CONTACT: Jonathan Fu
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 17, 2023
Justice Street Academy Introduces New Makerspace
New Collaborative Space Will Encourage Students To Create and Test Real-World Concepts
Los Angeles, CA (Feb. 17, 2023) – Emphasizing hands-on, project-based learning, Justice Street Academy Charter School is introducing a new makerspace that will allow students to explore, collaborate and create real-world objects at school.
Justice Street Academy’s makerspace revitalizes an existing classroom on campus with flexible seating, a 3D printer, a magnet board and a Lego wall to help encourage innovative and entrepreneurial thinking under the supervision of teachers and school staff. Makerspaces are dedicated workspaces that allow participants to create and engineer real-world objects with creation tools and collaborative thinking.
“Since joining Los Angeles Unified, I have seen our students present innovative solutions to society’s biggest challenges with unmatched spirit and resolve.” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “That rugged determination is only instilled when we foster the spirit of innovation and collaboration at a young age. Justice Street Academy’s new makerspace will allow our learners to become innovators and entrepreneurs at a young age.”
This new space will allow students to guide projects from concept to completion, providing young learners with a safe space to test theories in a real-world environment. Guided by a multidisciplinary approach, the new makerspace will allow students to harness the power of liberal arts, technology and teamwork to bring projects to life in a vibrant environment.
“Creating an environment that allows our students to safely test concepts, projects and ideas is an integral part of ensuring that our students graduate with the necessary skills to be ready for the world,” Region North Superintendent Dr. David Baca said. “Justice Street Academy is at the forefront of hands-on and interactive learning and we are hopeful that this newest addition will foster the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.”
Funded in part by direct donations from the school community, the Justice Street School PTA and in partnership with Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson, the new makerspace continues Justice Street Academy’s tradition of empowering students to be responsible and accountable partners in their education.
"I always appreciate the opportunity to invest in revitalizing our classrooms, especially when this provides an opportunity for students to work collaboratively and use technology to extend their learning,” Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “I am looking forward to hearing from teachers and students of Justice Street Academy what a difference the makerspace will make."
The school provides a rigorous curriculum emphasizing advanced studies, communications, science, technology, restorative justice and visual and performing arts with innovative learning spaces to ensure that students graduate ready for the world.
“Students at Justice Street Academy are motivated to apply their understanding of complex concepts in our new makerspace,” Principal Cynthia Hernandez Morrison said. “This interdisciplinary learning extends beyond their classrooms and sparks their imagination, inquiry and investigation. Makerspace provides our students with a springboard for their creativity and natural entrepreneurial talents. It’s easy to see students’ enthusiasm for learning and we are proud of the innovative space created by our school community.”
A Los Angeles Unified STEAM-certified school, Justice Street Academy also features a STEAM and art lab to help students develop their artistic, academic and physical skills. You may learn more about Justice Street Academy Charter School by visiting JusticeStreetAcademy.com.
For the most up-to-date information, please follow Los Angeles Unified on Twitter @laschools and @lausdsup, Instagram at @laschools and @lausdsup and Facebook at @laschools and @AlbertoMCarvalho1.