The Cypress School District celebrated the pending construction of new state-of-the-art educational facilities during a groundbreaking ceremony at A.E. Arnold Elementary School with city leaders and community members on May 3.
The District said its excited to provide students and teachers with dedicated classroom space to support instruction in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and the arts.
“It is not uncommon to find these types of facilities in high schools, but waiting until then is too late. Research confirms the importance of exposing children to STEM-related experiences at a young age. With early exposure to a broad course of study, children are open to a wider range of interests and possibilities.” said Anne Silavs, Superintendent.
These new classrooms will support the following District efforts:
• Deliver cutting edge instruction for success in college and career,
• Inspire student innovation and creativity,
• Prepare students for jobs of the future, and
• Provide students with a competitive advantage – at the university level and in the job market.
The construction project includes the addition of two new modular classrooms on each of the District’s six elementary campuses. One classroom will be furnished as a state-of-the-art STEM lab to support hands-on, project-based learning experiences for students. The second classroom will be acoustically designed for music and performing arts instruction.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Brian Nakamura, Vice President of the Cypress School District Board of Trustees said, “We are so excited about what these new programs will mean for our students. Our kids are at a time in their lives when they dream about what they will be when they grow up. We are pleased to provide them with educational experiences that will inspire innovation and creativity, and prepare them for the jobs of the future.”
Cypress City Council Member Rob Johnson said, “STEM-related careers are a growing sector in our economy. Providing these opportunities for the children of our community will give them a competitive advantage. I commend the Cypress School District for their wonderful vision for STEM and arts education.”
Cypress School District extends its sincere appreciation to the city and local community for their ongoing partnership in making a positive difference for students. The District plans to begin construction later this month so that these classrooms will be ready for students by the beginning of the 2016-17 school year.
Additional information about these new facilities can be found in the District’s Facilities Master Plan at http://www.cypsd.k12.ca.us/FacilitiesUpdate.
