Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School to open in September

Following a vigorous discussion by Huntington School Board members during a public meeting this past Tuesday night, the Huntington School District will move forward and open the Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School in September while it awaits a decision on its application for an $11.6 million federal grant related to the program. (STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering and math.)

Superintendent James W. Polansky said more than 300 students applied for admission to the school and that a drawing of names was held to determine the initial enrollment of 150 students (two classes in each of grades 3-5. Letters are being sent to parents informing them that the STEM school will open in September for the 2013/14 school year. Parents are asked to indicate as soon as possible if their child will be attending the STEM school or will remain at their originally assigned school in September.

Should any parents decline to send their child to the STEM school, officials will redraw from the pool of applicants until all available seats are filled. The school’s hours will be 8:45 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.