After several years, STEM nights have returned to the PV elementary schools through a high school student-led initiative. These events are expanding to the whole district this school year following a pilot project this past spring.

Many years ago, Pleasant Valley held yearly science fairs for 4th graders, including several competitive challenges in a team format. These events were eventually discontinued as the district moved away from the competitive nature encouraged by these events.

This spring, the first three STEM nights were reinitiated as a pilot project. Events were held at Forest Grove, Hopewell and Riverdale, with immensely successful turnouts. These three small-scale events engaged nearly 100 elementary students over the span of two months. 

Each event consists of several hands-on activities ー such as building a tower out of toothpicks and gummies ー and interactive demonstrations for 4th-6th graders. 

Chemistry teacher Abby DeBaillie observed the first STEM Night to fulfill Masters’ requirements. Although initially surprised to find a student-led event, she was delighted by the organization and engagement at the event. “[The kids] showed [their engagement] through listening to the high school instructors, smiling with excitement, and not wanting to move onto the next item because they enjoyed the one they were doing so much!” she explained.

The initial idea was pitched by senior Himanshu Jangid, the event’s (re)founder. “…I happened to be reminiscing over a similar event done when I was in 4th grade, recalling how enjoyable that was,” stated Jangid, referring to the aforementioned 4th grade science nights. His desire to give this amazing opportunity to future generations led him to recreate the event. 

Starting and scaling such an event required significant time and energy. “When we first started this up in spring of 2024, we had to do everything from scratch,” Jangid added. Each activity and instruction manual was created from the ground up. Additionally, every school budget was drafted, and several advertisements were designed and sent out. 

After the exceptionally successful trial runs, the district began to consider these events as a scalable, district-wide initiative. Jangid noted that with the support of the administration, notably Director of Elementary Education Tony Hiatt, these events were smoothly scaled to the whole district. This school year, the goal is to offer STEM Nights to all six elementary schools and the junior high. 

Long-term sustainability is another new factor this year. As the event is student-led, new leaders are needed to fill the upcoming vacancy if STEM Nights are to continue. At the beginning of this school year, Jangid recruited several other students ー ranging from freshmen to juniors ー who will eventually lead the events after gaining experience managing activities hands-on. 

Jangid explained that the new recruits will first spend time learning how to effectively manage and organize activities and will gain more responsibilities over time. With increased manpower and creativity, the team plans to include more activities and demonstrations this year to increase student engagement and add variety. 

In the end, Jangid felt that the purpose of organizing these events was simply to give back to the same community that gave him his passions. “I hope to see it become an event run by a team of altruistic high schoolers, who do the event just for the pleasure of accomplishing something great, for many years to come,” he concluded.