Elementary Students Communicate With People Across the U.S.

Dresden Elementary students are hitting the radio waves.

Wednesday, 5th and 6th graders involved in the Dresden Elementary Amateur Radio Station celebrated the dedication of a Kenwood Amateur Radio Station from Gene Lindsley. Lindsley is a fan of amateur radio and his son and daughter-in-law live in the district, so when Lindsley heard about the school club, he donated the station to the school.

"We have talked to people all over the United States even into Canada, the kids have been enjoying finding out what other people in this country do," says Jim Mayercak a teacher and head of the amateur radio club.

Mayercak says teachers can also tie in geography, math, communication skills and science by using the amateur radio. Students will also be learning about electronics and satellites to achieve their end of the year goal.

"What we would like to do using a simple radio and a simple antenna, going outside and tracking one of our amateur radio satellites as they go overhead and communicate through that satellite to other amateurs that might be listening," says Mayercak.

Local HAMS and the Muskingum Valley Amateur Radio Club members are also donating their time to teach students all the principles of radio communication. Dresden Elementary’s call letters are WX8J so if you are on the radio waves, be on the look out for these excited students.

Katie Jeffries

KJeffries@whizmediagroup.com