Support for “STEAM” Education Will Inspire A New Generations of Students
NORTHAMPTON, MA (March 9, 2015) – Dr. Suzy Silverstein (z”l), a beloved obstetrician and alumni parent of the school, who passed away in 2014, is being honored by Lander-Grinspoon Academy with the creation of an education fund in her name. The Dr. Suzy Silverstein Memorial Fund will support teaching and learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) at the K-6 Jewish day school.
STEAM initiatives embody the idea of amplifying the strengths of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by combining them with the creativity and aesthetics drawn from the arts. In keeping with the interdisciplinary vision inspired by STEAM education, the fund will enable LGA to provide expertise, equipment, and professional development across a wide range of academic subjects.
“A STEAM-infused curriculum is an exciting entry point into more integrated teaching and learning throughout the school,” said Principal Deborah Bromberg Seltzer. “We are grateful to have the opportunity to develop a robust STEAM program at LGA, while honoring a much-admired alumni parent and her family.”
Lander-Grinspoon Academy’s goal is to raise $250,000 over five years so the school can invest in essential technology and equipment, purchase and integrate STEAM curriculum across the grades, and provide ongoing support and professional development to faculty. LGA will seek funding from local businesses, alumni families, and the greater Pioneer Valley community.
“Seeding STEAM education at Lander-Grinspoon Academy is the perfect tribute to Sue,” said James Osofsky, Silverstein’s husband and one of the school’s founders. “My family is proud to participate in this effort to inspire a new generation of students.” Silverstein and Osofsky’s daughters both graduated from LGA (Rachel in 2003, Hannah in 2008).
While STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education has gotten a great deal of attention for preparing children for success in higher education and better global career opportunities, the addition of the arts is important for sparking creativity, curiosity, and innovation.
“Sue was an avid quilter and seamstress, and she loved music,” noted Osofsky. “Her interests spanned the arts and sciences, so it’s fitting that this initiative fuses learning across the subjects.”
STEAM education fosters the skills necessary for successful problem solving, by encouraging questioning, experimenting, and developing ideas through personalized learning paths. The result is a comprehensive education program in which students are empowered to develop strengths in all subjects and build essential communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.
“With this new fund, we lay the foundation for 21st-century learning at Lander-Grinspoon Academy,” said Louis Davis, President of the Board of Trustees. “The school takes great pride in establishing this educational initiative in memory of Dr. Silverstein. She was a warm, generous, and dearly-loved doctor who delivered so many of our community’s children, including my son.”
Lander-Grinspoon Academy will officially dedicate the fund and recognize Dr. Silverstein’s family at the school’s 18th Anniversary Gala, to be held Sunday, May 3, at The Look Park Garden House in Florence, MA.
Donations to the Dr. Suzy Silverstein Memorial Fund may be made payable to Lander-Grinspoon Academy and sent directly to the school at 257 Prospect Street, Northampton, MA 01060. Secure donations can be made online at www.landergrinspoon.org. To learn more about the
fund and what it will help accomplish, please contact the Development Office at 413.584.6622.
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