STEMM Little Stingers Program

Our Little Stingers Program consists of voluntary prekindergarten (VPK), prekindergarten for students with disabilities, and Community Classrooms which are a blend of VPK and PreKD students. 

Our teachers strive to create positive nurturing environments for children to reach their full potential. Their goal is to partner with families to shape the emotional and intellectual development of children with varying abilities in a developmentally appropriate environment that fosters individuality, develops creativity, and respects diversity.

Voluntary PreKindergarten (VPK)

Our VPK classes run from 8:00 to 2:00. Car drop off is from 8:00 to 8:15, and afternoon pick up begins at 2:00. Breakfast begins at 8:00, and lunch is at 11:00. 

VPK offers a chance to promote early literacy and academic readiness for Kindergarten. Through song, dance, and multi-sensory activities, our VPK students learn basic literacy and math skills along with social skills using the Big Day preschool curriculum. Each VPK class has up to 11 students with one teacher. 

PreKindergarten (PreKD)

The PreKD classes meet from 8:00 to 1:00. Buses are available for PreKD students, and will pick up and drop off at your door. Car drop off is from 8:00 to 8:15, and afternoon pick up is from 12:45 to 1:00. Breakfast begins at 8:00, and lunch is at 11:00. 

Our PreKD students learn basic literacy and math skills along with social skills using curriculum from Creative Curriculum, Unique Learning System, and Teach Town. Our PreKD classes each have one teacher and one paraprofessional assistant. Our students receive individualized instruction to meet their IEP goals. For those who qualify, we have speech, occupational therapy, and physical therapy available.

Community Classroom

STEMM offers a unique Community Classroom, which is a blend of VPK and PreKD students. The Community Classroom is intended to prepare both VPK and PreKD students for kindergarten in a diverse environment. Community Classroom hours are from 8:00 to 2:00 for VPK students and 8:00 to 1:00 for PreKD students.

The Community Classroom has about 18 students, with six of those being PreKD students. There is one teacher and one paraprofessional assistant. 

Little Stingers Faculty and Staff

Our Little Stingers faculty and staff are an amazing and dynamic group. Mrs. Ball, Mrs. Cunningham, Mrs. Lewis, and Mrs. Axson teach our PreKD classes. Mrs. DuBose is the VPK teachers, and Mrs. Gee is the Community Classroom teacher. Our paraprofessional assistants are Ms. Maggie, Ms. Maldanado, Ms. Vines, Ms. Reagans, Mrs. King, and Mrs. Loesser.

Adopt-A-Course

Okaloosa STEMM Academy’s Adopt-A-Course program allows an individual, business, or organization to sponsor the course or department of their choice with a tax-deductible donation. By becoming an Adopt-A-Course sponsor, you will help ensure that our Little Stingers have the resources they need to excel. Your investment in this program will cover material costs and other expenses that are not otherwise paid for by the school district.

A donation of $250 is required to fully adopt a course; however, any amount is welcome and appreciated. If you would like to become a sponsor, contact stemmpto@gmail.com. We appreciate your willingness to support the Okaloosa STEMM Academy and our Little Stingers!