McKinleyville Middle School and Dows Prairie Students Partner Together for STEAM Day

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MCKINLEYVILLE, Ca. (KIEM) – Eighth grade students from McKinleyville Middle Schools are being big buddies to the young kids at Dows Prairie School.

“I think it’s wonderful, our young kids really look up to the eighth graders,” said Dows Prairie kindergarten teacher Ashley Langkila, “they’re so excited when they come in.”

It’s part of Steam Day. Where the eighth graders come in and teach the kids about science, tech, engineering, arts, and math.

But it’s not just teaching the young kids.

“It’s doing a little bit of science but also hopefully making those warm fuzz feelings,” said McKinleyville Middle School teacher Kim Dedini.

It’s also about making long lasting relationships.

“They are super open and curious about people and they just love interacting with anybody,” said Langkila.

The young kids adore their big buddies.

“They’re reading books together,” says Dedini “and it’s fun to have them build those relationships.”

By having a Steam Day, it’s a chance to challenge the 8th graders while also giving the young kids a hands on learning experience.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for our older kids to be in that mentoring role,” says Dows Prairie School Principal Kevin Scheffler, “I think it’s a great opportunity for our younger kids to be around older kids in positive way.”

The eighth grade students visit their buddies at least three times a year.

This is the second year in a row that Dows Prairie and McKinleyville Middle School have done Steam Day together.