There is always something happening in the Gesu Educational Center for STREAM Learning. Thanks to the generous donations totaling more than $1.1 million, given by John and Mary Jane Breen; Kathleen Breen; Robert and Heidi Heltzel; Gerald and Helen McDonough; June McGinty; of the McGinty Family Foundation; the Conway Family Foundation and several other families, Gesu now seamlessly integrates STREAM learning into its curriculum.
Our goal for STREAM at Gesu is to prepare our students for a 21st century world with an increased focus on science, technology, religion, engineering, arts, and math. Gesu joins a handful of Catholic schools that are implementing STREAM, an initiative that is supported by the National Catholic Education Association. Our STREAM program engages our students at an early age in areas such as robotics, technical design, project-based learning, and architecture.
Shelly Clary is our full-time STREAM Coordinator and works with faculty and students to implement interdisciplinary STREAM lessons throughout all grade levels. The school encourages an inquiry-based collaborative learning environment that inspires creativity and innovation. Gesu is proud to be at the forefront of the STREAM initiative and we look developing an innovative mindset in our teachers and students.
Technology at Gesu Catholic School maximizes both teaching and learning for every member of the school community. Students and teachers have access to hardware and software that enhances student learning at all grade levels. Our main goal for technology integration at Gesu is to support our students in becoming collaborative learners, as well as educating them to have a deep understanding of different technology resources and skills.
Our campus’ wireless network was recently updated in August 2020, which enables our students to have a mobile learning environment. There is a 1:1 tablet program for students in Grades Kdg-8. The school also provides tech resources in Preschool. Each classroom in the building is also equipped with the latest whiteboard technology, which enables an interactive approach to learning and teaching. In preparing for the remote learning that will be part of the 2020-2021 school year, Gesu has also added SWIVL technology to each classroom so that students at home can be connected to classroom learning in real time.
The new Gesu Learning Commons, dedicated in Fall 2019, has significantly extended the STREAM Center. Located on the 2nd floor of the school, the Learning Commons area encompasses the school library, the Broadcast Studio, additional technology and space for student learning and STREAM related projects. The Broadcast Studio hosts our student- produced morning broadcast with the latest news and events.
Technology integration is prevalent throughout many of our programs at Gesu including the STREAM Program, the Entrepreneur curriculum, Programming & Robotics, Minecraft Club, Tech Camp, and our comprehensive technology curriculum in our lower and middle school classes. Internet safety and digital citizenship are also covered in age-appropriate ways at every grade level. It is important that our students know how to use technology wisely and effectively as new applications emerge.