It’s hard to believe that we are celebrating the fourth year of the MakerSpace at FWM. Year after year we continue to add purposeful and authentic programs to our MakerSpace curriculum. In 2018, I added several sewing machines to our fleet of tools. At that time I never envisioned a mask, that wasn’t part of a costume, would ever fly off these machines.

What started as an idea in September, to make masks for our 8th grade class, turned into a joyful opportunity for students to make their own mask. By my side was Christina Benoit, our school nurse, who lended her time and knowledge to me as we began designing masks for our 2021 Graduates. After surprising them with their one-of-a-kind embroidered masks, children across the building wanted to learn “how”, “where”, and “when”, they could sew their own.

At any point in the MakerSpace, you will see fabric laid out, rulers and templates ready to guide, scissors ready to slice, and both hands and minds ready to work. The process to complete one mask takes a middle school student two full MakerSpace classes. Sewing also compliments our Middle School STEAM program.

As we approach 2021, I am honored to announce that my young seamers are now capable of making a durable, two-ply, custom sized, comfortable fitting mask…. out of hand-selected fabric. Bravo, my makers- you inspire me every single day.