“Advances in science and engineering are
essential for ensuring America’s economic
growth and national security. During the next
decade, U.S. demand for scientists and
engineers is expected to increase at four
times the rate for all other occupations. But
today’s high school students overall are not
performing well in math and science, and
fewer of them are pursuing degrees in
technical fields.”
-MD K-12 STEM Ed report card
County STEM Coordinator
To meet the needs of ever-changing
technological society and the need for
solutions to complex problems, Williamsport
High School will be the location of a Science
Technology Engineering and Mathematics
(STEM) Academy.
WHS Administration
The 2008-2009 school year was the inaugural
year in which rising Williamsport freshmen
were invited to be the first participants in
the program. In the 2009-10 school year, the
Academy expanded to include students from
throughout Washington County. The 20102011 school year saw the first 9th grade
cohort from the elementary/middle school
STEM Magnet to enroll in the STEM program
at Williamsport High School. The 2011-2012
school year produced the first graduates of
the STEM Academy. During the 2012-2013
school year, the STEM Academy was modified
to place a greater emphasis on math and
science courses.
Central Office Representatives
Mr. Chris Kopco
WHS STEM Department Leaders
Ms. Melissa McGonigle - Science
Mr. Leroy Shook – Career and Technology
Mr. Robert Rubeck - Math
Mr. Heath Wilcox - Principal
Mr. Todd Ullery -Assistant Principal
Mr. Robert Rimmel– Assistant Principal
Mrs. Sandy Graff-Supervisor of Pre-K – 12
Science
Mrs. Jona French-Supervisor of Instructional
Technology
Mr. George Phillips-Supervisor of Career
Technology Education
Dr. Kara Burhans – Supervisor of Pre-K – 12
Math
Mrs. Sharon Chirgott- Career Technology
Education Resource Teacher
Contact Info
Mr. Randy Longnecker – STEM Counselor
Williamsport High School Guidance Office
301-766-8426.
Williamsport High
School
STEM Academy
Program Information
2015-2016
During the first two years, students will lay
the groundwork for one of five pathways. At
the end of the sophomore year, they will
choose one of the pathways in which to
concentrate. All five pathways have an
engineering component, since it is believed
that this is a great basis for choosing any
college major and career in science,
technology, engineering or math. The STEM
Academy includes Project Lead The Way
(PLTW) courses.
Core preparatory STEM courses:
Science
Honors Biology
Honors Chemistry
Honors Physics
Tech ED
Introduction to Engineering Design (or gr. 8)
Math
Honors Geometry
Honors Algebra II
Honors Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry
STEM Science Pathway
4 Honors/Advanced Placement Science
Courses
Principles of Engineering
Engineering Design and Development
STEM Math Pathway
4 High School Honors/Advanced Placement
Math Courses
Principles of Engineering
Engineering Design and Development
STEM Hybrid Pathway
1 Advanced Placement Science Course
1 Advanced Placement Math Course
Principles of Engineering
Engineering Design and Development
mathematics. Students should be enrolled in
Honors math and science courses whenever
possible.
Aerospace Engineering PLTW
Principles of Engineering
Digital Electronics
Aerospace Engineering
Engineering Design & Development
Advanced Placement Calculus (recommended)
Advanced Placement Physics (recommended)
Science Department
Mr. Williams–Co-Department Leader
Ms. McGonigle-Co-Department Leader
Mrs. DeTora
Mrs. Dunham
Dr. Henry
Mrs. Hughes
Mr. Nystrom
Mechanical Engineering PLTW
Principles of Engineering
Digital Electronics
Computer Integrated Manufacturing
Engineering Design & Development
Advanced Placement Calculus (recommended)
Advanced Placement Physics (recommended)
Possible Electives for any pathway (unless
required):
 Advanced Placement Calculus
 Advanced Placement Statistics
 Advanced Placement Chemistry
 Advanced Placement Biology
 Advanced Placement Physics
 Advanced Placement Environmental
Science
 Any PLTW Course
*Programs available at the middle school
result in some students arriving with math
credits while others will need to take
additional math at the high school to prepare
them for the rigor of college programs in
science, technology, engineering and
Williamsport High School STEM faculty
Career-Tech Ed Department
Mr. Shook-Department Leader
Mr. Hoopengardner
Ms. Johnson
Mathematics Department:
Mr. Rubeck–Department Leader
Ms. Finafrock
Mrs. Kaltenbaugh
Mr. Lindstrom
Mr. Shriver
Mr. Terza
Mrs. Wood
Mrs. Yoder
Guidance Counselor:
Mr. Longnecker
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Applications are available in your school’s
guidance office.
Applications are due to Williamsport High
School by April 1st.
Notification of acceptance will be in June.