MURFREESBORO, TN - The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) and the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network (TSIN) have announced that Overall Creek Elementary School in Murfreesboro, along with fourteen other schools, have received its STEM/STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) re-designation.

“Overall Creek was one of the first elementary schools in the state to receive the STEM designation in May 2018. This re-designation shows their commitment to an ongoing STEAM-based culture,” stated Dr. Trey Duke, Director of Murfreesboro City Schools. “They have led the way for many schools across Tennessee to embrace STEAM in their classrooms.”

Overall Creek Elementary has reached the five-year mark for implementing and sustaining STEAM education. This achievement, under the leadership of Principal Jenny Ortiz and Assistant Principals Jennifer Whitlow and Jessica Snell, recognizes the school's dedication to preparing students for postsecondary and future career success by promoting STEM/STEAM education.

“STEAM is embedded in our instruction at Overall Creek,” said Ortiz. “Thousands of students and families have walked the halls over the last five years to witness the myriad of deliberate and purposeful STEAM projects that highlight the everyday learning taking place at our school. Thank you to our staff and our community partners for helping achieve this success.”

Murfreesboro City Schools boasts nine schools with STEM/STEAM designation, including Overall Creek, Erma Siegel, Bradley, Reeves-Rogers, Cason Lane, Discovery, Black Fox, Hobgood, and Salem. “Our MCS five-year strategic plan calls for all schools to receive STEM or STEAM designation,” added Dr. Trey Duke. “This is a proven approach to teaching, and I’m proud that we are embracing, not just the acronym, but the practice of hands-on instruction as a model for success across our district.”

STEM/STEAM education is an interdisciplinary curriculum where activities in one class complement those in other classes. It offers teaching and learning opportunities focused on inquiry, technology, and project-based learning activities connected to the real world. This holistic approach ensures that students gain practical skills and knowledge, preparing them for future educational and career endeavors.