Technology has cemented itself as a critical component of modern education. At Digital Guadian, we believe that it's critical for students to have access to tech resources so that they can start building computer skills from a young age. That's why we recently teamed up with the Parker-Varney Elementary School in Manchester, NH to provide used keyboards for an art installment in their new Innovation Learning Lab. The lab is a new facility designed to enhance learning and give students opportunities to benefit from modern technology. It's the first step in the NH Priority School's innovation plan, created to help improve learning and student achievement through personalized education.

Fourth graders hard at work gathering keys to create innovation-themed artwork for the lab.

Principal Amy Allen was the brains behind the Parker-Varney innovation plan, which included turning their outdated library into the Innovation Learning Lab – a collaborative effort between Amy's team and students. The next phase? Amy plans to "Focus on engagement and creativity. We are excited to look at these new projects across all curriculum areas. We firmly believe in the focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) to prepare our students for a global work environment. We are a Pre-K to Grade 5 School. We will start computer coding with our Kindergarten!"

One by one, the students glue keys to cardboard letters.

Amy's plan attracted national attention, earning her an invite to present on the program at the Building Systemic and Sustainable Turnaround Efforts conference in San Francisco earlier this Fall. Last week, the school held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the lab.

Smiling students with their near-finished sign.

There seems to be great excitement around the new lab and innovation plan at the school and Amy shared her own excitement with us after the ribbon cutting event:

"Access to computers and the internet has become a basic need for education and our youth in today’s society. Digital Guardian came to the rescue and fulfilled a key art initiative for the Parker-Varney School. We appreciate ALL of your kind donations; equipment was put to great use by our school."

All done and looking great!

We're glad that Amy reached out and gave us an opportunity to be involved with such a valuable school improvement initiative. We wish her team success in growing Parker-Varney's innovation program and hope to see more schools follow suit!

Students standing proudly in front their new artwork.

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the Innovation Learning Lab.

Fourth graders checking out their new laptops.

Two students speaking at the ribbon cutting ceremony.