Academy of Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Science

The Academy of Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Science (ATEMS) is a STEAM high school founded in 2009 located in Abilene, Texas.^[1] ATEMS is a part of the Abilene Independent School District. It used to be a New Technology High School, which is a category of high schools that encourage the use of technology, but is no longer part of this group. ATEMS does however still encourage the use of technology.^[2] All of the core classes offered used to be either at the AP level or college dual credit at other colleges around Abilene, however, ATEMS has now introduced academic classes. The building ATEMS currently resides in is not owned by the academy nor the Abilene Independent School District, instead is owned and shared by the Texas State Technical College System.

There are many activities at ATEMS such as clubs including robotics, photography, and yearbook. ATEMS provides shuttles for students to travel to other high schools for activities ATEMS does not have at their school, such as band, orchestra, and football.^[3] ATEMS also participates in a "bring your own device" (BYOD) program which allows students to use their own technologies including iPods, iPads, cell phones, or laptops, during class, with teacher permission.

Courses

Classes at ATEMS are different from other high schools in the regular sense. Due to its STEAM status, the academy offers two distinct learning pathways for students - either Information Technology or Pre-Engineering. Both courses end with a year-long senior capstone project culminating their skills in a showcase to the community. In addition, ATEMS offers two core class pathways, either Advanced Placement classes or college dual-credit with the technical colleges in Abilene. ATEMS also offered hybrid AP Dual Credit courses in which students still receive a ten-point bump to their GPA and can take the AP test, however, they will also receive college credit rather they obtain a 3 or higher on the AP test or not. These hybrid classes are free.^[4]

Privileges

At ATEMS there are a number of special privileges students get, most of which need a trust card to have access to. A trust card is a special card unique to ATEMS, they are similar to an ID card and are held on the students lanyard. These privileges include: checking out laptops if you don't own one, the BYOB (Bring your own device) policy, allowing juniors and seniors to depart campus for lunch, and the ability to listen to music in class with teacher permission.

Substitute Teacher of the Month

The Substitute Teacher of the Month at ATEMS is currently Madam Barylak and has been for the last 6 years straight. Madam Barylak's first day at ATEMS was November 9, 2010.

References

1. ↑ "ATEMS High School - Home". Abeline ISD. Abeline Independent School District. Retrieved 5 October 2012. 
2. ↑ "Academy of Technology, Engineering, Math, and Science (ATEMS High School) | New Tech Network". New Tech Network. Knowledge Works. 
3. ↑ "Academy for Technology Engineering Math & Science / Homepage". Abeline ISD. Abeline Independent School District. Retrieved 5 October 2012. 
4. ↑ "ATEMS High School Website". Official Academy Website.