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Gettysburg Middle School students, staff showcase STEM, world languages and arts programs
Summary
Middle school staff and students presented the school’s expanded STEM, tech and world language offerings and highlighted student achievements in TSA and music programs.
Gettysburg Middle School staff and students presented classroom and extracurricular programs to the Gettysburg Area School District board, emphasizing hands‑on STEM instruction, expanded offerings and student accomplishments.
Why it matters: The presentation described instructional changes and enrichment activities that the district says aim to increase student engagement and build college‑ and career‑linked skills in technology, engineering, arts and languages.
What presenters described Principal Christy Kowett and student speakers described the school’s “Warrior Way” focus on being present, involved and kind, and outlined curricular shifts: science instruction emphasizing scientific practices and sustainability, math classrooms implementing the “building thinking classrooms” approach and whiteboard collaboration, and English language arts adoption of the Amplify program for differentiated instruction. Unified arts offerings include TechComp and TechEd classes where students use Autodesk Inventor, CAD software and 3‑D printers; students presented projects such as LED name tags and marble‑track engineering challenges.
Student achievements and programs Student speakers reported success in the Technology Student Association (TSA), including repeated regional and national competition placements, and discussed how Unified Arts courses (woodworking, 3‑D printing, laser engraving, FACS, and sewing) support those skills. A student in the world language program described an introductory “mini” rotation in six grade that exposes students to German, French and Spanish, after which they may choose a full course; students cited language study’s cultural and future‑career benefits. The principal also recognized middle‑school musicians who were selected for regional events and a student who auditioned for a youth symphony.
Context and next steps Administrators noted the district recently approved naming the gymnasium and thanked staff for their work. The board thanked presenters and staff for the student demonstrations. No board action was required; the segment was an informational presentation to the board.
Sources: Gettysburg Middle School presentation to the board and direct student remarks during citizens participation.
