Incoming 9th Grade

Step-Up to STEM

The AACPS STEM Program, like other magnet programs, is a rigorous course of study designed to prepare students for the many challenging aspects of obtaining their future goals. We encourage students to face and accept challenges and adversity rather than stride away in fear. After all, we do not learn and grow as human beings unless we are being challenged. Our philosophy is to expose students to challenging problems and adversity in a supportive environment in which we readily provide students the resources they need in order to move through the challenges.

The name "Step-Up to STEM" was chosen for its literal interpretation. This is your student's first experience with the STEM High School Program. Our expectation is that students step-up to the challenge throughout the course of their Summer Program and face any challenges that may arise. Students should also expect to "fail forward." To fail forward means to realize and accept that mistakes will be made; failure is merely a means to an "end." That "end" is what we recognize as success.

Structure

Each summer, the Office of STEM creates approximately twenty Step-Up to STEM Programs for incoming 9th graders to choose from. These classes occur throughout the entire summer and there are more than enough seats to accommodate those students entering 9th grade.

Academic Program Requirement: The Office of STEM requires that incoming 9th graders enroll in one eight day Step-Up to STEM Program.

Timing: Programs occur 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday - Thursday *

Attendance: In order for students to receive credit for their participation in their summer program, they are required to attend all eight days. Early dismissals and late arrivals are not permitted.

Grading: Participation in STEM Summer Programs is awarded on a Pass/Fail basis. If students attend the program and meet all instructor expectations, they will receive credit for participating in the course.

Goals of Step-Up to STEM

Introduce students to the STEM Values and engage them in activities which allows them to apply these values in their work.
Push students to fail forward so that they become more comfortable with this feeling and to prime them for learning through failing.
Allow students to interact with their peers so that they may begin building their "STEM Family" and so they have "familiar faces" on the first day of school
Provide meaningful learning experiences during the summer to allow students to bridge their knowledge from 8th grade into 9th

The Myths of Step-Up to STEM (debunked!)

Myth: Step-Up to STEM is a code word for Summer School

Reality: Step-Up to STEM IS NOT Summer School! Students participate in programs which are meant to engage, inspire, and ignite a passion for curiosity, learning, and thinking outside of the box. None of our programs are designed as "traditional classrooms" in which students are expected to sit in class for the entirety of each day in lecture.

Myth: Step-Up to STEM takes away my entire summer vacation!

Reality: Students are required to take one Step-Up to STEM course which runs a total of eight days (Monday-Thursday, for two consecutive weeks).

Myth: I have to be in a Step-Up to STEM Program with my friends.

Reality: As you progress through your STEM journey, you will find that you develop connections with the majority of fellow students in the STEM Program at your school. We encourage you to begin having those experiences prior to entering high school in Step-Up to STEM. This also eases your transition into high school as you will be entering with "familiar faces."

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