The Calais School Innovation Lab encourages students to be creative and explore, inspiring learning and making new discoveries.  The lab opened in 2018 but was recently enhanced to provide a high-tech incubator for student creativity and collaboration.

The renovated lab is decked out with state-of-the-art technology including computers, ipads, Final Touch Pro video editing software and a Promethean board. The lab also includes podcasting equipment, a news desk, professional lighting, and a green screen.  Additionally the lab has a dry erase wall where students come together to plan out projects, share group knowledge and build-off of one-another’s ideas. Even the furniture was selected to encourage interaction and to create a flexible and active learning environment.

The lab is also home to Calais’ beloved news program “Cougars on the Clock.”  The student-led newscast has become a gem in daily life at Calais. Each morning, in place of typical morning loudspeaker announcements, students school wide view “Cougars on the Clock.” The broadcast features a weather forecast, a joke of the day, announcements and special segments like “this day in history”, staff birthdays, student performances and Calais events. “Cougars on the Clock” is part of a media course project which teaches students to work both behind and in front of a camera.

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