Moorpark's Flory School still plans to start STEM lab despite stolen funds

Ventura

The Flory Academy of Sciences and Technology booster organization is working to ensure that the money they raised can't be stolen by other members after a recent incident.

Administrators, teachers and parents have been planning a new lab space full of LEGOs at the Flory Academy of Sciences and Technology, and officials said it's still on track despite an alleged theft of more than $100,000 in booster funds.

The plan is to transform the school's current math lab into a science, technology, engineering and math — STEM — lab by the start of the next school year. Principal Rosalinda Silva and the Flory staff will incorporate the LEGO Education Curriculum into the "STEM Innovation Lab," filling the room with LEGO kits appropriate for all kids at the school from the time they are in transitional kindergarten to fifth grade.

"LEGO Education has been around for approximately 30 years and has created a curriculum that appeals to all students," said Moorpark Unified Superintendent Kelli Hays in an email to The Star. "The curriculum is complete with a variety of kits that promote 21st century skills such as: collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity."

The kids, using the kits and gadgets, will learn how to code manually and eventually compete in various levels of competition with each other, Hays said.

Silva, who is in her first year as principal at the Moorpark school, said she was "enamored" with the idea of a STEM lab and more enriching educational activities for kids of all ages. They researched and decided the LEGO kits and curriculum were the best fit for the school.

"The LEGO program ties in beautifully with the collaboration, communication, critical thinking and creativity that's important in the shift into 21st century learning," Silva said. "It allows them to create something together and it brings those four Cs into the classroom in a way where it's natural and not forced."

Moorpark would be the first district in Ventura County, and one of only a handful in the state, to have a "LEGO-infused STEM Innovation Lab," Silva said.

More:Camarillo's Frontier High School is 'Cinderella story' out of regional robot competition

Between now and the start of the next school year, Silva said they are working on revamping the old math lab by painting and creating a LEGO wall for the new STEM space.

Working on the floors, tables and seating will be tasks for the summer, Silva said.

Silva said the booster organization had pledged to support a portion of the lab and the alleged theft "won't determine if the lab is coming to fruition or not."

Silva said local donors and STEM companies have pledged support to make sure the lab comes to life by August.

"We really want the kids to be able to use it and enjoy it," Silva said. "The LEGO curriculum does have professional development for staff. We want to really be strategic about the skills they are using and developing with the kits."

The cost for the lab has yet to be determined.