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Royal Oak STEAM Academy highlights student projects, Monarch Waystation recognition
Summary
Royal Oak STEAM Academy principal presented student STEAM projects, native-plant gardens and social-emotional learning programs during a board spotlight; trustees praised student engagement and the school's Monarch Waystation designation.
Royal Oak STEAM Academy presented a spotlight to the Duarte Unified School District Board of Education on Tuesday highlighting student projects, gardens, Science Olympiad participation and social-emotional learning programs.
Principal Laura Castillo described hands-on STEAM lessons and partnerships that connect math, engineering, art and environmental science to students’ everyday lives. “Math is one of the most powerful tools that we can give our students, not just in academic success, but for life,” Castillo said. She described projects including hydraulic arms, coding activities and a student-built robot and noted the school’s native plant and vegetable gardens serve as outdoor classrooms.
Nut graf: The presentation emphasized the school’s effort to develop both academic skills and student wellbeing through hands-on STEAM learning, designated school habitats, and behavioral supports the principal said are embedded in the campus culture.
Castillo also said Royal Oak has been recognized as a Monarch Waystation (ID 50023), noting the designation reflects the school’s habitat work to support monarch butterfly migration. She described a dedicated STEAM lab, electives such as Science Olympiad and STEAM night, and in-class social-emotional practices including mindful movement and breathing exercises.
Board members responded with praise. Board member Finley said it was “very, very impressive” to see the students’ work in person; Board member Hasso described students as “self confident” during the STEAM night presentations. Trustees thanked the principal and staff for the work connecting STEAM instruction to student leadership and emotional learning.
Ending: The board’s spotlight recognition concluded without formal action; the board encouraged continued family and community engagement at upcoming school events.
