Framingham's Vision for a 5-8 STEM Fuller Middle School

Framingham Superintendent of Schools Stacy Scott unveiled his plan to deal with overcrowding in the district, Tuesday night.

Calling his plan "Project LEAP" (Leading Edge for Achievement Program) Scott wants to move grade five at Brophy and McCarthy elementary schools to Fuller Middle School to create a 5-8 school and to open the town's ninth elementary school where his administrative offices are at the King Building on Water Street.

In 2014, 5 kindergarten classes would be created at King. The following year there would be 4 kindergarten and 5 first grade classes. Scott would add 4 kindergarten classes each year until that school would be a full K-4 school. Those students would then attend the 5-8 school at Fuller.

Framingham Patch was the first media outlet to report the plan. Read details by clicking here.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Framingham School District unveiled additional details on the proposed new 5-8 Middle School at Fuller.

The district's two other middle schools - Cameron and Walsh - would continue to be grades 6-8 only, under the proposal.

The proposed plan is to create a 5-8 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) middle school at Fuller.

If Fuller was to transition from a 6-8 school to a "5-8 school with a STEM focus" the goals of the school would be to equip students with the following:

• A practical understanding of modern technology 
• A strong understanding of how to problem solve and apply it to real-world issues 
• A deep understanding of the integration of all subjects, as all academic content does not exist in a vacuum 
• A superior ability to communicate in all modalities 

The proposed plan was drafted by Fuller Middle School STEM teacher Kerry Thornton-Genova, Framingham Schools Director of Educational Operations Sonia Diaz, new Fuller Principal Sharon Seyller and Framingham Schools Director of Curriculum and Professional Development Lori DiGisi.

The motto of the school might be “Students Investigating and Solving Real-World Problems” as a reflection of the focus of the school, states the draft posted on the district's website late Wednesday night.

"There would be a belief in the practical application of all knowledge in order to better equip students for the modern world, better integrate the school-life connection, and open students to a wider range of career possibilities," states the draft document.

The structure of the 5-8 school would have "students divided into teams by grade level, with the core content teachers collaborating to organize learning units that integrate all subject areas."

For example, a unit on Egypt might address the governmental structure of the time while math courses learn how to calculate the volume of a pyramid. An emphasis on practical lab skills and clear writing capacity should exist in math and science.  

"In addition, there would be specials that the students take, including music, PE, art, health, and STEM. STEM class would emphasize the technology education and engineering that the math and science courses do not cover," state the document.

Fuller started a pilot STEM program in the 2012-13 school year. The first teacher hired did not work out and a new teacher was hired to oversee the pilot program. Students take STEM class for only part of the school year.

The school district states in the draft it "must make a commitment to making updated technology accessible to all students and teachers, e.g., purchasing Chrome Books for all students."

The draft plan states "teachers would integrate the use of technology into their daily lessons and homework assignments."

" A robotics unit would require age-appropriate and accessible robotics equipment, and a suitable space to use and store the equipment. The integration of a hands-on circuit unit will require the purchase of consumable materials every year," continues the draft plan.

To read the full draft, including grade by grade proposed teaching plans, click here.

Administration plans to hold informational meetings with both Brophy Elementary and McCarthy Elementary parents this month.
The Brophy meeting has already been scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 10.

Diaz and newly-hired Assistant Superintendent of School Mark Prince met with the Framingham PTO presidents and other PTO leadership Wednesday morning to discuss the plan. Scott was not available, as he was in Chicago at a conference. Next month, Scott will take a trip to China.


Editor's Note: Originally published at 2 a.m., updated with photo of draft report at 8:58 a.m.