“We started small with a fourth-grade innovators program,” Calandra explained. “Now it’s grown into something students and families look forward to. We’re helping kids explore skills and paths that may one day lead them into fields that don’t even exist yet.”

In the STEAM lab, students dive into robotics, engineering challenges, and coding activities that reinforce core science standards through immersive, project-based learning. On a recent day, third graders were seen coding Dash robots with the Blockly app and engineering Lego frogs that could hop, mirroring stages of the life cycle.

“We meet students where they are,” Calandra said. “Some students may not feel confident in reading or math yet, but in here, they discover they’re builders, coders, or future architects. It gives them a new sense of pride and purpose.”

STEAM at John Kennedy is also about building life skills. Collaboration, perseverance, and creative problem-solving are key themes. “We always say, ‘We’ve got grit, we don’t quit,’” Calandra said. “Failure is just part of the learning process. And when students succeed, the excitement in the room is electric.”

John Kennedy was the first school in the district to launch a full STEAM program, and it continues to set the standard. With dedicated staff, strong community ties, and passionate students, the program is helping shape a new generation of thinkers, tinkerers, and trailblazers.