Henryetta's Middle School is going to see some major improvements in the way students learn.
The school has been notified that it is the recipient of a $25,000 Gateway to Technology grant that will widen the curriculum at the school.
Principal Brad Wion explained the grant is designed to spur children in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).
"That grant couldn't have happened at a better time," Wion said. It comes on the heels of the voter-approved bond issue that will construct a new STEM building at the school.
Money from the grant will be used to purchase new computers for the Middle School. "We will see the students studying 3D modeling, robotics, and computer automation."
The curriculum is being supplied by Project Lead The Way. It combines classroom work along with hands-on use in fields such as robotics, flight and space and even crime scene analysis.
Wion said the new program should be in place when students start school next fall. "We will send a teacher to Oklahoma State University for training this summer and they will be ready to teach when the students come back to class.
"This opens up a whole new series of electives for our kids. They can see the applications in life skills and arts."
That grant announcement came at the same time that school officials revealed plans for a visit by the U.S. Naval Academy STEM program.
It will be held April 8 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the high school.
The program is designed to get students interested in STEM, especially those programs that are relevant to the Navy.