Jemison Intermediate Principal D.J. Nix received a proclamation from Sen. Cam Ward in recognition of the outdoor classroom being constructed and the school’s designation as a Project Lead the Way school.

The ceremony took place in the JIS library on July 1 with several faculty and school board members in attendance.

As a Project Lead the Way school, much of the curriculum is taught with a focus on STEM-related learning.

“The STEM program has provided an opportunity for all of the students to have an experience with hands-on learning and inquiry-based learning,” JIS Vice Principal Jackie DeJarnett said.

According to DeJarnett, the current approach to learning is designed to help prepare students for what lies ahead in the 21st century.

“If you look at the work industry now, they are looking for people who can solve problems and be very innovative,” DeJarnett said. “STEM does not just touch students that are gifted, but all the students.”

Working as a team to accomplish projects and goals is another major aspect of the curriculum.

According to JIS teacher Rachel Mims, her students made an LED sign for the classroom as one of their projects last year.

“It meant a lot to those students just being able to see it [finished] and hang it on the wall,” Mims said. “It was amazing to see the pride they took in it and how much harder they work after that.”

Mims has had female students share with her how much they love wiring LEDs together, which they had no idea they would love so much prior to the class.

Ward’s proclamation solidifies even further the fact that JIS has been able to revolutionize the classroom beyond the traditional method of educating.

“They’ve been training teachers for five years and they’re changing the culture at their school,” CCS STEM director Jay LeCroy said. “It creates a longer process and has allowed the kids and teachers to adjust to the new ways over a period of time.”