On May 5, 2022, San Miguel Academy of Newburgh will dedicate the Sister Agnes Boyle, O.P. STEAM Learning Center for Inquiry and Innovation.
One of San Miguel Academy’s central academic objectives is cultivating STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts Mathematics) knowledge and skill-sets. The recently completed STEAM Learning Center for Inquiry and Innovation was the first renovation project at the School’s new permanent home. In 2020, San Miguel Academy purchased the former St. Francis School at 245 Renwick Street, which the school had rented for seven years. At San Miguel Academy, STEAM is incorporated into cross-curricular hands-on projects in which students are continually developing problem-solving and higher-order thinking skills. STEAM programming and activities include Computer-Aided Design (CAD), laser cutting, 3D printing and fabrication techniques, coding literacy, circuitry literacy, and Design Thinking. In addition, San Miguel Academy is launching a unique program using STEMPilot to teach engineering, science, physics, and math in aviation. This program is in collaboration with the RedTail Flight Academy, a program of the local Tuskegee Airmen chapter, at nearby Stewart International Airport.
“The STEAM Learning Center is outfitted with state-of-the-art technology and equipment which will inspire our student’s creativity and prepare them for the 21st-century job market,” says Father Mark Connell, San Miguel Academy Founder and Executive Director.
Sister Agnes Boyle, O.P. of the Dominican Sister of Hope was instrumental in the creation and early days of San Miguel Academy. A longtime educator, Sister Agnes was a professor of Education and chair of the Division of Education at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh and went on to serve as Vice President of Academic Affairs for 30 years. She received the Mount Saint Mary College Trustee Award for her service to the college. Sister Agnes is known throughout the Hudson Valley for being the quintessential educator. One could say that sister Agnes’ calling was to be a teacher of teachers. She died in 2019 at the age of 91.
The Catholic Dominican Sisters of Hope was founded in 1995 from three existing communities in Newburgh, NY, Fall River, MA, and Ossining, NY. Based out of The Center at Mariandale in Ossining, NY, they live and minister in 13 states in a variety of unique ways, including community organizing, social work, education, environmental advocacy, and retreat ministry. The Dominican Sisters of Hope commit their lives to living and preaching the Gospel message of Hope.
San Miguel Academy of Newburgh is breaking the cycle of poverty through education and inspiration. Students are engaged year-round in a safe and positive learning environment with a focus on interactive learning and cultivating STEAM knowledge and skill-sets.