St. Joseph School North Grosvenordale Ct.

What does it take to become an inventor? As far as six students from St. Joseph School in North Grosvenordale, CT are concerned; all it takes is inspiration, plenty of perspiration, and the support of their parents and sixth teacher Mrs. Linda Lovrien. This year the young inventors were: (Grade 6) Vesko Portev, (Grade 4) Samantha Gisleson, Talia Gould, Jasmin Montpelier, Julia Pezzano, and Blake Witkowski.

On May 1, 2010, the students showed off their creations at the annual Invention Convention held at the University of Connecticut. There were over 700 children in attendance. The Connecticut Invention Convention is based on the Connecticut State Educational Standards. This can actually be run as a class lasting the entire year. The program is formulated for grades k-8. Each grade level has lesson plans that can take them through not only the inventing process, but lessons that cover all core subject areas in our school day.  It includes all styles of learning and was formulated on the provisional list of seven intelligences by Howard Gardner.

According to Mrs. Linda Lovrien, coordinator of the St. Joseph School invention class, "We offer this program as an after school program.  We start in early October and continue through until May.  It is exciting for me to see the students take an idea and bring it to life using the inventing process."   

"It is amazing how we can cover so many of the state standards while having a great time. They grow into confident students, able to present their inventions with wonderful public speaking skills. This program encompasses so many educational aspects, and we at St. Joseph School enjoy being able to bring this program to our students each year."

            Fourth grader Julia Pezzano, received a Recognized Inventor ribbon and a $100.00 savings bond for her Perky Pizza Press invention. She said she got the ribbon because, "They liked my invention and the judges liked the way I spoke." When asked what she would like other children to know about the Invention Convention, Julia answered, "I would like them to know that if you would like to join then that is great. UCONN is a great college, so if you do Invention Convention it is a great experience! I loved UCONN, and I liked the people there. I would like to thank Mrs. Lovrien and my parents, for helping me. Winning a blue ribbon was great too! I may do it again next year."

Inventors (l to r)- Jasmin Montpelier, Blake Witkowski, Talia Gould, Julia Pezzano, Samantha Gisleson, Vesko Portev

Julia Pezzano received a Recognized Inventor ribbon for her invention and speech to the judges.

Panel of judges at the convention

Judging process

Congratulations to all participants!!!