North Cumberland Elementary kicked off the new school year by welcoming new Principal Kasey Lowe and Vice Principal Allie Keyes, who join the rest of the faculty in looking forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and exciting new opportunities for students.
“At North Cumberland, learning goes far beyond textbooks,” said Ashton Hayes, who teaches agriscience for grades 5-8 and serves as the school’s family engagement coordinator. “NCE is a STEAM-designated school, and that approach reaches across the entire building. Our core classes are incorporating science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics into everyday instruction, giving students opportunities to apply what they are learning in meaningful, hands-on ways.”
This approach to learning, she added, helps students make connections, think critically, solve problems, communicate their ideas, and apply academic skills to real-world situations.
“When students understand why they are learning something and have opportunities to use it, learning becomes more meaningful and engaging,” Hayes said. “These experiences can strengthen understanding of core academic concepts while fostering the skills students need for success in school and beyond.”
Students have opportunities to explore agriscience, human sciences, and STEM through career and technical education courses, as well as fine arts, band, theater, the makerspace, broadcasting studio, and greenhouse.
This year, North Cumberland’s agriscience program is growing with the addition of a new livestock barn and chicken coop. These new facilities will provide even more opportunities for hands-on learning about animal science, agriculture, responsibility, and where food comes from, Hayes said.
Through STEAM and the makerspace, students design, build, test ideas, and solve challenges while developing creativity and critical-thinking skills. The CTE programs introduce students to future careers and real-world skills, helping them see how what they learn today can connect to their future.
“At North Cumberland, we believe learning is about more than a grade. It is about wondering, creating, collaborating, discovering, and growing,” Hayes said. “NCE is Engineering Excellence, and our students are putting that idea into action every day. As we begin another exciting year, students and staff are embracing the NCE spirit and showing what it means to do things Every Day the Patriot Way.”
She added, “With new facilities, innovative programs, and endless opportunities, North Cumberland is a school full of possibilities, and we can’t wait to see what our Patriots accomplish!”