CMS IN THE NEWS
posted: Fri, Nov 15th, 2019

The Cube is here!

Students and teachers love The Cube, CMS’ new multifunctional learning area. The Cube, created by combining a resource room with a classroom, provides the space for a variety of purposes such as STEAM projects, for example, and even whole-grade instruction. With furnishings that divide the space into separate learning sections, The Cube is also the perfect spot for small groups of students to simultaneously work on different projects; here, kids have the space they need to spread out and be active learners.

Instructional technology in The Cube includes a bank of four computers, a printer, and an interactive computer whiteboard. The tables are made from the same outer material as erasable marker boards, letting students easily brainstorm, plan, and collaborate. A swipe with a dry eraser is all it takes to make a change or clean the slate and ready the table for the next class.

Teachers have just begun to explore ways of using the space. In The Cube, kindergarten classes worked on a hands-on STEAM project with LEGOs, second grade classes completed a virtual escape room, and the entire fifth grade videoconferenced with a scientist over Skype, to name just some of the activities.

An instructional change freed up the space at CMS that allowed The Cube to become a reality. CMS and the other three elementary schools have embraced inclusion – the practice of integrating special education students into general education classes for most or all of the school day, with the in-class support of special education teachers. Inclusion reduces the need to pull out students for specialized instruction and has the added benefit of freeing up instructional space.

When developing The Cube, Principal Kevin Moore envisioned a space that had the look and feel of an internet café. To design the room, he called on Dani Marangon, academic interventionist for math who is currently serving as interim instructional supervisor. Mrs. Marangon kept the open floor plan but used clusters of different furniture to establish separate learning areas, all while keeping The Cube as utilitarian as possible.

The Cube is located at the end of the fourth and fifth grade wing.