Croton-Harmon Education Foundation Grant Redesigns PVC Classrooms Supporting Modern Learning Environments and What School Can Be

Although teachers have some well-deserved time before they set up their classrooms for the upcoming school year, there is anticipation about how they will look and function. Thanks to the generous support of the Croton-Harmon Education Foundation (CHEF), fifth—and sixth-grade teachers at PVC have been able to reimagine and redesign their classrooms to better meet the needs of 21st-century learners. By focusing on creating flexible, adaptable, and technology-integrated spaces, educators sought to provide students with a more engaging and personalized learning environment—one over which they would have some control.

From soft chairs to rugs, lighting to movable storage, purchases began during the last school year. Students were not just beneficiaries of the grant but active participants in the classroom redesign process. They took on the responsibility of brainstorming ideas for the new classroom layout, researching and selecting furniture, and even assembling the furniture themselves. This active involvement has instilled a sense of pride and ownership in their learning environment, fostering a more engaging and personalized learning experience. 

Jenny Rescigno, a sixth-grade teacher at PVC, shared her excitement about the changes in her classroom: "The grant has allowed us to purchase flexible and adaptable furniture, such as adjustable tables and bean bags, that have transformed the way students interact and engage with their learning environment. It's amazing to see how their motivation and collaboration have increased."

Special Education teacher Travis Moll highlighted the impact of the upgraded furniture by saying, "The new flexible furniture has given us the ability to easily customize our classrooms to align with different lessons, allowing us to create dynamic and engaging learning spaces over and over again."

In addition to flexible furniture, technology integration has been a key component of the classroom redesign. Students can easily access and interact with classroom tables and Chromebooks while balancing technology with non-screen-based tools to provide a more holistic approach to learning.

Moreover, creating maker spaces has sparked curiosity and innovation, allowing students to unleash their creativity and problem-solving skills. Through these spaces, students can engage in design thinking and transdisciplinary learning. Students agree that the new classroom spaces are more comfortable, especially for collaborating and reading. “It feels great to have a cozy spot to work with my friends and dive into a good book,” shared one fifth-grader. 

The grant's transformative impact extends beyond individual classrooms, shaping the future of education. It has created a more inclusive and student-centered learning environment where educators have embraced innovation and collaboration, setting the stage for the future of education for Croton-Harmon Tigers.