Superintendent Dr. Soupan updated the Wyoming Valley West School District board on Dec. 17 about academic initiatives and safety investments, saying the district will launch a 12-week, grant-funded middle-school STEAM program in January and that a separate grant will fully fund new radios for emergency communications.

During superintendent’s comments, Dr. Soupan described recent high-school STEAM activities that included material properties lessons, a building tour and hands-on pulley projects. He said those high-school sessions informed the decision to expand STEAM to middle-school students with a new 12-week session focused on bridges and hands-on learning. The superintendent said the program is "completely grant funded."

On safety, Dr. Soupan said the district secured a grant that will fully fund new radios so staff and first responders have efficient communications in an emergency "at no cost to the district." The superintendent said the district will continue pursuing grants to strengthen safety while remaining fiscally responsible.

The superintendent also praised students and staff for academic performance and invited the board to hear a presentation on the STEAM program outcomes at a future meeting.