Fourth-grader Chase Monaco loves math and science. Those are his jam! His class at PBE right now is learning geometry and that suits him just fine. “I like working with angles,” he said.

Chase will have the opportunity to do a week-long deep dive into a STEM program offered by the National Youth Leadership Forum: Pathways to STEM. His teacher, Stacey Venzel, nominated Chase for the program, which will be held at Villanova University outside of Philadelphia this summer.

 

Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are BIG in Ms. Venzel’s fourth-grade class at Pine Bush Elementary School. She is a zoologist, so STEM is a most important aspect in her classroom.

“Chase is a determined student bringing both analytical and creative thinking to real world problem-solving,” said Ms. Venzel. “He is enthusiastic about science and STEM, even outside of the classroom. I’ve seen what he can do with a 3D printer! I think Chase will benefit from this opportunity to explore niche scientific interests through hands-on activities.”

 

Principal Eric Winter gave much credit to Chase’s parents, Sophia Quartarone and Cody Monaco, and the home-school connection between them and Ms. Venzel.

“This is the first time a Pine Bush student is attending this program,” said Mr. Winter. “That home-school connection between Chase’s parents and his teacher, Ms. Venzel, has made this happen. Chase’s parents are always so supportive.”

 

According to Envision by WorldStrides, which provides this program, Chase was selected because Ms. Venzel recognized his “exceptional maturity, scholastic merit and leadership potential.”

This program is designed to give future leaders an unparalleled opportunity while still in elementary school to discover their personal strength and to begin to acquire the leadership and life skills needed for academic and career success.

The program brings students together from around the region. They engage in hands-on workshops focused on emotional awareness, communication, collaboration, critical thinking and goal setting. Students have the opportunity to explore different STEM pathways in medicine, engineering and crime scene investigation.

Congratulations to Chase for earning such an incredible opportunity, and to his parents and Ms. Venzel for recognizing his skills, and supporting and encouraging him. We can’t wait to hear all about your STEM adventure!