When Evan Eibner first learned he would be forced to leave Glenmar Elementary after five years for a new school, he was upset, sad — even angry.
But with his new elementary school’s LCD projectors, interactive white boards and TV studio, the fifth-grader said he was settling in just fine. In fact, he said, “it feels like home.
“Maybe it’s because I’m here seven hours a day,” he said, emphasis on the seven. “Or because I’ve gotten used to everything.”
State senators, delegates, Baltimore County council members and educators came together Thursday morning to celebrate the county’s newest public school, Vincent Farm Elementary.
The $25 million school in White Marsh is the first in the county to use environmentally friendly geothermal technology to heat and cool itself, and it will relieve overcrowding at Chapel Hill and Glenmar elementaries.
“A really successful school ought to be the hub of a community,” said State Superintendent of Schools Nancy Grasmick. “I believe this school will be the hub of this community.”
Officials lauded the school’s technology, which can be used to better connect with students and hold their interest. Morning announcements, for instance, are not broadcast over a loudspeaker. Fifth-grade students use the TV studio in the library to announce the school news each day live into classrooms.
In addition, chalkboards have been replaced by white boards, which display a computer screen that can be controlled with the touch of a pointer. Students are “just mesmerized that they can control the board with this magical pen,” librarian Gina McDonald said.
County Superintendent Joe Hairston has made improving technology in the classroom his top priority this school year, and Vincent Farm will serve as a model for other schools, he said.
Grasmick concluded: “This school speaks for itself.”
