Learning stitch by stitch
Technology grant brings Wi-Fi-enabled sewing machines to students
AmyLeigh Harrison’s students can thread
their way through cyberspace thanks to a
technology grant. Harrison, a Career and
Technical Education teacher at Rocky River
High, received a $5,000 Hornets Teacher
Innovation Grant to purchase Spiegel sewing
machines equipped with Wi-Fi and camera
lenses. She teaches apparel classes.
Harrison has about 60 students each
semester. She said the demand for the
apparel courses has increased and she hopes
it will continue to expand. With the new
equipment, her students will create their own
educational videos and tutorials. They will be
able to track their individ ual progress, share it
with each other and on social media.
“Using sewing as a means of
creative exchange can create a new
era of possibilities, self-marketing and
entrepreneurship opportunities,” said Harrison. “I can see creating a virtual
sewing site using the technology as a springboard for questions, teaching and
inspiring other young learners.”
The sewing machines, unveiled during an event Nov. 1, have 350
standard stitches, more than most machines. The machines are compatible
with smart phones or tablets and the free Spiegel Social Sewing application
provides users with video tutorials and special features. As students use the
machine, they can see the area being stitched on their device.
“I couldn’t wait to use the machine,” said 11th-grader Ana Sandoval. “I
like making double-stitched scarves, so what I found most helpful is seeing
what I am doing from above on my device. I’m excited to explore the other
features.”
During the unveiling, students heard from people in the industry. Richard
Lowe, Spiegel’s international creative director;
Karen Dixon, owner of Front Door Fabrics and
Interiors; Christine Lukowitsch, textile artist
and owner of Little Lotte Studio; Lemond
Hart, owner of House of Lemond, a vintage
menswear boutique, and Aly Amidei, an
assistant professor of costume design for the
University of North Carolina at Charlotte, each
shared how they became successful.
“Don’t despise humble beginnings. I
started in my bedroom taking photos of my
work and posting it to Instagram,” said Hart,
an Independence High graduate. “Now, I own
my boutique, work with celebrities and in
February will be creating a clothes line for an
Atlantic City fashion show. Use the tools you
are given to their fullest capacity.”
The speakers also emphasized the variety
of careers available to students.
“Look at the tables, chairs and bookcases around you. Someone designed
those,” said Dixon. “If you love creativity, you can design anything. Make sure
you are paying attention in math class, too, because you will use pi if you
decide to go into interior design.”
Twelfth-graders Fox Scott and Caitlin Rivera like their apparel course
for different reasons. Fox is interested in pursuing a career in the fashion
industry. He has already made some scarves and wants to learn how to make
sweatshirts. For Caitlin, sewing is more of a relaxing hobby. Both are looking
forward to seeing how the new machines will expand what they are learning.
“As a student gives life to a project, the accomplishment feels great
and even the smallest usable object is usually cherished for years to come,”
said Harrison. “As a 21st-century educator, it is my responsibility to give my
students access and opportunities. We have great things happening here.”
CMS announces five-point response to recent bus fire incidents
CMS leaders announced a five-point plan in response to recent bus fires. “We are
unequivocally committed to doing everything possible to protect the safety and well-being of
students, whether they be in the classroom, on the athletic field, in any CMS facility, involved
in any CMS activity or on a CMS school bus,” said Tracy Russ, chief communications officer.
CMS Chief Operations Officer Carol Stamper outlined a series of steps the district is
taking to ensure student and staff safety:
1. Investigation -- CMS has asked the bus manufacturer, senior inspectors from the
N.C. Department of Instruction Transportation Division and fire inspectors from the City of
Charlotte to conduct an independent investigation into the cause of this fire and to advise us of any possible widespread safety concerns.
2. Immediate review -- Maintenance procedures, practices and policies will be reviewed to protect the safety of our passengers and
staff.
3. We will reinspect all buses of this type as areas of concern from this investigation are identified and we will act as needed.
4. Criminal investigation -- CMSPD and CMPD are investigating, including a review of surveillance footage of the bus lot.
5. Safety drills -- All drivers and staff will participate in bus emergency-exit procedure drills.
“We want to assure families that CMS buses are safe and we are doing everything in our power to keep them safe,” Stamper said.
CMS will release the findings of the current investigation into the bus fire on board bus #188 as soon as they are available.
Parent Teacher Magazine • January/February 2018 • 5