2016 Mid-Year Conference Highlights

Designing Schools for Future Makers

November 7, 2016 | Discovery STEM Academy, Newport News, VA

The Mid-Year Conference, Designing Schools for Future Makers, was held on Monday, November 7, 2016 at Discovery STEM Academy in Newport News, VA.

Dr. Ashby Kilgore, superintendent of Newport News Public Schools (NNPS), welcomed over 80 attendees to this new K-5 elementary academy and spoke about the commitment of the school division in providing STEM opportunities for students across grade levels. Dr. Steven R. Staples, Virginia superintendent of public instruction, gave the keynote address. He described the new profile of a graduate from Virginia schools, designed to help students develop the skills and attributes needed to be successful in life such as critical thinking, creative thinking, communication, collaboration and citizenship. A panel discussion about the Discovery Academy followed, focusing on the principles of leadership, nutrition, fitness and discovery to holistically foster student development. The panel included Christine Pilger, Discovery principal; Tami Byron, NNPS STEM instructional supervisor; Danielle Buchanan, Discovery STEM coordinator; and Paul Klee, principal with Grimm + Parker who led the school design. Students at the academy led group tours for participants to see the holistic approach to student development in action.