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Bay Shore presenters propose weekly STEAM special for grades 3–5 to replace computers class
Summary
District staff proposed replacing the current grade 3–5 computer special with a weekly STEAM lab (hands‑on units in engineering, robotics, LEGO Education and digital literacy). Presenters said the transition would use existing staff and building budgets, so they anticipate no immediate districtwide staffing cost.
District presenters asked the board to approve a plan to expand an existing K–2 STEAM model into grades 3–5 as a weekly special, replacing the current computers class. Presenters said the move aims to deepen project‑based learning, strengthen mathematical reasoning and promote collaboration through engineering and robotics units while retaining digital literacy and keyboarding instruction.
The proposed structure includes four rotating units: STEAM challenges using low‑cost consumables, expanded robotics (Dash, Ozobot, Sphero), LEGO Education kits focused on structures and motion, and a continued digital‑literacy unit covering keyboarding, Google applications and digital citizenship. Staff said the current computer teacher would transition into the STEAM role and that buildings can share materials; they indicated grant opportunities would be pursued only if additional funds are needed.
On staffing, board members asked whether every current computer teacher has the skill set to lead a STEAM lab. Presenters acknowledged differences between buildings and said one computer teacher is ‘very, very strong,’ noted an upcoming retirement in another building that creates an opportunity to place an appropriately skilled teacher, and emphasized that the district would match the position to the right person rather than automatically reassigning staff.
Presenters highlighted academic alignment with the New York State portrait of a graduate, and said STEAM instruction is intended to enhance critical thinking and make learning more authentic and applied. They also described using high‑school students as mentors in younger classrooms as a way to connect district programs vertically.
Board members asked about rooms and schedules; staff said the current computer labs could be repurposed and that the district would work to minimize new costs by sharing resources between buildings. Presenters characterized implementation risk as low to medium and asked the board to permit next‑year piloting and further refinement of the curriculum and logistics.
Next steps identified at the meeting included further language and scheduling work and confirmation of staffing placements before a formal rollout.
