When Maverick McClendon, Gifted and Talented teacher at Marietta Elementary School was contacted by a representative of Noble Research Affiliates about the possibility of a donation to the school’s G/T program, he couldn’t say “yes” fast enough.
“I told them that the school had just added me as the STEM and Robotics Teacher for our elementary G/T program and this was a Godsend!” McClendon said.
That began a process that allowed the transfer of several thousand dollars’ worth of equipment to the school and cost the school only $75 for a computer program necessary to use the new gear. The school received the donation on Wednesday, December 1, delivered by Noble.
The donation included different types of drones, assembled and unassembled robots, batteries, tools, spare parts, and supplies and will be used in the G/T and STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) programs.
“These materials will help our students learn engineering skills and programming, collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” said McClendon. “This is the direction our world is headed in, and using this donation, we can teach our students skills that will provide them a beginning that they can build on through the rest of their school career and beyond.”
Tammy Sherfield, the district’s Gifted and Talented Director said the donation will be a game changer for their elementary program.
“We can’t thank the people at Noble Research Affiliates enough for their donation to our G/T and STEM programs,” said Sherfield. “Their support of Marietta Public Schools will provide our students with some fantastic opportunities. Thanks to Noble’s generosity and Mr. McClendon’s work, our students will be the winners.”