With the construction of the Hive of Innovation coming to an end, there are more ways than ever for students K-12 to bring their skills, ideas, and creativity to Concord on a whole new level. The building is connected to the middle school, but this modern, awe-inspiring addition will instill limitless possibilities for our students. From industrial arts to dynamic presentation spaces, the Hive of Innovation is a place that students could have never dreamed would become a reality.
Mr. Aaron Strouss is the school board president here at Concord. He shares about the decision to start the Hive of Innovation: “The purpose of the building was to create an area where we could focus our project-based learning. We needed a new and modern space where students could have the opportunity to have hands-on experiences. We believe it will give students the opportunity to learn important problem-solving skills, making them more valuable to business owners in our local community, thus giving our Concord students great opportunities to work within their hometown.”
Mrs. Rebecca Hutchinson is the superintendent here at Concord, when asked about the benefits the Hive of Innovation brings for students and how it will better their education she shares, “One of the features I loved is the “Murphy” stage. The Murphy stage can be up in the wall if students and staff need floor space or folded down to create a small, intimate presentation space similar to a TedTalk or poetry slam. It elevates presentations and helps our students practice professional presentations. Our graduate profile sets the expectations that all students will be presenting every single year. This stage gives them an amazing space to grow those skills. There will be a print room and a work room. The workroom will house industrial building equipment. It will have a variety of tools from drills, hand saws, planers, sanders, bandsaws, and zip snips. It will also have a downdraft table. This space exposes our kids to work with their hands and build real-life skills while also developing creativity. The Print Room will house 3d printers, snap printers with CNC connections, laser cutters, circuits, poster printers, vinyl cutters, heat presses, etc. This type of equipment builds our student’s ability to create, problem solve and be entrepreneurs. The space will also house seven small-scale hubs for smaller groups or larger classes. Plus, there will be a classroom to house STEM tools along with elementary robotics.”
The community has played a huge part in the start of this project, Mrs. Hutchinson explains, “The district had multiple planning sessions before the 2022 bond went to vote. During that time we went through the brainstorming and dialogue phase where the sky was the limit. We meet with students, teachers, and the community. Then we moved to discussion to make our ideas fit the budget, and finally, we were deciding what was going to meet the needs of our students, the board commitments, and the needs of our community. It was overwhelmingly clear our community wants students to leave our school having had the opportunity to build skills that prepare them for the workforce and/or post-secondary education. Once the bond was passed. We clarified and refined the ideas with the staff and community in several more meetings. Then, the projects went out to bid. Once they’re at bid, the project is done planning and moving to construction. We finished the planning process in March/April of 2023.”
Mrs. Hutchinson shares the excitement the building brings to students and teachers around Concord, she explains, “The kids coming to enjoy the space. When I was in school, I would have never dreamt of a space like this. When you walk in, you are transported to another world. The space has so many features that are amazing. I think our kids deserve these kinds of spaces because they are so special and unique. They are destined to do great things. Now they have the space and equipment to build those dreams into reality, and the best reward will be being able to watch them build their futures.”
Wyatt Mandrelle is an 8th grader at Concord. He enjoys hands-on learning and working with others on projects, He explains, “I’m excited to have a bigger space to work on projects with my friends. I like how many things are in there, so we will never get bored and how hands-on it is.”
Audrey Pyle is an 8th grader here at Concord; she’s very excited for the building to be finished. She says, “ My favorite part about the building will probably be having new spaces and new tools to collaborate on projects with my classmates.”
Brady Rainey is on the high school robotics team; he shares, “I’m excited for a new open space. It is pretty cool that they made a building for us to bring our ideas and skills together as a whole.”
The unveiling of the Hive of Innovation marks a new milestone for the town of Concord and for the students. It will allow students to put their skills out there in an open space we are beyond fortunate to have. We look forward to seeing all the ideas and talents emerge from this new building.
