What an Exciting Time to be a Bulldog!

Welcome to La Quinta Middle School – STEM Academy, the first comprehensive STEM school in the Coachella Valley. I am so proud to be the principal of LQMS STEM Academy.  I am reminded every day why I decided to join the Bulldog staff. We have the best kids and teachers who give 110% every day.

I am amazed by how everyone on campus gives his/her full attention to our school and students. Bulldog PRIDE constantly runs deep throughout our campus through our actions. I am also amazed by how our teachers and students have taken ownership of our STEM and AVID Pathways – seamlessly being embedded within our daily practices.

Although challenging at times, we recently survived a three year renovation of the campus that transformed classrooms into modern instructional centers, added industrial makerspace labs, an innovation center, a completely updated and enlarged media and library center, expanded art rooms, a fitness center, updated administration facility, and a new state of the art science building.

The 21st Century modernization supports and showcases the STEM mission that La Quinta Middle School students will improve their skills in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, but will also experience learning that will improve their ability to problem solve, think creatively, collaborate with others, and communicate their knowledge.

In addition to the STEM focus, LQMS takes pride in having established a safe and supportive learning community. Last year, LQMS earned national recognition, placing first for participation in See Something, Say Something Week.  The week teaches students how to recognize warning signs, signals, and threats of potential violence and the importance of telling a trusted adult. LQMS students participated in a variety of activities promoting youth violence prevention and the celebration of friendships. La Quinta City Mayor Linda Evans commended students for their commitment to promoting a safe and friendly campus and declared February 25, “Say Something Day” in the city of La Quinta.

In addition to rigorous core and STEM classes, students have a variety of high interest electives from which to choose: band, percussion, drama, journalism, technology, advanced fitness, yearbook, ceramics, art, Renaissance, ASB, and AVID.

Lunch time activities provide students with daily opportunities to play volleyball, basketball, ping pong, corn hole, soccer, chess, and even tennis. Additionally, students a provided with opportunities to connect with classmates who share common interest by joining clubs: Club Live, Promise Club, Art Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Rubix Cube Club are a few of the choices that students can join.

Indeed, our STEM program sets us apart from any other middle school which is why it is important to share a few of our current classes.

In Energy and the Environment students are challenged to think big and toward the future as they explore sustainable solutions to the world’s energy needs. Students also investigate the impact of energy on human life and the world. They design and model alternative energy sources and evaluate options for reducing energy consumption.

In Medical Detectives students analyze genetic testing results to diagnose disease and study DNA evidence found at a “crime scene.” They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, investigate how to measure and interpret vital signs, and learn how the systems of the human body work together to maintain health.

Students in Automation and Robotics learn about being mechanical, electrical and computer engineers by building, wiring and programming automated systems.  They start by learning how mechanisms work and what they can be used for, and end with designing mechanical systems that function autonomously to solve real world problems.

The world of aerospace comes alive in Flight and Space. Students explore the science behind aeronautics and use their knowledge to design, build, and test a glider. Students learn about the history of flight and space, aeronautics, and what it is like to travel and live in space.

In Design and Modeling, students learn about architecture and engineering and associated jobs. They are challenged to build prototypes of things that make the world better and help people.

In Green Architecture students learn about architecture and construction by exploring dimensioning, measuring, and architectural sustainability. Students design a one-story home from reclaimed shipping containers and turn it into housing that is not only functional and affordable but also sustainable. Students use Autodesk’s® 3D architectural design software REVIT, Architectural scale rulers, Architectural templates, Design Brief, and a Decision Matrix.

Computer Science: Innovators & Makers teaches students that programming goes beyond the virtual world into the physical world.  Students are challenged to creatively use sensors and actuators to develop systems that interact with their environment.  While designing algorithms and using computational thinking practices, students code and upload programs to micro-controllers that perform a variety of authentic tasks.  The unit broadens students’ understanding of computer science concepts through meaningful applications. Teams select and solve a personally relevant problem related to wearable technology, interactive art, or mechanical devices.

App Creators introduces students to the field of computer science and the concepts of computational thinking, through the creation of mobile apps.  Students are challenged to be creative and innovative, as they collaboratively design and develop mobile solutions to engaging, authentic problems. Students experience the positive impact of the application of computer science to society as well as to other disciplines.

It is an honor to be the principal of La Quinta Middle School – STEM Academy.   Our staff, students, families, and community members are creating a dynamic learning environment that is preparing students for high school, college, career and life.  This is an exciting time to be a Bulldog!