Aug 27, 2008 4:59 pm US/Eastern
New State-Of-The-Art School Opens In Crofton
CROFTON, Md. (WJZ) ―
Growth in Anne Arundel County has lead to crowded classrooms near Crofton.
But as Mike Schuh reports, a new hi-tech solution opened for business Wednesday.
All the new families in fast-growing Crofton brought overcrowded elementary schools.
The schools superintendent and the county executive got an economics lesson at the new Nantucket Elementary School.
They saw firsthand what a thoroughly modern elementary school looks like and how much it cost -- more than $24 million.
"Twenty-four million seems like a lot, but it's well worth it," said County Executive John Leopold.
It gets them not only a new building for 700 students, but teachers who are amplified.
The new technology in some of the classrooms will allow their voices heard over speakers in the room.
In order to make the learning fun and interactive, there are no chalkboards. Every single classroom has what's called a "smartboard."
Even the lockers are wider in the new building because book bags have grown.
Parents are thrilled about the new building because the kids seem more engaged.
"I love the school...love it, love it," said Thara Kolesar.
"Hoping that all the new technology will keep him occupied. As you can see, he likes to move around a lot," said Cheryl Harris.
The technology extends to security. Cameras monitor and record the outside, as well as the inside.
"I think it's good because of the security they've implemented here," said Sandy Kavanaugh.
The extra technology built into that school cost $325,000.
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