Robots, 3D Printers and More: New Tech Equipment for Clarkstown Schools

A $112,500 state grant helped Clarkstown district officials buy 21st century equipment for the schools, including:

• 50 Scribbler Robots
• 30 ChromeBooks
• 6 Makerbot 3D Printers & Accessories
• 4 Phantom 2 QuadCopter Vision+ drones
• 1 Robotics Classroom Competition Super Kit
• Hydroponics Lab Supplies
• Cameras for CCSD Buses

State Senator David Carlucci, who helped get the grant, visited Felix Festa Middle School Thursday to see some of the equipment in action.

Student Olivia Louden presented Carlucci with a 3D model, right out of one of the new 3D printers, depicting the Senator’s name and inscribed with the message, “Thank you from the students at CCSD.”

According to Carlucci, most of the equipment was for the recently completed STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) lab at Felix Festa.

Over the last decade, he said, an increased emphasis on preparing students to choose a career in a STEAM field has prompted many school districts across the country to invest in resources that encourage their students to learn more about science, math, engineering, arts and technology. The Clarkstown School District is no different, and this state funding has allowed students at Felix Festa the opportunity to gain invaluable experience in the STEAM field prior to entering high school.

He did point out that additionally, a portion of the funding went towards the purchase and installation of security cameras for several buses owned by the district, increasing the safety of the hundreds of students who are transported to the school daily.

“By encouraging students to learn more about S.T.E.A.M. during their formative, academic years, we as lawmakers and educators will ensure that our students are prepared to enter these innovative and exciting careers,” said Carlucci. “This investment will go a long way in the future successes of the students at Felix Festa, and I look forward to seeing the mark that they make on our world.”