By Ari G. Arambula
Science took on a distinctly out of this world quality Sept. 11 at All Souls World Language Catholic School, where students TK through 8th grade and their families gathered for the school’s eighth annual “Wacky Science Night.”
This year, the theme “All Souls’ STEM is Out of This World!” featured hands-on science activities led by parents and high school age alumni of the school, including a demonstration evoking the futuristic speedsters of the original Star Wars films. The event showcased All Souls’ new initiative to bring science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning opportunities to every elementary and middle school student as part of the school’s Academic Excellence priority.
Principal Dr. Patrick Allison shared that the STEM initiative builds on the same community-driven approach that helped establish the school’s dual language programs for Mandarin and Spanish. “What makes our school exceptional is how our community comes together to enrich the school experience.”
Wacky Science Night has embodied that philosophy since it began in 2018, when a group of parents created an immersive science experience for students and families. Dr. Demian Willette, an All Souls parent and Loyola Marymount University professor, has been part of leading the event for years. Parents like Willette with STEM backgrounds and those committed to the value of STEM education that design activities, donate materials, volunteer and make the evening possible. “Over the years, so many parents and families have stepped up to create something truly memorable for our students,” Willette said. “Something very ‘All Souls.’”
This year high school alumni of the school helped run the experiment stations, and the Dads Club helped with decorations and galactic nosh. All Souls is expanding STEM education while continuing to build on one of its greatest community assets: families learning, collaborating and creating together. For more information, visit www.AllSoulsLA.org
