Stop & STEM Sparks Creativity, Collaboration, and Holiday Cheer

Last Friday, our K–6 students enjoyed another engaging and hands-on Stop & STEM Day, an experience that happens every other month to spark curiosity, creativity, and collaboration across our campus. During alternating months, students participate in Club Days, but Stop & STEM is a favorite many eagerly look forward to and for good reason.

Instead of being grouped by grade level, students were divided into classrooms based on their Houses: Onraka, Reveur, Sollevare, and Altruismo. This unique structure allows students of all ages to work together, creating a powerful environment where older students naturally step into leadership roles while mentoring and supporting younger peers. It’s incredible to watch our students grow not only academically, but socially and emotionally as they collaborate, problem-solve, and learn from one another.

Classrooms across campus were buzzing with excitement as students participated in a wide variety of STEM-focused and creative activities:

• Ms. Stokes’ class – Students made holiday slime, combining science and creativity in a hands-on, festive experiment, with help from our 6th-grade resident slime expert, Savvy Kish.

• Ms. Middlebrooks’ classroom – Students created festive ornaments using popsicle sticks, including elves, snowmen, polar bears, wreaths, and even a one-of-a-kind Cyclops elf. Fourth, fifth, and sixth graders collaborated, sharing ideas and celebrating creativity.

• Ms. Hutson’s class – Tackled cup-stacking challenges that tested coordination, strategy, and perseverance.

• Ms. Wood’s class – Designed and built catapults, exploring force, motion, and problem-solving while thinking like engineers.

• Ms. Carter and Mr. Rush’s classrooms – Combined STEM with service by making no-sew blankets and collecting items to donate to the Humane Society, emphasizing compassion, teamwork, and community responsibility.

• Ms. Barnes’ class – Constructed igloos using marshmallows and toothpicks, learning about structural design and stability in a fun, hands-on way.

• Mr. Hall’s class – Crafted Christmas ornaments using leaves and natural materials, exploring textures, patterns, and design while connecting to the natural world.

• Ms. Famularo’s classroom – Built impressive structures using only a deck of cards, learning about balance, patience, and engineering principles.

• Other classrooms – Students designed intricate snowflakes and built imaginative creations with LEGOs, fully engaging in critical thinking, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.

Stop & STEM Days highlight the importance of STEM education by encouraging creativity, problem-solving, communication, and innovation. These experiences allow students to apply concepts in meaningful, hands-on ways while fostering leadership, teamwork, and confidence. Most importantly, they remind us that learning can and should be joyful.

Judging by the smiles, excitement, and proud creations, it’s safe to say our students loved every moment. We can’t wait for the next Stop & STEM day to see what they’ll build, create, and discover next!

Stop & Stem December '25