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A dozen educators from districts across the region gathered at the LHRIC’s Active Learning Center on Thursday, Dec. 4, for the third session in a three-part Computer Science/STEAM Playdate series. 

The hands-on workshop featured LEGO® Education Science and the LEGO® Learning System. The session immersed participants in the power of purposeful play, inviting them to build, test, and experiment as they explored strategies for sparking curiosity and inspiring inquiry in K–12 classrooms. 

Educators spent the morning engaging in collaborative, hands-on activities. They experimented with LEGO® Education Science kits and discussed ways to integrate them into their instruction. Participants also explored SPIKE Prime and SPIKE Essential, considering how robotics and engineering design can expand STEAM, elective, and afterschool programming.

For districts already using LEGO® Education—or those considering future implementation—the workshop offered practical insights, opportunities to exchange ideas with colleagues, and a deeper understanding of how playful learning can enrich science and computer science classrooms.

Questions? Feel free to reach out: Leslie Accardo (laccardo@lhric.org)

Educators from across the Lower Hudson region gathered for a full day of creative exploration and collaboration at the Computer Science/STEAM Playdate K-8 Masterclass. The immersive professional learning workshop was designed to support teachers and school leaders in bringing joy and play to Computer Science and STEAM instruction. 

Hosted by LHRIC’s Instructional Technology, the event brought together over 17 classroom teachers, STEM coordinators, and instructional leaders for a six-hour CS/STEAM Masterclass.

Participants rotated through analog and digital activities that encouraged experimentation, play, and problem-solving—while gaining insights into how best to align technology choices with grade-level goals, teaching expertise, and school contexts.

“Launching or expanding a STEM program can feel overwhelming,” said Leslie Accardo, Instructional Technology Customer Service Coordinator. “Our goal with the Playdates is to create a space where educators can explore tools firsthand, ask questions, and feel confident about choosing what works best for their classrooms. It’s about making learning joyful and accessible for both teachers and students.”

The workshop facilitators guided participants through hands-on sessions on coding, computational thinking, and design-based learning.

“What makes this event special is the collaboration,” said Ms. Russo, a retired teacher from Katonah Lewisboro and session co-facilitator. “You can see teachers from different grade levels sharing ideas and discovering new ways to engage their students. Whether it’s transitioning from block-based to syntax-based coding or trying out unplugged, screen-free activities, everyone leaves with something they can use right away.”

Key discussions throughout the day centered on sustaining a spirit of play in STEAM learning, building durable coding skills in the age of AI, and balancing digital and non-digital learning experiences. Participants left energized—with new strategies and tools—and ready to inspire the next generation of computational thinkers.

TLI Kickoff: How AI Shapes Identity and Education

The Technology Leadership Institute launched its yearlong series with a powerful conversation on AI as Social Technology. Dr. Mandy McLean explored how artificial intelligence is transforming not just how we learn and connect—but who we become. She warned that while AI offers efficiency, it risks replacing the human exchanges that build confidence, resilience, and relationships.

Dr. Tara Nattrass added a practical lens, sharing the AI Literacy Framework and stressing the need for intentional dialogue. From classroom strategies to real-world examples in biotech and aviation, she highlighted both the promise and ethical challenges of AI.

Both speakers urged educators to balance innovation with humanity—and prepare students for a world where identity and technology intersect.

Read the full article on the TLI Recaps page >

We were excited to host some of our region’s music teachers and band directors as they took some time to learn more about the MusicFirst platform and the new product that can replace Soundtrap.  We were the FIRST in the US to see the new product. The room was filled with thoughtful questions and various melodies! Thanks to Jason and Max from MusicFirst for their creative insights!

Thank you participants and vendor partners for participating in our recent 2025 CS/STEAM Playdate Kickoff. 

Upcoming events in this series include:

• CS/STEAM “Masterclass” Course (K-8), November 13 @ LHRIC
• Lego “Purpose of Powerful Play, December 4 @ LHRIC
  LEGO Education 

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Our department is honored to have many employees who have dedicated their careers to serving our districts in our region. We are pleased to recognize this year Leslie Accardo, Coordinator of Ed. Technology for 30 years of service and Sean Rowan, Sr. Facilitator for 10 years of service. Read the article about all of our BOCES/LHRIC employees who have hit some major milestones. Thanks to all for your support!

On April 4th, the LHRIC and Renaissance partnered to host an engaging eduCLIMBER User Group, bringing together educators from across the region for a day full of collaboration and hands-on learning. The event featured “A Day in the Life” of eduCLIMBER, along with sessions focused on using interventions, smartFORMS, thresholds, and more.

eduCLIMBER is one of the key tools supported through our MTSS/Data Dashboard service at the LHRIC. This service includes ongoing professional development and support from our Instructional Technology team, designed to help districts harness data for meaningful, student-centered decision-making. If you have any questions about this service, please contact the Coordinator, Caroline Calabrese ccalabrese@lhric.org 

Thank you to the over 30 district leaders and teachers who came out for a dynamic hands-on session and panel discussion featuring LHRIC Model Schools and the Apple Education Team.  We were inspired to rethink the possibilities of igniting creativity and curiosity through some hands-on iPad excursions, followed by a fabulous panel discussion from truly expert "voices from the field." Many thanks to our esteemed panelists for candidly sharing your journeys, perspectives, and insights on change management, empowering educators through professional growth, working with stakeholders, device lifecycle strategies, and how to "shift" from reactionary decision-making to proactive forecasting. If you are interested in learning more, or visiting an Apple Distinguished School in or out of our region, feel free to contact Leslie Accardo (laccardo@lhric.org). Featured panelists: