Sacramento Country Day School leadership and Consolidated Communications representatives, including (from the left) head of school Lee Thomsen and Eric Mauck with Consolidated Communications, Michael Unti, director of technology (holding check) and Curtis Barkve (far right) with Consolidated Communications celebrate the donation with students on November 8, 2023. Photo courtesy of Consolidated Communications

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Sacramento Country Day School was recently awarded a $5,000 grant to support its program to create a more efficient and automated vehicle from Consolidated Communication’s Consolidated Connects Educational Grant Program. The program directs support to K-12 schools within the company’s service area in support of innovative, technology-focused learning programs that advance creative student learning, develop 21st century skills and promote critical thinking.

Grant funding will support the school’s effort to bridge a gap between the physical skills, and the technology and innovation that is taught in multiple classes. Incorporating the subjects of Computer Science, Advanced Topics in Science, and Robotics and Engineering, students at Sacramento Day Country School will seek to create a more efficient and automated vehicle. 

“We are excited to expand our engineering opportunities through the support of Consolidated Communications, aligning with our commitment to shaping future leaders,” shared Lee Thomsen, head of school for Sacramento Country Day School.

This program will expand student’s classroom knowledge of automation and physics, applying this knowledge on a larger scale. Students currently apply these principles to robotics kits successfully, using sensors to help the robot navigate its environment. Using a go-kart frame, students will use data science to improve performance, and power tools to upgrade and improve the vehicle. This includes tracking performance with sensors, seeking to improve rotation, efficiency and safety, as well as decrease wind resistance. 

Michael Unti, director of technology at Sacramento Country Day School, sits on the go-kart used with sensors for tracking performance, efficiency and safety by his students. The company’s educational grant program provides support of the program to create a more efficient and automated vehicle. Photo courtesy of Consolidated Communications

“Consolidated Communications is proud to support such an enriching program for local students at Sacramento Country Day School to gain hands-on skills and real-world experiences,” said Ron Fischer, senior director of operations for Consolidated. “Just as we invest in our local broadband networks, our Consolidated Connects Educational Grant Program is another investment in the youth in our communities. We are committed to making our communities stronger through support of education programs like this, which help students learn, grow and thrive.”

Sacramento Country Day School is dedicated to inspiring intellectual discovery and engaging a diverse community to think critically, live creatively, and act compassionately. Small class sizes and a dynamic learning environment offer our students opportunities to discover and joyfully pursue their unique strengths.  

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