At the start of school year 2023-24, The Crossroads School was awarded a Heart of the School Fund grant for new classroom technology, including: smart boards on rolling carts, a speaker with microphone, and a laminator. These new technologies have contributed to a more interactive and engaging classroom experience and enriching school environment for students.

The Heart of the Schools recently caught up with Dr. Denisse Villaran, principal of The Crossroads School, to learn more about the project’s impact over the past school year.

“Thanks to the grant, we have been able to implement touchscreen boards in some of our classrooms. We use the smart boards daily. Teachers use them for lessons and students can complete work on them. Smart boards have been much more practical than projectors or white boards as the work done on them can be saved and reused. Teachers also use the laminator often to create stations for students to engage to the content.”

When asked how the project has positively impacted students’ classroom learning experience, Dr. Villaran notes:

“These interactive tools have transformed the way our students engage with their learning. The touchscreen boards allow for dynamic lessons where students can actively participate, collaborate with their peers, and explore concepts in real-time.

Teachers have reported increased student engagement and enthusiasm, as the technology enables a more hands-on approach to learning. Students are now able to interact with educational content in innovative ways, fostering a deeper understanding of the material.”

In addition, the new stereo system has contributed to enhancing the school’s culture:

“We now play music during morning meetings, creating a welcoming atmosphere that sets a positive tone for the day. Our Friday music contests have also become a highlight of the week, promoting fun and camaraderie among students and staff alike.”

As Crossroads prepares for the upcoming school year, Dr. Villaran shared her thoughts about the continued usage of these tools:

“Together, these initiatives foster a more engaging and enjoyable learning environment, helping to build community and enhance student well-being.

We are excited to see how these advancements continue to enhance our educational practices and support our commitment to providing a rich, interactive learning experience for all students.”

Six times a year, the Heart of the School Fund provides grants to Baltimore City Public School principals to support projects that enhance their school buildings, their students’ learning, and their staff’s growth. To read about additional Heart of the School Fund grants, click here.