Principal's Message
A Commitment to Excellence!
Welcome to the Haskell Academy of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), home of the Mustangs and honored designee as a 2017 National School to Watch by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform. Haskell STEM Academy is the first Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics magnet middle school in ABC Unified School District. Haskell STEM Academy is a high-achieving magnet middle school that is dedicated to the academic excellence, college and career readiness, and social-emotional growth of our students. The staff and administration provide a safe, supportive, and caring environment that celebrates cultural diversity and nurtures individual differences through respect, collaboration, and communication. We value parents and community members as partners in education. Our goals include developing 21st century academic skills and socially successful students in preparation for high school and post-secondary education and careers. We prepare our students to become life-long learners and responsible, productive citizens in our diverse society. We are proud to offer a variety of programs to challenge, and meet the needs and aspirations of all our students.
STEM and Technology for the 21st Century: We are pleased to present our Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics magnet program. Haskell STEM Academy offers a fully-inclusive, school-wide STEM program which includes hands-on, project management of technology, engineering, and digital media engagements. Haskell students are immersed in an integrated, cross-curricular approach to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics that is student-centered, project- oriented, and product-based. Built upon a strong foundation of language and math proficiency and the engineering design process, students advance their fluency in:
- Scientific Literacy: the knowledge and understanding of the scientific concepts and processesrequired in 21stcentury society.
- Technological Literacy: the knowledge of what technology is, how it works, purposes it serves, and ways it can be used.
- Information Literacy: the ability to evaluate information across a range of media; locate, synthesize, and utilize it effectively.
To broaden our students’ experience in STEM fields, we offer a dynamic selection of STEM-related semester electives. Students may take up to four elective courses, with options such as Foundations of Psychology, Foundations of Computer Science, Environmental Science and Engineering, and Project Lead the Way Automation and Robotics.
The “SmartLab”: The stand-alone “SmartLab” is richly provisioned with state-of-the-art technology and STEM equipment systems. Students can access over 230 Learning Launchers focused on eight technology systems and core competencies: Alternative and Renewable Energy, Computer Graphics, Science and Data Acquisition, Mechanics and Structures, Multimedia Design/Computer-Aided Publishing, Robotics and Control Technology, and Circuitry and Computer Simulation. Students explore and investigate the science and technology behind wind, solar, and hydrogen energy. They utilize Web based programs and applications such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, 3D Graphics Studio, Stop Motion Animation software, Microsoft Flight Simulator with USB flight yoke, West Point Bridge Designer, Lego NXT Robot Control Software, and Sim City software (urban planning). In alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), students engage in STEM Science investigations in their Science classes, like CSI Chemistry Lab, Recycled Dragsters, Paper Roller Coaster Lab and more. Students record all project work from start to finish in an “ePortfolio.”
Honors Program: Honors level coursework is offered in all core subjects for both 7th and 8th grade students in Math (Advanced Math), English/Language Arts, History/Social Sciences, and Science. Honors students are offered specialized, enrichment field trips each year. We also offer Spanish I (a high school course) as an 8th grade elective.
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination): AVID is a college-bound elective class/program designed to provide students with important college readiness skills, motivate them to seek a college education, and increase the student’s level of career awareness. Students work directly with college tutors, attend lectures by guest speakers, and visit several colleges and universities. Students are able to transition directly into articulated high school AVID programs. Applications, interviews, and a minimum GPA of 2.0 are required for eligibility. We are proud to host a highly-certified AVID program that, with eleven years of experience, is the oldest in ABCUSD.
Performing and Visual Arts Programs: Haskell’s Arts programs include elective courses in Beginning and Advanced Band, Chorus, Drama, Music Appreciation, and Arts & Crafts. Students develop their creativity and artistic expression in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment. Several performances are given throughout the year. Students can also sign up to be a member of our outstanding, extra-curricular drum line.
Extra-Curricular Activities: Haskell supports a variety of after school sports programs for boys and girls including basketball, soccer, volleyball, cross country, and track and field. Cheer squad is also a popular activity and an opportunity to display our school spirit (subject to available sponsor). School organizations and clubs include CJSF (California Junior Scholarship Federation), ASB (Associated Student Body), and STEM/Robotics Club. Haskell also has four after school dances each year. Lunchtime activities include academic and spirit-related games and events.
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