My colleague, Kat Sauter, and I teach in what used to be the Cosmetology classroom at Fox Tech High School. In the newly formed Advanced Learning Academy (this is its 4th year), our room has become known as “The Makerspace.” Kat and I felt like this generic term, which has come to mean many things to many people, did not quite fit our learning environment. We set about to rebrand it.
The building where we are housed was named after the principal who was a strong advocate for technical and vocational education, Louis Fox. In honor of him and our shared beliefs in hands-on, place-based learning, we decided to call our space, “Zorro Astuto Studio.” “Zorro” means “fox” in Spanish. “Astuto” means “clever or crafty.” We think it fits our program perfectly.
After much blood, sweat, and possibly a few words of mild profanity, Kat and I got one room of the studio repainted before school started. With the help of Kat’s sister-in-law, our larger room is almost done. Students who used the space last year have been very complimentary about all of the changes we’ve made. We have several areas that showcase past student projects – such as 3d printed Fiesta medals, skateboards, and inspirational signs – but we are also trying to leave room for future ones as well.
So, what’s happening in this transformed space? Stay tuned to this blog, our Twitter account (@StudioZorro), and our Instagram (@StudioZorro) for more on how our students in grades 4-12 will be using this space to create!
Awesome!! Love what you both are doing!! My third will be there next year.
I met your third the other night! What a sweetie! So glad to have your family at ALA!