BCS Advantage Magazine Fall 2017 | Page 9

The Soapbox Derby Race Car Club: Kaylee Nolan, Stephanie McCrary, Mr. Travis Walker, Michael Solodovnik, and Levi Paden. The driver is Timothy Pressley. Joe P. Eblen Intermediate After-School Clubs By Stacia Harris, Communications Department Fifth- and Sixth-graders at Eblen Intermediate don’t just learn reading, writing, and math; these students have the opportunity to be a part of many different after-school clubs. The topics range from art and chorus to a soapbox derby race car club and Raices, which is a traditional Mexican dance group. Teacher Travis Walker has advised the soapbox derby race car club for several years. “Many of the skills that students use in preparing the car align with state standards in both Math and Science. This is a great opportunity for our students to use what they learn in class and apply it to a real-world experience,” he said. The students begin the year by preparing a car for a downhill race at the North Carolina Science Festival Gravity Games! Last year’s team finished fifth out of 79 schools in the state! “Race Car Club is the best club in Eblen Intermediate school,” said sixth-grader Timothy Pressley. “When I went to the competition I thought it was an honor to be in the car and race down the track because very few people get to race in a soap box derby car.” Digital 1:1 BCS strives to prepare students to become high-achieving and globally competitive learners. A significant part of this goal is our Digital Learning Initiative. We are working to provide all students, K-12, with their own digital device. These convertible touchscreen laptops are used in many different ways. “The 1:1 initiative has provided our students and teachers with the resources of an enhanced, flexible, and personalized learning environment,” said principal Chip Cody. “It’s engaging, on-demand, and connects students to a modern, global learning experience.” The Digital Learning Initiative helps students access the curriculum in new and innovative ways. To learn more about this program, visit BCSAdvantage.org 7