The youngest class of East Carolina University Pirates and their families gathered with the staff, faculty, and supporters of the new ECU Lab School at the Lab School Orientation and Family Picnic at South Greenville Recreation Center on Saturday, July 29.
Clockwise from top: A young Lab School student constructs a figure using connectable straws. Lab School students race remote-control cardboard cars. Students test their teamwork and hand-eye coordination.
Around 40 children and their families came out on Saturday for a day of fun, learning, and a taste of what school will be like for the first classes of Lab School students when school starts. The students were able to engage in hands-on/minds-on learning with the kind of unique STEAM, wellness, and curricular opportunities that will be available to them during the school year.
Those opportunities included operating remote-control robots, building figures, using microscopes, and interactive games. The STEAM activities were coordinated by Shawn Moore, Interim Director for the Center for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education. Families also received information about the wrap-around integrated health services that will be provided in the upcoming school year.
Clockwise from top left: A student meets a member of the Lab School team. One young Lab School student uses a microscope to get closer to science. Two brothers and Lab School students pose for a photo at the orientation and family picnic. A Lab School student slides down the large, inflatable slide at the orientation and family picnic.
Also joining in the day were members of the ECU Lab School leadership team from the College of Education, including Dr. Grant Hayes, Dean; Dr. Elizabeth Hodge, Assistant Dean for Innovations and Strategic Initiatives; Dr. Mark L’Esperance, Chairperson of the Department of Elementary and Middle Grades Education; Dr. Alana Zambone, Associate Dean for Research; and Dr. Laura Bilbro-Berry, Director of Partnerships.
Clockwise from top left: Angela Lamson, ECU Associate Dean in the College of Health and Human Performance, speaks with Lab School teacher Daniel Henderson. Dr. Grant Hayes, Dean of the ECU College of Education, speaks with other members of the Lab School leadership team. Dr. Ron Mitchelson, ECU Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, speaks with Dean Hayes. Pitt County Board of Education member Robert Moore is recognized during the program during the orientation.
Members of the ECU leadership team were also present, including Dr. Ron Mitchelson, Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Dr. Angela Lamson, Associate Dean in the College of Health and Human Performance; and Dr. Bill Koch, Associate Vice Chancellor of Health and Safety. Representing the Lab School's partnership with Pitt County Schools, Pitt County Board of Education member Robert Moore also was in attendance Saturday.
Lab School Families line up for a buffet lunch at the orientation and family picnic Saturday, July 29.
After interacting with the Lab School principal, Tasha Rodriguez, and the teachers at the orientation, the families were treated to a catered picnic and a chance to share a meal with the Lab School team.
The ECU Lab School faculty with Principal Tasha Rodriguez (middle). From left to right, Daniel Henderson, 4th grade, Jordan Hudson, Extended Day Teacher, Tasha Rodriguez, principal, Kenyada Pretlow, 3rd grade, Marie Hartley, 2nd grade.