Middle School IDEA Lab Opens Doors to Creativity and Innovation
Building on the overwhelming success of the Senior School Makerspace a year ago, CDS has now launched an IDEA Lab tailored specifically for Middle School students. This vibrant new space is designed to inspire collaboration, creativity, and invention through hands-on learning experiences.
The IDEA Lab is the new home for Navigating Technology 7 and Design Technology 8 courses, as well as most Grade 7 and 8 art classes. It is also open during lunch on Days 1 and 2 for supervised use by students and faculty. Equipped with cutting-edge tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, professional color printers, and a print/cut machine, the lab mirrors many of the features of the Senior School space, with some exciting additions for Middle School learners.
The Makerspace has been a hub of activity since its opening in September 2023. Middle/Senior Head of Technological Education, Jen Weening, drove student engagement from the get go by introducing monthly projects, such as designing 3D-printed keychains, custom stickers, and holiday ornaments. Students and faculty alike quickly embraced the possibilities, incorporating the lab into projects ranging from DECA presentations and solar system models to physics roller coasters and team apparel designs.
Thanks in large part to Jenna Romanowich’s incredible vision in researching and designing a space specifically for Middle School students, the enthusiasm for the IDEA Lab has been similarly embraced throughout the fall, reflecting a growing demand for creative, technology-driven learning opportunities. Jenna’s passion is evident in how she has gone about integrating even more design thinking into her Grade 8 Design Tech course this year.
We also applaud our Visual Arts teachers – Heather Castellan, Sarah Barbanchon and Meredith Langston – for enthusiastically embracing the technology offered. As well, this space is now home to the Middle School Robotics team, which has already elevated the awareness of this program throughout the school.
With its tools, guidance, and boundless potential, the lab is empowering Middle School students to turn their ideas into reality - this time in their very own space.
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
Junior, Middle and Senior Schools
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
13415 Dufferin Street, King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
