Introducing the 2022-2023 Middle School Chief Science Officers and STEAM Council Members

Pardes places a strong emphasis on innovation and STEAM (Science. Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) for all students, and our Chief Science Officers (CSOs) reflect this academic priority.

These middle school students are proud to represent Pardes as this school year’s CSOs: 

Miryam B. (grade 6)

Max G. (grade 7)

Lev J. (grade 7)

Lev S. (grade 8)

The CSOs have already attended leadership training at the University of Advancing Technology. They also met with adult mentors and other CSOs at the Fall Cabinet Meeting to discuss their action plans and next steps. Through the CSO organization, the students have many opportunities to participate in STEAM discussions and field trips. Through regular on-campus meetings, the CSOs and STEAM Council will work together this year to plan and lead STEAM-related activities during school-wide events, such as Festival of Lights, MakeArt Night, and other community happenings.

At Pardes we had so much interest in the program that we created a STEAM Council whereby more students can participate and reap the benefits of being involved in this important extracurricular activity. Council members attend meetings to help plan STEAM events throughout the school year and are also exposed to many exciting programs that Pardes participates in.

Our 2022-2023 STEAM Council Members are:

Samantha L. (grade 8)

Ben F. (grade 8)

Ben S. (grade 8)

Max A. (grade 7)

Adam A. (grade 7)

Eli S. (grade 7)

Alex F. (grade 6)

Eliot T. (grade 6)

Rafi U. (grade 6)

The CSOs and STEAM Council Members recently partnered with PJ Library to bring in the Arizona Science Center for a new event called “Out of this World Havdalah.” This all ages event allowed parents and students to see the stars through the Science Center’s Universe Dome. STEAM activities throughout the night made this a great learning opportunity for everyone who attended.

Laurie Burckhardt and Nicole De Palma, co-advisors of the Pardes CSO Chapter, believe this program starts with a curiosity and builds into so much more. “We are proud to continue our partnership with the Chief Science Officer organization again this year at Pardes Jewish Day School to develop leadership skills in our middle school students. We are especially excited to see how the newly-formed STEAM Council will expand STEAM opportunities on our campus and in our community,” Burckhardt explained.

Students with a passion for STEAM enjoy being involved because it brings them together outside of class and allows them to get to learn together in a much different way. “Being a CSO means connecting ideas through STEAM concepts into the Pardes community. It means expanding my creativity and knowledge, working with CSOs from other schools, and helping the CSO organization promote STEAM and innovative ideas,” shared Lev S., who is serving as Pardes Chief Science Officer for his second year.

The CSOs are part of an elite cohort of over 250 national Chief Science Officers. As individual chapters and as a collective whole, the students work hard to address campus issues regarding innovation and STEM-related topics to help grow this type of learning within their schools.