SAUGUS — The Belmonte STEAM Academy, which opened in 2021, was a topic of new business at the School Committee meeting Thursday night.

Principal Dr. Maureen Lueke and third-grade teacher Tracey Hurley talked about the improvements that have been seen over the last year.

“As we approach the midpoint of term one, we’re thrilled to report that students are actively engaged and learning and making significant progress across the board,” Lueke said.

She discussed how students have been fully immersed in the curriculum and that the school is focused on emphasizing the subjects of science, technology, engineering, art and math. They’ve also put a focus on supporting the students and helping them foster their critical thinking skills as they learn.

Lueke mentioned that the staff was focused on helping students do their best every day, even if that means taking two steps forward and three steps back some days. The theme for the year is going for gold and persisting through challenges.

She also talked about the faculty advisory committee she created and its importance to the school’s success.

“It’s a group of teachers who completely volunteer. I probably have around 12 or 13 teachers. They come after school on their own time, and they support the initiative and ideas…We’re looking to really hear all voices. The good, the bad, and the ugly and what we really need to do to fix things,” Lueke said.

Hurley also spoke about the advisory committee and how it has acted as a sounding board to determine what is working and what might need improvement in the school.

Lueke made it clear that the school was heavily focused on the growth of the children and helping them through any obstacles that might come their way. There was also an emphasis on the importance of the special education program and the different interactive programs that help get students involved.