APRIL 9, 2020
SAVE THE DATE Couples’ plans postponed as vendors brace for industry impacts amid COVID-19 P12
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I N D E P E N D E N T An edition of the Littleton Independent A publication of
A publication of
ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO
‘I MISS HUMAN TOUCH’
Area residents share how the pandemic is changing their lives P2
Cherry Creek Innovation Campus personnel work to 3D-print components of medical masks to aid the fight against COVID-19. COURTESY PHOTO
Schools step up in fight against disease Teachers, students create parts for medical masks STAFF REPORT
The Cherry Creek School District is 3D-printing pieces for hundreds of personal protective masks, a key component for medical personnel in the fight against COVID-19, according to a news release from the district. Advanced manufacturing teachers are working with officials from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus to produce pieces for
the masks, part of what public health officials refer to as personal protective equipment, or PPE. As the statewide school closure continues, fabrication labs at Cherokee Trail, Eaglecrest, Grandview and Smoky Hill high schools and the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus are harnessing equipment normally used for advanced manufacturing class to pull off the effort. Three Smoky Hill engineering students are printing the mask components using a 3D printer in a sterile environment in their homes, just as the teachers are doing at the schools, said Anna Dolan, a district spokeswoman.
“At the CCSD sites, we’re creating the headband that goes on face shields that will be used by medical staff,” Sarah Grobbel, an assistant superintendent for the district, said in the release. “Another producer is making the plastic component for the mask, and officials from Anschutz will manufacture the final product.” The Cherry Creek Schools Foundation, which gives grants and other support to district students and educators, contributed money from its Emergency Relief Fund to help purchase supplies for the process. SEE MASKS, P11
WAITING GAME Frustration mounts for high school athletes P13
ONLINE
Find many more articles and photos at CentennialCitizen.net
THE BOTTOM LINE PERIODICAL
“The key factor leading to this decision is guidance from county health officials that the impact of COVID-19 is likely to peak during the last week of April.” LPS Superintendent Brian Ewert | Page 4 INSIDE
VOICES: PAGE 10 | LIFE: PAGE 12 | SPORTS: PAGE 13
CentennialCitizen.net
VOLUME 19 | ISSUE 17