W.A. Perry Middle-BLAST Magnet

Program Description:

Through the Richland One BLAST (Building Lasting Aerospace and STEM Trajectories) Aerospace Magnet Program at W.A. Perry Middle, 6th-8th grade students are engaged in hands-on, Project Lead the Way curriculum through a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) approach with a focus in aviation and aeronautics.

Our aerospace magnet students are supported by experiential learning, consisting of multiple projects throughout the school year that require planning, experimenting, data collection, presentation of results, and reflection. This rigorous, fast-paced curriculum challenges students to achieve high levels of engagement and success through our Project Lead the Way units built upon South Carolina state standards.

Our aerospace theme serves to ignite curiosity, promote exploration, and foster collaboration and scientific thinking through hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences. The interdisciplinary curriculum provides students with strong foundational knowledge and emphasizes understanding of the world around them.

BLAST Magnet Pathway: Students who attend our BLAST Magnet program have the unique opportunity to experience a STEM-integrated curriculum and Aerospace Pathway from Kindergarten-12th grade (from Watkins Nance Aerospace Magnet to W.A. Perry Middle Aerospace Magnet to the National Defense Magnet at Columbia High).

To create a seamless transition, eighth-grade students in the Aerospace Magnet Program at W.A Perry Middle will automatically be enrolled in ninth grade in the National Defense Magnet at Columbia High School.

Program Location: W.A. Perry Middle School

Program Type: School-within-a-school model

Grades: 6th-8th Grades

Eligibility Criteria: Open to all Richland One students

Student Selection Method: Lottery

Enrollment Capacity: 20 spots per grade level (6th-8th)

W.A. Perry Middle School 

Parent Information Sessions:

In-person sessions:
12/15 @ 1:00 pm (Friday)
1/4 @ 10:00 am (Thursday)
1/8 @ 9:00 am (Monday)
1/12 @ 2:00 pm (Friday)
1/23 @ 2:00 pm (Tuesday)
1/25 @ 4:30 pm (Thursday)
1/29 @ 9:00 am (Monday) 

Virtual Sessions:
12/15 @ 10:00 am (Friday)
12/18 @ 2:00 pm (Monday)
1/4 @ 12:30 pm (Thursday)
1/9 @ 6:00 pm (Tuesday)
1/22 @ 9:00 am (Monday)
1/25 @ 11:00 am (Thursday)
1/29 @ 11:00 am and 6:00 pm (Monday)
1/30 @ 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 2:00 pm (Tuesday) 

Bus Transportation: Provided for all students

Contact: Karen Ogen, STEM Consultant, 803-256-6347, karen.ogen@richlandone.org; Dr. Robin Coletrain, Principal, (803) 256-6347, robin.coletrain@richlandone.org