Donation Brings Cutting Edge Lab to School

WILDWOOD — Students returning to Wildwood Middle School found eager teachers, sparkling floors, sharpened pencils, and a new state-of-the art science laboratory that helps bring the almost century old building into the new millennium.
Gone is the science classroom’s sole closet that did not allow sufficient storage of materials. In its place are cabinets that are filled with supplies that are easily accessible. Students now sit at lab tables that encourage group participation in learning. Each table is equipped with a sink and comfortable chairs. Science teacher Kirk Mayer now uses smart board technology to instruct students. An eyewash station along with an emergency shower sit at the ready in the event of a mishap.
Renovation of the 98-year-old classroom took place over the summer and was made possible by a $250,000 anonymous donation to the school.
“The walls were pretty old,” said Principal Christopher Armstrong, noting the renovation took the room, and its walls, down to the studs. New flooring, a new ceiling, new plumbing and new lighting were all part of the renovation.
“Since it got fixed up it’s all organized. It was cluttered in here because we didn’t have a cabinet for anything. Now it’s all organized,” said seventh grade student Cierra Williams. “The tables were small and there wasn’t enough room.” According to Williams, the new science digs have made learning fun. “Mr. Mayer is a fun teacher and we learn better now.”
For the Mayer, teaching in a state-of-the-art classroom allows him to interact with students on a higher level.
“It gives me a better ability to work with the students and it gives me more room to move around,” he said. “Students have ownership in their learning when they’re in a more professional environment.”
Armstrong said removal of the room’s antiquated closet was a key part of the renovation. The old closet was narrow and ran the length of the classroom. Two doors on either end allowed access.
“It was not set up well,” he said of the old room’s storage system. “One of two things happens. Either there is storage against the back wall, which does not allow easy access, or so much stuff is put in that you cannot access it at all.”
Once the closet was removed the teaching area of the classroom was opened and was switched from the teacher being in the front of a narrow room to a teaching station being placed in the center of a widened area, which brings students closer to the action, and to learning.
“We can use this room as a regular classroom,” said the principal. “If we have to do a lab, the students can just move around and face each other. It allows them to do more hands-on learning. It gives them a higher level of understanding in what they’re doing in science.”
Armstrong said the donor’s kindness will be felt for years to come. “The students are benefiting from this and you never know where that ends. For some, it will light the fire for a love of science.”
“I can’t thank the donor enough,” said Mayer. “That doesn’t seem like enough, but thank you, thank you, thank you. The students and teachers are thrilled.”