Rita L. Owens STEAM Academy
Now Accepting Applications
Rita L. Owens STEAM Academy is a satellite campus of Irvington High School located at 36 Mount Vernon Avenue, Irvington, New Jersey. The Rita L. Owens STEAM Academy is named after the beloved former Irvington art teacher, Rita L. Owens. Ms. Owens taught in the Irvington School District for many years and was more than a teacher to the scholars she encountered. She was a mother, counselor, social worker, and friend to the countless number of scholars and community members who had the opportunity to come across her path.
The Mission of the Rita L. Owens STEAM Academy is to inspire and instruct all students to think critically, creatively, and responsibly, embrace diversity, and pursue their dreams with purpose. Our mission is enhanced through a multifaceted approach and a solid commitment to student growth and development by all District stakeholders, including, but not limited to, students, parents, administrators, teachers, custodians, secretaries, security, support staff, and the community-at-large.
The primary purpose of the Rita L. Owens STEAM Academy is to improve student academic achievement by (a) implementing the District’s aligned Standards curricula; (b) providing staff development that promotes student engagement and academic rigor; (c) conducting data analysis to inform instruction; and (d) monitoring teaching and learning to ensure the alignment of curriculum, instruction and assessment.
Connecting
Classroom Activities
With Real-Life
Opportunities
In its inaugural year, it will have approximately 100 scholars that show an interest and acumen for science, technology, engineering, arts, and/or mathematics. Every ensuing year approximately 100 students will be added to the Academy.
THE RITA L. OWENS STEAM ACADEMY – DEDICATED TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Through a rigorous and relevant curriculum that empowers students to become productive, responsible, and self-directed learners and citizens; the curriculum is designed to meet the individual needs of all students through authentic assessment, research-based instruction, and responsive differentiation that encourages students to think critically and to connect all learning to life beyond the classroom. Further, the curriculum is designed to explore big ideas and essential questions, and promote enduring understandings. Technology is also integrated throughout the curriculum to promote 21st Century thinking and learning.
ON CAMPUS & EXTENDED EXPERIENCES
- The best club combines the interest of the teacher with something that attracts the students.
DUAL ENROLLMENT PARTNERSHIP/COLLABORATION
- New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
- Syracuse University*
- Essex County College
- Pillar College*
*In process
| CLUB / PROGRAM | DAY | TIME |
|---|---|---|
| Art Creating Club | Monday & Thursday | 3-4 pm |
| Robotics Club | Monday & Wednesday | 3-4 pm |
| Technology & Drone Club | Monday & Wednesday | 3-4 pm |
| Multicultural Club | Wednesday & Thursday | 3-4 pm |
| Morning Basketball Club | Wednesday & Thursday | 7:15 – 8:15 am |
| Math Club | Thursday | 3-4 pm |
| Debate Club | Friday | 3-4 pm |
COURSE SEQUENCE
The curriculum is grounded in critical thinking skills to help students solve real-life complex problems, and will deliver a high-quality team-based learning experience for every scholar.
| COURSE / TRACK | GRADE 9 | GRADE 10 | GRADE 11 | GRADE 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humanities English History |
American Experiences*English I + US History I |
Political Studies* English II + US History II |
HUM 101 English Composition I** World History I |
HUM 101 English Composition II** |
| Mathematics | Integrated Math I* or Integrated Math II* |
Integrated Math II* or Integrated Math III* |
Integrated III* or MTH 111 (Calculus I)** |
MTH 111 Calculus I** or MTH 112 Calculus II** |
| Science | PLTW Principles of Biomedical Science/Biology* |
Chemistry* | AP Environmental Science** |
PHY 121/A Physics II/Lab** or CHEM 125/A |
| Mechanical Engineering Track |
Introduction to Engineering and Design* |
Computer Integrated Manufacturing* |
Principles of Engineering* |
Engineering Design and Development* |
| Biomedical Engineering Track |
PLTW Principles of Biomedical Science/Biology* |
Human Body Systems* |
Medical Interventions* |
Biomedical Innovation* |
| Computing Sciences Track |
Computing Ideas* | Introduction to Computer Science (Python)* |
AP Comp Science A** |
PLTW Cybersecurity* |
| Culinary Pathway Completer |
Introduction to Culinary Arts |
Culinary Arts I | Culinary Arts II | Work-Based Youth Apprenticeship, or Capstone Project |
| Manufacturing Track |
Fundamentals of Engineering |
Introduction to Design Tech I |
Introduction to Design Tech II |
Work-Based Youth Apprenticeship or Capstone Project |
* Honors Level Course
** Dual Enrollment/College Level Course and Advanced Placement Level Course
Curriculum
Curriculum designed to meet the individual needs of all students through authentic assessment, research-based instruction, and responsive differentiation that encourages students to think critically and to connect all learning to life beyond the classroom.
English
- English 9
- English 10
- English 11
- English 12
- Creative Writing
- ENG 109: Effective Speech**
- AP English Literature & Composition**
Mathematics
- Algebra I
- Geometry
- Algebra II
- Pre-Calculus
- Math 107: University Mathematics BI**
- MTH 101: Statistics & Probability**
- AP Calculus AB**
Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- BIO 101: College Biology 1**
- AP Chemistry**
- AP Physics: Algebra I Based**
Social Studies
- Modern World History
- US History I
- US History II
- Financial Literacy
- AP African American Studies**
- AP US History**
World Languages
- Spanish I
- French I
- French II
- SPN 101: Elementary Spanish I**
Visual & Performing Arts
- Art I
- Art II
- Dance
Physical Education
- Physical Education 9
- Physical Education 10
- Physical Education 11
- Drivers Education
- Physical Education 12
** Course Available
Indicates availability for Dual Enrollment College Credits.
CAREER TRACKS |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Biomedical Science |
Computer Science | Culinary Arts | Engineering |
Journalism & TV Production |
| Biomedical Science / Biology | Computer Science 1 | Intro to Culinary | Introduction to Engineering Design |
ENG 109: Effective |
| Human Body Systems | Computer Science 2** | Culinary Arts I | Engineering Design** | JRN 141: Writing for the Mass Media** |
| Medical Interventions | CIS 107: Computer Literacy** | Culinary Arts II | ELC 115: Electrical Circuits** | CMS 110: Fundamentals of Television Production** |
| Forensic Science** | AP Computer Science Principles | Work-Based Youth Apprenticeship or Capstone Project | Manufacturing and Automation | CMS 219: Video Production** |
Dual Enrollment Partnership / Collaboration
Partnership with New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
Option #1 The Advanced Admissions Program provides an opportunity for qualified 9th graders to apply to NJIT prior to the start of their sophomore year for early admission to NJIT. Students that apply as rising sophomores and meet NJIT’s requirements upon graduation are guaranteed admission into NJIT.
Option #2: Advanced Academic Achievement (Dual Enrollment) program provides an opportunity for qualified 11th and 12th graders to earn college credits at their high school during the academic year. These courses will be taught by our high school teachers who have been certified by NJIT as adjunct faculty members in the related NJIT departments.
