A variety of vehicle and medical simulators, including the Blackhawk Helicopter Simulator, New York National Guard Pilot Training Equipment Site, 10th Mountain Division, and Fort Drum Museum, are just a few of the many available at STARBASE Academy.

Michael J. O’Toole said there are now 82 STARBASE academies nationwide. He is the Director of Civil Military Programs in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Human Resources and Reserve Affairs.

“STARBASE represents an ongoing partnership between Fort Drum and the Northern School District,” said James J. Zacchino Jr., Fort Drum Garrison Commander.

Rep. Elise M. Stefanik of R-Schuylerville, a supporter of the STARBASE Academy, wrote to the DOD detailing her support for bringing the Academy to Fort Drum.

“Programs like STARBASE are important in creating opportunities for young people to experience STEM activities. Fort Drum is proud to host this important program,” said Stefanik in a news release. .

STARBASE program instructor Dana M. Hanni said the overall goal of STARBASE is to connect children to STEM education.

This week, the Watertown City School District has two classes at the Academy, each with 21 students.

The class was conducted in PowerPoint, and students worked on various aspects of the class in the laboratory located in the building.

Hanni said students came to her and said they didn’t want to graduate from the academy. She called the moment “heartbreaking.”

“But at the same time, I think, ‘In five short days, I’m touching a child’s life,’ so it’s amazing,” she said.

We have 2 teachers, 2 teacher assistants, a homeroom teacher who comes with the students, office manager and director Joanne M. Witt.

Children are most excited about working in the lab and experimenting outside, the instructor said.

O’Toole, who owns a home in Skaneateles, Onondaga County, called having Starbase 100 miles north of his hometown “a little bit of homecoming.”

“Being back in New York and starting our newest program is really special as a Central New Yorker,” he said.

Witt, former principal of the Bohlen Technology Center for the Cooperative Educational Services Commission of the Jefferson Lewis Commission in Watertown and former English teacher at Watertown High School, says he has more to give and more to do. He said he felt there was conduct.

“So when I found out about this school, primary education was at a level I had never approached before…When I found out about this program, I knew I could expand my skill set into a whole new age group for my kids. So that I could learn with my students and go with them, so I had to jump in,” she said.

The classroom is also equipped with a clear touch board that can be laid flat on the table and divided into four parts. Each student has her own iPad that she uses for her lessons.

“Students are totally immersed in learning to combine math and science,” she said.

Ms Witt said all students in the school district who are interested in participating in the program can do so.

STARBASE is available to students in Jefferson County, Lewis County, and St. Lawrence County.

“It’s so exciting when students come here. They shout with joy, leave with smiles and wave their little hands out the window at us,” said Ms Witt.

The school district superintendent can contact the school’s contact person or speak with Ms. Witt about participating.

“Knowing that you are making a difference in children’s lives and making education exciting for them, nothing else matters to me,” Witt said. .