STEMRIFIC DISPATCH
WELCOME TO STEMRIFIC DISPATCH
As we close out the semester, I’m leaning into what works: clear priorities, strong partnerships, and practical moves that help school teams protect momentum into January. December is busy—but it’s also the perfect time to reflect, celebrate progress, and simplify what comes next.
Let’s innovate, educate, and collaborate—together. So, grab your favorite cosmic mug (maybe one from our STEMrific collection) and prepare for lift-off!
FEATURE STORY: 2025 APyeS! L.E.A.D.S. Awards — Schools First Award
I’m honored to share that I received the 2025 APyeS L.E.A.D.S. “Schools First” Award, recognizing district leaders who help schools thrive. Thank you to the coaches, school teams, and partners who make this work possible—this is a shared win. This recognition is a reminder that strong STEM outcomes are built through strong systems—leaders, teachers, partners, and students moving in the same direction.
What this award represents (in plain terms):
Schools First: aligning support to what schools actually need.
Leadership in Action: removing barriers and building capacity.
STEM at Scale: supporting teaching and learning that reaches more students with quality and consistency.
Official APS Today recap:
WHAT “SCHOOLS FIRST” LOOKS LIKE IN PRACTICE
Capacity-building over quick fixes (so work sustains beyond a single moment).
Coaching and feedback loops that turn good ideas into consistent implementation.
Partnership alignment so time, tools, and supports move in the same direction.
TEACHER RECHARGE + JANUARY RESET (20 MINUTES, NO PREP)
Before break, here’s a quick reset you can do solo or with your team to close the semester intentionally and reopen strong in January. Free protocol + printable tool (Start/Stop/Continue):
In Case You Missed It — Recent Dispatch Highlights
If you want to revisit recent themes (or share with a colleague), here are a few quick links:
Vol. 15 (Oct 2025): Science Fair & STEM Process Edition
Vol. 14 (Sept 15, 2025): Mastering Gold-Standard PBL in STEM Classrooms
Volume 13 (Sept 1, 2025): Rituals, Systems, and STEM Identity
Vol. 12 (Aug 2025): STEM in Motion — Visualizing Earth Systems with Science On a Sphere
Browse the author archive (all posts in one place):
If you try the Start/Stop/Continue reset, reply with one START you’re committing to in January.
To keep that Schools First momentum going, here’s a quick reset you can run before break. Also — what would help you most next month? Reply with 1, 2, or 3:
Toolkit (templates + ready-to-use resources)
Strategy (implementation moves + coaching lens)
Both
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