Tesoro Viejo Invests in STEM Learning at Hillside School
Hillside School students in grades 6 through 8 are getting introduced to medical careers through the new Medical Detectives curriculum and diving into medical data to solve mysteries. Thanks to the generous support of Tesoro Viejo, Hillside School is able to train teachers and buy equipment and supplies to deliver this hands-on, project-based learning that blends Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) learning with career readiness.
Tesoro Viejo has donated nearly $26,000 over the past two years to Hillside School – most of that investment directly supports STEM classroom learning opportunities for all students. The investment has allowed Hillside School to participate in the national Project Lead the Way program and the InnovED program – expanding STEM classroom learning for Hillside students.
“Tesoro Viejo’s investment in our STEM curriculum goes far in allowing us to participate in leading-edge programs like Project Lead the Way,” said Kristi DeBernardi, Hillside School principal. “Because of their investment, we are able to purchase the materials needed to bring this hands-on learning experience to life for all our students.”
STEM curriculum is embedded in the regular school day for all Hillside students. The career technical pathways for students are aligned with the pathways at the feeder Minarets High School. In addition, the community wanted to see a pre-med career pathway, and Hillside was able to implement the Medical Detectives curriculum through the national Project Lead the Way curriculum.
Project Lead the Way engages students in real-world, problem-solving that builds technical and professional skills. Students measure vital signs, investigate the human body systems, examine medical data, and explore diseases.
“Tesoro Viejo is committed to supporting classroom learning, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and math,” said Karen McCaffrey, vice president of Tesoro Viejo. “We value education and are pleased to help provide opportunities for innovation in the classroom.”
In addition to Project Lead the Way, Tesoro Viejo has also invested in the InnovEd STEM program for students in grades kindergarten through 5th grade where students engage in hands-on model building lessons that connect science, math and language arts. Their support has allowed Hillside School to buy materials and provide access to the online curriculum.
InnovEd’s curriculum was developed by a former biochemist and science educator for more than 24 years. The curriculum blends literacy, math, social studies, and science that give students a true multi-disciplinary experience.
Tesoro Viejo has a history of supporting Hillside School since it opened in the 2018-19 school year. Each school year, Tesoro Viejo provides every staff member and student with a Hillside Bobcats t-shirt to support school spirit. In addition, Tesoro Viejo hosts a luncheon to launch the new school year for teachers and staff. According to DeBernardi, this luncheon has become a favored tradition for teachers and a highlight of the school year.
“Tesoro Viejo’s investment in our school makes our staff feel supported by the community and that their efforts are appreciated,” DeBernardi said. “We really value our partnership with Tesoro Viejo and are grateful for their commitment to supporting classroom learning for all students.”