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Design & Innovation

3D Modeling

This class will teach the basics of how to design objects in 3D using Tinkercad and Google Sketchup. Students will learn to use the 3D printers and learn how to design files for the best printing results. No previous experience is required.
Computer Programming

In Computer Programming, students learn how to write code using either the Python or Java language. Computer Programming requires logic, problem solving, and creative thinking. Students learn the basics of programming which are the same for all programming languages. As students work on writing programs as a class, they will be challenged to work on their own and produce specific programs with the statements they have learned.
Custom Creations

In this class students learn how to create custom logos and apply them to items. They learn how to design through a computer software program and apply their design to shirts, hats, apparel and other mediums such as wood, coffee mugs, etc.
Design Lab

In this elective, students bring design thinking to life: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test. They seek out real challenges from across the Eaglebrook campus and then work creatively to find solutions. This class taps into students’ curiosity, cooperative skills, and abilities to work hard, fail, and try again in a new way. Students utilize various construction techniques including woodworking, circuitry, digital design, 3D printing, and fabrication.
Digital Photography

Digital photography plays an important role in today’s world. We take pictures so we can preserve memories, document events, and create artistic works. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of photography including technical aspects and photo composition. Frame dynamics, contrast, texture, pattern and depth, as well as photographic components such as line and color are emphasized. Additionally students experiment with the Photoshop program and become proficient at editing and enhancing their images. Through a variety of assigned projects that encourage thoughtful creativity, students learn to critique and discuss their works while concurrently developing an ability to see the world through the lens of a camera.
Engineering Challenge

In Engineering Challenge, students strengthen their designing and building skills while competing with their peers in engineering challenges. Students build vehicles, machines, energy capturing devices, projectile launchers, and more. They utilize digital design, 3D printing, and CNC machining.
Exploring Digital Design

Employing a variety of computer-aided design (CAD) tools, students explore the basics of 3D rendering for printing, planning, and modeling.
Making Stuff

This class works through the design, prototype and manufacture of small items. Students learn 3D design and how to hone their ideas and different techniques for home manufacturing (3D print, CNC cut, basic mold making).
New Media, New Forms

In this class, students unleash their creativity and master the art of digital expression. From transforming melodies into masterpieces to sculpting virtual worlds with 3D printing, this dynamic course empowers students to harness the full potential of modern technology for artistic innovation. Students use photo and illustration manipulation software, fabrication programs, game development platforms, web coding, and the internet. Students learn how to use creative technologies to create new and unique forms.
Podcasting

Students learn the skills to create a professional podcast, news program, or radio show. This includes how to be an effective interviewer, how to edit sound and the different stages of production design. Additionally, students learn how to operate the school’s sound, lighting and video recording resources used for assemblies, performances and meetings.
Robotics

This is an introductory robotics course in which we utilize the Lego Mindstorms EV3 kits as the main platform to introduce the student to basic programming as well as problem-solving strategies. This course will involve students in the development, building and programming of a LEGO Mindstorms robot. Students will work hands-on in teams to design, build, program and document their progress. Topics may include motor control, gear ratios, torque, friction, sensors, timing, program loops, logic gates, decision-making, timing sequences, and propulsion systems, pending the math and science skill level of the students.
Rocketry

Students design, build, and launch model rockets in this elective class. When constructing the rockets, students use a variety of materials including paper, plastic, and wood. Students experiment with new and interesting body, wing, and fin shapes. Through trial and error, students test which designs produce the optimal launch and recovery of a model rocket.
Speaker Building

The speaker building elective involves the construction of a set of audio speakers for the student to keep. Designs vary each session, but have included stereo bookshelf speakers, stereo tower pairs, 2.1 systems, and bluetooth portable designs. Each design involves cabinet construction, crossover installation, and cabinet finishing.
Video Brookie Bits

In this elective class, students create a news show, Brookie Bits. Each week begins with a meeting to decide what the newsworthy stories are on campus. Students learn to interview, anchor, edit, and report. Basic components of video production including tripod set-up, camera angles, lighting, and shot composition are explored in the class. Brookie Bits is aired on the big screen once a week before morning assembly.
Video Editing / Video Yearbook

From basic cuts and transitions to advanced editing techniques and sound design, students will master the tools needed to transform raw footage into polished, professional-quality videos. The highlight of the course is the opportunity to work collaboratively on the school's video yearbook project. Students will apply their newfound skills to edit and assemble footage from various school events, capturing the highlights of the year and preserving memories for generations to come.
Video Game Design

The game industry is an exciting, burgeoning field that requires both technical ability and creativity. Students will sharpen their abilities to analyze games and build interactive experiences using a variety of programs including Unity 3D. Through our investigations students will also construct board games.
Website Design

In Website Design, students learn to work with graphic and web design software. They learn to apply effects, change textures, add shadows, and distort images to make their designs look the way they want. They use photographs and add some of these effects to them. They also learn to create morphs, which are transformed into movies and can be seen on their web pages.

Christa Lakey

Manager of Instructional Technology

(413) 774-1400

Emerson College - B.A.

clakey@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Christa became the Director of Studies in the summer of 2024. She works to create the academic and elective schedule for the student body. She also works closely with Nick Leyden and Ginny Morsman in the Curriculum Office to handle issues regarding curriculum and academics.

She became the Director of Technology Integration & Innovation in the Curriculum Office in July 2017, which involves the coordination of technology integration, implementation of the Chromebook program, and managing the school's database. One of her main focuses is assisting faculty in the integration and application of ever-changing technology into the curriculum. She also teaches two electives called 'Making Stuff', where she teaches students to design in 3D and to use the school's 3D printers, laser cutter, and CNC machine. On the lighter side, Christa dabbles in music video production and can be counted on to produce entertaining student and faculty-collaborated music videos. And of course, the Farewell videos featuring each graduating class are especially appreciated. Christa is also an exceptional calligrapher and lends her talent to the lettering of the academic and athletic awards. She is a track and field coach in the spring. Christa taught English from 2009 to 2016.

Christa enjoys yoga and running and involves the students in some of the local races such as the Hot Chocolate Run, which benefits a local program called Safe Passage. She is an active volunteer in Bernardston, her hometown, and in fact was the primary organizer of the JEHH Kringle Candle 5K, a race that raised money to help kids in need chase their dreams.

During the summer and on weekends during the school year, Christa and her family enjoy spending time at their home on Joe’s Pond in Vermont where there are many batches of chocolate chip cookies baked and lots of board games played.

She was an in-dorm parent for eleven years, the first seven in Halsted House, and the remainder in Mayer House. She and her husband Sol and their two young children, Peter '23 and Beatrice '27, currently reside in Shumway House at the bottom of the hill and Sol and Christa are advisors in Halsted House.
Paul Huang

Teacher; Dormitory Advisor; Coach

University of Michigan - MHSA

phuang@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Paul began his teaching career on the Hill working with the Eaglebrook Summer School program. He taught in the summers of 2015 and 2016 before becoming a full-time member of the math department in September of 2016. He teaches math and Robotics, and also coaches basketball, tennis, and Robotics. Presently, Paul and his family, his wife Mei and daughters, Blair '19, Daphne '21, and Peggy '23 live in an on-campus house and they enjoy world travel and visiting baseball parks both in the U.S. and in Asia. Paul is a member of the Eaglebrook class of 1986.
Tod Pleasant

Technology Project Manager; Teacher; Coach; Dormitory Advisor

tod.pleasant@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Tod joined Eaglebrook in 2020 as the School's Technology Project Manager. He also oversees Audio Video resources, teaches computer electives, and coaches Mountain Biking in the fall. Tod spent over two decades at Stoneleigh-Burnham School in Greenfield, MA, where he served as the Director of Technology. He is an avid mountain biker, writer, podcaster, and has too many random hobbies and interests to list. He and his wife, Karen, a member of Eaglebrook’s History Department, live off-campus in Greenfield with their dog, Darwin.
Carlos Rios

Teacher; Dormitory Advisor; Coach

Mathematics Occidental College - B.A.
University of Alabama - M.A.

crios@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Carlos has taught at Eaglebrook since September of 2000. Aside from his primary teaching position as a Spanish instructor, he teaches a number of computer based classes that introduce students to programming, applications, literacy and web design. He also coaches soccer, basketball and tennis. Additionally, Carlos is the person in charge of the bi-weekly dining hall seating plan. His computer skills come in handy when organizing that aspect of Eaglebrook daily life. He lives in an on-campus house with his two cats, Brooke and Shiloh. Carlos enjoys traveling when school is out of session.
Nicholas Sadnytzky

Teacher; Advisor; Activity Leader; Coach

nick.sadnytzky@eaglebrook.org
Robert Trimbach-Rios

Teacher; Dorm Head; Coach

West Virginia University - B.S., B.S., M.S.

rtrimbachrios@eaglebrook.org
Bio
Rob’s Eaglebrook career began as a teacher at Summer Semester in 2008. Now as a member of the Art department, his specialty lies in the arts of web design and digital photography. He also offers two popular electives, Speaker Building and the History of Auto Design. His other responsibilities include coaching soccer, squash, and tennis.

Rob lives in Taylor House with his wife Angela, and daughters, Sophie and Isabella. He is passionate about college athletics, especially his alma mater’s teams from West Virginia University. His hobbies include home theater and working on the family’s Mini Cooper. Rob shares those two pastimes, in particular, allow him to pick up new skills, and part with money. Fitness is also something he tends to observe from afar, but he says, “it looks interesting.”