About Us
What we do
Since 2001, AB PIP STEM has hosted and sponsored FREE Science, Technology, Engineering and Math educational events for grades K through 12. We are constantly on the lookout for new ideas for STEM events from students and parents. Contact us at actonpip@gmail.com. Below is the current roster of events:
In addition to these events, we sponsor one-time activities, yearly fundraisers, and annual scholarships for AB student volunteers. Below are the highlights.
Steering Committee
AB Schools Liaisons: Heather Haines + Jean Oviatt-Rothman
Co-chair: Karen Pierce
Co-chair: Dawn Peterson
Chair Emerita: KJ Herther
Market Math: Dave Hart
Secretary: Open
Star Party: Steve Feinstein and Sue Ropiak
Book Sale Fundraiser: Karen Pierce
Treasurer: Open
Webmaster: Janice M Ward
2015 AB PIP STEM End of Year Lunch
Milestones
2000: Acton receives a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Energy and National Science Foundation to create math + science kits, the beginnings of PIP.
2001 Acton Parent Involvement Project (PIP) becomes an organization.
2002: Massachusetts PIP Award of Appreciation.
2005: Recognition by Massachusetts DOE for community involvement in education.
2005: Acton PIP + Discovery Museum mentor Glenelgh School of Abu Dhabi.
2006: Acton PIP becomes Acton-Boxborough PIP STEM.
2011: AB PIP STEM receives first William L. Ryan Community Service Award.
2011: KJ Herther, chair, receives Massachusetts Unsung Heroine Award.
2015: Janice M Ward, AB PIP STEM webmaster, receives Massachusetts Unsung Heroine Award.
2020: AB PIP STEM goes virtual.
2021: AB PIP STEM celebrates 20th anniversary.
History
In 2000, Acton-Boxborough PIP received a multi-year grant from the Massachusetts Department of Education (DOE) as part of the Statewide Parent Involvement Program (PIP). Although funding ended, the PIP coalition continued.
Mission
The mission of Acton-Boxborough PIP STEM is to provide and promote:
Family-oriented math and science activities and events
Collaboration among parents, students, schools, community leaders, and business partners
Resources that enrich Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education in our community.
Evolution
After receiving DOE and NSF grants to create math and science kits supporting MST (Math Science Technology) education, PIP evolved into an organization hosting STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) educational events including Market Math, Star Parties and Science Fairs. Eventually STEM turned to STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art Math), and now AB PIP STEM sponsors a variety of events for students K through 12 and their parents. AB PIP STEM also offers volunteer and scholarship opportunities for older students.
Chairs and Co-chairs
2000-2011 KJ Herther
2008-2015 John Petersen
2011-2021 Dewi Winn + Karen Pierce
2021-present Karen Pierce + Dawn Peterson
Other interim co-chairs include: Debbi Chu, Debbie Clough, Lorrie Jacobsohn, Carly Krakoff, Claire Picard + Latha Swaroop
Karen Herther spearheaded the PIP initiative. She won the Stellar Service by a Volunteer Award for the AB Parent Involvement Project from the Massachusetts Middlesex Chamber of Commerce and the Unsung Heroine Award in 2011 from the State of Massachusetts. She remains PIP Coach and Co-chair emerita.