During the recent School Board meeting on April 24, 2025, two innovative eighth-grade students presented their educational apps aimed at enhancing student engagement and performance in standardized testing.

The first student, who developed the Interactive Storyteller (IST), shared how the app is designed to assist eighth graders with the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA). Drawing inspiration from his mother, a learning support director, and his brother's experiences with the PSSAs, he identified a common issue: many students find the testing topics uninteresting. The IST allows students to choose topics they are passionate about, such as soccer, to create personalized stories. This interactive approach not only engages students but also includes evaluations to assess comprehension and writing skills. Preliminary feedback from a small group of students and teachers indicated that the app was well-received, with many expressing interest in using it again.

The second presentation came from the student’s brother, who introduced Supernote, an app designed to help students capture and study class notes more effectively. Recognizing that not all students can keep up with fast-paced note-taking, Supernote scans uploaded notes to identify missing information and fills in the gaps. It also offers translation features and the ability to create study materials like flashcards. Similar to IST, Supernote received positive feedback from peers and teachers during initial testing, with many expressing a desire to use it in the future.

Both students emphasized their commitment to piloting their apps within the Council Rock School District, aiming to reach a broader audience and improve educational outcomes. The School Board expressed enthusiasm for the projects, with plans to further explore their implementation in local schools. This initiative highlights the potential of student-led innovation in addressing educational challenges and enhancing learning experiences.