The Pattonville district technology specialist team hosted a maker fair in the Learning Center board room on Dec. 7. It was also an opportunity for staff to showcase their own creative projects and network with other makers. 

“We wanted to come up with something that wasn’t necessarily professional development but something that was a community event,” Stephanie McCreary said who works as the DTS at Willow Brook Elementary School and Remington Traditional School. 

Staff had the chance to create a T-shirt using a design they created in Canva, check out a 3D printer demonstration, and learn a few pointers from the technology department.

“We provided Cricut machines and heat presses so staff could make their own T-shirts using white iron-on vinyl,” McCreary said. “We wanted to give a chance to show what equipment like that and the 3D printer could do and help people think outside the box and how it can help them in the classroom or a building.”

Nancy Henley, Pattonville’s director of accounting, was able to learn about Canva by working with Chip Ianiri, the DTS at Bridgeway and Parkwood elementary schools.

“There was an opportunity to learn something new,” McCreary said. “Everyone got a chance.”