Montville middle school science initiative part of Emmy® nominated Classroom Close-up, NJ program

On Sunday, September 9, 2017, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences will hold the regional 2017 Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Award event in Hershey, Pennsylvania. In Montville Township, New Jersey, all eyes will be on Classroom Close-up, NJ‘s coverage of STEM PALS.

STEM PALS is an award-winning initiative co-created by science teachers Marisa Castronova-Wos, of Robert R. Lazar Middle School in Montville Township, and Jess Shackil of Intervale School in Parsippany, New Jersey. Their innovative and interactive approach to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) was featured last spring on episode #20 of Classroom Close-up, NJ’s 23rd season.

The STEM PALS episode of Classroom Close-up, NJ, which aired in June 2017, was nominated in the category of Public/Current/Community Affairs Program.

Classroom Close-up, NJ, has received fifteen Emmy® Awards in its 24 year history. The STEM PALS episode was one of four nominations received in 2017 by Classroom Close-up, NJ.

Produced by New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) and NJTV, Classroom Close-up, NJ highlights innovative and extraordinary educational programs and educators across NJ.

Lazar grade seven students and Intervale grade 4 students remotely learn through the STEM PALS program. In addition to reinforcing science, technology, engineering and math skills, STEM PALS promotes leadership, empathy and self-confidence. The nominated episode that includes the Lazar STEM PALS segment can be viewed here.

In October, another Montville Township Public Schools initiative will be featured Classroom Close-up, NJ. Sunday, October 22, 2017, at 7:30AM &12:30PM, Valley View Elementary School’s A.C.E.S., All Children Exercise Simultaneously, will air as part of an episode of the Emmy® winning program. Known as the “world’s largest exercise class,” A.C.E.S. was created by Valley View Physical Education teacher Leonard Saunders. Having been promoted around the globe, and featured in countless publications and media outlets as a fun and effective way to encourage physical activity in young people, A.C.E.S. will celebrate 30 years on May 2, 2018.

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences will hold the regional 2017 Mid-Atlantic Emmy® Award event in Hershey, Pennsylvania on Sunday, September 9, 2017. Classroom Close-up, NJ’s episode #20, featuring Lazar’s STEM PALS, will be among the nominated programs.