Posted4/28/2021 6:00 AM
When Rob Harmon began his teaching career, he knew he couldn t just sit at the head of the class.
He d needed to be immersed in it.
With a hands-on approach and a dedication to help students develop problem-solving skills, over the last 18 years the technology education teacher has become a leader not only at Thompson Middle School in St. Charles but also nationally as a Master Teacher in the STEM-based Project Lead the Way program.
During the school year Harmon teaches Thompson students to build carbon dioxide-fueled mini-dragsters and design disaster relief structures out of shipping containers. In the summer he mentors other teachers in PLTW programs or gains expertise in the many PLTW courses.
Updated 2/19/2021 7:45 PM
In the midst of an $18.6 million project to build a new facility, St. Charles Public Library officials remain committed to maintaining the historic elements of the Carnegie building right next door.
Part of that commitment includes restoring the front doors of the city s first public library to their original look. Library officials received approval this week from the St. Charles Historic Preservation Commission to replace the wood panels of the doors with glass to be more consistent with the original structure.
While there was hope that the library might be able to use the original glass, the staff was unable to find it in storage. In addition, the new glass will be safer, be more efficient and adhere to city code.