The create space on the second floor of the juniorsenior has been dubbed “ The Shop .”
A sneak peek of the recording studio , before equipment was installed . arlynton-Montour CARLYNTON SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
The Shop is OPEN
The space that formerly occupied the library in the juniorsenior high school is nearly unrecognizable to those who once made use of the room to study , read , or check out a book . Old carpeting was been lifted and floors now have a concrete , industrial vibe . The chunky tables and chairs have been swapped for pillows , bean bag seating , and workstations . Rows of shelving with books have been replaced by a living wall , computers , televisions , and power tools . On a back wall , a large graphic with gears and lettering reads , “ The Shop at Carlynton , 100 % Student Made .” Lettering on another wall suggests the room ’ s purpose : “ Mentoring tomorrow ’ s entrepreneurs .”
In a day when every student has the potential to carry a global library on a device in his or her pocket , the role of a physical library has been reimagined to invite student communication and collaboration . The Shop at Carlynton is engaging students
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The back wall suggests the purpose of the innovative space . Students will have the opportunity to sell items they create . by way of a hands-on , cooperative learning environment where they can share knowledge and resources to design and create in a variety of dimensions using real-world applications . The space , modeled after YOUMedia at the Chicago Public Library and guided by a partnership with Carnegie Mellon University , is facilitated by Fluency Project Coach Wendy Steiner . Funding through a Ready to Learn grant has made the space possible .
Work stations throughout The Shop engage users across all core disciplines of the curriculum . A model train platform incorporates circuitry and engineering . A venture to design and build a large-scaled model to replicate one or more of the three local communities , when completed , will integrate the train making its rounds through the boroughs .
In a far corner , a gaming area is fostering game design and development . A separate studio offers students the chance to work with CAD , three-dimensional printing , and animation software . Next door is a recording studio , allowing students to create and record podcasts , rehearse for auditions , or practice a musical instrument . A quiet reading nook and a living wall of herbs and house plants adds some ambience to the room .
Fashion design , jewelry making , nail art , a Lego station , silkscreening , a poster maker , and an area for building with power tools , soldering , and wood burning rounds out several other work areas . Future plans includes the installation of art , photography , and robotics stations , and a food lab to explore and create hydroponic gardens . Student interest will drive forthcoming additions to the space .
The Shop is open during school hours and Mrs . Steiner offers training workshops before and after school . As students become proficient in areas , they will become leaders or mentors to guide others through the learning process . Items created in The Shop will be sold , steering students to explore entrepreneurial opportunities .
Credit for the transformation of the creative space goes to district maintenance staff who worked tirelessly to remove furniture , carpeting , strip and level the floors , paint the walls , constructed a platform for trains , and upgrade electrical circuits , as well as installing new equipment . Image 360 of Crafton was contracted to design and install the wall graphics .
An open house will be held in May to enable parents and community members to visit and explore The Shop .