This year La Salle has been fortunate enough to receive a 3D Printer from a generous anonymous La Salle family. It is currently in the library, open for staff and student usage. The 3D Printer is to encourage the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Academy that is here at La Salle. This gives all students an opportunity to experience more hands on learning.

Any student is able to use the printer. If a student is curious, they only need to ask Mrs. Cassinelli for help to set up a training where students can learn how to use it. She is very excited to share this special tool with all students. “I’m just trying to encourage students to just kind of experiment and play first,” Cassinelli said.

The use of the 3D printer would be helpful for those interested in being an engineer as a career choice. “Some of the programs that you use with the 3D model are what they actually use in the industry. So getting exposed to that in high school might make it easier when they’re in an engineering program or something like that down the road.”

Receiving the 3D printer has opened many doors for La Salle. “Now there is no guarantee or promises but we’re hoping in the future we’ll actually teach a 3D modeling class or engineering class,” Cassinelli stated. This class would fit in with what the STEM Program is all about. It would also give students the opportunity to experience something La Salle has never offered before.

All students who are interested in challenging themselves should talk to Cassinelli and play around with making a model to print. “I mean it’s pretty challenging to take a model and design it and conceptually see it and rotate it in 3D,” Cassinelli added. The first time a student wants to use the 3D printer, they can choose an already made model of an object and print it. The second time they want to print something, they will create a model themselves.

Mrs. Cassinelli has also worked very hard to create a fun learning environment in the library. In the library, she has created a makerspace. “A makerspace is a place where students can go and there are tools available and hands on things,” Cassinelli explained. The tools include duct tape to make wallets, motherboards, and other craft things. She has went out of her way to make this special area. “I’m just trying to make a fun place to hang out and the tech nest is where it’s happening.” All students can come check out the new makerspace and the 3D Printer in the library.