Senator Carlucci Secures Funding for S.T.E.A.M. Lab at Felix Festa Middle School

Senator David Carlucci (D – Rockland/Westchester), was joined by Clarkstown Superintendent Dr. Thomas Morton, members of the Clarkstown Board of Education and students and teachers from Felix Festa Middle School to announce $112,500 in state funding that will go towards the purchase of equipment and supplies for the recently completed STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) lab at Felix Festa.

Over the last decade, an increased emphasis on preparing students to choose a career in a STEAM field has prompted many school districts across the country to invest in resources that encourage their students to learn more about science, math, engineering, arts and technology. The Clarkstown School District is no different, and this state funding will allow students at Felix Festa the opportunity to gain invaluable experience in the STEAM field prior to entering high school. 

Specifically, the funding purchased 50 Scribbler Robots, 30 Chrome books and Storage Cart, 6 Makerbot 3D Printers & Accessories, 4 Phantom 2 Quad Copter Vision and Drones, 1 Robotics Classroom Competition Super Kit and Hydroponics Lab Supplies. Additionally, a portion of the funding will go towards the purchase and installation of security cameras for several buses owned by the district, increasing the safety of the hundreds of students who are transported to the school daily.

“By encouraging students to learn more about S.T.E.A.M. during their formative, academic years, we as lawmakers and educators will ensure that our students are prepared to enter these innovative and exciting careers,” said Senator Carlucci. “This investment will go a long way in the future successes of the students at Felix Festa, and I look forward to seeing the mark that they make on our world.” 

“Today we stand in a STEAM lab that has really come to life because of Senator Carlucci's support.  With the grant dollars he secured for our District we were able to purchase tools and technology that will inevitably be part of our students' lives in an ever changing world. We thank him for his continuous support.” said Clarkstown Superintendant Dr. J. Thomas Morton.