ROSELAND — Dunne STEM Academy students will celebrate their brand new STEM Innovation Lab, science lab and state-of-the-art gymnasium Friday at a ribbon-cutting ceremony that Mayor Rahm Emanuel will attend.
The far South Side K-8 school, 10845 S. Union Ave., broke ground on the project in August 2014. The $11-million project allowed Dunne to transition to a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) school.
The project was spearheaded by Ald. Carrie Austin (34th). About $7 million came from CPS, while the additional $4 million was secured by State Sen. Emil Jones (D-Chicago), and State Rep. Bob Rita (D-Blue Island).
There are two labs, a new gym and a hallway that leads to the new multipurpose facility.
The STEM Innovation lab has 15 new computers with high-tech software. Students will get to use CrazyTalk, a facial and 2D animation software, and Sketchup, a 3D modeling software. Students will be able to rotate to each station so they get experience with all of the programs.
Keeping the students current with the latest software programs is important, said Jonnie Joplin, the school's technology coordinator.
“These skills can lead to many jobs like programing, engineering, computer science,” she said. “I just want to expose them to everything.”
There are Lego robotics too, which will allow the students to compete in state-wide competitions.
Then there is the new science lab, which is twice the size as the old one. Students didn’t have much space to do experiments and projects said Natasha Ortega, Dunne's resident principal. The lab has a brand new eyewash station and beakers. The tables are arranged so that students can comfortably collaborate with one another.
The students have never had a gymnasium. They used the cafeteria as a multipurpose room since the school was built. The brand new gym fits with Principal Chandra Byrd-Wright’s vision, Ortega said.
“Part of her vision is to develop a really robust athletics department,” Ortega said. “This facility provides the opportunity for that to actually happen. We can really build a strong basketball team, football team and cheerleading squad for our children and also have a safe space for them.”
“I just can’t wait to see all of their jaws drop and just see the excitement on their faces as they walk in here and see a dream come true because it really is for the community of Roseland. It’s been a long time in the making and we finally get to celebrate it,” Ortega said.
The Rev. David Bryant of Allen Metro C.M.E. Church, 10946 S. Lowe Ave, works with neighborhood group Roseland Neighborhood Organization. This project was a community effort, he said, and he’s glad that it’s finally completed.
“It has been a long time coming,” he said. “We’re thankful to God and for all the prayers of so many people. We will have a school that will really be reflective of the kind of education that our children are so much in need of here in Roseland.”
The public is invited to the grand opening. It's from 2-3:45 p.m.
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