Are changes in store for the Science and Technology Program next year?

May 24, 2010 • Carina Arboleda  
Filed under Student Life

The Science and Technology Program has been a part of Oxon Hill High school since 1982. Approximately five-hundred and twenty-five students are currently enrolled in the program. These five-hundred and twenty-five students have been greatly affected by shifts in the Science and Technology program.

Over a course of three years, the Engineering Department of the Science and Technology has seen numerous changes. Following the 2006-2007 school year, the Technology Education Department lost the Department Chair, Mr. Antosh. Then the Science and Technology suffered another loss on Monday, November 24, 2008, when Mr. Mrad passed away. Mr. Simmons’ departure earlier this year left another hole in the engineering department.

Kelvin Moncera, a S/T Senior, said, “I remember how in Engineering Foundations I, each quarter freshman would shift from one technology to another; one quarter you had Mr. Antosh, then Mr. Mrad, then switch to Mr. Lifsey. Each teacher taught something different. I loved how this set-up ensured we would receive a sampling of all that the Engineering Major had to offer.”

But this isn’t the case anymore. Engineering Foundations I students no longer receive the opportunity to change between teachers.

An important aspect of the program is at the end of tenth grade, scholars select one of three major studies: pre-engineering technology, biological sciences, physical sciences, or science and technology exploration. Choosing a focus area allows students to receive special education in their fields of interests.

One of the requirements for Engineering Majors includes either Electronics/Energy Systems or Production/Statics System. It is questionable whether a replacement teacher for Production systems/Electrical Systems can be found in time for the next school year. Thus, Engineering major students are left uncertain if the program will still exist.

Can we have a Science and Technology Program minus the Engineering part? What about the one-hundred and sixty-two students in 9^th grade, one-hundred and thirty-eight students in 10^th grade, one-hundred and twenty-eight in 11^th grade who have are enrolled in and already invested time into the Science and Technology Program?

There is much uncertainty of what changes to the Science and Technology Program will happen next year.

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