Full STEAM Ahead For Library, REAL Hope

 
By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–Learning how to make green slime was just one of several skills that students were taught at the first session of the newly-formed Full Steam Ahead program. The program is a collaborative effort between the REAL Hope Youth Center and the W.G. Rhea Library in Paris.
REAL Hope Director Carl Anderson said, “This is brand new for us and we’re all really excited about it. This is a way for us to provide STEAM for our kids. It’s just a great opportunity for our children.”
Beginning Tuesday, Dec. 3, the program will meet every Tuesday at the library. The Paris Special Schools District buses will transport REAL Hope students to the library around 2:50 p.m. and then parents will pick them up around 5.
Librarians Kayla Nation and Jocelyn McCarthy will be in charge of the STEAM classes, with Nation spotlighting science activities and McCarthy in charge of tech activities.
For their first day Tuesday, Nation had the kids making green slime and Christmas ornaments and learning about science at the same time.
PSSD Director of Schools Dr. Norma Gerrell, who also is the chairman of the library board, said, “I’m so glad we could work out this partnership. I’m grateful to our WG Rhea Library Staff, REAL Hope staff and volunteers, and PSSD bus drivers who deliver these students everyday. Community collaboration is what is best for all.”
Photo: Kayla Nation, left, supervises the STEAM activity while Carl Anderson (in white coat) assists students. (Shannon McFarlin photo).