CULLMAN – Last Monday, a special announcement was made regarding 5th grade students in the Cullman County school system. Lego toys will become part of the classroom curriculum and soon children will be able to learn as they play. Lego Education enables children to work as young scientists, designers, and engineers. It provides them with settings, tools, and tasks that promote design technology, science, and mathematics.
“The program was partially funded by a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission,” explained T.J. Franey, special projects coordinator. “It’s based on the fact that Cullman County is in a transitional area – the Appalachian Region, which qualifies us for the grant. With the medical and manufacturing industries heavily relying on robotics, it’s very important we start learning it in elementary schools and work our way up to the middle school and high schools.”
It will be hard to tell who is more excited about the new program, the students or the teachers. Teachers will love the problem-solving and teamwork skills that the Legos have the ability to expand and develop while the students will have fun as they learn critical thinking skills, which will give them the extra help they need for successful careers.
“It has the capacity to do so many things that’s hands-on and that’s what we are looking for,” said Tiffany Mitchell, special education coordinator for Cullman County Schools. “We will be getting these programs out to the schools at the end of the week or early next week. We are just so excited,” she smiled happily.
“One of the greatest lessons I’ve ever learned about being a successful leader is to surround yourself with great people,” said Superintendent Dr. Craig Ross of Cullman County Schools. “Projects like this are exactly where that comes in. I had very little do to with this initiative, however, Mrs. Mitchell, Dr. Franey, and Mrs. Shuman have all worked diligently on making sure our students have this opportunity, and as she said, it’s not just for the elementary students, but there’s also the middle and high school students who will be getting a dose of robotics. As we continue our mantra towards more opportunity for all of our students of Cullman County, this fits right into the plan. I’m very proud of the team!”
The Cullman County school system is lucky to have such dedicated teachers and administrative personnel. The love they show for their students radiates throughout each classroom. As a result, the children of Cullman County gain the skills and the desire to be the best they can be.
This story was originally published in the October 27, 2014 print issue of CullmanSense print edition
