At this start of this new school year, we are thrilled to share the significant accomplishments of one of our Chicago schools, Disney II Magnet School!

When their school decided to offer electives last year, 20 sixth graders and 6 fifth graders jumped at the opportunity to join TechCrew, a technology class taught by Daniel Bartel. Just in their first year, every member of the TechCrew completed all 10 modules of the Mouse Squad Certification!

After learning the Mouse Squad curriculum, students created videos, flyers, posters and emails to let teachers and students know about the TechCrew.  Soon after, they started assisting teachers and staff with their technology requests managed through an online helpdesk.

“The students were well received by the teachers and conducted themselves in a great way while going around the school,” stated Mr. Bartel. “They loved the badges I created for them and would happily show them off as they worked throughout the school.”

To celebrate the success of his TechCrew, at the school’s annual award ceremony in June, Mr. Bartel presented each of his students with an award certificate for becoming Mouse Squad Certified!

Mrs. Nunez, the mother of a Disney II TechCrew student, shared how impressed she was by the long lasting benefits of this visit. In a letter to Mr. Bartel, she wrote, “The TechCrew’s trip to Google motivated my son Jose to work harder than I have ever seen him work in math! He went from a D to a high B or maybe even an A.”

As the Disney II Tech Crew enters its second year, the program quickly became the most desired elective for students. With 6 returning students from the previous year and 26 new members (including 11 girls!), the program is sure to see another year of continued success!

Reflecting on her first year, Jennifer, TechCrew member, wrote in a letter to Mr. Bartel, “You have been an amazing technology teacher and have taught me so many things in TechCrew that now I am helping others with their technology problems.”

Disney II Magnet has opened a second campus and is transitioning from a K-6 elementary school to a K-12 elementary, middle, and high school. Mr. Bartel hopes to expand TechCrew at both campuses to further the students’ involvement in technology.