STEM Edition
Dear Eagle Families, Here at Sebastian Middle School, we have the awesome responsibility — and privilege — of helping students discover their future careers. Through our STEM and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) classes, we introduce students to a wide array of careerfocused topics. These lessons don’t just teach skills, they ignite sparks of curiosity and passion that can lead to lifelong career paths. And we don’t stop at the classroom door—we keep the excitement going with career fairs, school visits, field trips, and inspiring guest speakers. We know the best way to capture students’ attention is by connecting lessons to what they love—like pop culture. In 3D design, students unleash their creativity by designing skate parks, sneaker stores, or even their dream houses. In audio engineering, they compose their own music, which doubles as a custom ringtone or a wake-up alarm for their parents (talk about an upgrade!). And in Mr. Huffman’s coding class, they bring their ideas to life by creating their own video games. We see the magic happen when students dive into projects without being asked, excitedly call us over to show their latest creations, or tell us they want to pursue careers inspired by what they’ve learned. Just recently, we teamed up with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to bring aerospace engineering to our 8th graders. The grand finale? Students designed and launched rockets right outside our STEM Lab! As a Cognia STEM-certified school, Sebastian continues to pave the way for future innovators, building the foundation for career success today and for generations to come. We couldn’t do it without the incredible support of our community and the STEM advisory board, whose guidance keeps Sebastian an inspiring and dynamic place to learn.The future is bright— and we’re lighting the way! Frankie Portelos, STEM Coach
If you aren’t on our mailing list, please check out Ms. Gabaldon’s weekly updates by clicking on the Principal’s Message on the Sebastian Website. https://www-sms.stjohns.k12.fl.us/principals-message/
*Please watch for our next newsletter in March 2025, and bi-weekly electronic news updates.
Sebastian Middle School 2955 Lewis Speedway St. Augustine, FL 32084
904-547-3840 Kirstie Gabaldon Principal
Melinda Bogart Assistant Principal
Larry Igleheart Dean
Recia Smith
Instructional Literacy Coach
Frankie Portelos STEM Coach
Eric Smith
Testing Coordinator
Vision At Sebastian Middle School, all students will achieve personal success in their learning and become responsible and productive citizens. Mission In order to prepare our students to live in and contribute to a changing world, Sebastian will provide a balanced, varied school curriculum designed to meet the academic, cultural and social needs of individuals from the diverse backgrounds of our community.
JANUARY 2025 Volume 9
Issue 1 Sebastian Sentinel January 2025 Published Four Times Per Year 2955 Lewis Speedway St. Augustine, FL 32084 Issue 1