Creativity was celebrated during the district’s second annual Maker Faire at Elwood Middle School on June 16. Open to kindergarten through eighth-grade students and their families, the evening consisted of 45-minute sessions where students could build, tinker and explore through hands on activities.

Prior to the event, students registered for what sessions fit their interests. The sessions took place in classrooms and ranged from creating marble roller coasters and water slides, to experimenting with bubbles. Coordinated by Director of Math, Science and Technology Eileen Kelly-Gorman and teacher Krista Albrecht, the event kicked off with Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kenneth Bossert and Ms. Kelly-Gorman welcoming those in attendance and providing an overview of what to expect.

“We are so excited to have so many of you here to join us today,” said Ms. Kelly-Gorman. “We can’t wait to see your great ideas come to fruition in each of these sessions.”  

Organizations such as the Elwood Harley Avenue School, James H. Boyd Intermediate School and Elwood Middle School PTA’s, as well as the Elwood Booster Club and the Elwood Education Endowment supported the event by donating money to expand on the learning opportunities for students. SEPTA provided food and refreshments throughout the evening while staff members and Elwood-John H. Glenn High School student volunteers helped facilitate the sessions.

The school’s cafeteria featured stations with more activities for students and their families to enjoy. A popular station for many was the Google Expeditions area. Here, students had the opportunity to test out the newest educational technology tool in the district that will be used in 2017-18 school year. The viewers allow students to immerse themselves in virtual tours of places around the world and were bought for the district with the help of the James H. Boyd PTA and the Elwood Education Endowment.