Creativity with “The Laser Librarian”

Big Shanty Intermediate School, proudly known as the home of the Eagles, is part of the Cobb County School District in Kennesaw, Georgia. Serving approximately 500 students from kindergarten through sixth grade, this public elementary school is dedicated to fostering engagement, addressing behavioral needs, and promoting inclusivity. Lori Borg, the school’s librarian, utilizes innovative tools like the VariQuest Perfecta® Series Poster Design System and the Cutout Maker Digital Die-Cut Machine to inspire creativity and enhance the learning experience at Big Shanty. She states, “The Cutout Maker and the [Perfecta®] poster printer have brought us into using technology to create educational materials and resources that benefit our students.” From colorful posters to interactive displays, these tools help Ms. Borg promote engaging visual materials that inspire students, teachers, and parents. Through her TikTok account (@the.laser.libraria), she shares ideas and techniques with thousands of followers, showing how the tools transform the learning environment at her school.

Boosting Engagement and Hands-On Learning

The VariQuest tools are key to creating engaging classroom materials like anchor charts, interactive displays, and behavior reminders. Ms. Borg uses the Perfecta® to design vibrant poster displays for holidays and special events, making the library a more lively, visually stimulating space. The Cutout Maker has become a favorite among teachers and staff, who use it to create bulletin board decorations, crafts, and promotional materials for school events. It allows for quick custom cutouts to be made, bringing storybook characters, interactive manipulatives, and learning themes to life. Teachers also use the tools to create hands-on learning materials such as polygon cutouts, counting manipulatives, and interactive notebooks for subjects like math and science, enhancing student engagement in the classroom. Even nearby schools have reached out to use Big Shanty’s VariQuest tools providing further proof of its effectiveness. 

Spreading Kindness – and Saving Time Thanks to the PTA!

As a member of the “Positivity Crew,” a team focused on promoting positivity and boosting moral for teachers, Ms. Borg loves planning activities that provide staff with moments of relaxation and relief throughout their day. For example, with some help from the Perfecta®, she printed a large poster-sized coloring sheet for the teacher’s lounge, offering a simple way for staff to unwind and relax. From librarians and cafe managers, to paraprofessionals, administration, and more, the VariQuest tools have been found to be a huge success with everyone throughout the school. Located centrally in the Teacher Workroom, staff are able to make use of these tools when needed and find new, creative ways to engage with students! The tools have also become essential for the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), who initially acquired the Cutout Maker before the school used additional funding to purchase the Perfecta®. Together, these tools have been instrumental in helping the PTA craft eye-catching designs to promote school activities and events.

Improving Communication and School Culture

As a PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) school, VariQuest tools play an essential role in reinforcing positive behavior. Ms. Borg uses the Perfecta® to create visual reminders of school behavior expectations, displayed throughout the hallways to keep students engaged with the school’s mascot and values. The tools are especially helpful in special education, where custom signage, communication boards, and learning aids support diverse student needs. “Communication is always a challenge so using the tools to communicate through visual representation of the information is critical,” Ms. Borg explains. Despite initial hesitance from some staff members, Ms. Borg’s hands-on guidance helped integrate the tools into the school. The result has been a more creative and inclusive learning environment for all.

A Final Word on the Impact of VariQuest Tools

When asked about the impact of the VariQuest tools, Ms. Borg reflects on how they’ve enhanced the library and school environment at Big Shanty Intermediate. The ability to use technology to create customized educational materials using the Design Center 2300 along with the Engage Every Learner® Content has been a huge benefit to both students and staff. “Gone are the days of using a level on the wood blocks with the sharp metal inside of it,” Ms. Borg states, expanding on how the tools have allowed for greater safety, creativity, improved communication, and most importantly, a more engaging and inclusive learning experience for all. Ms. Borg is excited about the future possibilities with the VariQuest tools and the continued opportunity to inspire both students and teachers. Whether through large, colorful posters or fun, interactive cutouts, the VariQuest tools have truly brought her school’s learning and creativity to the next level.