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At a vibrant school known for its creativity and community spirit, librarian Ms. Murphy has witnessed firsthand how VariQuest® tools inspire both teachers and students. From festive decorations to powerful educational displays, the Perfecta® STP Poster Printer and Cutout Maker 1800 Digital Die-Cut Machine have become essential for transforming learning environments and boosting engagement across grade levels.
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Building Culture Through Visual Creations
Throughout the year, the school embraces themed months and events that celebrate learning, history, and community. The VariQuest tools play a central role in bringing these celebrations to life. For example, the Cutout Maker was used to fully transform the cafeteria into a romantic, festive space for the school’s Valentine’s Day dance.
The ability to produce colorful, large-scale decorations allows the staff to create immersive experiences for students. During the winter holidays, the school hosted a hallway decorating contest that quickly became a favorite tradition among both staff and administrators. Thanks to the Perfecta and Cutout Maker, teams could easily produce vibrant, creative Winter Wonderland displays that showcased school spirit and teamwork.
One of the most meaningful projects this year was the school’s celebration of Black History Month. Teachers designed displays that highlighted influential figures their students had been studying, while the school-wide Black History Wall, created with both VariQuest machines, became a powerful visual centerpiece.
“Seeing students, families, and staff stop to admire the display, I knew learning was happening in that moment,” Ms. Murphy says. “It was unforgettable.”
Supporting Instruction and Student Engagement
Beyond special events, VariQuest tools have become fundamental to everyday classroom instruction. Anchor charts, educational visuals, and classroom decor are able to be created instantly, helping teachers seize teachable moments without delay. For younger students in grades K–2, the machines are often used to create classroom visuals and student crafts with ease. In grades 3–5, they’re commonly used for collaborative projects and competitions, helping to bring academic content to life.
The ready-to-use templates and resources from the VariQuest Resource Center and the Engage Every Learner® Content has also made planning more efficient. Teachers can access pre-made content aligned to standards, which saves time and allows for more meaningful instruction. This ease of use supports a positive learning environment and helps educators focus more on student relationships and engagement.
“We never miss those crucial teachable moments because we can print what we need the same day,” Ms. Murphy shares. “It’s a game changer.”
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Empowering Inclusion and Student Voice
The school’s commitment to inclusion is also supported through the creative use of the VariQuest tools. Ms. Murphy recently worked with the school’s behavior specialist to produce communication boards using the Perfecta, allowing non-verbal students to communicate more easily throughout the school. The machines can also be used to print visual schedules and sensory path materials, making the learning environment more accessible for all students.
Importantly, students are not just the audience for these awesome materials, they’re contributors, too. Ms. Murphy often involves students in designing “living displays of learning,” where they can contribute their own knowledge to the creations they are making. With their school motto stating, “every student matters, and every moment counts”, these experiences give students a sense of ownership and pride in their learning. Looking ahead, she hopes to involve fifth graders more directly, offering them opportunities to create student-led projects that reflect their learning and ideas.
For Ms. Murphy, VariQuest is more than just a set of tools, it’s a foundation for building a creative, inclusive, and engaging school culture. Whether supporting academic instruction, enhancing student voice, or helping teachers make the most of every moment, VariQuest continues to enhance their school. “I really think this is an investment every school should make” she shares. “With the VariQuest tools, anyone can create something magnificent.”
To see more of Ms. Murphy’s amazing creations and content, head over to TikTok and check out her page!
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Story originally published and shared by VariQuest.
