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On Friday, March 21, students at Fort Deposit Elementary School took to the skies as they explored the exciting world of drone technology. Thanks to a generous MidSouth RC&D Grant awarded to Education Specialist Susan Butts, all three elementary schools in Lowndes County now have access to drones, enhancing their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning opportunities. 

The nearly $15,000 grant funded the purchase of 47 drones, providing hands-on experiences for students.

Kaneka Threatt, an instructor at the Lowndes County Career Technical Center, led the drone-flying sessions. Under her guidance, students mastered basic drone commands, including takeoff, flight and landing. They even practiced performing flips, much to their delight. The hands-on experience not only brought joy but also sparked curiosity and confidence in the young learners.

“While today’s lessons focused on basic maneuvers, the ultimate goal is to introduce students to drone coding, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” Butts said.

The excitement was contagious as drones buzzed through the air, piloted by enthusiastic students in grades three through five. Superintendent Samita Jeter joined the fun, flying a drone alongside the students. In a memorable moment, she allowed a student to expertly land a drone in her hand, showcasing the skills they had just acquired.

The event marks the beginning for a series of drone exhibitions, with plans to bring similar experiences to students at Jackson-Steele Elementary and Central Elementary. 

“The initiative reflects Lowndes County Public Schools’ commitment to providing innovative, hands-on STEM learning opportunities that prepare students for future technological advancements,” Butts said. “The sky’s the limit for these young aviators as they continue to explore and learn through drone technology!”