Holy Redeemer Grade School hosted a grand opening for their newly renovated STEM classrooms on January 4, 2017. Both STEM classrooms aim to cultivate a deeper interest in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects for young students.
Chairman and CEO of The Ideal Group, Frank Venegas, Jr., spearheaded this go-fast project to present Holy Redeemer’s young students with two new STEM classrooms and a Reading Café following the end of the holiday season.
Ideal Contracting led the classroom transformation. Ideal tradesmen and suppliers gave the three rooms a complete facelift with fresh paint, carpeting and furniture set-up. Nick Luxon, Vice President of Ideal Contracting, spoke of his role in the project, “I’m humbled and grateful to be a part of the construction of Holy Redeemer’s new STEM room. The chance to take part in bringing kids opportunities to better themselves feels good.” Ideal Contracting Suburban Collection, Superior Electric, John E. Greene and Efficient Office Solutions and other community-minded sponsors also donated resources such as a Smart board, training tables, Lego tables, additional new classroom furniture, KNEX games and other educational game pieces.
Holy Redeemer Grade School, an elementary school located in Southwest Detroit, encourages strong interest and involvement with STEM programs. Mary Beth Kiley, principal of Holy Redeemer integrated the FIRST Lego League into the school’s science program with great success.
“Holy Redeemer is very blessed to have such wonderful friends in the community”, remarked Principal Kiley. “The STEM Room allows our students to become critical thinkers and problem solvers. It puts learning in a whole new light, bringing purpose and discovery into the classroom. We are bubbling with excitement. Thank you, Frank Venegas and The Ideal Group.”
Mr. Venegas marks the renovations as yet another triumph for the school. “We are proud of the Holy Redeemer students and their teachers,” he stated. “The STEM Center and the Robotics Lab will provide these Southwest Detroit youth with great learning opportunities. We thank our collaborative partners for transforming three classrooms into bright inspirational learning spaces that will change lives.”
The Holy Redeemer FIRST Lego League team, Redeemer Bots, have participated in multiple competitions and hosted numerous demonstrations of their own creations.
The FIRST program, founded by Dean Kamen, aims to inspire children to participate in science and technology and motivate them to pursue education and career opportunities in STEM fields. Holy Redeemer Grade School students have enjoyed great success with the FIRST program and are well on their way to learning about STEM careers.