The Thomas J. Kenny Elementary School last week hosted its first annual STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) night for more than 260 students and their families. Participants engineered towers, made electromagnets, tested electronic instruments, participated in math games, contributed to a community art project, and more. 

“I’ve never seen anything like this level of community participation at any of the schools I’ve worked at,” said Pallas James, the Kenny School nurse and event volunteer. 

More than 40 Kenny school staff and community partners, in addition to 5th grade student leaders, volunteered their time to make the event a success. 

“We want students to think of learning as something more than just testing and grades. We want them to remember their education as social and fun,” said Christopher Leonard, one of the Kenny School’s two science teachers. 

The Kenny School will expand to K-6 in September, which will garner more financial support from the Boston School Fund for STEAM programming.  

“Our K-6 expansion plan includes financial support from the Boston School Fund to develop a high quality, STEAM-focused learning environment that prepares students for success in high school, college and beyond,” said Emilly Bryan, the Kenny School’s principal. “As students rise from grade to grade, they will be exposed to advancing technology skills and courses that include the Google App Suite, coding, digital music production, graphic arts and more. Our goal is to provide students with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to be leaders in our increasingly digital world.”