Update on the Project and Research Center

As many of you know the school library is under a major transformation. Many of the shelves that housed the fiction books in the library have been taken out and several more shelves are slated to be removed either late this week or early next week. We are hoping to have the PRC painted over Christmas break, but don't worry students are still able to use the facility. Just today I saw a group of students practicing a reader's theatre performance where our new performing arts area will be. Students are still able to check out the nonfiction books and even use the mini computer lab that was installed earlier this year.
Computer technicians were here today installing a system in the PRC that will allow Estes students to film the news in the morning and also gives them the opportunity to film movies during the day. One of the projects the maintenance department is working on in building us a green screen. If you don't know what a green screen is, it is a screen that allows students to edit the background of the screen while filming. You could have students standing in the PRC, but it may look like they are on a safari in Africa.
The bulky desks that were in the computer zone are being replaced with a counter top that will be shaped in a L. In that part of the PRC will also be an area for students to draw designs for their projects. That whole area will become where students come and work on collaborative projects.
The area that was Mrs. Lovett's office is being transformed into a wet room. The wet room will allow students to work on various experiments dealing with water. The room will also be used for cleanup after painting projects.
The performing arts area will feature a curtain that will allow students not be seen backstage. Behind the curtain students will have all of their props for plays. We hope to get theater lighting to shine on the students while they perform.
As you can tell, we have big plans for the Project and Research Center. Starting next week fourth grade will be using it to do a project on designing plant packages. The PRC will also be used for Kindergarten and First grade MAP testing in a few weeks.
Do not worry about the students not going to library because they have library every day in their rooms.  The students have so many more choices on getting best fit books than ever before. Their teachers know their reading levels and can point to book baskets that will have your child's reading level.
If your students aren't bringing books home to read, don't forget we have free online resources where your child can read at any time.