SV teachers print face shields
Seneca Valley teachers are putting their 3D printers to good use outside of the classroom to help health care workers on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Several teachers are using district equipment to make personal protective equipment in the form of face shields.
Technology teachers Ken Macek, Steve Fortunato, Joe Logsdon, Steve Wolfe and Eric Fogle have worked with Ashley Porter, Seneca Valley Academy of Choice assistant principal, on the project. Superintendent Tracy Vitale prompted the project.
“We recently held a virtual meeting about the design and how we would distribute (shields),” Macek said. “It's definitely a team effort and we're just trying to print as much as possible to then donate to essential workers around the SV community.”
Working with 3DPPGH, a Pittsburgh-based organization of digital fabrication enthusiasts, the teachers were able to obtain supplies to donate to 3DPPGH's inventory and local first responders.
The group began planning and printing face shields a little over a week ago and have made dozens to help frontline workers in health care and emergency services. Fogle said his wife, an area pharmacist, wore the prototype to work for several days and offered design feedback.
“This is our way to thank the frontline workers for taking care of the community,” Macek said.
The district invites people to make a monetary contribution to secure additional supplies for the mask-making effort. Potential donors should visit mtyc.co/4jb13g.
Those who need face shields for their health care agencies should contact Annie Mersing, Seneca Valley Foundation development director, at mersingam@svsd.net.
