February 19, 2020 

 
Media Advisory

What:      Verizon Innovative Learning Lab unveiled at Rhodes Middle School
                 Students to demonstrate 3D printing, robotics, virtual reality, augmented reality and
                 circuitry
 
Who:      Darlene Brugnoli, Verizon
                Pedro Martinez, SAISD superintendent
                Rick Flores, Rhodes Middle School principal
                Rhodes students
                   
When:      Feb. 20 (Thurs) – 10:30 a.m.
 
Where:     Rhodes Middle School, 3000 Tampico St.
 
Middle school students will demonstrate the interactive learning opportunities they will gain as a result of brand new emerging-technology equipment and the transformation of their traditional library into a Verizon Innovative Learning Lab. The tech wizardry of the students will be on display, following a ribbon-cutting for the experiential space and remarks from Verizon and SAISD officials. 
 
The lab will give students and teachers access to high-tech and creative tools such as augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR), coding and circuits, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence (AI). The rollout of the lab and resources is expected to contribute to academic achievement, especially in critical STEM areas.
 
Verizon Innovative Learning is part of Verizon’s focus on digital inclusion, and the new lab at Rhodes provides free technology, free internet access, and hands-on learning experiences to prepare students for today’s digital economy. Verizon provides the lab in partnership with Arizona State University, who provides the immersive curriculum and teacher training, and the nonprofit Heart of America, who works with the school and District to construct the next-gen, technology-infused space. The lab aims to change the way teachers teach and students learn, giving students the opportunity to do more.
 
This is the second time Rhodes Middle School has been the beneficiary of a Verizon grant. Rhodes is one of four SAISD middle schools that were named Verizon Innovative Learning Schools in 2018 to help bridge the digital divide. Through that program, the students and teachers received 1:1 tablet devices and two-year Verizon Wireless 4G LTE data plans, for 24/7 internet access – both in the classroom and at home.
 
The market value of Verizon’s investment in the Verizon Innovative Learning program is $1.8 million per school on average. Since 2012, Verizon Innovative Learning has committed a total of $400 million in education. For more information on Verizon Innovative Learning, visit http://www.VerizonInnovativeLearning.com.