CHARLESTON — Charleston Elementary School has been awarded a $15,000 grant to integrate technology into the restoration of outdoor learning areas damaged by floods in July 2023.
The grant, part of the Educate Innovate Initiative funded by the Vermont Lottery and the Vermont Agency of Education, will allow the school to purchase a Glowforge laser cutter. Students will use the device to design and create environmental science signage and materials for restoration efforts.
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Library Media Specialist Theresa Bolton, who spearheaded the project titled “Cutting Through Devastation: Restoring Nature’s Classroom,” said the initiative aims to provide students with hands-on experience from concept to construction.
“It is imperative that our students have access to real modern-day tools and opportunities that will allow them to not only grow their skills but to imagine themselves as our future scientists, artists, engineers, fabricators, historians, or mathematicians,” Bolton said in her award application.
The school, serving 118 students from PreK through Grade 8, was one of two selected for the 2024 award. The Northern Mountain Valley Unified Union School District also received funding.
Lisa Helme, Assistant Director of the Vermont Agency of Education Student Pathways Division, visited the school on Oct. 16 to observe students working with the new laser cutter.
“The work at Charleston Elementary School is a great example of using technology to support student learning,” Helme said.
Principal Chris Lawson praised Bolton’s efforts, noting increased student engagement and enthusiasm for the project.
The school has also secured an additional $1,500 from the Vermont Rural Education Consortium to repair flood-damaged bridges, following an assessment conducted by science teacher Louise Beaudry and her students in collaboration with the Northwoods Stewardship Center.
North Country Supervisory Union Technology Integrationist Desirae Breault has been instrumental in teaching students to use the Cuttle design software and the Glowforge.
The project has expanded beyond environmental restoration, with eighth-grade students creating products for fundraising and fifth-grade students designing parade floats based on Red Clover Books.
WCAX-TV covered the story, interviewing Bolton and students about the innovative project that blends technology, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.
