WASHINGTON, D.C. — East Grand students Madison Napoli, Emma Davis, Nathan Frye, and Lucas Potter traveled to Washington D.C. November 2nd through 6th along with teachers Jennifer Fronczak, Kim Gray, Jill Plummer, and principal/superintendent Margaret White.
Because of being named a top 5 finalists in U.S. the students were given the opportunity to present at the 2019 National State Education Technology Directors Association’s (SETDA) annual conference.
East Grand School was chosen as one of two nominees from the state of Maine for the SETDA annual Student Voices Award. Each state Departments of Education can nominate two schools or districts and are asked to highlight ones that leverage technology for project-based learning, workforce development, and learning that connects with the local community.
SETDA recognizes K-12 schools that have leveraged technology to dramatically improve educational experiences and achievement. This year’s theme was “The Future of Work,” and finalists were selected based on their innovative approaches to preparing students for careers. East Grand School was nominated for developing a project-based learning curriculum that empowers students through hands-on learning by blending innovative uses of technology with engagement in the school’s outdoor environment and local community.
The East Grand students shared their projects with educational technology leaders from across the country and world during SETDA’s Annual Leadership Summit. They were able to show how, even in a rural and isolated area, they have many opportunities to gain skills that will position them well for the future and how a school can be created so that all students have voices that matter.
With the school’s project-based learning curriculum, which intentionally integrates technology, educators have seen students become more willing to take risks, be more persistent when challenged by learning, show empathy, encourage others more readily, and communicate more efficiently when working in groups.
The East Grand students presentation highlighted project-based learning at their school that included:
Sharing what they presented to local educators at the Danforth Learning Lab in 2018; Habits of Mind: The Habits of Mind project introduced students to several attributes and practices that they will use throughout their years at the school (and in life!); and Field Guide Project: Students created a field guide to the local area, highlighting human, natural, and civic structures. They gathered information through field trips, and interviews then used technology to create a guide that could be shared widely throughout the community and state.
While in the nation’s capital, the group also spent time sightseeing at the National Mall, Museums, met with Senator King and Senator Collins and took a guided tour of the Capitol.
While in Washington, D.C., the students also met with U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King. met with a group of students and teachers from East Grand School in Danforth.
“It was such a pleasure to congratulate this impressive group of students from East Grand on their achievement as one of only five finalists in SETDA’s annual competition,” said Collins. “East Grand’s entire school community worked hard to create a truly unique learning environment, which inspires confidence, promotes team building, and encourages the pursuit of knowledge. The project-based curriculum’s focus on integrating technology will prepare these students for a bright future.”
During their meeting, the students presented Collins with a 3D-printed ornament they made featuring their school’s mascot.
3D printing is an example of one of the skills students learn in their project-based program. East Grand’s 3D printer was purchased through a grant provided by the Perloff Family Foundation, a Maine-based charity created by Dave and Sandy Perloff to foster STEM education in schools across the state. The Perloffs have donated 500 3D-printers for PreK-12 schools in Maine over the past three years and continue to support educators with professional learning opportunities.
