On June 29, Bishop Jacques Fabre-Jeune, CS, Father Richard Wilson, pastor of St. Mary, Principal Laura Webster and the many families, friends and students of the school were on site for the groundbreaking ceremony.

The STEM center will be approximately 18,000 square feet and encompass state-of-the-art computer and information technologies. There are seven classrooms planned with two large, open, collaborative learning areas, a 150-seat lecture hall, an outdoor laboratory with a retention pond, and conference and work rooms. It will be connected to the existing campus via sky bridge.

The key design aspects of the new center are its flexibility, capacity and scalability. The spaces will be open with minimal fixed furnishings so that teachers can adapt and design learning environments as technology evolves. The information technology infrastructure — fiber, cable and associated conduits — is sized to accommodate increases in student population, and the center will have the ability to link and integrate the technology with the existing campus and future buildings.

Because pledges already exceeded the target of $7 million (over $7.4 million), the school was able to upgrade technology for the existing campus. This summer, an integrated PA, phone and camera system will be installed to enhance safety and security. 

The STEM center is projected to be ready by August of 2024. Visit www.stmaryschoolaiken.com.