February

5, 2015

Dear Madam or Sir,

I am writing to express my support for Nipmuc High Schools NCSSS application.
The STEM Education Center at WPI has been working closely with Nipmuc High School on a number of
STEM Education initiatives and I strongly believe that NCSSS and its current members will benefit from
including Nipmuc High School among its members.
The STEM Education Center at WPI supports K-12 educators and administrators through a variety of
professional development programs, establishing connections with WPIs researchers, promoting STEM
opportunities for students and educators, and providing space for networking and discussions regarding
best-practices in STEM Education.
The Mendon-Upton School District participated in the Centers signature program: STEM Integration for
District Leaders. This is a year-long, application-based program, during which teams of school and district
administrators work collaboratively to develop a strategic plan for the implementation of STEM education
in their schools and districts.
STEM education is one of the Mendon-Upton Districts goals. The districts team, led by Nipmuc High
School Principal John Clements and Associate Principal Mary Anne Moran, was instrumental to the teams
plan development. Mr. Clements and Mrs. Moran have continued to support other teams of the program
and share their experience by presenting their STEM plan on a number of occasions, including the National
Science Teachers Association 2014 Conference, the Massachusetts STEM Summit, as well as serving on a
panel discussion to present Nipmucs STEM Scholars program to a group of school and district leaders.
Nipmuc high schools STEM Scholars program prepares students for and inspires them about STEM majors
and careers. The success of the program is attributed to the dedication and determination of the school
and district leadership in providing their students with first hand experiences regarding STEM opportunities
and skills. The schools leadership also tapped into local resources by putting together the programs
advisory board and connecting with local STEM industry, medical, and research institutions.
Given Nipmucs records of leadership and innovation in the area of STEM education, I highly recommend
NCSSS to accept Nipmuc High School to be a Consortiums member. Nipmuc will bring value to the
Consortium by sharing its experience, enthusiasm, and successes in the area of STEM education.
Sincerely,




Martha Cyr
Executive Director, STEM Education Center
508-831-5512 (O)
508-831-5801 (F)
mcyr@wpi.edu


STEM Education Center Worcester Polytechnic Institute 508-831-5512 wpi.edu/+stem