Name: Clemustine Sinack
Occupation: 7th & 8th Grade Science Teacher at South Hills Middle School Years In Education: 23 years
Years At Current Position/School: 3 years
Previously, I … taught in North Carolina and I’ve taught elementary and secondary science. I taught in NC from 1997 until 2016. Moved to Pittsburgh in 2016 and started teaching in February of 2016 .
Pittsburgh South Hills 6-8 is a state finalist in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow innovation competition!
View PPS News Release here.
PFT: What is the idea for the project? Is there an application you submitted with answers that you could share with us?
CLEM: The idea for the project is to create an Automated Hydroponic Greenhouse that can be used in teaching not only the students, but also serve as a way to involve the community by exposing the parents to STEM in a meaningful way. The hope is to create a school farmers market that would happen yearly. Information on the project, including specific images, is an embargo on images until finalists have been announced.
One of the requirements of the application was to propose a sustainable, meaningful project that would benefit the students and the community. We believe we can be a shining example for other schools across the country, and hope for local investment to sustain the project as well
PFT: How did you, your school, and your students choose this as the project to enter into the contest?
CLEM: The thought process was to have something that would benefit and be something of value, to all the students. Food is a universal connector; it brings families together, brings happiness, and it’s something that could be relatable to everyone.
PFT: What will be the result of the project if you win the contest? Is your school considering funding or supporting the hydroponic greenhouse project no matter what happens with the contest?
CLEM: If we were to win the entire contest it would mean $100,000 dollars in school technology and classroom resources! Each win still gives us technology and recourses after the state level, however.
Currently there is no plan for funding the greenhouse no matter what, due to funds. While this is a wonderful endeavor, we have more pressing matters that would take precedent in our building.
If we don’t win, we hope to get business sponsors to help the startup of the project anyway while making and keeping connections so that we may enter the contest again with other ideas.
PFT: Why is this idea important—to the students, the school and the community?
CLEM: Simply put, it’s important because anything that can connect, help and build a sense of community is always important.
PFT: How proud are you of your students? Your school? Elaborate—please tell us why?
CLEM: I’m proud of our students because they have a lot to offer. We are a school of students who have talent and gifts. This is a good way to show them. South Hills is a great place to work.
The teachers, the staff, the administration all have a vested interest in our students, and I hope to let everyone in on our little family here at South Hills.
