VALDOSTA — The Valdosta Middle School STEM Academy building is not only breaking ground in its construction phase — it’s teaching students a lesson.

Construction began in late June, but even before then, Principal Beth DeLoach and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) coach Cody Moncrief had an idea to make the year-long process benefit students.

“When opportunities come up, we see how we can make that work for us and how that can fit in our curriculum,” Moncrief said.

The building, which will house 16 classrooms and a wet lab for STEM Academy teachers and its 360 students across all three grades, will be ready next summer.

Until then, students will learn what goes into the construction and engineering of a building. Moncrief said onsite SC Barker Construction builders will help develop lesson plans and even label parts around the site construction.

“Meaningful learning is the only way you can get kids to think critically,” DeLoach said. “If it’s not meaningful to them and they can’t make connections, they’re not going to retain the information, and they certainly can’t apply that information.”

In the past, the STEM Academy has been a designated program for a select few — about 120 students from each grade — and required an application process. The program has sought out female and minority candidates because both groups are underrepresented in STEM fields.

Moncrief said the new building will present opportunities to VMS students outside of the program.

First, the school has to apply for STEM program certification. Then it can move forward.

The ultimate goal is to involve all Valdosta City Schools students in the building and STEM lesson plans.

“One thing we’re trying to do throughout the school is implement the STEM pedagogy and different strategies that the program uses,” Moncrief said. “The whole school may be able to go on these trips and use this building’s resources.”

The new building also solves a space issue for the school.

VMS instructs about 1,100 students in a building meant for 900 students. The school is using modular units until the new STEM Academy is finished for the 2019-20 school year.

“It’s a good problem to have,” DeLoach said. “I’m glad there’s this many students that want to be here. At the same time, you want everyone to be comfortable.”

The STEM Academy building has been many years in the making, said Alex Alvarez, city schools director of STEM and curriculum.

STEM implementation began just four years ago when the school system introduced STEM electives to both VMS and J.L. Newbern Middle School.

The school system gets all schools involved in the VCS STEAM (science, mathematics, engineering, arts and mathematics) Day. This year will mark the fifth time for the annual event.

“We are excited to continue district strategic planning and implementation for programming, funding and partnerships to support the progression of STEM in VCS for all students,” Alvarez said. 

Katelyn Umholtz is a reporter with the Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at (229)244-3400 ext. 1256.