SL_NazarethAcademyHighSchool_Profile_10_20_Profile 10 / 22 / 20 2 : 18 PM Page 1 D PROFILE Limitless novation Center over the summer , according to Patricia Quinn , Assistant Principal of Academic The newly opened Innovation Center at Affairs for Nazareth Academy . “ The space is ab - solutely beautiful , ” she says , “ and all classes will Nazareth Academy High School encourages have access to the space . ” Severino suggests the team behind the In - students to develop real - life STEM skills novation Center left no stone unturned in through project - based learning . bringing the proposed space to fruition . In ad - dition to working with a leading consulting by LEIGH STUART photography by NINA LEA PHOTOGRAPHY firm , the school sought the perspective of stu - dents . Those outreach efforts guided the school as it began to outfit the Innovation Center . The result : tools for CAD design and printing , Glowforge laser cutting and engraving , Cricut vinyl cutting , and Arduino electronics , plus resources for students who wish to pursue studies in digital arts , video production , video game design , and more . The Innovation Center is also home to a rocketry program , with Severino as director , and a robotics program moderated by Amy McDonald . Such programs represent a bold step forward for any school , let alone an all - female school such as Nazareth Academy , as it will open doors for young women with an interest in science and technology . “ We have one of the best rocketry programs in the U.S . , ” Severino says . “ We also have professional affiliations with NASA , Rowan University , and other schools that we are going to start having Zoom sessions with . ” All incoming freshmen from this point forward will take a “ Foundations of STREAM ” class ( the R stands for religion , and the A for art ) , which “ emphasizes building STEM skills for the meaningful application of technology for solving problems , ” Severino says . “ Students engage in design process learning and design thinking challenges , and they develop a strong vocational awareness of the skills needed for the 21st century workforce . ” Severino is extremely proud of the Innovation Center . He is even prouder of the ways in which students have embraced the space as a resource . “ The Innovation Center is a flexible work environment , ” he says . “ The design of the space is tremendously important in bringing out the creativity of the individual . We designed Gregory Severino posed the room to fit a variety of needs , talents , and functions — to facilitate growth . We tell our a question : “ How can we best students , ‘ Believe in yourselves , believe in yourselves . ’ We want them to develop a sense of facilitate a true STEM education for our innovation and the confidence that comes with an entrepreneurial spirit . “ I constantly communicate to the girls that what they have to offer is meaningful — that students ? ” The answer has come to life they can contribute to the ‘ Great Story , ’ ” he continues . “ We want to give our girls the in the form of the newly opened Innova - absolute best we can , not only academically but also spiritually , intellectually , emotionally . tion Center at Nazareth Academy High We want our students to know we care about their School in Philadelphia , of which he is di - growth in all facets . ” This holistic approach is echoed in the co - rector . An adaptable facility capable of curricular projects that have sprung up in classrooms evolving with students ’ needs , the Inno - throughout the school . One upcoming collaborative vation Center features the latest STEM activity invites students who are reading J.R.R . Tolkien’s ( science , technology , engineering , and The Hobbit to inscribe rings using the 3D printer and laser engraving technology . Potential Innovation math ) tools , and cutting - edge software Center projects may include national film competition students can use to explore concepts work and Martian soil simulant trials , among others . limited only by the imagination . “ It is one thing for a teacher to plaster a board with notes or teach an abstract concept in class , “ The Innovation Center is the product but when a student sees knowledge in use , that is of a couple of years of very careful planning a different level , ” as Severino says . “ It is when and research , ” Severino explains . “ We had students apply that knowledge that deep , meaningful the space — formerly a cafeteria — but we understanding happens . ” had to put time and research into thinking NAZARETH ACADEMY “ We are very excited , especially as an all - about how we can offer students a place to D HIGH SCHOOL female school , to offer this amazing , interactive share ideas and participate in ‘ authentic ’ 4001 Grant Ave . space to our students , ” Quinn adds . “ We want our projects — that is , projects that mirror work Philadelphia , PA 19114 students who choose STEM fields to feel prepared in the professional world . ” ( 215 ) 637 - 7676 and confident . I think the potential for this space After some delays caused by recent world ? and its learning opportunities is limitless . ” events , Nazareth Academy completed the In - nazarethacademyhs.org SUBURBANLIFEMAGAZINE.COM OCTOBER 2020 74 |