Empowering Students Through Innovation, Imagination, and Real-World Learning
In the heart of rural Western New York, Pine Valley Central School District is proving that big innovation can come from small communities. With a deep commitment to student growth, creativity, and future-readiness, the district’s middle school has proudly become a 2024 Woz ED Pathway School launching a new era of STEM education that’s already providing opportunities for their students to learn in a new and powerful way.
I had the opportunity to sit down with Pine Valley team members, Kourney Almeida and Matt VanKoughnett to get the scoop on what is happening at Pine Valley Middle School and how it is expanding across the district.
A Passion for Education
Kourtney Almeida, a proud Pine Valley graduate, now serves as the Junior-Senior High School Principal, overseeing grades 7–12. With a background in school psychology and a decade of leadership experience, Almeida returned to her alma mater with a mission: to give students in this rural district opportunities equal to their peers in larger cities.
Matt VanKoughnett is Pine Valley’s dedicated Technology and Engineering Education teacher. He brings a different kind of experience—one from the world of manufacturing, including projects that have literally launched into space. His transition into education was driven by a desire to bridge the gap he saw between the skills needed in today’s workforce and what was being taught in schools. Together, Almeida, Vankoughnett, and the rest of the Pine Valley team are building a program that empowers students to dream bigger.
Building the Future with Woz ED STEM Resources
This past school year, Pine Valley began integrating hands-on STEM learning across grade levels, from elementary through high school, with the help of Woz ED STEM Kits. With foundational instruction beginning in pre-K and extending through grade 12, students are immersed in age-appropriate, real-world learning experiences led by a group of passionate educators. Cindy Snyder is the library instructor for grades K-4, Rob Gebhard teaches science and technology for grades 5-8 and Vankoughnett heads the program for grades 7-12.
The middle school STEM program is especially vibrant, featuring a range of Woz ED kits—from drones to robotics to engineering. Students explore real-world applications through specialized courses in robotics, engineering, and drones. These aren’t just activities—they’re career-aligned, imagination-fueled experiences that help kids see their future in a new light.
STEM at Pine Valley isn’t just about learning tech—it’s about thinking differently. Vankoughnett sees it every day: students becoming more curious, creative, and collaborative.
“There’s this incredible ‘clicking moment’—when they get it,” he says. “They realize why we’re doing this, how it connects to their future, and they take off from there.”
Almeida recalls observing students working in teams to troubleshoot coding problems with their robots—not running to the teacher, but turning to one another, thinking critically, and solving problems together.
“That’s the shift we’re seeing—higher-level thinking, real engagement, and ownership of learning.”
The Road Ahead: Competitions, Collaboration, and Celebration
There are many things to look forward to with the implementation of STEM resources, along with the overall energy that comes along with creativity, collaboration, and problem solving. In May, Pine Valley students will participate in “STEM and Tech Wars”—regional competitions that bring together schools from across New York State to showcase innovation and teamwork. From Mantis Rovers to Go-Pi-Go robot builds, students will apply their classroom learning in friendly competitions with a common goal: to imagine, design, and build solutions.
For both Almeida and VanKoughnett, it all comes down to students.
“Every student matters, every single day,” says Kourtney.
She seeks to ensure that Pine Valley students graduate with confidence—not just in academics, but in who they are and what they can contribute to the world. Matt adds onto this by saying,
“I get to wake up every day and help 70 kids get ready for the real world, not just with skills—but with the mindset to solve problems, work with others, and think independently.”
Pine Valley Central School District isn’t just teaching STEM—they’re growing thinkers, builders, and leaders for tomorrow. As they continue to grow and evolve on their Journey with STEM education, with the support of Woz ED STEM Kits and a committed team of educators, Pine Valley Central School District is committed to teaching their students how to thrive and succeed post graduation.
