Amazon marked Teacher Appreciation Week at Traner Middle School on Thursday by donating the school more than $10,000 of merchandise, along with an additional $5,000.
The donation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics resources to the Traner library will allow students to continue exploring robotics and STEM education beyond the classroom.
Staff from the Amazon Fulfillment Center in Reno brought items in their signature boxes and the students helped open them.
Equipment included robots, 3-dimensional printers, circuits and Legos, among other items.
Traner student Saul Venegas said he’s excited about additional stuff being available in the library.
“I like the origami paper and the Osmo (genius kit),” said Venegas, 12. “I like the virtual reality. You think it’s real and this makes it look real.”
Traner principal Tiffany McMaster thanked Amazon and said libraries in schools should be the hub of STEM education.
“We’ve been working toward a goal of expanding the focus in our library from literacy only to a broader culture that emphasizes discovery learning,” McMaster said.
Ron Buckley, Amazon Fulfillment Center general manager, thanked teachers for the work they do to prepare children for the future. He also had some words for students.
“We’re here to encourage you to pursue your interest in STEM, which is important to us as we rely on these skills to run our business each and every day,” Buckley said.
The Internet retailer regularly looks for opportunities to support schools and education, said Lisa Guinn, Amazon community specialist. When learning about the Traner library’s “makerspace,” Amazon picked a variety of activities to be sure there’s something for everybody, she said.
A makerspace is a collaborative area for people to get creative with do-it-yourself projects, invent new projects and share ideas.
