OUR MISSION
By fostering an environment where students and faculty work collaboratively to broaden student knowledge of an interest in science, the Piner High School Science Department seeks to provide all students with an engaging and inspiring science curriculum that extends beyond the classroom. In doing so, we seek to meet the academic needs of all students and prepare them for further studies, successful careers, and active participation as citizens in a constantly changing technological world.
CORE VALUES
Authentic Science
Effective Communication Skills
Community & Career Connections
Student-centered, project based learning
Research-based Methodology
Professional Collaboration
SPARQ CENTER DIRECTOR
Kurt Kruger
Kurt Kruger has been a Science instructor at Piner High School since 1989. He graduated from U.C. Davis with a B.A. in Biological Science and earned his teaching credential from Sonoma State University. He teaches Space Science, GIS, and Earth Sciences. Kurt is also the SPARQ Center Director and runs the Planetarium, Observatory, and High-Powered Rocketry Group. Kurt is the STEM Coordinator at Piner High School and a Board Member of the Robert Ferguson Observatory. Kurt’s past work as a Docent at RFO inspired his development of the SPARQ Center facilities at Piner High School.
SPARQ CENTER FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS
Michael Papaik joined the Board in 2022. He earned a PhD in Natural Resources Conservation from the University of Massachusetts and has done research in northern forests of North America focusing on modeling the role of manmade and natural disturbances in ecosystem development. He has a background in mathematics, astronomy and ecology. He has taught at the University of Massachusetts, the University of Quebec, Montreal and Piner High School where he was the Mathematics Department Chair until his retirement. He is now retired and enjoying volunteering his time in support of the space science activities at Piner High School and as a docent with the Robert Ferguson Observatory.
Ian Carpenter joined the Board in 2022. He is a local civil engineer and proud Piner High School alumni (class of 2013). While at Piner, he completed the Geospatial Technology Pathway and participated in the Early College Magnet Program (ECM). He was introduced to civil engineering while completing the Geospatial Technology Pathway, leading him to pursue a civil engineering degree from California Polytechnic University - San Luis Obispo. After graduating college in 2017, Ian returned home to Santa Rosa where he leapt at the opportunity to invest in the high school that had given him so many unique opportunities to learn and grow.
Stan Roodman is a retired Professor, Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University Medical School where he engaged in Immunology research in a number of medical areas for 29 years. Since retiring, he has volunteered in elementary school tutoring children in reading, in algebra for 8th graders, and in SAT math problems for high schoolers. He has been on the SPARQ board for 10 years.
Dani Foster joined the SPARQ Board in 2014. She has a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Sonoma State University. Her excitement for science was sparked in middle school when she attended a conference spotlighting women in science, where she got to meet Astronaut Sally Ride. She is delighted that Piner High School Students and the local community have the opportunity to access to the amazing resources in the SPARQ Center!
Sally Bimrose joined the Board after retiring from Santa Rosa City Schools in 2015. She earned her initial teaching credential while she was an undergraduate at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. Then she studied English Literature at the University of California, Davis, earning an MA in 1976. Following a move to Santa Rosa, Sally began teaching at Piner High School in 1986. Over the course of her three decade career with Santa Rosa City Schools, Sally taught at three different sites (twice at Piner), served as Director of the Reading and Literature Project at Sonoma State University, became a support provider for the Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment program, held the position of Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and acted as a site administrator for three different schools. In 2010, she was selected as Principal of Piner High School, a position which she considers to be the highlight of her career in education. In post-retirement, Sally is working as a mentor for new administrators through Sonoma County Office of Education. She also appreciates the opportunity to continue to support the Piner High School community through her work as a member of the Board of the SPARQ Foundation.
Bonnie Polkinghorn joined the Board in 2019. She has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois. Bonnie worked for many high-tech companies in Silicon Valley as an applications engineer. After moving to Sonoma County, Bonnie has worked as a customer support applications analyst for complex software programs used by hospitals and health centers.
Mindy Breslin joined the Board in 2023. She has a B.A. in Chemistry from U.C. San Diego, an A.S. from Santa Rosa Junior College and is a Piner Alumni (class of 1982). She is a retired Project Manager and spends a lot of time as a Photographer for Piner sports and activities. She has a keen interest in science and art and looks forward to supporting the SPARQ Center.
Erick P. Roldan was a science teacher with Santa Rosa City Schools, until he retired June 2024. He began his career at Piner High School in 1995, and retired from Montgomery High School. Erick graduated from Sacramento State University with a Bachelors degree in cellular biology. He has taught biology (International baccalaureate and Advanced Placement), as well as physical science. He has graded Advanced Placement exams during his summers and was part of the Exploratorium teacher program teaching teachers. Erick loves motorcycling, mountian biking, and playing with his two Dachshund's Matilda and Otto.
Jodie Lau has been in retail management and the food industry for over 25 years. She and her family owned and operated the G&G Supermarkets. She now operates Nancy's Fancies, a cake decorating, cupcake, and chocolate making supply store since 2017. She teaches cooking and cake decorating classes. She has been a board member since 2017.
Kevin Le joined the SPARQ Board as the Student Representative for the 2024-2025 school year. He is a junior and the salutatorian of the class of 2026. At Piner, Kevin is actively involved as President of both the School Site Council and the California Scholarship Federation. He is also part of the Early College Magnet Program, where he has earned 38 college credits. Kevin became a STEM prospect as a sophomore, participated in the High-Powered Rocketry Group, and has a strong interest in engineering. In his free time, he helps his parents at Lee’s Noodle House and volunteers with a tutoring non-profit organization.