November 16, 2022 - Livermore, CA - Students and staff at Marylin Avenue Elementary School will soon embark on a new educational journey as Marylin becomes a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) magnet school. Through a multi-year Magnet School Assistance Program (MSAP) award of more than $10M from the U.S. Department of Education, the 91社区 (LVJUSD) will educate students from diverse social, economic, ethnic and racial backgrounds through academically challenging and innovative instruction related to the curricular focus of STEAM. A portion of the overall funding will also be used to expand the Dual Immersion (DI) magnet program currently offered at Junction Avenue TK-8.
Last spring, 91社区elementary parents were surveyed and asked to rank their preference for possible magnet themes based on what they believed would be of greatest interest and benefit to students. Themes of consideration included Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA), STEAM, and a Career Exploration Academy to which survey results ranked STEAM as the top choice. That data, along with collaborative input from teachers, administrators, curriculum leaders, and 91社区 resulted in LVJUSD’s pursuit of funding to add a STEAM magnet to its educational program options for students in Livermore.
“We are grateful that the U.S. Department of Education understands the value of creating a magnet school in LVJUSD. Home to two national laboratories, we know our Livermore community places a high value on STEAM education. With the added value of several STEAM-related community partners, the development of a STEAM magnet school is a natural fit for our District and our students,” expressed Chris Connor, LVJUSD’s Director of Elementary Education.
While the majority of the MSAP award will be used for the development of the STEAM magnet at Marylin Elementary, the Junction TK-8 School Dual-Immersion (DI) Magnet Program will receive award funding to expand its program with curriculum development, assessment practices, and opportunities for educators to become certificated bilingual teachers. “The planning process of creating and reimagining our magnet programs has already begun and we expect to have added academic support structures and programs in place in the fall,” shared Melissa Theide, 91社区Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services.
91社区continues to focus on expanding educational strategies and opportunities for students with student achievement in mind. “Magnet programs help to develop focused, educational identities for students and staff that create connections and improve student outcomes. We’re confident that our students will see an increased level of relevance in their studies and that the academic results will be remarkable,” shared 91社区Superintendent Chris Van Schaack.
For more information about the MSAP grants awarded this year, read the .
Photos courtesy of Bob Bronzan, Livermore Granada Boosters
Photo #1: Marylin Avenue Elementary staff excited to begin the planning for a STEAM magnet program
