Despite the challenges and hardships created by the COVID-19 pandemic, acts of kindness and compassion remain as strong as ever.
In February, the Upper Elementary School “spread love across the country” by participating in a “Virtual Valentine’s Exchange” with the Utica Children’s Museum and the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, Arizona. 
As part of the project, which was organized by the district’s Zone for Imagination, Innovation and Inspiration (Zi3), students in grades 3-6 made Valentine’s Day cards, each with a special message. Photos of the cards were then uploaded to an online “padlet” so they could be shared with and viewed by students at a school in Phoenix, Arizona. The students in Phoenix also shared their cards with Westmoreland’s students.
“The Zi3 is always looking for new ways to use technology and maker experiences to interact with others,” Mrs. Davis, Zi3 coordinator, said. “It was a neat experience to see students separated by thousands of miles come together through simple acts of kindness.”
The Zi3, located in the Upper Elementary School, is a unique learning space where students, staff and community members can collaborate, research, connect, design, build and develop new ideas. It hosts several family nights throughout the year featuring fun and educational STEAM (Science–Technology–Engineering–Art–Math) activities for students and their families to enjoy.
The “Virtual Valentine’s Exchange” was completed in partnership with iCan - - a local not-for-profit which strives to keep families together by empowering children, families and individuals who have high service needs to live in ways that are productive and healthy. The Zi3 plans to collaborate with iCan on future projects and grant opportunities.