Sawdust News April 2024

 

A Message from Mike

Can we talk about absenteeism? As many of you know all too well, students are not showing up for school. As the NYTimes recently wrote, "The pandemic changed families’ lives and the culture of education: “Our relationship with school became optional.”" (1)

So what can we do? Frequent, intensive tutoring seems to help and so does tactile, collaborative work like woodworking.

In our research, 29% of administrators saw better attendance as a result of implementing the Maplewoodshop program (and 71% saw improved behavior among other benefits).

For those who are using our program, please share your insights and experiences. For those considering our program, consider this recent feedback from a middle school principal who shared that our program dramatically boosted self-esteem as a result of creating and taking home their woodworking projects. This, in turn, has helped with attendance.

Please let us know how we can help you with improving attendance, math scores, social development and career exploration.

Thanks for reading.

Mike

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/03/29/us/chronic-absences.html

 

Did you know?

Early exposure to CTE is crucial for several reasons. It allows students to explore their interests, develop practical skills, and gain insights into potential career paths. Maplewoodshop focuses on creating engaging and educational programs that introduce children to the fundamentals of craftsmanship, design, and problem-solving.

Shout out to New Jersey for their efforts to increase career awareness in middle schools

Middle Grades Awareness and Exploration Program-Year 3 (24-VE07-G06) Self and career awareness give purpose and meaning, enhancing the self-direction and hope of youth (Akos, 2020). Early career and skill development also empower youth to make short- and long-term informed educational decisions and have the potential to create excitement and passion about future career opportunities.

Middle grades schools are well positioned to implement this initiative because of the organizational structures, programs and practices that support students’ unique academic, developmental, and social needs such as smaller learning communities, looping, advisory programs, and interdisciplinary teams.

1.1.1 Expected Outcomes of the Grant Program

1. Increase students’ awareness of career and technical education (CTE) opportunities and New Jersey’s key industry pathways;

2. Enhance students’ self-awareness of interests;

3. Build the capacity of teachers to integrate career focused instruction aligned to students’ interests into instruction;

4. Build the capacity of school counselors to provide career information to students;

5. Increase collaboration between the middle grades and secondary schools regarding CTE offerings;

6. Increase students’ ability to make informed decisions about secondary and postsecondary options, and career pathways; and

7. Identify and disseminate resources, innovative strategies, and best practices that can be used to support other schools.

https://www.nj.gov/education/grants/opportunities/2024/24-VE07-G06.shtml 

 

Funding Sources

Check out this great list of national foundations that could support your STEAM program (including Maplewoodshop).  

We Are Teachers - 45 Best Education Grants for Teachers and Schools

 

Program Updates

MAPLEWOODSHOP STARTER AND MAPLEWOODSHOP MINI PROGRAMS!

Ideal for programs with limited time/budget, and perfect introductions for younger woodworkers. Both versions include integrated tools, safety equipment, work benches, work boards, lesson plans, pre-recorded training, support and project materials.

Learn more here then give our wonderful Account Executive John a holler here.

 

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The Orange Pencil Award

Congratulations to Jacqueline Riutort at School of the Future in NYC. In her small classroom, Jackie is opening students' minds to both the art and science of STEM by using woodworking and other media. Her students' creations are proudly on display in hallways. Rock on Jackie and we are excited to see what your and your student's creativity comes up with next!

 

Welcome to the Family

Welcome one and welcome all!

  • P.S. 177 - The Marlboro School in Brooklyn, NY

  • I.S. 303 Herbert S. Eisenberg in Brooklyn, NY

  • P.S./I.S. 25R South Richmond High School in Staten Island, NY

  • Bay District Schools in Florida

  • P.S. 060 Woodhaven in Queens, NY

 

Upcoming events

Skills USA NJ Chapter competition
9AM - 3PM, April 13, Northeast Carpenters Training Center 75 Fieldcrest Ave
Edison New Jersey, 08837

Details here
Come see the showcase of talent New Jersey has to offer in this exciting annual contest that evaluates each competitor’s preparation for employment, professionalism, and excellence.

 

Maker Madness

10AM-3PM, April 27 - our 10th and where Maplewoodshop was born.
Maplewood, NJ  

Details here
Columbia High School

 

Other Info

Hosting a webinar? Presenting at an upcoming state or regional conference? If so, please email hannah@maplewoodshop.com. We’d love to offer our support – from providing the most up-to-date information on CTE and woodworking, to sharing your upcoming session on our social media outlets, and more.

Write for us! One of the best ways to earn recognition for the work you do is to write about it. We are interested in submissions about implementing CTE in the classroom, experiences with project-based learning, teaching insights, and any new trends you’re spotting. Email hannah@maplewoodshop.com to learn more.

Contact us today to bring woodworking to your school this year.

 
Mike Schloff