cast is made up of new and returning cast members. Some of the returning members include 8th grader Zaria Primer, sophomores Richard Harrison, Ty Townsend-Ford, and Makayla Watts, juniors Taylor Donald and La Niece Dennis, and seniors Ryan Coleman and Jasmine Smith.

“You can expect to see our hard work and effort and also new and good talent,” said Jasmine.

The new upcoming actors include 6th grader Bria Pryor, 8th grader Khristian Richmond, Freshman Tau Kennebrew, and Senior Ar-Raheem Payne.

The cast is excited about a number of new things in this musical, but the best part for them is the bond they form together- not just with students, but with teachers as well.

“Rehearsing with the cast is what I look forward to everyday,” said Director George Meier.

“The best part about being in the musical is the love you get from each other. It makes us more as a family and makes us want to do it again next year,” said freshman Daniel Lee Ill.

Feedback from the cast affirms that another enjoyable part about the musical is the dancing. The choreographer, April Shipp, of the Joffrey Ballet, did a great job at making the musical more interactive.

“The favorite thing I like about it is the dancing. Ms. Shipp is allowing us to do more audience dancing, so that is cool,” said 7th grader Ajene Cooks.

The choreography will not just be on the stage, but right there next to you in the aisle. This will make you feel like you are a part of the story.

“The music for the Broadway show that we are doing was written by Alan Menken. He wrote the music for a whole bunch of Disney movies like The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and the Newsies, so the music is really great,” said Music Director Brian Ward.

Clear your schedules for Friday, November 10th or Saturday, November 11th to see our edition of Sister Act!

Maker Space Center on the Way

By Serena Jackson

April 24, 2017

The education students are receiving today is a drastic change from the way students were taught in the past due to different evolutions in society. Schools are integrating technology into students’ everyday curriculum. Lower school students are finding a majority of their books online. High school students have replaced paper with Google Drive. With technology becoming the face of our generation, science, math, and engineering have joined beside it to create the STEM movement.

“We needed more creative ways of learning for children who might demonstrate areas that are not traditionally what would be taught in schools 15-20 years ago,” said President Jeanette Butala.

The Providence St. Mel administration and board members decided to create a center called the Maker Space Center (M.S.C.). This center will allow students to experiment and learn more STEM-related topics.

“We’re only at a brainstorming level right now. We definitely want to keep both [the library and Maker Space Center], but have the majority be the M.S.C. I want to get together a committee. We have at least ten graduates in the past 7-10 years that are engineers and have really creative jobs in engineering and technology," said Ms. Butala.

The Maker Space center is still in the beginning stages. The finishing date for this project is still in the works because Ms. Butala wants to get as much feedback as possible before committing to a final product.

“I am going to solicit advice from experts, graduates, engineers, and people who work at some of the Maker Space centers at different colleges and universities. I have been to NorthWestern and I am going to the University of Chicago to look at their innovation centers,” said Ms. Butala.

Ms. Butala wants to help put Providence St. Mel students ahead and broaden students’ perspectives.

“We are never going to give up the rigorous academic center that we have because I truly believe that the way to a better future is through a rigorous, globally competitive education,” said Ms. Butala.

Integrating the STEM program into the curriculum adds to the list of reasons that make Providence St. Mel stand out against other local schools.

“With our Maker Space Center we are trying to expose our elementary students to technology. It works best with their age group because the only world they truly know is technology,” said Mrs. Turner.

Science, technology, engineering, and math are becoming very popular in our society and those who are not adapting to the change are going to be unprepared. Maker Space Centers allow our students to be the heads of the movement.

“I have a lot of ideas of things that can be made. I was a Boy Scouts leader for 20 years, and I have many different types of great little experiments. I think it’s so important that we create young scientists and students who go on to a science field of their choice,” said librarian Cecilia Meers.

Ms. Meers plans to conduct many interesting experiments with lower and middle school that will create a greater interest in other lower school students.

“The lower school students are very excited about it! We are doing different things with coding all the way down to the Pre-K grade level. We see a variety of interests in middle school students with our Lego League and our Robotics program,” said Mrs. Turner.

Many older students feel if they were exposed to this type of program when they were younger they would have a stronger understanding and interest in math and science. They would [also] have the upper hand against others.

“Many of our juniors and seniors are not sure what they want to do when they get to college or in the future. Providing them with this exposure might be helpful. Graduated seniors have returned and said they took extra computer courses or decided to major in an economics course due to the little glimmer they received here,” said Mrs. Turner.

Once the center is built, it will be located in the current library. If you are worried about the books that consider the library home, don’t be.

“Some books are leaving, some books are staying. I am excited about this, and it was high time we get some of these old books out of here. We still need books. If something happens and the computers go down the teachers won’t give you another two weeks to complete the research paper,” said Ms. Meers.