January/ February 2016 ISSUE
Important Dates and Information:
Golf Tournament Fundraiser STEM Booster Club is hosting a Golf Tournament fundraiser on April 29 at The Golf Club at Champion Circle in Trophy Club. More information about participating, volunteering, or donating can be found in the PDF to the right. Project Lead the Way We are excited to announce that the Northwest High School STEM Academy will transition into Project Lead the Way this fall. For more information about the program, please visit pltw.org. Technology Resources for All All Northwest High School Students are encouraged to create a Lynda.com account in order to "learn new business, creative, & tech skills with expert-led online video tutorials– anytime, anywhere" (Lynda.com). The district has purchased accounts for every student for the 2015-2016 school year. |
Special Thanks to the Robotics Club Sponsor: General Electric |
Spotlights:
Athletics Spotlight
By: Yasin Khan Teens who are both students and athletes struggle between academics and sportsmanship, while some do better on one or the other. One athlete by the name of Micah German has been able to do both in a incredible consistency with extreme focus on the field and in the classroom. Micah German is student in the STEM Academy at Northwest High School and is also a part of the football team (o-line). When STEM Academy history teacher Mary Proudman was asked what she likes about Micah, she excitedly responded with, "I love his ability to be a team player and willing to do anything needed for projects.” Micah German is usually known as quiet person, but when he is needed he's a man who stands tall and handles the responsibility that he is given. When asked what it's means to be a student athlete, Micah responded saying, "You have to maintain your grades before sports,there's a reason we're called student athletes not athlete students.” Furthermore when Micah was asked how he feels about school he said, "It's the second most important thing to me besides family.” Micah also mentioned that his parents are a huge reason on why he maintains his grades. In the end, Micah German is an athlete that has figured out how to maintain grades and participate in the sport he loves. and is a student that is able to be loved by his teachers, classmates and coaches. Photo Courtesy of Yasin Khan Senior Spotlight
By: Nathan Fusselman Alexia Mays, a senior in the Northwest High School STEM Academy, has been selected for the “Senior Spotlight.” Alexia Mays has completed many accomplishments over the past four years that deserve recognition. She is compassionate and respectful towards others, and exudes a tremendous amount of confidence when she participates in projects. She participates in many activities both in and out of school, such as tennis and motocross. Freshman and senior engineering teacher, Jim Brown, has described her personality as “empathetic, respectful, and confident.” This personality has helped her in her everyday life, such as in her Engineering I Rube Goldberg Project when her group was the only group to successfully use all ten energy transfers in their project. But she did not stop there. Freshman year, in her Engineering IIII Product Design and Development Project, she placed second out of the senior class. According to her teachers, her determination and “can-do attitude” have played a huge role in her success. Alexia Mays has been a STEM student for the four years she has been at Northwest High School. She said, "The academy has shown me how I will work in the real world and challenges me to succeed in a Pre-AP, duel credit, and AP classes." Mr. Brown, her Engineering IIII teacher, believes that “she possesses the skills to be very successful in any career she pursues.” Alexia Mays currently works at Sonic as a carhop and is interested in getting a part time job as a Pet Care Associate. To learn more about Alexia Mays you can check out her E-Portfolio at https://sites.google.com/a/nisdtx.org/alexia-mayes/. |
Graduate Spotlight
By: Hayden Garner This month’s graduate spotlight goes to someone who was a star student in the STEM Academy, Hunter Marks. Hunter graduated last year with the class of 2015 and was chosen because of his outstanding work ethic and his wonderful time management skills. He was very glad that he was able to be a part of the STEM Academy. When asked about Hunter Marks as a student, STEM teacher Aylor RIx said that Hunter was a “very positive student” and that he was “very respectful and kind to all of his teachers.” Trevor Watkins, a student in the STEM Academy said, “Hunter is always dedicated to his work and always has time to help others.” Hunter was asked how STEM has prepared him for the real world and he stated, “STEM has given me time management skills, presentation skills, and people skills”. He added, “I also took away a huge desire to want to do well in school.” Some of Hunter’s favorite classes were the engineering courses offered by STEM. A testament of this was that his favorite project was when he got to build a transonic rocket in aerospace. Hunter is currently enrolled at UNT in Denton. He said “I want to be able to do what I want in life and in order to do that I need a degree.” He is studying for degrees in mechanical engineering and energy technology. Hunter also uses time management skills because he has to be able to balance 9 hours of school while also working an average of 40 hours a week at Discount Tire. Photos Courtesy of Hunter Marks Faculty Spotlight
By: Tate Sterns STEM students would like to honor a teacher that is constantly trying to make a difference everyday whether it is helping kids with their personal lives, being a better person, or even tips and tricks for Auto CADD or Revit that could improve an assignment. One teacher this month that is trying to help her students obtain skills for their future is Mrs. Delong is STEM’s Auto CADD and Revit teacher for sophomores and up. Furthermore, Mrs. DeLong was asked how she felt about being teacher of the month and she said, “I am super exited! Sometimes it surprises me that students pick me for such a great honor.” Mrs. DeLong does her best to get her students ready for college, and wants everyone to do their best, like any teacher. Therefore, she expects nothing but the best she even suggest that her incoming students should, “should understand the importance of time management, attention to detail, [and] the ability to handle criticism in a positive way”. While time management, precision, and being detail oriented is needed, she added, “having a passion for design whet it be architecture, art, engineering or anything of that sort makes it easier.” James Newbaker, a student of Mrs. DeLong’s was interviewed and was asked what characteristics does Mrs. DeLong have that make her stand out? He replied, “In class Mrs. DeLong is very funny, caring, understanding, supportive, and overall very knowledgeable in not only engineering but also other fields.” James has also built a strong relationship with Mrs. DeLong he even goes on to say, “Mrs. DeLong and I have a relationship compared to that of my best friend.” He then adds, “Mrs. DeLong is always there if you want to joke around and have fun or if you want to get down to business.” Mrs. DeLong takes time to make relationships with all of her students. Kylie Lloyd, STEM English teacher, was asked what is it like to work with Mrs. Delong. She quickly replied, “It is so wonderful to work with someone who is so well-rounded and devoted to her students”. This shows that she is not only desirable as a co-worker but also as a teacher. She quickly added, “DeLong connects with her students on a way that is often unparalleled”. Mrs. DeLong is clearly a teacher that students and educators are proud to have as a friend. MS. Lloyd compliments her by saying, “Not only is she a wonderful and devoted mom of 4, but she always finds time for her co-workers.” Although Mrs. DeLong may have a lot to deal with she always finds a way to time manage and organize events. Mrs. DeLong is an outstanding teacher that does her best to improve the STEM Academy. It is apparent that she is good working in teams and also teaching students as well as building excellent relationships with them. To help people get to know her a little better her favorite show is the “Big Bang Theory… because I love how funny the cast is and how it relates to real life experiences.” It’s cool to know that teachers watch TV too! Mrs. DeLong is a really good teacher all around that is why she has been nominated as this month’s teacher of the month for Fantastic Faculty! Congratulations Mrs. Delong for showing exemplary behavior these past few months to receive you’re recognition. Photo Courtesy of Jacqueline Delong |