McKenney-Harrison Elementary

What It Is:
At DeKalb Central Schools, students build the Portrait of a Baron competencies through STEM and Project-Based Learning (PBL) experiences.

• STEM learning integrates science, technology, engineering, and math into hands-on, student-centered units where kids tackle real-world problems.
• Project-Based Learning allows students to master curriculum standards while solving authentic challenges that matter beyond the classroom.
   

Elementary School:

• Students engage in science-based PBL units.
• All students attend a computer science special once a week.
• Extracurricular opportunities include the Robotics Team (grades 4–5) and the STEAM Team (grades 1–3).

Why It Matters:
Hands-on, authentic learning boosts student engagement and promotes deeper understanding. Research shows PBL improves learning outcomes while helping students strengthen the Portrait of a Baron competencies that prepare them for life after graduation.