Letter From Chairman
October 5, 2011
Dear Museum Friends,
Have you ever been rolled over by the Mars Rover? Well, if you were a child at the Kidspace robotics camp in August, that’s exactly what would have happened to you!
The robotics camp reminds me that I am particularly proud of the partnerships Kidspace enjoys with world-class institutions in our community. For instance, a JPL representative came daily to lead our week-long robotics camp in August. The goal of this highly popular program is to create a curiosity and awareness of space both on Earth and in outer space. Imagine the excitement of our young learners who can now proclaim that they have been rolled over by the Mars Rover!
Our partnership with scientists at Caltech is another important community partnership. You already know that Caltech professor and Kidspace Board member, Mike Brown, has been the driving force for the design of our Physics Forest. Additionally, we are working with a Caltech grad student who wants to help us develop the educational programming for the Physics Forest (Grand Opening in summer of 2012).
Another valued Kidspace partner, Art Center College of Design, taught a popular summer workshop at Kidspace on developing a rubber band car. This workshop was designed to encourage young minds to be open to inventing new concepts and objects.
These very special experiences at Kidspace have a significant impact on the children who participate in them. Where else could children engage in such interesting and challenging learning opportunities? Just makes me wish I were a kid again--- I definitely see myself trying to invent a rubber band car and a robot!
We are also pleased to partner with PUSD and LAUSD. Currently we are responding to a request from LAUSD to assist with elementary school teacher training in science. The way Kidspace teaches science makes a connection between science and real life---that approach makes it easier for teachers to articulate the academics and for thechildren to remember the content. Eventually this may extend to working with middle school teachers as well.
Our dynamite volunteers, the Circle of Friends, have been working for months on this year’s Pumpkin Festival (October 22-23). This annual event has become a cherished community tradition eagerly anticipated by people of all ages. I hope to see you and your extended family at the Festival.
You already know that our new CEO, Michael Shanklin hit the ground running on August 1st. Michael is dedicated to providing outstanding guest experiences for every visitor every time they visit. He enjoys walking the site to speak with guests of all ages to find out what they like best and where we can improve. I know I speak for the staff, the Board, and our guests that we are all delighted Michael is at the helm.
There is a renewed sense of vitality and energy as Michael begins his tenure. He has already expressed his appreciation for the very warm welcome he has received since his return to Southern California. I hope you will make it a point to introduce yourself to Michael and engage him in a conversation about his exciting plans for Kidspace.
Warm personal regards,
Kris Popovich
J. Kristoffer Popovich
Chairman of the Board