Springdale Public Schools Education Foundation

Hello!

My name is Brandi Davis. I am the EAST facilitator at Central Junior High. In my EAST classroom, we focus on empowering students to use technology and creativity to solve real-world problems. EAST is Education Accelerated by Service and Technology. We emphasize project-based learning, where students work on projects that have a positive impact on the community. My students, ranging from 8th to 9th grade, are highly motivated to think critically and collaborate with local partners to address community needs. One of our current projects, "Unity Puzzles," is aimed at bringing families together and fostering stronger ties within the community through creative, technology-driven solutions. The classroom is not just a space for learning technical skills; it’s a hub where students develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

We are seeking to acquire a laser engraver/cutter along with necessary accessories for our classroom. This equipment will allow us to efficiently create customized wooden puzzle pieces for the "Unity Puzzles" project. Each puzzle piece will be intricately engraved to represent local businesses and community partners. The technology will enable us to precisely design, cut, and engrave these pieces, ensuring that they are durable and visually appealing, making them a cherished keepsake for families. Additionally, we need safety gear and materials like wood and acrylic for creating the puzzles. Our goal is to encourage families to spend time together in our community and less time on devices.

The laser engraver/cutter is a vital component for the success of our "Unity Puzzles" project. With your support, we can create meaningful connections between families and their community, encouraging more family outings and interactions. Families will be able to collect these puzzle pieces as they visit our participating partners. Once they have completed visiting five community partners, families will receive the final piece from us and be able to complete the puzzle. The project not only promotes quality family time but also supports local businesses by increasing foot traffic. Without your financial assistance, we won’t be able to equip our classroom with the tools necessary to bring this vision to life. Your help will enable our students to execute their project while learning valuable technical and collaborative skills, all while contributing to the well-being of families and the broader community.

For our classroom, this equipment would provide students with hands-on experience in cutting-edge technology, allowing them to design, create, and produce high-quality materials. By learning to operate and maintain this equipment, students develop technical skills that are highly relevant to modern careers in fields like engineering, graphic design, and manufacturing. It empowers them to see the tangible results of their work, boosting their confidence and sparking further interest in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) disciplines.