History of STEM at Bluford STEM Academy

 

History of STEM at Bluford STEM Academy

2008–2009: Magnet Theme Shift Begins
Guilford County Schools (GCS) initiated discussions about changing Bluford's magnet theme. This followed the completion of a Magnet Study in 2006–2007.

2009–2010: Transition to Communications Magnet
Bluford operated as a Communications Magnet program, with active involvement from staff and the community.

2010–2011: First Year as a STEM Magnet Program

• Introduction to STEM concepts

• Lab sign-ups began

• Technology integrated into the special area rotation

• Thematic instructional units supported the STEM transition

2011–2012: First Full Year as a K–5 STEM Academy

• Funding was secured to support the transition to a K-5 STEM Academy

• The first Science Specialist was hired, ensuring that every student received science instruction once per week

2012–2013: Strategic Growth and Investment

• New leadership brought in: Principal, Curriculum Facilitator, revised curriculum, and focus on End-of-Grade (EOG) testing

• Continued support from a dedicated Science Specialist

• $190,000 allocated to re-envision and invest in major resources

• Increased marketing and visibility of the program

• STEM officially became a focus area in the GCS Strategic Plan

2013-present: STEM Excellence and Innovation in Action

• Hands-on learning environment through the lens of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)

• Dedicated science lab where students engage in experiments and investigations

• Specialized engineering lab equipped with tools and materials for design, building, and problem-solving projects

• Modern technology lab featuring computers, coding activities, and digital tools to develop tech skills and creativity

• Integrated technology resources to support digital literacy and problem-solving

• Engineering challenges that encourage creativity and critical thinking

• Project-based learning fostering collaboration and real-world application

• Instruction designed to build foundational STEM skills from K–5

• Enhanced partnerships with community organizations and industry leaders

• Ongoing professional development for teachers to deliver cutting-edge STEM instruction

• Increased student engagement through robotics, coding, and engineering competitions

• Strong focus on preparing students for future STEM careers and lifelong learning