The Center for the Sciences isn’t only for the science classes at St. Dominic — the journalism class getting a room there as well! This new space will not only accommodate journalism students, but also provide a huge advantage for the brand new broadcasting class.

The Broadcasting class is new this year, providing students with the opportunity to learn how to set up all of the livestreams, commentate for major sports events and produce the weekly Crusader Nation News.

“So many of our kids are interested in some element of broadcasting. From commentating to running sound boards to carrying around a mobile camera, these students are primed and ready to go. Broadcasting class was really a no-brainer to add to our Journalism program,” the Journalism and Broadcasting teacher Mr. Duncan said.

With so much going on and an entire class being added, space has been an issue. When you look into the journalism and broadcasting class, it is packed to the brim with engaged students.

“We have really outgrown our space. Each year we keep evolving and adding more opportunities and we need the space to accommodate those growing needs,” Mr. Duncan said.

Mr. Duncan has witnessed the journalism program since it began in 2008, and is amazed at how it has taken off and grown so much in his 19 years at St. Dominic.

“When I started the journalism program back up at Dominic, we were printing the paper ourselves and it was basically a newsletter. It has grown from there to a full-blown online paper, There was no broadcast or podcast or anything like that. It has grown to provide so many opportunities for our students now,” Mr. Duncan said.

The studio is going to have new cameras, a teleprompter, an anchor desk, new computers to run a switcher and many other small things that will enhance the class and program as a whole. Senior Elise Newman has been greatly impacted by the journalism program since she started in Journalism 1 her sophomore year.

“Journalism has helped make me into the person I am today. Mr. Duncan has not only taught me about journalism, but how to be a more confident person and use my talents to my advantage. Mr. Duncan saw potential in me and pushed me to continue to take journalism after J1, and even then still pushes me every class. I’ve learned to be a more disciplined student and Mr. Duncan continues to push me to give my all. Without this class, I never would have explored journalism and never would have been exposed to some amazing opportunities,” said Newman.

Newman plans on attending Mizzou next fall and making a career out of journalism, thanks to this program. Newman is excited to see what opportunities the new studio will bring and help prepare her for college.

“I’m hoping to accomplish some incredible projects and learn about all of the new technology. I can’t wait to use it to explore more of the world of broadcast journalism and to see what we can do,” said Newman.

Senior Max Williams has also been impacted by the program and is planning on attending either Arizona State University, Syracuse University or Mizzou to pursue a degree in Broadcasting/Digital Journalism with a concentration on sports.

“Working to really build up the livestreaming program in particular has opened up a whole world of opportunities for me. Without the incredible journalism and broadcasting classes available here at St. Dominic, I never would have found what I really love to do,” Williams said.

Williams has hit the ground running in his senior year and has an internship at Missouri Baptist College with their sports broadcasting program and is excited to see what the new studio will bring for current students and in the future.

“I know that I will only really be able to check out the new studio for a couple of months, but I hope to maximize my time there and to add to my portfolio before going off to college. I think all of the new technology is going to be a huge benefit not only to me but for all students and prospective students who are younger than me, and I cannot wait to see the work that comes out of this studio over the next few years,” said Williams.

The building is set to be opened next semester and everyone is eagerly waiting! There are still a lot of details to work out, and we won’t know exactly how the journalism and broadcasting classroom will be set up, but everyone is patiently awaiting the day where we get to move into our new home!

There is so much anticipation and excitement towards the new building and entrance at St. Dominic, especially towards the science and PLTW programs. With the new building, there will be many new materials and resources added to help teachers and students learn at a faster and more efficient pace.

There are many different science classes students are able to take at St. Dominic. From physics and physical science, to chemistry and human anatomy. Each class also has multiple levels and work rates available to fit every student’s needs.

Mr. Schlenke, an anatomy and environmental science teacher here at St. Dominic stated, “The entire science department got to see the plans sometime last year before the new building was started. I don’t remember the exact sizes of the rooms but they are similar to the labs in rooms 411 and 413.”

Several science teachers, such as Doc Matusiak, have to share a lab and remain predominantly in a smaller classroom to teach their lessons. However, with the new addition, teachers will no longer have to switch between rooms and plan their labs according to the room they will be teaching in.

After discussing with administration and the science teachers, it has been decided that all science rooms will be course specific. Biology classes will have their own rooms that are tailored to fit their course. This way classes and programs will also be more organized throughout the school.

“Any time you get to be a part of something new it’s very exciting, whether it’s a new house, car, or in this case school rooms!” Mr. Schlenke.

With the new space and materials, teachers will now have the ability to teach more extensive and detailed experiments. There will also be more room, and things will also be less stressful and corroded between students.

The new addition to St. Dominic will bring the school much more character and uniqueness, as many schools do not have a specific wing dedicated to the sciences and arts. Teachers will now also have the opportunity to have their own classroom and make their rooms reflect their individual subject. With construction being predicted to end around January of 2022, gear up Crusaders, and get ready to take on the newest addition of the St. Dominic community!

St. Dominic offers a wide array of classes for students to take. Among these are a group of courses known as Project Lead The Way, or PLTW, classes. Thanks to the addition of the science wing at St. Dominic, PLTW classes will soon have a new space to expand and cultivate students’ love and understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Mr. Bob Hennekes is one of the teachers here at St. Dominic who is involved with PLTW. He teaches both Intro to Engineering and Principles of Engineering to students of all ages. He loves sharing his knowledge and allowing students to be inventive and creative in his classroom.

“I would like [my students] to understand that God made engineering; God made everything and he gave some of us the ability to think up new ways to do things and new ways to make life better for others. I hope my students find Christ in my class and find out if engineering is for them,” Mr. Hennekes said.

Mr. Hennekes is not the only teacher who is passionate about science. Computer Science and Cybersecurity teacher, Mrs. Kristy Hagan, is another member of the St. Dominic community with a devotion to PLTW. She is especially excited for the new building to be put to use.

“The furniture will be more conducive to Computer Science and collaborating. In real life, no matter what career you enter, you will collaborate with others. It is a big component of PLTW Computer Science classes, and it will be so much easier to do with the new classroom space,” Mrs. Hagan said.  

Dr. Deborah Ruscillo is another member of the PLTW team at St. Dominic. She is in charge of the Biomedical Science Pathway, teaching Principles of Biomedical Science and Human Body Systems. There are several reasons Dr. Ruscillo is looking forward to the opening of the new wing. In addition to more supplies, the Biomedical department will be offering two new classes: Medical Interventions and Biomedical Innovations.

“I am very excited to move into the new PLTW Biomedical Sciences room in the Center for the Sciences! The room will be outfitted with new counters and workspaces where students can spread out and really get into the activities. The collaborative spaces will expand our classroom beyond its walls and give us all more mindspace to think- the center will bring teaching to a whole new level. I can’t wait!” Dr. Ruscillo said.

Teachers are not the only ones anticipating the completion of the new building. PLTW students are grateful for the opportunity to have a space dedicated to classes they enjoy.

“I am really looking forward to the new space with all of the new technologies that will be coming with it along with the new work space,” senior Engineering student Savannah Lamb said.

It is no secret that the new building will have a positive impact on much of the student body as well as quite a few teachers. Everyone is looking forward to a location where they are able to experiment, work together and most importantly, learn!