The Canvas Caravan Project is the perfect example of a simple idea sparking tremendous results. This innovative community outreach initiative was inspired by two classroom technology teachers recognizing the difficulty students and their families were having navigating distance-learning technology. To solve the problem, the teachers created a mobile demonstration unit to reach families in convenient and familiar spaces – local parks, apartment community spaces, and even parking lots.
Thanks to community and corporate matching funds, the Canvas Caravan Project was quickly funded using BEF’s crowd funding website, Beaverton’s Choice. The first Canvas Caravan presentation kicked off at the Westridge Meadows apartment complex just as school began in September.
Shortly after Stoller’s first presentation, the momentum continued with Highland Park Middle School launching their own technology outreach and the Meadow Park Middle School Mobile Caravan Project was not far behind. Vose Elementary quickly followed suite with their Tech Tent outreach. While the Stoller, Highland Park, and Vose projects are fully funded, there is still time to support the Meadow Park Mobile Canvas Caravan project. You can also support all Beaverton elementary schools through the CDL Student Engagement Team project.
Both Stoller and Highland Park Middle Schools have already held a handful of Caravan presentations with more scheduled in the near future. Following strict COVID-19 protocols, the presentations are limited to small groups, but have had a tremendous impact. Feedback from one 6th grader says it all, “Wait, are you leaving already?”
The presentations have also highlighted the vast need for additional technology support. In a tremendous undertaking, the CDL Student Engagement team project is expanding technology outreach efforts to families in all of Beaverton’s 34 elementary schools.
As a collaborative effort with the District’s Behavioral Health and Wellness Teams, the CDL Student Engagement project looks to connect with over 400 families through targeted follow-ups, trainings, and supply deliveries to provide remote learning student support.
The amazing work done through these outreach projects shows our community we see their struggles and we are available in real time to connect resources, raise funds and make a difference for all the staff, students and families in our District.
Learn more about the original Canvas Caravan Project in a recent article on Medium.com