Mamaroneck, Rye Neck Schools Superintendents Discuss Meeting Future Needs

MAMARONECK, N.Y. -- At a recent Larchmont-Mamaroneck Local Summit program, Mamaroneck Schools Superintendent Robert Shaps and Rye Neck Schools Superintendent Peter Mustich discussed the challenge of anticipating and preparing their students for a future that is unknown and for “careers that don’t even exist now.”

Students participate in coding session in Mamaroneck Public Schools.
Photo Credit: *Mamaroneck High School*

Jason Bisnoff

04/12/2016 6:45 p.m.

Mamaroneck has been focusing on providing students with learning opportunities for students to learn in different, entrepreneurial ways.

One such example is Mamaroneck High School’s AP government classes’ recent experience campaigning side-by-side with Republican and Democrat presidential candidates in New Hampshire. Another example is elementary students’ science experiences at the Sheldrake Environmental Center.

Addressing the growing need for STEM/STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) initiatives, Rye Neck has re-introduced an engineering course that is in high demand at the high school, and Mamaroneck is expanding its computer science and engineering program, with plans to expose students to coding beginning in second grade. Already 10 percent of MHS students are enrolled in the relatively new computer science program, and Robotics Clubs are very popular at both Hommocks Middle School and the high school.

Other initiatives in the Mamaroneck schools that will provide students with different, entrepreneurial pathways include a technology-based design sequence at the high school; the expansion of the Culinary Arts program at the high school to a multi-year program with ties to local restaurants; and an electronic music composition course at the Hommocks Middle School.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Rye and receive free news updates.