The Napavine School District has received two grants totaling $107,000 that have been used to update HVAC units in the elementary school and propel the high school’s advanced placement computer science class.
The Lewis County Public Utility District awarded $100,000 to replace 13 HVAC units in the elementary school. The existing units had been in place since the addition and remodel of the elementary school in 2001, according to a press release.
“The district has had problems with the function of many of the units the past three to four years as well as energy inefficiencies with all of the older units,” stated a press release.
The grant, which was awarded in August, allowed the district to replace over half of the units at the school. The new units have been installed and are currently in working order.
Eleven HVAC units at the elementary school still need to be replaced. The district is pursuing additional grant opportunities or will utilize district funds over time to complete the project.
“We are so grateful for this grant and we would like to thank the Lewis County PUD for not only the grant, but their coordination in completing the project in a timely manner,” Superintendent Geoff Parks said. “This project will help create a quality learning environment and benefit the students and staff for years to come.”
The second grant the district received totaled $7,000 and was awarded from the state of Washington through the Advanced Placement Computer Science Initiative.
The money was used to purchase technology for the students and to provide professional development for the teacher. The equipment has the capability of 3-dimensional and virtual reality rendering for advanced software and gaming development. The components were purchased to build the computers, and students directed by staff built the machines in class.
“This is an opportunity for students to experience the world of computers and programming that they might not have had otherwise,” Matt Ross, technology supervisor at the district, said. “Even if a student doesn’t become the next great software designer, they will get an understanding of how exactly these systems work, which will help them in any of their future endeavors that involve technology.”
This is the first year the high school has offered the advanced placement computer science class. There are about 15 students enrolled in the class where they learn a variety of computer science topics like computer programming, game design and app development, among others.
The class is eligible as an elective for graduation. The students also have the chance to earn college credit by passing the advanced placement exam through the college board toward the end of the year.
“Students can gain skills that directly translate to reach a potential market of software design for art, games and cinema,” stated the release.
