DFE Update: South Portland High School

Drive For Education Update: South Portland High School
Monday, August 24th South Portland, Maine

We had the chance to catch up with Scott Trebilcock of South Portland High School to discuss the upcoming school year & see how he used his Drive For Education grant money from January 2020.

Scott filled us in on the upcoming school year plan during the pandemic. They are starting the year “hybrid” – there will be half the students in the school each day and the other half will be online. This is a big switch for Scott as he teaches woodworking, engineering and mostly “hand-on” courses.

Since January 2020, the needs that schools have have changed. Things are going more digital and students need access to Wifi and technology. We are proud to promote our Wifi available at all locations for any students in need & will further our relationship with Scott to receive updates on needs once the school year begins.

In the Spring, Scott used his grant to buy a CNC router (computer numeric control) for his woodworking and engineering student. One of the tasks that came along with this router is the set up. Scott used this as an opportunity for a junior student in an independent study to get more hands on work. The student was 85% done with the router when they needed to switch to distance learning & Scott finished up the work.

Scott’s plans for the fall courses have the router as a main component. In woodworking, the students will create designs that the router can then cut out. In the engineering classes, the router will be used for prototyping.

We are excited to see the different projects students will get to do because of this grant & we are proud to be a part of this community.

About Drive For Education:
Drive for Education is a forward looking program created by the employees of Berlin City Auto Group as a way to strengthen the neighborhoods in which we live and work. School is a great place to build the foundation for the future. This initiative supports our schools in hopes it allows educators to shape future scientists, engineers, artists or musicians. Berlin City’s Drive for Education has supported the purchase of library books, interactive whiteboards, music programs, audio equipment and automotive testing equipment. Since 2011 Drive for Education has donated over $637,454 to schools all over Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire.
Learn more: https://www.berlincity.com/Drive-for-Education.html