Decades-old machinery in a Massapequa High School has been replaced with a modern piece of equipment thanks to a partnership with Optimum Business. Through a $20,000 technology grant, the school received a new computer numerical control machine that allows students to fabricate precise, large-scale projects with ease.
A reception was held in the materials processing lab with board of education trustees, administrators, teachers, students, Optimum Business representatives and local elected officials on Feb. 28. They celebrated the advancements of Massapequa’s career and technical education program, and the advantages that students will have through the use of cutting-edge technology.
Teacher James DeSantis said that the CNC router is being used in his Production Systems and Residential Structures classes. The machine arrived just before the December holiday break and after watching tutorial videos and a training session with the manufacturer, students got right to work. Already, they have made cutting boards and signs, and recently have been working on furniture.
“Thanks to the generous support of Optimum Business, our Massapequa students will have the opportunity to engage in rigorous, hands-on learning experiences that prepare them to lead in a rapidly evolving world,” board of education president Kerry Wachter said. “Their commitment to education ensures that our graduates not only gain technical skills, but also develop the leadership and resilience they need to succeed in college, careers and well into their futures.”
Superintendent Dr. William Brennan said that the addition of the CNC machine aligns with the district’s mission to create leaders and 21st-century learners.
“Our high school is strongly committed to ensuring students are prepared for the workforce through our career and technical education program,” he said. “These programs have had significant advancements and will continue to do so. These enhanced opportunities for our students make them incredibly marketable as they go off into the workforce.”
Mr. DeSantis noted that the CNC router replaced four 70-year-old machines and now allows his students to gain experience with computer-aided manufacturing. They used computer-aided drawing programs to design the projects which are then cut by the machine.
Local officials in attendance included Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Jospeh Saladino, Councilwoman Laura Maier, Nassau County Legislator James Kennedy, New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso and State Senator Alexis Weik. In their remarks, they commended the partnership between the Massapequa School District and Optimum Business for improving opportunities for students.