“Using the $500 grant, we purchased 30 headphones for general music class. These headphones are used for two units that we teach each semester: piano and hip hop. In the piano unit, students are able to use the headphones to practice, as not to disrupt others that are also practicing.

During the hip hop unit, students plug into iPads while writing original hip hop tracks in GarageBand. Without the headphones the classroom would be noisy and chaotic during these units. Some photos of the students in my class are attached.”-Mr. Rob Reams- AHs Jr. High Band Director, Percussion Instructor and Armstrong Taiko Instructor

This project gave students enrolled in art at Armstrong Junior Senior High School opportunities to learn about and use higher quality colored pencils. This not only elevated their work, but also gave them the chance to explore more STEAM and SEL learning in their work across all art classes. Projects already implemented included drawing projects in middle and high school in which students learned professional blending techniques and were able to make extremely high quality work. Projects included important STEAM learning techniques such as providing choice, critical thinking skills and decision making. These important themes connect to Twenty-First Century Learning, and help give our students a place to practice decision making and taking creative risks. Students were able to build their skills and gain confidence in their own decision making, which is also important for Social and Emotional Learning.

One specific example of a recent Mandala project completed at middle school level (7th grade) encompassed all the themes that were important for the focus of this project. Students learned about Mandalas and Zentangles. Both of these art terms were new to most students (Art). They learned about the Social and Emotional history of these words, but they also learned how they could create Zentangles to handle big emotions, and we were able to make connections to the Character Strong Program being utilized in the district (SEL). Students used their Chromebooks to create Mandalas using the Mandala Creator App (Technology). Students were able to use and practice with their measuring and division skills to create a template for a Mandala (Math). They then drafted their designs using pencils, with the options to use rulers and tools in the room to ensure their Mandala met certain criteria (Engineering). Students were encouraged to research color schemes online to learn about the psychological effects of color on the human mind, and were able to choose their colors based on these ideas (Science). Lastly, students were given multiple choices and given opportunities to make different decisions (Twenty-First Century Skills). They were able to choose between three options for materials to add color to their Mandalas. Most students chose to combine materials, and utilized our new colored pencils while also using watercolors. The designs they created had far more vibrancy than previous times I have taught this lesson, and students were far more engaged as they learned sophisticated blending techniques and mixed media techniques I had not had the opportunity to teach them about with our old materials.

Below are photographs of examples of multiple projects at various grade levels created using our new materials in art class! Some of our high schoolers here at Armstrong were chosen to represent AHS at this year’s PA-15 Congressional Art Competition with art they made with these materials! The Art Department at Armstrong Junior Senior High is thrilled to use our new materials to help our students build their confidence!”- Ms.Ashley Potter, AHS

This grant allowed us to buy new art display walls and hangers for each building. These walls are being used for displaying student artwork within each school, but are also portable and we plan to use them for a collaborative community arts exhibition in 2025. For now, we are able to set them up, move them around the building, and display student work visibly and professionally anywhere we want. The aim of this purchase was to help us reach our goals of improved school environment and positive community engagement.

*Displaying artwork makes the learning process tangible. It is an organic part of the learning process. Instead of finishing a project and having it be an end to the process, students now get to see their work as part of the school environment, revisit it, and see interaction with it. The more space we have to display work, the more engagement all of our students can have with the exhibition process; art isn’t a competition, it is a display of diversity and difference.

*Displaying artwork honors experimentation and process. When teachers display students’ artwork, they’re sending a message that the artistic process is valued. Students often express frustration that their artwork doesn’t look like an older peer’s, a friend’s, or an example they are seeing. Displaying their pieces gives value to their hard work and persistence; it glorifies their creative risk and experimentation.

*Seeing art in the hallways can spark curiosity and imagination, encouraging students to think more deeply and creatively about the world around them. Additionally, art can provide a sense of connection and community, which helps to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all students. Seeing a wide variety of art allows students and staff to connect with the art room content in their own personal way.

-Alexis Kovalovsky- Art Teacher (Armstrong Jr-Sr High School

Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Narrative

Rotary Purchase for Laser Engraver procured by Todd Crissman

Context:

The Armstrong School District Foundation (ASDF), makes resources available to enhance learning opportunities for all students of the Armstrong School District (ASD). The Foundation’s goal is to remain an approved Educational Improvement (EIO) by the Department of Community and Economic Development for eligibility to receive contributions from businesses participating in the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program.

Overview:

In some of the engineering classes that I teach, we have a laser engraver that is used extensively for engraving/cutting various materials to create a variety of objects. However, we are lacking the ability to engrave cylindrical objects that only a rotary attachment can achieve. (These items are examples of what a rotary attachment to our existing laser engraver can do: customized laser engraved mugs, cups, baseball bats, etc.)

Goals:

The goals of acquiring the Laser Rotary would be that students will benefit because it will further their understanding of Tech Ed/Digital Fabrication STEM concepts: ex: Engineering Design Process, Supply & Demand, Materials Engineering, Mathematics fundamentals – calculating circumference, radius, diameter, etc. Physics - Visible wavelengths, interaction between visible light and various substrates, etc.

“My students and I are so excited to have been awarded a class-wide grant this year! With the money, I was able to purchase 10 different ready-to-use, hands-on math centers. The materials are aligned with the Kindergarten standards for number identification, number writing, counting, making ten, addition, subtraction, patterns, comparing numbers, shapes and measuring. Throughout these centers, students are able to practice math concepts in a fun and engaging way. It allows for easy differentiation and one-on-one or small group help from the teacher while also fostering independence. I plan to use these centers weekly in math class to reinforce and review concepts that have already been taught. I am extremely grateful to the Armstrong School District Foundation for these wonderful materials that I plan to use for many years to come! “

Jill Thiessen Kindergarten Teacher Elderton Elementary School

My name is Lori Young, and I am a fifth grade teacher at Shannock Valley Elementary School. I was honored to receive my STEM grant through the ASD Foundation. My project was called “Break Time from Screen Time.” We are so blessed to be able to provide our students with Chromebooks for learning. However, many of our students are maxed out on the daily recommended screen time for their age level, due to gaming and social media screen time outside of school.

I wanted to provide my students with a creative, exploratory outlet within my classroom. Students absolutely love hands-on STEM learning. With the grant, I was able to purchase multiple circuit kits. These kits allow the students to learn about electricity through the use of resistors, capacitors, motors, and transistors. When the students successfully complete the circuits, they are able to see their boards “come to life” with sound, light, and motion!

My students love using the STEM Challenge cards to create various structures and designs using the magnetic tiles, magnetic sticks, and structure straws. They have created cities, bridges, amusement park rides, a car, and even a giraffe. Students are also planting and tending to a garden from the scraps of vegetables. We were also able to purchase Lego STEM kits as well. Students are building model cars and boats which are then powered into motion by a balloon.

As an educator, there is nothing better than seeing your students excited to learn! I would sincerely, on behalf of my students, like to thank the ASD Foundation for giving us the means to purchase hands-on STEM / STEAM activities.

With Gratitude,

Lori Young

“I would like to thank the Armstrong School District Foundation for awarding me the grant to purchase biotechnology equipment for the science department. With the grant, I was able to purchase six electrophoresis machines, two Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machines, two centrifuges, micropipettes, and additional lab supplies.

The pictures are from Ms. Kotyk’s Advanced Science 9 class. The students can be seen conducting a gel electrophoresis lab to determine the genotypes of six offspring for the presence of Sickle Cell Disease. This is not an opportunity that most high schools provide and certainly not in a freshman class. The students loved doing “real science” and learning techniques such as using a micropipette.

We (science department) of Armstrong High School are working hard to pioneer STEM activities to enrich the educational experience of students within the Armstrong School District. A big thank you to the Armstrong School District Foundation and their donors for making these amazing opportunities available to our students”- Whitney Petrosky, Armstrong Jr-Sr High School

Technology and Commercial Applications in the Arts: Screen-printing

“This project allowed students to participate in this commercial style art and to gain an appreciation for what it takes to create the graphics they interact with daily. They needed to follow the graphic design commercial process from idea conception, through design and composition, to stencil creation and application, on to production, and finally through product finalization and the clean-up of materials and spaces.

Students were challenged to create MULTIPLES and WEARABLES with this new medium.

STEAM Education to Create Meaningful Learning

Science- Screen printing and its commercial properties lend themselves to the study of human environment, specifically touching on the Supply and Demand chain (PA 4.8.D). Students will need to explore the social sciences (PA 10.5.B) and the scientific method and problem-solving skills (PA 3.2.C,D).

Technology- Student will research how commercial products are made, watch videos on how to complete the screen printing process. They will then need to create stencils, use a specific set of tools and instruments, and manufacture a complete project (PA 3.6.C, PA 3.7.A,B)

Engineering- To create a stencil, student will apply the components of the technological design process to an actual product. (PA 3.4.C1) They will need to refine their designs by using prototypes and modeling to ensure quality, efficiency, and productivity of a final product. (PA 3.4.D)

Arts- Students will need to practice production in the visual arts, organize their designs using the elements and principles of arts, and demonstrate and maintain materials, equipment and tools safely at work and performance spaces (PA 9.1.A,H)

Math- During screen-printing design phases, students analyze proportional relationships and use them to solve real-world and mathematical problems (PA CC.2.1.D)”

Alexis Kovalovsky
Art Teacher
Armstrong Jr. Sr. High School

“The Reducing Food Waste While Feeding the Soil Grant is helping the Family and Consumer Sciences Departments at both Armstrong and West Shamokin High Schools. Through this grant, we were able to purchase a Lomi Composter, seed starter kits, seed heat mats, plant lights and other supplies to grow various herbs, flowers, and plants. Throughout the year, students saved food scraps (egg shells, fruit and vegetable peels, etc.) that they placed in the Lomi composter which turned the food waste into plant food compost in less than 4-6 hours. We were able to run the Lomi 3 to 4 times a week, thus creating a large amount of compost.

West Shamokin students got into the swing of collecting the food scraps and waste quickly. Within 1 week, we had composted almost 10 gallons worth of scraps, creating about a gallon of nutrient rich soil. The students have been in absolute awe of the fact that we can take waste and create something useful from it and decrease our overall carbon footprint. We are actively collecting the compost and using it to start new seeds as well as nourish the existing plants we have in the department.

Students at Armstrong High School learned about the impact of food waste, which is the number one thing in America’s landfills. Around 22% of “garbage” is food waste, which is actually not garbage at all, but potential nutrient rich compost. One of the most eye opening fact the students found was that a head of lettuce takes up to 25 years to decompose in a landfill due to the large amount of methane gas and the lack of oxygen that is given off; landfills do not decompose food effectively. That same head of lettuce would break down quickly in a compost pile due to the oxygen rich environment that allows microbes to do their job.

AHS students were able to explore food dating and learned that “expiration dates” do not mean that a food is bad, but simply a suggested date. 37% of people will throw away food near the expiration date, even though it is perfectly safe to use afterwards for a period of time. We studied the difference between best by, use by, expiration and open dating and students learned about FIFO (first in first out). Students were introduced to food preservation (freezing, dehydrating, and canning) as a method of saving food before it could go bad. AHS students were able to use the rich compost to encourage plant growth while transplanting flower and herb seedlings which they took home to encourage students to start gardening. Our hope is to inspire students to prevent food waste, compost food scraps, and preserve food for future use.”

-Jolena McFarland
Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher
Armstrong Jr. Sr. High School and ASD Cyber Teacher

"With the assistance of the grant, the Learning Support Economics class at AHS purchased an industrial popcorn machine. The group held monthly ¨Popcorn Fridays¨ and sold popcorn at the AHS Holiday Craft Show for $1 per bag. At different times, the price was raised to $2.00 per bag to demonstrate the relationship between cost and demand. Our customers were excited about ¨Popcorn Fridays¨ and never failed to buy, even when advertising was not completed. Through this activity, the class raised over $1000.

The class studied hands-on the effect of inflation of prices, supply and demand, unit pricing, purchasing/money skills, experimented with different types of economic systems, inventory, inventory control, social skills, advertising skills, public speaking, soft skills, and many other skills and topics. Students also experienced first-hand the importance of showing up to work on time and doing their assigned tasks. Work experience can also be added to students´ employment applications and resumes.

With the proceeds, the class elected to offer two $250 scholarships for graduating seniors with IEPs/504 Plans. They also agreed to donate to Orphans of the Storm, assist in paying for a bus for a field trip, and purchase supplies for future popcorn sales.

This was an amazing and productive year-long project that could not have been done without the financial assistance of the ASD Foundation. Thank you!" 🍿🍿

-Jamie Swingle, AHS teacher
Learning Support 7th-12th
Geo/Civics 7th

“Shannock Valley Elementary was elated to receive the school wide grant from the ASD Foundation. We used the funds from this grant to book a school wide PBIS end of quarter reward - a STEM assembly. In January, students ranging from kindergarten to sixth grade were engaged in several stations led by MAD Science instructors. The stations were: Watt’s Up?, Thermodynamics, Moving Motion, and Polymer Playground. The students experienced scientific concepts at their fingertips with dry ice, homemade slime, household items used as electrical sources, and other materials turned into scientific experiments.

At the Polymer Playground station students made concoctions of slime and oobleck while learning the basics of chemistry. During Watt’s Up, electrical circuits were made using coins to explore the power of conductors, insulators, transistors, and other elements of electricity. As the students experienced the magic of dry ice, their knowledge of thermodynamics grew. This station engaged students in the shifts of states of matter through the concept of sublimation. Lastly, students put themselves to work by testing their ability put Newton’s three laws of motion into action. This station was a fan favorite as they attempted to yank a tablecloth from beneath a set of dishes without destroying the dinner set.

Shannock Valley Elementary had the best day with MAD science at the assembly. Thank you ASD Foundation for allowing us the opportunity to experience a STEM day as a positive behavior reward!”

- Ingrid Sell, Shannock Valley Elementary Teacher

The students in Mrs. Hogan’s room have been on a Treasure Hunt while completing their mystery novel unit. The adventure began with a strange key and a note from Mrs. Hogan’s Great-Great-Great-x6 Grandfather. Many characters sent them notes, puzzles, and ciphers to crack. Even though they met some double-crossing pirates that didn’t tell the truth, they were able to open the treasure chest at the end!

Thank you to the Armstrong School District Foundation for enabling our students to take this journey. 🏴‍☠️🔑🧩🧠

"Save the Backpacks"

$5,000 Department Wide Grant

"Our Save the Backpacks project has been a wonderful learning opportunity and such a blessing to our students. We now have the ability to repair and reinforce many more textile products that our students own due to acquiring the Janome HD9BE machine. This machine can stitch heavy duty material with its larger gauge needle and easily makes stitches with heavy weight thread. It has a long tabletop extension which makes it easier to stitch larger projects. The extension table is removable to customize the access point of the machine for different projects.

This semester the students at Armstrong and West Shamokin we were able to fix many book bags, sport bags, hats, and purses including the strapping, handles, and zipper replacement. Our students were able to view demonstrations/videos on how to thread an industrial machine based on the weight of the thread for optimum tension. They also learned how to set and adjust the bobbin tension for the thread weight. Repair techniques were introduced with the focus of how to position and pin the fabric for their repairs as well as the particulars of reinforcement stitching techniques. Students demonstrated many techniques including removing stitching, reinforcing fabric with nylon strapping, resetting and aligning bag shoulder straps and lastly, to stitch them.

Maddie McConnell at West Shamokin, pictured below, even was able to reinforce the stitches to the softball practice net. The machine was also utilized at West Shamokin for creating costumes for the spring musical out of drapery. Thank you to the Armstrong School District Foundation for awarding us the Save the Backpacks project! It has been a very fun and rewarding experience for all involved!"- Angela Poster

Family & Consumer Sciences Teacher

Armstrong Jr-Sr High School

SVE would like to thank the Armstrong School District Foundation for their generous grant for our Mad Science assembly! The kids enjoyed a morning of interactive stations, testing and experiencing many science concepts. It was a wonderful way to end the second nine weeks! We look forward to more times like these.

“We’d like to thank the ASD Foundation for their financial support and assistance in purchasing instruments and equipment for Armstrong Taiko. Without them, much of what you see tonight wouldn’t be possible.” -

Armstrong Taiko and Armstrong Junior High Band Director, Rob Reams.

Gaining STEAM- A Hands-on Investigation and Application Approach

Flexible Demonstration Station

“Adopt a Wild Child”