Dive into the Fun World of Interactive Spaces at Gallup McKinley County Schools! 

by | Oct 7, 2024 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Image of Gallup McKinley County Schools graduate profile. The photo shows four different sections of the graduate profile. In the upper left side of the photo it shows a picture of a book with a stream flowing through it and sunset behind it. Below the picture it reads "Lifelong Learner, Authentic, Reflective, Uses Technology." In the upper right side of the photo it shows a woman with a light going on in her brain. Below it reads, “Creative & Critical Thinker. Solves problems, shares work, and perseveres. In the lower left of the photo it shows two people pending their fists together in praise. Above it reads, “Effective Collaborator. Listens, shows mutual respect, and builds a team.” In lower right of the photo it shows a man with their phone facing the camera and a check list being checked off on the phone. The text above reads, “Responsible Individual. Accountable, prepared, and organized.”

Hey there, makers and shakers! 🌟 Gallup McKinley County Schools recently hosted an exciting Discovery Center Assistants (DCA) Summit, and it was a blast! This event was all about celebrating our amazing Discovery Center Assistants and sharing tips on how to make the most of our interactive and maker space items in the library. Here’s a quick rundown of the learning and some tips to get you started on your own maker journey! 

A Journey of Creativity and Innovation 

Several years ago, Gallup McKinley County Schools redesigned their library spaces to be more dynamic and engaging. The spaces are in alignment with the Gallup McKinley Graduate Profile. Spaces boast cool stuff like 3D printers, drones, early literacy tools, and more. These spaces are designed to spark creativity and critical thinking in students, preparing them for the future. 

Highlights from the Discovery Center Assistants Summit 

The summit was a day full of learning and fun. Here are some of the key activities: 

  • Reflecting on Progress: We examined artifacts from the early days of the Discovery Center Assistants program. 
  • Recognizing Heroes: We gave a shout-out to those who have supported the Discovery Center Assistants. 
  • Failing Forward: This activity was all about embracing challenges and learning from failures. 
  • Flash Sessions: Discovery Center Assistants shared their best tips and tricks in quick, impactful sessions. 
  • Problem-Solving Rotations: Participants moved between tables to share and troubleshoot common issues. 
  • Gallery Walk: We wrapped up with a walk to review and record ideas. 
gallup teacher group

Ready to Go for the Gold? 

With an Olympic theme, the summit left everyone pumped and ready to “Go for the Gold.” Our Discovery Center Assistants are like torchbearers, lighting the way for students to explore, create, and innovate. The Summit was made possible by NCCE’s fabulous teacher librarian experts Erin Downey, Paige Eisemann, and Sarah Moukhliss.

“Thank you so much for opening my mind to using Copilot and School AI for ideas when we are stuck or pressed for time.”   

“It is always awesome to have training each year with new ideals for our future happiness in our Discovery Center.”

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the maker spaces at your library and start your journey today! 

Tips for Getting Started with Interactive Spaces

  1. Start Small: Don’t be overwhelmed by all the options. Pick one or two items to begin with, like a 3D printer or a set of drones. 
  2. Learn Together: Team up with friends or classmates to explore and learn together. It’s more fun and less intimidating! 
  3. Embrace Mistakes: Remember, it’s okay to fail. Each mistake is a step towards mastering new skills. 
  4. Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to ask your Discovery Center Assistants or teachers for guidance. They’re there to help you succeed. 
  5. Stay Curious: Keep experimenting and trying new things. The more you explore, the more you’ll discover. 
gallup teacher group

NCCE: Your Partner in Education

At NCCE, we are passionate about seeing students succeed. We offer a diverse range of resources to help elevate your classroom and prepare students for the future. From professional learning to cutting-edge educational technology, we are here to support you every step of the way. For more information, visit our website or contact us today.

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