West Babylon Junior High School library media specialist Michelle Statfeld was selected as a recipient of a $1,000 Model Schools grant award through Western Suffolk BOCES.

Ms. Statfeld was recognized for her innovative project, “Lit Links to 3D Design,” which was selected as one of the winning completed lesson awards. The Model Schools grant program celebrates educators who create engaging, technology-enhanced learning experiences that inspire students and support innovative instruction.

The Lit Links to 3D Design unit showcases creative, cross-disciplinary teaching approaches that motivate students and enhance their literacy and digital skills. The project provides students with an engaging, hands-on learning experience that combines creativity, critical thinking and problem solving while demonstrating the effective use of technology as a tool for classroom innovation.

Through this project, students connect literacy skills with hands-on design and technology, transforming ideas from the classroom into digital creations. The lesson highlights the power of integrating technology into instruction to deepen student learning, collaboration, and engagement.

Ms. Statfeld was honored at the annual Model Schools Award Ceremony, where she shared her lesson and the impact it has had on student learning.