The below press release originally appeared in the Mamaroneck School District's newsletter The Tiger Times on Dec. 21, 2011.

Hommocks science teacher Lawrence Perretto has been awarded the NASA Endeavor Distinguished Science Teaching Fellowship. In a unique partnership between NASA, U.S. Satellite Laboratories and Columbia University, the Endeavor Fellowship awards highly competitive academic scholarships to 50 outstanding science teachers from across the nation who are pioneering STEM (science, technology, engineering & math) in their classrooms and schools. 

Perretto has been teaching science and technology for thirteen years at Hommocks Middle School, where in 2001, he created the Applied Science & Technology Program, the District’s only integrated science model that combines the principles of STEM in a project-based learning environment that mimics the professional science workplace.  

“We consider Mr. Perretto to be an authentic Renaissance Man, capable of teaching a wide range of ages and subjects,” says Hommocks Principal Dr. Seth Weitzman. “He is a a tireless worker whose creativity, understanding of young adolescents and teaching skills enable Lawrence to create a highly effective learning environment for his students. 

The NASA Fellowship enables Fellows to apply research-based pedagogical strategies in the classroom while becoming part of an esteemed network of educators dedicated to promoting STEM nationwide. Fellows become highly qualified science teachers in their state and help lead science teaching reforms in their classroom, school and district. In addition to an internship at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, Fellows earn a master's certificate in STEM Education from Teachers' College, Columbia University.

According to Perretto, all Hommocks students receive a minimum of 20 weeks of STEM classes via the Applied Science and Technology Program.  Perretto is currently in discussions with central administration about developing a sequential STEM program at Mamaroneck High School based on the Hommocks model.