We hope to cultivate creativity, awareness, community, and value, and we strive to infuse learning with innovation, purpose, and joy.

The RCDS Makerspace

Located in the Cohen Center for the Creative Arts, the design Makerspace is an innovation lab for Middle and Upper School students. The space serves as a hub of creativity and invention on campus, featuring a wide range of engineering and manufacturing equipment such as computer-controlled machining tools, hardware supplies, motors, sensors, microcontrollers and related electronics, 3D printers and scanners, laser cutting machines, traditional power tools, electrical equipment, and other design equipment. Built to inspire new modes of design-oriented thinking, hands-on learning, and inventive creativity, the Makerspace has fast become a favorite place for discovery, exploration, and collaboration for the Rye Country Day community. We recently sat down with Makerspace Director Gail Sestito to talk about the excitement and potential of making at RCDS.

Technology Available in the Makerspace

  • 5 3D printers
  • 1 laser cutter
  • 4 sewing machines
  • 2 digital embroidery machines
  • 1 vinyl cutter
  • microcontrollers galore: hummingbirds, arduinos, lilypads
  • VEX EDR and VEX IQ robotics systems for classes and competition teams
  • 6 Windows Desktops for public use
  • 20 MacBooks
  • 4 iPads
  • 1 Digital Scanner (for 3D scanning)
  • 1 vinyl heat press

Makerspace Apprentice Program

Each year, Upper School students volunteer to become Makerspace ambassadors, who encourage and guide students and teachers as they embark on their creative journeys in the Makerspace. As apprentices, students assist with curricular projects, and care for the materials, machines, and overall workspace.
 


Makerspace Director
Gail Sesito

Makerspace Projects