School Spotlight: Brooklyn Middle STEAM School

Inclusive, innovative and engaging are some of the key components of Brooklyn Middle STEAM School. Officials say students come prepared to learn each day.

“They’re creative, they’re innovative, but you have to give them the skills, the tools, and the experiences, said Principal Kim Monette, who’s has been at the school for 20 years.

Monette says the goal is to provide experience and opportunities for students. That includes a lot of hands-on learning. Besides working with robots and other technology, twice a month, students have a bag lunch meeting with scientists, engineers and artists in the community.

“I learn a lot about technology, how to use it, how it applies to real life and how I can use it in the future,”said student Ore Fawole.

That one-on-one experience hits home for many students.

“There’s lots of opportunities for everybody, like everybody can get involved, it’s not just like a certain group,” explained Myla Fowlkes.

Students also get the chance to step outside the classroom. They have a partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and St. Louis Park nonprofit Tree Trust. Last year the students planted 40 trees outside of the school building.

Brooklyn Middle STEAM School is also the only middle school in the district with a full kitchen for its culinary arts curriculum. 

The school also has a well-attended after-school program, with more than 80 percent of the student population participating in it.

School Spotlight